Dead dell

[Kernel-kettle]

I have a Dell optiplex 790, not ssf, that I'm attempting to repair as a school project. Said computer was sitting in the IT department at NCE for who knows how long, but when I got it, it was dirty for one, and the power button is ineffective. I've already run the built-in self-test (bist) on the power supply, and it proved that the power supply wasn't the problem, and neither was anything I had plugged into the motherboard. I have a suspicion that it has to do with the button itself, or the cable that runs from the button to the board, but I was hoping to get input from you guys before I go on a wild goose chase. So, what do y'all think?

[RobbinM]

Look for swollen caps on the motherboard.

[m0k]

can you just "short" the power button header on the mobo with a piece of metal? ie. screwdriver?

[m0k]

or just see if you can plug the reset button into the power switch header on the mobo

[Kernel-kettle]

I've looked over the board, and couldn't find swollen capacitors, and the power button, which also lights up, has five pins. I also can't find a pin diagram for the header.

[Kernel-kettle]

I've looked over the board, and couldn't find swollen capacitors, and the power button, which also lights up, has five pins. I also can't find a pin diagram for the header.

 

UPDATE!: shorting two pins will turn it on. The button/cord is shot.