Archived from groups: alt.sys.pc-clone.dell (
More info?)
Hi,
Perhaps I can help. I bought a Dell Dimension 8300 in April 2004
(GeForce FX5200 - in AGP slot, 3.06Ghz P4, 1GB Ram) with a 17" 1703FP
Ultrasharp Flat Screen monitor. The DVI worked perfectly out of the
box (for 3 weeks) until one day I moved the computer upstairs. Then
exactly like your monitor it said it was stuck in Power Saver Mode.
It never worked again with DVI. Luckily it did have a VGA analogue
connection which to this day I am using. It seemed a shame I had to
use analogue when my monitor was 'capable' of DVI.
I contacted Dell support (Call centre in India) but they didn't know
anything about it. Judging from my previous experience with Dell
support I decided to cut my losses (phone bill/time/patience) and
live with it and just enjoy my new PC.
Well anyway I have since scoured the internet to see if others have
shared the same problem. Who knows, some good sole (and by some
miracle, Dell) might have posted a fix.
A kind Dell technician on IHATEDELL kindly informed me that it was a
known issue and there was a fix for it. Unforatunately I wasn't able
to get the files. You'd think it would have been posted in the Dell
forums if it was common knowledge with the techies, but hey, why
admit a problem/fault with your hardware (it might hurt sales)? I
wasn't able to obtain the file - a firmware update so again I gave up
and just enjoyed my new PC.
Recently I'd been thinking of buying a new graphics card. I'd bought
the best components I could afford at the time and had deliberately
compromised on the graphics card with the intention of upgrading in
the future. I realised I'd better check if my monitor could work in
DVI mode as I'd have to find a card which worked with VGA. So I
phoned Dell Support and spoke to a very helpful tech (yes they do
exist, even in Dell). It turns out there is a problem but it could be
either the monitor or the FX5200 and by-the-way if it is the card
you'll have to consult the manufacturer. Please see this link:
http://forums.us.dell.com/supportforums/board/message?board.id=dim_monitor&message.id=33721
I suggest you try this fix. It didn't work for me but it might work
for you.
When I rang I was a month out of warranty. If you are under warranty
I'd try that fix by requesting the files from Dell, then ring and ask
for a new graphics card (if supplied with the original purchase) and
then ask for a replacement screen.
Today I became the proud owner of a Sapphire X800 XT Platinum graphics
card and guess what, the monitor is still stuck in Power Saving Mode.
I will be replacing my screen as soon as I can afford it!
1) There is clearly a problem with DELL branded Flat Panel monitors
2) A large number of people have the problem
3) Your monitor may never work with DVI
What I have learnt from this experience is that Dell is reluctant to
admit problems with its products. They are not proactive in finding
solutions unless enough people kick up a fuss about it and I believe
they know a large number of these monitors will never work with DVI
and hope to get away with it. In the future I will build my own
computers. I know my issue as a customer is no concern to a large
corporation like Dell. Unfortunately the people who buy their
machines for home use are also the people who work in IT and make
major purchasing decisions. I know where I will be buying my servers
from next :twisted:
Hope this helps you. I remember the frustration I felt.
By the way, you might want to check the rating on your Power Supply
before buying a new graphics card. This site might be interesting
too:
http://forums.anandtech.com/messageview.cfm?catid=31&threadid=1441803
Russell
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