Dell OptiPlex GX260 Not displaying on monitor \ VOGONS

Dell OptiPlex GX260 Not displaying on monitor

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First post, by Dashie

Posted on 2026-05-26, 03:50

Dashie Offline

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Joined: 2026-05-26, 03:41

My grandpa recently gave me his old Dell OptiPlex GX260 desktop from 2004 and when I tested it it displayed nothing on the monitor and the monitors light was also blinking when I plugged it in.

I ruled out the ram did a cmos reset the power supply was also replaced some time ago

I found three ruptured capacitors around the ram slots and cpu area I’m assuming the motherboard is the issue but I’m not 100% sure.

Reply 1 of 3, by BitWrangler

Posted on 2026-05-26, 04:33

BitWrangler Offline

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Some of the Dells have blinky light codes on the front panel. So see if you are getting any patterns there.

Unicorn herding operations are proceeding, but all the totes of hens teeth and barrels of rocking horse poop give them plenty of hiding spots.

Reply 2 of 3, by abrokenhalo

Posted on 2026-05-26, 04:49

abrokenhalo Offline

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I wouldn't recommend running the computer or attempting to run it for long considering the state of those caps. But if you don't mind a little bit of work you can probably get it working.

This era Optiplex is notorious for bad capacitors. You should remove the motherboard from the case, read the values on the sides of the capacitors (voltage and μf), and order replacements from a reputable site like Mouser or Digikey.

If you don't have any soldering equipment or experience with repairs, these old Dells can still be found for less than $100 all day long if you look through eBay. You might get lucky with a better board, you might not. Pentium 4 Optiplexes are always a gamble...

Reply 3 of 3, by MagefromAntares

Posted on 2026-05-26, 04:56

MagefromAntares Offline

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Hi,

I think BitWrangler and abrokenhalo already said the most important things, the only thing that I wish to add to help is if you cannot find the blinky codes page on the Dell homepage then this is the link to it:
https://www.dell.com/support/kbdoc/en-us/0001 … s#Prior_to_2005

"A process cannot be understood by stopping it. Understanding must move with the flow of the process, must join it and flow with it." - Dune

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