Troubleshooting Display Issues on an Aging Dell XPS 9000

Seeking Guidance on desktop Dilemma

Hello tech enthusiasts! I’ve run into a frustrating issue with my trusty Dell Studio XPS 9000, which I purchased back in the early 2010s. Despite its age, I maxed it out with an Intel i7 processor and upgraded the RAM, making it a reliable machine for years. However, a few weeks ago, I encountered a serious problem: I couldn’t power it on at all.

Initially, I considered purchasing a new Dell desktop. However, I hesitated after hearing reports from others who experienced problems with their Dell units, particularly regarding Intel chipset issues that persisted even after updates. This left me motivated to revive my old computer for just one more year.

After some investigation, I suspected either a power supply or motherboard failure. According to Dell, my original model had a 450W PSU. I reached out to a highly-rated local repair shop, and they recommended a 500W power supply, offering one for $80, along with a $75 installation fee.

To save some money, I opted to search for a used power supply on a marketplace. I found a seller who had a 500W unit for two years and seemed reputable, confirming I had the necessary 24-pin connection before finalizing my purchase.

After connecting everything, my computer powered on, and the fans were operational, but I was met with disappointment—a lack of display. The LED indicator was amber, which is unusual since it typically shows white.

Upon inspection, I noticed that one of the ports on the motherboard has an 8-prong (or 8-pin, as you might refer to it) connector, while the new power supply had a 6-pin connection. Initially, I connected everything to the left while leaving the top right and bottom right ports empty, but it failed to power up. I then switched configurations to connect to the right side, which allowed the computer to turn on—though still no display.

My question for the knowledgeable community: Could it be that I’m providing power to the system, but insufficiently due to the 6-pin connector? Or is there something else I should be considering in my troubleshooting process? Your insights would be greatly valued as I navigate this challenge!