XPS 8930 I/O Boot Problem

I think I would check to make sure the I/O cable from the front panel is securely connected to the motherboard connector. The connector is #9 in the motherboard diagram of the Service Manual. 

Forgot to state that the fans were 3 pin versions not 4 pin.

I used the Noctua NF-S12A FLX fans and the 3 way splitter CRJ Black PWM Sleeved from Amazon that was one of the three you suggested in another thread.  I installed it on the 4 pin connector that the top fan was plugged into. I then ran the connector with 4 pins to the 3 wire fan cable with it installed on the 3 pins to the right.  I then hooked the new bottom Noctua to a 3 pin leg on the splitter.  Still have one leg not being used and probably will not use it as I do not think I am going to need another fan with this setup.  However, this boot problem with the I/O notice started before any of these 2 fans were installed.  TIA.

OK, in order of above post.  The #9 in the diagram connector was the first thing I checked.  Took it off and reconnected to make sure it was seated.  The problem still re-occurred.

I will check the other 5 board connectors and make sure they are seated good.

LOL, as for the quick delivery of the computer, I should have said I received it about a week ago on June 10th.  However it was ordered on May17th.  So it took 25 days total after ordering.  That was about 6-7 days before the original "expected" delivery date.

@mfurr 

Sorry, but I just have to ask...

"I purchased a new Dell XPS SE 8930 desktop about a week ago."

How is it possible to have purchased an 8930 SE only about a week ago and you already have it?

@mfurr 

lol 

OK, thanks.  Good luck with your I/O boot issue.

Well I am happy to report that all is good in XPS SE 8930 land again. First, I appreciate all of the quick replies and suggestions.  I am a little embarrassed to admit that it was one of the 6 connectors that Dell630i suggested that I check.  I called myself checking all of the connections on the MB the day I received this unit before I ever fired it up, and I did just that.

However I took the GPU out a day or 2 later to get a good look at it and read any info printed on it.  It was a tight fit getting it back in and the #3 SATA connector in the picture Dell630i posted is right under the back of the video card.  I remember it was tight back there and I did have my hand down in that area. I probably inadvertently pushed back on it just enough that it was not totally down all the way.  I felt it seat just a little deeper as I pushed on it. 

I then put everything back together, hooked up all my cables etc on the rear, crossed my fingers and turned it on.  Thank goodness it booted and went straight to Windows.  NO MORE boot problem.  What a relief.

Well I guess I spoke too soon.  I did 2 shut down and restarts and it worked correctly.  However after that it is back to producing the same boot problem and I/O cable problem.  I rechecked all 6 of the connectors and tried but a no go again.  It boots quickly to the error message but just as soon as you click on "CONTINUE" it goes straight to quickly loading Windows and works just fine.  I am going to call it quits for tonight and see what I can do tomorrow.  Thanks again and I will post any new info.

You could try clearing the BIOS, it seemed to work according to this post: https://www.dell.com/community/XPS-Desktops/XPS-8930-Front-I-O-Cable-Failure-BIOS-1-1-6/m-p/7335300#M25584

With regard to the Blu-Ray player showing up in Windows Explorer, I have a DVD player and it shows up. If I click on it, the tray opens and I get an 'Insert a disc' message.

This morning I took the top Noctua fan and splitter cable out and reinstalled the original fan and connected it straight to the fan header where it has always plugged in.  This means the new Noctua fans are totally out of the system.  The bottom one  is still mounted but not connected to anything.  So, it is basically in "as shipped" condition.

I then turned the computer on and I still get the same I/O error message. Next I pulled the GPU card out and reinstalled it making sure it was lined up straight, seated good, latch locked and that the SATA connector under the back edge of the card was seated flush and it was.  I then checked all of the connectors on the board again and they all seemed fine. I turned it on again and still get the same I/O error.

The only thing I have noticed that I have a question about concerns the Blu-Ray player.  It doesn't show up in windows explorer as drive "E" until I put a disc in it.  It works fine, plays and even burns disc ok.  I just seem to remember that it originally showed up as drive "E" in explorer with or without a disc in it. ??? Any more ideas from anyone?

Well I went ahead and cleared the bios.  I powered off and unplugged, pressed and held the power button 15 seconds, opened case and removed the button battery, pressed and held power button for 30 seconds, reinstalled the battery, connected wired mouse, keyboard and monitor and then rebooted.  I am still getting the same results.  Same error message with error code,  2000-0716 cable alert for front I/O cable failure.  This really irritates me and I guess I will just have to start the process of dealing with DELL support. Any other ideas? 

Hi, @mfurr ,

Can I just mention that there is more than one Front I/O Cable?

From the link to the Service Manual (in @Vic384 post), I would suggest that you need to check:-

• Item 2 - Front USB 2 (F_SSUSB2)
• Item 3 - Front USB 1 (F_SSUSB 1)
• Item 9 - Front I/O Panel (Front I/O Panel)
• item 16 - Front Audio Connector (F_audio)

Whilst item 9 "should" be the problem connector (from the Error Message Description), I wouldn't necessarily assume that!

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@Anonymous wrote:

@RoHe   Could it just be a bum I/O cable? 

That is what I was thinking. Interestingly, @mfurr Blu-Ray device is not showing in explorer. The original problem cable is the one connected to the Blu-Ray device 

Consider replacing that cable.

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Is the B-R drive visible in BIOS setup? 

At the least, re-seat the B-R drive's data and power cables and then reset BIOS with the battery again.

BTW: The image on page 61 of the Service Manual shows two cables for the top I/O panel. So both need to be checked and/or replaced...

Could it just be a bum I/O cable? Can Tech Support send a replacement cable so you can swap?

It has been a busy day but I finally had time to do some experimenting on my problems.  I had decided I was just going to start the process of letting Dell start the process of trying to solve this problem since it is just a week or two old.  I knew that the I/O error didn't stop after I took the two Noctua fans out of the loop and replaced the top fan with the factory fan.  So i thought well if I am going to have to live with it for awhile, I am going to put my Noctua fans back in.

Today, I reinstalled the two fans.  Actually the lower front fan was still mounted just not hooked up. I took the top factory fan out and installed my Noctua fan.  I used the same fan header splitter I had used before.  It has 3 available connectors, 1 with 4 pins and 2 with 3 pins.  Both of the Noctua fans are the 3 pin models.

I used the 4 pin leg on the top fan 3 pin connector.  The connectors will only hook up one way.  On this one it leaves one leg not connected on the splitter fan 4 pin connector.  I then used one of the 3 pin connectors to connect to the front lower Noctua 3 pin connector. This connector actually just uses two pins.

After finishing with the fans I made ANOTHER look at all the MB connectors, put everything back together, and installed the keyboard, mouse, and monitor.  I then took a deep breath and hit the power button.  

FINALLY, a successful boot with no errors, BUT will it last.  I spent about 20 minutes online and ran a couple of programs and all was well.  I knew I had to try it multiple times.  I  shut down and left if off about 2-3 minutes.  Once again I hit the start button and held my breath.  Another successful boot with no errors.  Again I surfed a little and ran a couple programs.  I went thru  this sequence about 5-6  times with no problems.  I don't have an explanation for how it decided to work.

Tonight or tomorrow morning I am going to take the top off, remove the 2 screws that hold the panel on, and check those cables for problems.  At this time the only problem I have is the Blu-Ray DVD player.  If I leave a disc in it when I boot, it shows up in Windows Explorer.  However, If there is no disc in,  it doesn't show up in Explorer.  It might end up being a bad cable as several of you have suggested.It is still working at this time!

Thanks for all the replies and help.