X Dreamer II ESD Problems

TheOldMan · TweakNOOB Joined: 13 Mar 2004 Posts: 10

I purchased a boutique PC
P4 3.2
1GB Ram
2 - 80 GB Raid 0 SATA drives
X Dreamer II Case
Intel pb875 mb

I returned the first when every time I turned it on, if I had the slinghtest ESD when touching the metalic power button, the bios would clear and the system wouldn't boot.

I received a completely new system but the manufacturer wouldn't change the case type and I have a similar problem only with this system the ESD can actually start the system up.
I've got a new surge protector and have checked the connections but can't find any obvious shorts. I think the X Dreamer Case design with the metal front with LED temperature sensor is prone to this ESD weakness. Going to try to get a replacement again. A real pain. It could have been a great system if it didn't use up 2 months with this problem. If anyone has had a similar problem with an X Dreamer case I'd like to give a clue to my vendor. Thanks.
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-=Pyro-Psycho=- · Tweakafile Joined: 26 Dec 2003 Posts: 935 Location: TN

Umm unless they changed the design recently, the front of the X-Dreamer isn't metal, it's plastic. The temp display and power buttons are all plastic, so I don't think the case is your problem. I personally don't know what it is.
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TheOldMan · TweakNOOB Joined: 13 Mar 2004 Posts: 10

The ring that the power and reset buttons are recessed into is definitely metal and I agree that the rest of the front is plastic. My problem is that getting your finger close enough to the power button to turn it on will cause a spark that clears the BIOS or worse. Grounding yourself on the side of the case is no problem. I just can't get all the users to remember to do that and dont' think I should have to anyway. The ESD will eventually wipe out the teperature LCD which got me a new machine from my vendor. They apparently didn't test the new on since its got the exact same problem. Thanks for the note.
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[TN] Nathan · ALMIGHTY PWNER! Joined: 14 Feb 2002 Posts: 7406

Sounds like you need to reinstall your motherboard again and make sure the screws aren't shorting somewhere.
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TheOldMan · TweakNOOB Joined: 13 Mar 2004 Posts: 10

I would but I need the vendor to give me the ok to do it. The last machine had the same prob and they replaced it. They are debating what to do this time. I think they want me to get a new house or move to a wet state without ESD. Sooo can't touch the mobo until they tell me tough luck or make some decision.
I'd love to hear from soneone who has an X Dreamer case that could tell me that its not just a bad design on the LCD display and that static doesn't reset the bios for them.
Thanks
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TheOldMan

-=Pyro-Psycho=- · Tweakafile Joined: 26 Dec 2003 Posts: 935 Location: TN

It's not a bad design, I've got one and I have never had that problem. I'm sure anyone else with the case would say the same thing.
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TheOldMan · TweakNOOB Joined: 13 Mar 2004 Posts: 10

Just an FYI. I got this from another tech forum. I know 1 example doesn't prove anything but this response came up pretty quickly and in the same timeframe that I purchased my system. Could be a batch of cases.
Thanks for your reply.

Post is located at:

This thread is located at:
http://www.techimo.com/forum/showthread.php?threadid=103823&goto=newpost
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[TN] Nathan · ALMIGHTY PWNER! Joined: 14 Feb 2002 Posts: 7406

I currently reside in a very dry area.

Never had one static discharge yet with the case.

I have a feeling you had the first computer just shipped back to you.
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-=Pyro-Psycho=- · Tweakafile Joined: 26 Dec 2003 Posts: 935 Location: TN

Notice how the people experiencing this problem bought there computer pre-built. The ESD is not a problem with the X-Dreamer case, it's a problem for whoever put the computer together. Anyone in these forums with this case, built it themselves, the right way, and haven't had this problem.

BAM
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TheOldMan · TweakNOOB Joined: 13 Mar 2004 Posts: 10

You could be right and I'm sure if you aren't having problems there is a way to build this case correctly. Since it was a gift and has a warranty etc, etc, I've been limited to checking the motherboard setup visually and going over the specs for the front panel to mobo connections. It looks like everything is as it should be but I realize the limits of a visual examination.

I do know that the vendor shipped a completely new system since I recorded the SN's on the components of the first one and I had also dressed the cables to the point that if they had shipped it back I'd have known. So it appears they are consistent in their build and they also insist it's my problem and I need to get a new house. From the responses it seems I may need to move to the reseller rating forums at some point and tell this story. Hopefully, it will work out.

Thanks for the input.
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[TN] Nathan · ALMIGHTY PWNER! Joined: 14 Feb 2002 Posts: 7406

Tell them to fix the problem. Don't give up, you have a warranty for a reason.
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TheOldMan · TweakNOOB Joined: 13 Mar 2004 Posts: 10

It's on the way back so I'll know how the rebuild with a new case works out in a couple of weeks. Thanks for the input.
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