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mitchsc
Jun 21, 2009, 04:10 PM
This may be a really basic question, but I can't seem to find an answer with an online search.

RE: Dell Dimension 8100 Desktop with proprietary power supply (I think the pwr supply P/N is 3E466 but not sure)

My wife got an error message right after boot up that said "Fan System Not Detected".

I checked it out and no more error messages, BUT... I noticed the power supply fan is not running when cold. (I didn't run the PC very long for fear of overheating the power supply).

I believe I heard the fan speed is variable depending on temperature.?

2 Questions please:

1) Is it normal for the power supply fan to be completely off when cold?

2) What does the error message mean above?

Thanks...

mitchsc
Jun 21, 2009, 04:19 PM
SORRY. My mistake.

It's the CPU fan that is not running.

Same questions apply.

Thank you...

JBeaucaire
Jun 21, 2009, 05:14 PM
1) You can test if the fan is faulty (or the MOBO) by trying it in another computer, if you wish, but perhaps a waste of time. It would be interesting to know.

2) Buy a replacement fan LOCALLY if possible and swap it out. If it works normally, it's a cheap and quick win. However, if it doesn't fire up, you want to be able to return it and swap it for...

3)... a replacement fan that bypasses the MOBO and has an adapter that can plug into a power source right off the power supply. You may lose some of the cool utilities that tell you how the fan is doing, but these replacement power-supply fans are typically more rugged anyway, so it's not really that big a loss.

mitchsc
Jun 21, 2009, 05:28 PM
Good to know. Thanks.

Just found problem. Stupid really.

Loose pins on motherboard connector. Tightened with needle nose. Problem solved.