A major component in the computer, the motherboard.
The motherboard is the most important component in any computer setup. The Dell XPS 720 desktop includes a pretty high end motherboard that goes by the name NVIDIA nForce 680i SLI Intel Edition (D). This motherboard is able to hold two video graphics adapters in a special mode called SLI. The Dell XPS 720 is a computer designed for game enthusiast and has a pretty intricate inner setup. Troubleshooting shouldn't be too hard once the problem is found out.
Instructions
1. Power up the computer to see if it boots. If the computer boots and everything is working then there might be a software issue that is preventing the system from booting up.
2. Check the back of the power supply that is connected to the motherboard. The NVIDIA nForce 680i SLI Intel Edition (D) has a green light that shows if the motherboard is properly powered. If the light isn't turning on there might be a problem with the power supply. You'll need to troubleshoot the power supply or replace it entirely.
3. Check the case physically to see if there are any missing screws or metal objects that might be obstructing the motherboard or causing a short circuit.
4. Check all the expansion slots and make sure there aren't any that aren't slotted in properly. an adjured expansion slot could cause the motherboard to shut down prematurely as not to damage any graphics cards, sounds card or any addition cards.
5. Remove every component and check its function in another computer. Remove the memory sticks and make sure they work in another test system, and then check the power supply, graphics cards and hard drives. This is a surefire way to make sure all the surrounding components are working and the issue is still the motherboard.
6. Check all the electrical components for black soot or battery acid. This is clear evidence that there is a burn out on the motherboard chipset itself.
7. Remove the CPU and check to see if any pins on the CPU core are bent or misaligned this might mean there is a problem with the CPU.
8. Check the monitor for any bent pins or crushed pins. Do the same for any other connection within the system.
9. Call the manufacturer who is Nvidia and check the manual that is usually found on the website. The manual lists settings that can be changed on the motherboard such as the specific jump pins. These instructions have variations depending on the exact make and model of the specific motherboard included in the system.
Tags: power supply, make sure, 680i Intel, 680i Intel Edition, component computer, computer boots