📎 AI Summary:
The forum thread involves a user attempting to troubleshoot a Dell Dimension 1100 that shows a steady amber light, indicating hardware issues, despite trying various RAM and CPU swaps. Contributors suggest that the motherboard is likely faulty given the persistent problems, and advise sourcing replacement parts, though they note the difficulty and expense of finding compatible hardware for such an old system. Overall, the discussion is supportive, with recommendations to check the motherboard’s condition and consider whether to repair or upgrade, emphasizing the challenges of working with aging components.
NightEagle

NightEagle

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I have had this computer for a long time, a Dell Dimension 1100, which was used as a basic browsing computer when I was younger. About 4.5 years ago, I took it apart so I could use it for parts. Now, I want to rebuild it into a better computer then it was back in 2006. Sadly, when I went to put it all back together and put the parts I have got back in, it would turn on and show a steady Amber light. I looked on the service guide on Dell's website and it said that a device was malfunctioning or not installed correctly. I then did various swaps of the RAM I had leftover, didn't do anything. I took some RAM from another computer, nothing. I even took the CMOS battery out and reinserted it, nothing. I replaced it with another, nothing again. I changed the default processor (Intel Celeron D 2.53GHZ) and replaced it with a Intel Pentium 4 2.8GHz. The Pentium 4 got further then the Celeron, but it was still not working. If I plugged in any device, like the CD Drive or a HDD, the Amber light would start flashing constantly. My thought was the motherboard may have died, although the board was showing a green light on it. I'm currently looking at buying a new 1100 motherboard (I have one on my watch list on eBay). Would it even be worth it or should I buy a new Socket 478 motherboard? I don't really want to get rid of the computer, I do want to keep it original as possible.

Any help to fixing this problem would be appreciated. Thanks!
 

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kemical

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To be honest I think google is going to be your main source of information here as I think you'll struggle for parts. Simply because the hardware is getting so old that finding a stockist is probably gonna be at a computer fair or a specialist dealer. I know there are users who like to run old hardware simply for the kicks so all might not be lost.

I just did a quick search and you can still buy this stuff:
Link Removed
 

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NightEagle

NightEagle

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kemical said:
To be honest I think google is going to be your main source of information here as I think you'll struggle for parts. Simply because the hardware is getting so old that finding a stockist is probably gonna be at a computer fair or a specialist dealer. I know there are users who like to run old hardware simply for the kicks so all might not be lost.

I just did a quick search and you can still buy this stuff:
Link Removed
Click to expand...

That sounds like a good idea.

Only problems are the size and price. I found a Link Removed on eBay for £17. I'll also have to get the heatsink parts for it as the ones I have are missing a few bits.

I could also use a similar Dimension board for it, like the 2400 although it might make it look a little messy.

EDIT: I also found Link Removed one, which includes an IO shield
 

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kemical

kemical

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NightEagle said:
EDIT: I also found Link Removed one, which includes an IO shield
Click to expand...
Looking good!
I also found this post regarding checking your motherboard to see if it's working ok or not:
Link Removed
 

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NightEagle

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kemical said:
I also found this post regarding checking your motherboard to see if it's working ok or not: Link Removed
Click to expand...

I read that post before. My friend also said to me it could have been the mobo, but I was unsure at the time. I can now confirm its defo the mobo.
 

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kemical

kemical

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#6
At least that narrows down the search for needed hardware I guess. Good luck in your search and if we can help further then just ask.. :)

Oh and let us know how things turn out.
 

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