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I am scrapping two large Dell servers, the 4400 and 4600 and can't figure out how to get to the lower power supply module out.
These are the big black ones that have 6 hard drive caddies. Every thing else has been removed except the board that the power supplies connect to.
I searched the forums and can't find the answer. Need your help. Is there something I am missing?
Check ManualsLib - Makes it easy to find manuals online! or https://www.manualowl.com/ to see if there is a manual available. Or search YouTube. I usually find a video by typing in "take apart" and the computer name and model.
Edit: While I've never taken apart a Dell server, I've taken enough Dells apart to know they can be a pain. They seem to love putting in push buttons and latches that don't unbutton or unlatch very easily.
I had a few of these once and could not get them out either. After 20 minutes I gave up and put them in the shred pile. I thought mine were just stuck in there because they got bent, looks like I was wrong.
I've tried both those routes and just can't find the secret. Thank you for the suggestions.Quote:
Originally Posted by billygoat
if it takes more than 5 min, it is not worth your time for the extra few cents a pound you will get....cut wire you can see and throw in shred. Dells are a PITA...I got one out with a prybar and just said F IT for the rest...not worth the effort IMO. Move on and make more money per hour :)
WBSTS, I know you are correct. It just bothers me when I can't figure it out and I'm trying to minimize the electronics going into shred.
I know I know...it pisses me off too. I just finally had to start looking at everything in terms of $$$....I kept finding that me being stubborn kept costing me money LOLOLOL Good luck with them...make sure to at least casually look at EBAY with all servers,...many times the fans, bezels and hot swap power supplies can be worth money.
for the 4400, not sure about the other
"6. Remove the two screws that secure the power supply to the back of the computer.
7. Press the "PUSH" button located on the floor of the computer frame.
8. Slide the power supply toward the front of the system approximately 1 inch.
9. Lift the power supply up and out of the computer."
One of the frustrating things about Dell is that there is the 4400 Dimension tower and the 4400 Poweredge Server.Quote:
Originally Posted by ScrappinRed
Red, I think your are referring to the desktop model. The server has three hot swappable power supplies that just pull out of the back. The board that they are plugged into is buried in the middle of the belly of this beast. There is metal all around it and no way to get to it. But there has to be a way, right?
if you really want it out- take an angle grinder to it and show it whos the boss
Isn't it amazing just how often an angle grinder is the very best answer, even better than a the "bigger hammer".Quote:
Originally Posted by msmoorad
73, Mike
I recently scrapped a stack of servers and while most were easy, I had a few that were difficult and it was usually the power supplies.Quote:
Originally Posted by HipoGear
There was one where the power supply had to be removed before the mother board would slide back 1/4" and clear the mounting posts.
Very frustrating to say the least. I could have taken my BFH to it and solved the problem but I wanted to remove it the way it was designed to be removed.
That's just how I am and the fact that me and grinders and BFH's don't get along.
It took me 30 minutes but I finally found the release tab and it popped right out. There is always a release tab or button or screw. The problem as you well know is finding them.
Not a lot of help but what if you had 20 of these servers? Find the release tab on 1 and the rest would be a piece of cake.
Time is not really a factor for me and I don't like tearing the s**t out of a computer just to remove something that's being stubborn.
Also before you spend 30 minutes like I did trying to figure it out, look on the back of the cover for the server.
The one I had so much trouble with actually had pictures of all the release tabs.
I discovered the pictures after the fact.
Good luck.
jimicrk is right that there is always a release somewhere. The ones I tore down were very difficult to get out. I found a screw halfway down one side that relieved pressure when taken out. I think it was painted blue. There was also one in the back accessible when you took out the hotswap supplies. The main power supply would then slide far enough to get cutters in and cut the wires loose. Then I would slam the whole thing down endways and it would start moving. Not the proper way or the easiest thing to do, but I managed to get them out. Good luck.
Quote:
Originally Posted by HipoGear
argh! Yes, sorry about that. Google failed me :(
I tell ya VOLCANOS work for everything
Get out the persuader..
PAD. Percussion Adjustment Device.Quote:
Originally Posted by nutpie
When all else fails, a grinder usually works !
When I was Dell certified in Desktops, Servers, and laptops I had access to all the Dell manuals online which made it very easy to look things up. My certs ran out and I never renewed but I can tell you
two things that work for me when most others fail- 1) get a second pair of eyes on it- sometimes it's right in front of you but you can't see it. 2) Take a breath and walk away then come back later and look at it again.
I'll bet one of those two will work. I've done alot of Dell servers and the hot swap power supplies are usually a locking latch handle or tabs that hold it in. After all it's supposed to be easy to swap out right ?
good luck- wish I had one to look at so I could let you know.