Ok so step 1: Power off the computer, then power it on and tap F12 repeatedly. When you eventually get to the boot menu, use the arrow key to go down to Diagnostics. Let that run and see if you get an error code. Any error codes? If you have an error code, give that to the Dell tech support. The code will always start out with the number 2000 and have a 4 digit code afterwards. Everything I type below about reseating the memory should be done, but before you do that, you will want to be sure your bios is up to date. To see if your bios is up to date, press the windows key + r. The windows key on the keyboard is the button at the lower left with the 4 little windows. A window will open up. type msinfo32 in that box and press enter. When the window comes up, about 10 or so lines down you will see "Bios Version/date". Is the version "1.1.13" or is it something different? If it is NOT 1.1.13 you will want to run this file to update the bios first. The file is located here: https://dl.dell.com/FOLDER06107677M/1/XPS8930_1.1.13.exe After the bios is up to date (it will reboot your computer to perform the update) Wait to see if the 4 blink pattern comes back. IF IT COMES BACK, THEN PROCEED WITH THE STEPS BELOW. You need to power off the system, take the cover off, and reseat the memory (remove from the slots, and then re-insert them into the slots, making sure you hear the "click" and that they are snug in their slots). Once you do that, test to see if the system has the 4 blink codes again. If they DO, then you will need to remove all memory sticks except 1, and test the system 1 stick of RAM at a time to see if any of the RAM sticks cause the problem when the others don't. If a specific stick of RAM causes the issue and the others don't, then that stick of RAM will need to be replaced. If more than 1 stick of RAM causes the issue, you will want to rotate the memory into another slot on the motherboard to see if moving them will stop the problem. If the problem always occurs on a specific slot on the motherboard but not on other slots, then the issue is the motherboard, and needs to be replaced. Answer from Jamdawg on reddit.com
Dell
dell.com › support › manuals › en-us › xps-8930-desktop › xps-8930-service-manual › diagnostics
XPS 8930 Service Manual | Dell US
If the computer passes the POST, the computer continues to start in a normal mode. However, if the computer fails the POST, the computer emits a series of LED codes during the start-up. The system LED is integrated on the Power button. The following table shows different light patterns and what they indicate.
Reddit
reddit.com › r/techsupport › help with dell xps 8930 blink codes
r/techsupport on Reddit: Help with Dell XPS 8930 blink codes
May 30, 2020 -
Hey people of r/techsupport, about 6 months ago my computer was on and running in my room while I was away and my roommates noticed a “horrible noise” start from it. So one went up to it and flipped my surge protector off because he’s an idiot and “didn’t know what else to do“. Ever since then my computer will run for a day or two and then I’ll boot it up straight to blink codes in a 4,4 pattern on the led indicator/ the power button. I don’t know what to do at this point, dell service did their tests yesterday and assured me it was good to go and I just booted it up today to the same blink code. Please if anyone has any ideas I really want to get this computer fixed.
Videos
Top answer 1 of 8
1
3,6 means somone tired to run the system windows recover and is missing due to bad hdd. top cause. bad HDD means, 1 bad hdd, or smart fails and 2, you replaced the HDD and is now missing forever. did you buy this PC broken,did kids play with it? did you use the hot keys for windows recovery and that failed. history matters here, and not stated. what ID do, if UNKNOWN HISTORY , id remove the HDD, and put in my spare and load w10 64 fresh. w10 is free at MS for 30day so can be used that way to test any PC. that is what I'd do, not a new mobo wow $$$$$$$$$$$$$$ then or, run Linux ubuntu v17+ live media see if PC boots to Linux and runs prefect as most do, with HDD issues. (click try me as it boots, no hdd need be present nor DESIRED) why guess, the tests are easy and free, if you have blank USB stick (I keep like 5 spares waiting just for when things go bad)
2 of 8
0
According to the Dell chart I have, 3,6 is a System Board (motherboard) failure. Considering no keyboard function that would also point to a motherboard problem. You can try the CMOS Memory reset and if that doesn't work most likely a motherboard failure. To reset the CMOS Memory, with the unit powered off, remove the CR2032 battery on the motherboard for at least 10 minutes, reinstall and try. If this is still in warranty contact Dell support for warranty service.
Dell
dell.com › support › kbdoc › en-us › 000145872 › a-reference-guide-to-the-xps-desktop-diagnostic-indicators
A Reference Guide to XPS Desktop Diagnostic Indicators | Dell US
May 14, 2026 - Dell XPS desktops have a long history of integrated diagnostic indicators. These can be audible beeps, power buttons that display different states and colors, specific diagnostics LEDs or a combination of them all. In order to indicate at which point during the Power On Self-Test (POST) a device is having issues. The following article is a reference guide to the codes available on each model and what those codes mean.
Reddit
reddit.com › r/dell › dell xps 8930 led error
r/Dell on Reddit: Dell XPS 8930 LED Error
June 12, 2024 -
Just recased this pc and plugged in the 24pin and 4 pin CPU cable and the front panel header and I got this.
Dell
dell.com › dell community › desktops › xps desktops
XPS 8930, Blinking orange 3, 6 amber code | DELL Technologies
July 3, 2019 - The 3 and 6 flashing lights means you have corrupt bios, there is a way to fix this howevr it requires re programming of the bios chip. We have done this on many XPS 8930 and Alienware machines.
Reddit
reddit.com › r/dell › my dell xps 8930 light keeps doing this pattern and won't boot anyone help?
r/Dell on Reddit: My dell xps 8930 light keeps doing this pattern and won't boot anyone help?
November 27, 2020 - https://www.dell.com/support/manuals/en-lt/xps-8930-desktop/xps-8930-service-manual/diagnostics?guid=guid-67f3bb39-3728-4f40-9b0c-30883adb6fc0&lang=en-us · 2,1 led code = motherboard failure · Reply · reply · 0llie_OwO · • · thanks, ...
Top answer 1 of 6
1
According to the Service Manual, 2,1 = System board failure Reboot and start tapping F12 when you see the Dell splash screen. When the F12 menu opens, look for the option to run diagnostics and run all of them, including RAM and extended drive tests. Copy error code, if any. Since it's not blinking this morning and PC booted ok, it might have been a 1-off issue, meaning the diagnostics won't find anything. You will just have to keep an eye on it for a while to see if the blink code re-appears. Some things to consider: Do you use a surge protector or power strip that might be failing? Power supply failing? Overheating? When did you get this PC and does motherboard battery need replacing? RAM module(s) and/or PCI-e card(s) need to be re-seated in their slots? Loose motherboard cable connector? Is PC still under warranty?
2 of 6
0
Thanks for the ideas. I run the Support Assist almost every night and without ever getting any messages except updates. I will to the diagnostic test but I don't think anything will pop up since it is running perfectly today. I will check the connections and pay attention to the fan. I think it is possible that it overheated. Thanks again
Dell
dell.com › dell community › desktops › xps desktops
XPS 8930, won't turn on, one amber blink, then 2 amber blinks on switch | DELL Technologies
July 1, 2023 - The cPU in the unit is an Intel Core i7 -8086K at 4.00 it is a processor that intel released in 2018 and I ordered the 8930 from dell direct with that processor that has been working just fine Tomorrow I am going to go in and try to check out and replace the Cmos battery and see if it fixes it. Dell trouble shooting error code does say system board.
ManualsLib
manualslib.com › brands › dell manuals › desktop › xps 8930 › service manual
Troubleshooting; Enhanced Pre-Boot System Assessment (Epsa) Diagnostics; Running The Epsa Diagnostics; Diagnostics - Dell XPS 8930 Service Manual [Page 107] | ManualsLib
October 20, 2019 - However, if the computer fails the POST, the computer emits a series of LED codes during the start-up. The system LED is integrated on ... The following table shows different light patterns and what they indicate.
Top answer 1 of 2
1
2,3 = System board, memory or processor failure So several possibilities here, based on what you said: You dislodged CPU from its socket and/or damaged the CPU when you replaced the heat sink. Is CPU latch locked in place? Did you clean old thermal paste off top of CPU and apply thin fresh coat of new thermal paste before attaching new heat sink? Is new heat sink properly installed? Is CPU fan cable properly plugged into motherboard fan power connector? Is CPU power cable properly plugged into motherboard CPU power connector? You dislodged RAM module(s) while installing the new heat sink: Have you tried re-seating RAM modules in their slots? Make sure each module goes back in same slot you took it from, and make sure the retention clips are locked after you press the modules back into their slots. Power outage scrambled BIOS settings (common after power outages) or the outage killed the motherboard and/or CPU: After you get all of the other stuff checked out, remove motherboard battery and press/hold power button for ~30 sec. Reinstall the battery and see if the blink code error is cleared at next boot. BTW: If the battery is old, this would be good time to install a fresh one. (CR2032 3-volt coin cell, ~$2.00.) NOTE: Unplug power cord from rear of PC while working inside the case... EDIT: Also possible the power failure killed the PSU, so if above doesn't help, run the PSU BIST test, using the button on back of XPS 8930.
2 of 2
0
Re: power supply and fan turn on for about 1 second, and then turn back off. It did this every 5 five seconds as long as I had it plugged in. that is an ominous sign of bad motherboard indeed. I have seen that multiple times on other motherboards. you can still try unplug power, press power button for 30 sec, replace cmos battery with a new one which was already suggested, and clear cmos settings via motherboard jumper.
Dell
dell.com › support › kbdoc › en-us › 000141206 › a-reference-guide-to-the-xps-notebook-diagnostic-indicators
A Reference Guide to the XPS Laptop Diagnostic Indicators | Dell US
This article is a reference guide to the diagnostic codes available on each model of XPS laptops and what those codes indicate.
Dell
dell.com › dell community › desktops › xps desktops
XPS 8930, powering on issues | DELL Technologies
February 7, 2021 - @Ironbomb - XPS 8930 only uses single digit flashes as error codes so it doesn't matter the order of the groups of flashes
Dell
dell.com › dell community › desktops › xps desktops
XPS 8930, blinking 3, 2 amber, video issue? | DELL Technologies
March 31, 2021 - @maloneynyc There does not appear to be a 3,2 blink code listed however there is a 2, 3 code which indicates a system board, memory, or processor failure. Blink codes are listed in the Service Manual.
Dell
dell.com › dell community › desktops › xps desktops
XPS 8930, no start, amber blinking power LED | DELL Technologies
October 14, 2018 - Only Dell support can handle any warranty problems. ... According to the XPS 8930 Service Manual, a single amber flash of the power button means: System board: BIOS and ROM failure
Dell
dell.com › dell community › desktops › xps desktops
XPS 8930, no boot, small orange flicker | DELL Technologies
September 7, 2021 - OptiPlex XX60, XX70, 7080, Alienware Aurora R5, R6, R7, R8, R9, R11, XPS 8910, 8930, 8920, Vostro 3690 · 3-6 or 3-7 LED No POST diagnostic error on your Alienware or XPS PC. You will need a FAT32 32 gig usb flash drive to make a bios recovery disk.
Dell
dell.com › dell community › desktops › xps desktops
XPS 8930, 2-2 code | DELL Technologies
May 31, 2024 - Then run the BIST on the PSU, using the instructions for PCs with a PSU test button on the back. If there's an add-in video card (NVidia or AMD), physically remove it and use one of the onboard Intel Graphics ports (either HDMI or DP) for the monitor. Add-in video cards have their own RAM, so the 2-2 code may be reporting a problem with the GPU.
Dell
dl.dell.com › topicspdf › xps-8930-desktop_service-manual_en-us.pdf pdf
XPS 8930 Service Manual Regulatory Model: D24M Regulatory Type: D24M001
XPS 8930 · Service Manual · Regulatory Model: D24M · Regulatory Type: D24M001 · June 2020 · Rev. A04 · Notes, cautions, and warnings · NOTE: A NOTE indicates important information that helps you make better use of your product. CAUTION: A CAUTION indicates either potential damage to ...
Dell
dell.com › dell community › desktops › xps desktops
XPS 8930, no POST, no video | DELL Technologies
May 15, 2023 - XPS 8930 has had issues with recent BIOS firmware. Anything is worth trying at this point, better than a doorstop. Download this BIOS_IMG.rcv to a FAT32 formatted USB drive. With the recovery USB plugged in, press and hold both CTRL + ESC keys while power on the computer. Until you see keyboard backlight or CAPS LOCK key lights up, you can release they keys and the BIOS recovery screen will come up.