Optiplex FX160 sata power problem........

[Bradmax57]

Just purchased a Atom 330 based optiplex, uses a sis chipset and allows 4gb ram! Unfortunately it didnt come with a hdd and Dell being dell didnt include a power lead for the hdd, the socket is obviously again being dell non standard is circled in green, just wondering how to go about finding out which pin is what using a multi meter etc, the sata data lead isnt a prob and it does have the hdd caddy so i just need a way to power it, i had thought about trying to power it from the usb ports on the back but can't find a lead to do that either, ive tried phoning dell to see how much a hdd kit is but there next to useless and don't have a clue what im talking about even though it clearly states HDD Kit in the user guide typically no part numbers

sorry about the picture quality

Its a shame as its a lovely looking box and would be ideal for playing divx and music through tv

 

[Bradmax57]

Use a multimeter between the Black wire/s of the 12v CPU header and the pins. Just make sure you shroud the tip of the free probe with electrically insulating tape or tight fitting sleeving so that the pin has to go up inside to touch. Otherwise there's a risk of shorting out between the other pins.

ok gotcha on that one but what am i looking for? will i need all 4 pins to be used as some sata power leads only seem to have 2 wires?

 

[Bradmax57]

It should have (in no particular order) GND (0v) 12v, 5v and 3.3v

Thats your 4 pins. It looks like a CD-Rom header plug to me, so that could be a plug source for you.

cheers for that, ill have a hunt around tomorrow as im not sure ive got any of those leads, i have a feeling its a bit smaller but worth a try, i tried phoning dell today who were as much use as a chocolate fireguard, they couldnt even find there own bloody system, a fx what? you want to buy a hard drive?

 

[Bradmax57]

A quick google reveals a part number of "H224H" this has been posted on a dell support page below.

http://en.community.dell.com/forums/p/19263066/19495568.aspx?c=uk&l=en&cs=&s=gen

cheers for that I shall phone them tomorrow again, ive got the caddy but wonder if that includes the cables too....

 

[Bradmax57]

No problem, looks like a very smart system hope you get it up and running, i recon these would make great download boxes just a shame its not passive tho.

i got it running by using a power lead of main pc just to see what it was like but it didnt like 720p so its gone back im afraid was a very nice box the only fan was for the hdd caddy and it was extremely quiet, i may get another one day for that kind of application but as I was going to have it under tv for a kinda media centre I think im gonna get a studio hybrid instead, is the x3100 intel vga capable of hd? 720p is fine as thats all my tv is

 

[Bradmax57]

Noooo dont go for the studio it wont be much better you best of going with an Nvidia ION setup such as the Acer REVO which has a dedicated 9400M gpu which will run 1080p just fine .

took your word on that one and picked one up dirt cheap should get it very soon

 

[Bradmax57]

got the revo today and im rather impressed, plays 1080p wmv samples no problem but as it will be connected to a 720p tv its hardly going to be a problem, was suprised it even ran hl2 at 720p (not brilliantly but playable ish, if i ever happen to get bored watching tv......)