Wanted: Dell Optiplex minitower parts (maybe long shot)

[xjas]

Hey all,

I'm looking for a few bits and pieces for a "gen-before-last" design Dell minitower. One like this:

The same case was used for the Optiplex GX620, 745, 755, 760, 780, and maybe a few other models.

Specifically I need the front IO panel piece (the one with the USB ports, audio jacks & LEDs) - part # 0TP004, and the ribbon cable that attaches it to the motherboard, part # XT029 or 0XT029.

This:

If you're parting one of these machines out, I might buy a few other pieces too, like a couple HDD caddies. Let me know!

 

[GiGaBiTe]

While several models used the same case design, the front panel I/O board is not compatible between some models, I've tried.

I've tried swapping the I/O board between a GX620 and a 755, as well as a 380 and a 745 and GX620 and the BIOS complained about an incompatible I/O board detected and wouldn't boot.

The fans also ran at full throttle until the machine was shut off.

You'll need to get the exact P/N board that goes with the exact machine you have.

 

[xjas]

Oh lovely, thanks Dell.
I have a 780. I've been using the machine already, it complains about the missing board & air temperature sensor after POST but I can just hit F1 to boot anyway. (Fortunately, this thing is configured to turn on when power is connected, so I haven't needed the switch at least...)

I did notice a lot of Ebay listings say they're for the 745, 755 & 760 but omit the 780. As far as I can tell, CN-0TP004 (alternately: CN312) is the part number for the 780 and does cross-correlate between all the 7-series models.

Is there a way to get completely accurate parts listings off of Dell's website? I couldn't find any kind of breakdown.

 

[GiGaBiTe]

The only extensive parts list I know of from Dell is using the service tag lookup and showing the original configuration.

I don't know if it will show the I/O board or not though, since it's part of the case and not an optional component.

Did you try troubleshooting the I/O board? It's rare that the temperature sensor goes bad, it's usually a loose wire:

https://www.dell.com/support/article/us/en/19/sln121592/air-temperature-sensor?lang=en
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pYrwSAcbA8g

 

[xjas]

^^ I found this thing in the bin with the I/O board & ribbon cable missing. I was wondering who in their right mind would throw out a Q9650 on a DDR3 board. Maybe this is why.

I'll run the service tag (which was peeled off the case but is in the BIOS) and see if I can find anything.

 

[GiGaBiTe]

People throw away expensive stuff all the time due to simple faults.

I've gotten hundreds of computers, monitors, etc. for little to nothing because of the disposable nature of society.

Most of it worked or needed minor repairs, occasionally some things need extensive repair, but it still costs less than getting it new/used.

 

[Unknown_K]

I just fixed up an Optiplex 755 MT for a second HTPC that I got for nothing plus a few bucks for upgrades.


People toss machines because something isn't working (PS, HD) and it is a few years old so they want something new anyway. Corporations want machines with a current uniform patched OS and OEM tech support so they upgrade every few years even if the machine works.

Would you really like to live in a world where everything is done on an IBM 5150 because they still work?

 

[lyonadmiral]

I've got quite a few small form factor units of that generation; if a part will interchange, I can sell it to you.

 

[xjas]

^^ I actually lucked out running a want ad locally & got the insanely-specific piece I need. Thanks for the offer though!

 

[lyonadmiral]

Would you really like to live in a world where everything is done on an IBM 5150 because they still work?

I tell you what, I kind of wish that for certain things, it would still be done on a 5150 because I find it less stressful to troubleshoot than the new stuff I have to deal with these days.

 

[Unknown_K]

Newer stuff is like one major chip, easy to diagnose impossible to fix you just replace the whole thing.

 

[compaqportableplus]

For basic tasks (word processing, etc.), I’d totally still use a 5150. Set it up with CF storage so you don’t have to worry about data loss, and there ya go!

Yes they’re slow, yes they’re old, and maybe they use the slightest bit more electricity than a new computer, but I don’t mind!

Same way I’d be perfectly content driving a Ford Model T. Same situation; yes it’s old, yes it’s a little slow, and yes it uses a little more gas than a new car, but I don’t care! I’d have that bastard running better than a brand new car.

 

[lyonadmiral]

For basic tasks (word processing, etc.), I’d totally still use a 5150. Set it up with CF storage so you don’t have to worry about data loss, and there ya go!

Yes they’re slow, yes they’re old, and maybe they use the slightest bit more electricity than a new computer, but I don’t mind!

Same way I’d be perfectly content driving a Ford Model T. Same situation; yes it’s old, yes it’s a little slow, and yes it uses a little more gas than a new car, but I don’t care! I’d have that bastard running better than a brand new car.

One thing I wish I could have is some form of instant messenger and e-mail, hell I'd settle for just the instant messenger...

 

[Unknown_K]

For basic tasks (word processing, etc.), I’d totally still use a 5150. Set it up with CF storage so you don’t have to worry about data loss, and there ya go!

Yes they’re slow, yes they’re old, and maybe they use the slightest bit more electricity than a new computer, but I don’t mind!

Same way I’d be perfectly content driving a Ford Model T. Same situation; yes it’s old, yes it’s a little slow, and yes it uses a little more gas than a new car, but I don’t care! I’d have that bastard running better than a brand new car.

So many thing that I do daily pretty much need an internet connection and a computer powerful enough for the WWW and video streaming so I can't live with a 5150.

As far as a model T goes I do get that you could probably fix anything on it that breaks since it is a simple machine, but I like power anti lock breaks, airbags, power steering, air conditioning, and enough horsepower to actually drive on the highway with a suspension that won't break my back if I hit a pothole.

 

[Unknown_K]

One thing I wish I could have is some form of instant messenger and e-mail, hell I'd settle for just the instant messenger...

I think cell phone texting pretty much killed the need for Instant messaging. I used to use ICQ quite a bit in 2000 but havn't touched it in 15 years.