Optiplex 3040 boot loop | Linus Tech Tips | Page 1

indigo kiln Jul 22, 2023, 1:19 AM

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Ive got an optiplex 3040 that was working a month ago. I pulled it out of storage and tried to boot it and now the power button blinks amber 3 times then 7 times. This is apparently an indication that the RAM was recognized, but not initialized. I have a box of ddr3 in my closet so i tried all of my ram and nothing works (i know at least half of this ram is functional), i tried reinstalling the cpu and blowing out the socket with compressed air, swapping the jumper position, and booting with everything but the essentials unplugged, and nothing. No matter what i get the 3 then 7 blinks. Any ideas? Im pretty bummed, i just bought a gtx 1650 for this system and i was about to resell it

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oh and i also tried changing the battery. Nada

hoary forum Jul 22, 2023, 1:24 AM

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so you have tested all the dimm slots one at a time

indigo kiln Jul 22, 2023, 1:25 AM

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yeah ive tested each slot. Theres just 2, and they say "ddr3l only". Im sure im using ddr3l though ive got a whole seperate stack of it and the stuff that was in it already

hoary forum Jul 22, 2023, 1:26 AM

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well ddr3l just runs a 1.35v over 1.5v

indigo kiln Jul 22, 2023, 1:27 AM

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i know theres not much difference so i tried standard ddr3 and some 1866 ripjaws

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it doesnt seem like ram or the battery are the real issue even though thats specifically what the blinking light code indicated

hoary forum Jul 22, 2023, 1:33 AM

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unplug all connecters form board apart for cpu and mobo power and remove gpu and any other addin cards

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and the ram you trying saying PC3L on it right

indigo kiln Jul 22, 2023, 1:51 AM

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yes. I tested like 8 sticks and im pretty sure 5 of those were ddr3l. I tried booting with just the cpu, cpu fan, ram, and motherboard power connected

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i dont think the cpu couldve just given up on life in storage, but its the only thing i cant test because i dont have 6th gen cpus on hand, so maybe the cpu is dead?

hoary forum Jul 22, 2023, 1:53 AM

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see any cap that look bad

indigo kiln Jul 22, 2023, 1:54 AM

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maybe the ram slots are dirty? im gonna tear it down completely, blow off the parts with compressed air and wipe off any caked dust, and reassemble

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thatll give me a chance to see if theres any damage or cap failures

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i just wish there was a jumper guide online. Idk what jumper positions 1-6 mean lmao

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before you look, all of the threads say to look for codewords but mine is just numbered 1-6 and it doesnt explain in the user manual

indigo kiln Jul 22, 2023, 3:24 AM

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hoary forum see any cap that look bad

ok so i retested all of the memory, and all of my ddr3l is dead

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every time id install a ddr3l stick, the system would beep and cause the amber blinking light. Every time i installed standard ddr3 the system wouldnt beep but would cause the amber blinking light

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i ordered a 16gb kit of ddr3l

hoary forum Jul 22, 2023, 3:28 AM

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well imc may be dead

#Optiplex 3040 boot loop