If your computer only has one memory module installed on the system board, you can increase your computer memory by installing an additional memory module.
Your computer supports DDR2 memory. For additional information on the type of memory supported by your computer, see "Specifications."
NOTE: Always install DDR2 memory modules in the order indicated on the system board.
NOTICE: Do not install ECC or buffered memory modules. Only unbuffered, non-ECC memory is supported.
If you install mixed pairs of DDR2 400-MHz (PC2-3200) and DDR2 533-MHz (PC2-4300) memory, the modules function at the slowest speed installed.
Be sure to install a single memory module in DIMM connector 1, the connector closest to the processor, before you install modules in the other connectors.
NOTE: Memory purchased from Dell is covered under your computer warranty.
NOTICE: If you remove your original memory modules from the computer during a memory upgrade, keep them
separate from any new modules that you may have, even if you purchased the new modules from Dell. If possible,
do not pair an original memory module with a new memory module. Otherwise, your computer may not start
properly.
Installing Memory
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions located in the
Product Information Guide.
NOTICE: To prevent static damage to components inside your computer, discharge static electricity from your
body before you touch any of your computer's electronic components. You can do so by touching an unpainted
metal surface on the computer chassis.
NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable into the network device and then plug the cable into the
computer.
Connect your computer and devices to electrical outlets, and turn them on.
When a message appears stating that memory size has changed, press <F1> to continue.
Log on to your computer.
Right-click the My Computer icon and click Properties.
Click the General tab.
To verify that the memory is installed correctly, check the amount of memory (RAM) listed.
Removing Memory
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions located in the
Product Information Guide.
NOTICE: To prevent static damage to components inside your computer, discharge static electricity from your
body before you touch any of your computer's electronic components. You can do so by touching an unpainted
metal surface on the computer chassis.
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions located in the
Product Information Guide.
NOTICE: To prevent static damage to components inside your computer, discharge static electricity from your
body before you touch any of your computer's electronic components. You can do so by touching an unpainted
metal surface on the computer chassis.
Your Dell™ computer provides the following slots for PCI and PCI Express cards:
Two PCI card slots
One PCI Express x1 card slot
1
PCI card
1
PCI Express x1 card
2
PCI Express x1 card slot
If you are installing or replacing an expansion card, follow the procedures in the next section. If you are removing but not replacing an expansion card, see "Removing an Expansion Card."
If you are replacing a card, uninstall the current driver for that card.
Gently push the release tab on the inside of the card retention door to pivot the door open. Because
the door is captive, it will remain in the open position.
If you are installing a new card, remove the filler bracket to create a card-slot opening. Then continue
with step 5.
If you are replacing a card that is already installed in the computer, remove the card.
If necessary, disconnect any cables connected to the card. Grasp the card by its top corners, and ease it out of its connector.
Prepare the card for installation.
See the documentation that came with the card for information on configuring the card, making internal connections, or otherwise customizing it for your computer.
CAUTION: Some network adapters automatically start the computer when they are connected to a network. To
guard against electrical shock, be sure to unplug your computer from its electrical outlet before installing any
cards.
Place the card in the connector and press down firmly. Ensure that the card is fully seated in the slot.
1
alignment bar
2
alignment guide
3
fully seated card
4
not fully seated card
5
bracket within slot
6
bracket caught outside of slot
Before you close the card retention door, ensure that:
The tops of all cards and filler brackets are flush with the alignment bar.
The notch in the top of the card or filler bracket fits around the alignment guide.
1
card retention door
2
release tab
Close the card retention door by snapping it into place.
NOTICE: Do not route card cables over or behind the cards. Cables routed over the cards can prevent the
computer cover from closing properly or cause damage to the equipment.
Connect any cables that should be attached to the card.
See the documentation for the card for information about the card's cable connections.
NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable into the network device and then plug the cable into the
computer.
Replace the computer cover, reconnect the computer and devices to electrical outlets, and then turn
them on.
If you installed a sound card:
Enter system setup, select Audio Controller, and then change the setting to Off.
Connect external audio devices to the sound card's connectors. Do not connect external audio
devices to the microphone, speaker/headphone, or line-in connectors on the back panel.
If you installed an add-in network adapter and want to disable the integrated network adapter:
Enter system setup, select Network Controller, and then change the setting to Off.
Connect the network cable to the add-in network adapter's connectors. Do not connect the
network cable to the integrated connector on the back panel.
Install any drivers required for the card as described in the card documentation.
Gently push the release tab on the card retention door from the inside to pivot the door open. Because
the door is captive, it will remain in the open position.
If you are removing the card permanently, install a filler bracket in the empty card-slot opening.
NOTE: Installing filler brackets over empty card-slot openings is necessary to maintain FCC certification of the
computer. The brackets also keep dust and dirt out of your computer.
Close the card retention door by snapping it into place to secure the cards.
NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable into the network device and then plug the cable into the
computer.
Replace the computer cover, reconnect the computer and devices to electrical outlets, and then turn
them on.
Uninstall the driver for the card that you removed.
If you removed a sound card:
Enter system setup, select Audio Controller, and then change the setting to On.
Connect external audio devices to the audio connectors on the back panel of the computer.
If you removed an add-in network connector:
Enter system setup, select Network Controller, and then change the setting to On.
Connect the network cable to the integrated connector on the back panel of the computer.
Drive Panels
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions located in the
Product Information Guide.
CAUTION: To guard against electrical shock, always unplug your computer from the electrical outlet before
removing the cover.
Press the drive-panel tab outwards to unlatch it from the drive-panel insert; rotate the drive-panel
insert out while maintaining pressure upon the drive-panel tab.
Set the drive-panel insert aside in a secure location.
Replacing the FlexBay or Optical Drive-Panel Insert
1
center drive-panel tab
2
drive-panel insert tab
3
drive panel
4
drive-panel insert latch
5
drive-panel insert
Slide the drive-panel insert tab under the center drive-panel tab.
Rotate the drive-panel insert into place and snap the drive-panel insert latch into place against the
corresponding tab on the drive panel.
Align the drive panel tabs with the side-door hinges.
Rotate the drive panel toward the computer until it snaps into place on the front panel.
Grasp the sliding plate lever and pull it towards the top of the computer, snapping it into the closed
position to secure the drive panel.
Drives
Your computer supports a combination of these devices:
Up to two serial ATA hard drives
One FlexBay drive (floppy drive or Media Card Reader)
Up to two CD or DVD drives
1
bay for second hard drive (optional)
2
hard drive
3
FlexBay for optional floppy drive or Media Card Reader
4
CD/DVD drive(s)
Connect CD/DVD drives to the connector labeled "IDE" on the system board. Serial ATA hard drives should be connected to the connectors labeled "SATA0" or "SATA1" on the system board.
IDE Drive Addressing
When you connect two IDE devices to a single IDE interface cable and configure them for the cable select setting, the device attached to the last connector on the interface cable is the master or boot device (drive 0), and the device attached to the middle connector on the interface cable is the slave device (drive 1). See the drive documentation in your upgrade kit for information on configuring devices for the cable select setting.
Connecting Drive Cables
When you install a drive, you connect two cables—a DC power cable and a data cable—to the back of the drive and to the system board.
Drive Interface Connectors
Most interface connectors are keyed for correct insertion; that is, a notch or a missing pin on one connector matches a tab or a filled-in hole on the other connector. Keyed connectors ensure that the pin-1 wire in the cable (indicated by the colored stripe along one edge of the IDE cable—serial ATA cables do not use a colored stripe) goes to the pin-1 end of the connector. The pin-1 end of a connector on a board or a card is usually indicated by a silk-screened "1" printed directly on the board or card.
NOTICE: When you connect an IDE interface cable, do not place the colored stripe away from pin 1 of the
connector. Reversing the cable prevents the drive from operating and could damage the controller, the drive, or
both.
1
interface cable
2
interface connector
Power Cable Connector
To connect a drive using the power cable, locate the power input connector on the system board.
1
power input connector
2
power cable
Connecting and Disconnecting Drive Cables
When removing an IDE drive data cable, grasp the colored pull tab and pull until the connector detaches.
When connecting and disconnecting a serial ATA data cable, hold the cable by the black connector at each end.
Like IDE connectors, the serial ATA interface connectors are keyed for correct insertion; that is, a notch or a missing pin on one connector matches a tab or a filled-in hole on the other connector.
Hard Drive
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions located in the
Product Information Guide.
CAUTION: To guard against electrical shock, always unplug your computer from the electrical outlet before
removing the cover.
NOTICE: To avoid damage to the drive, do not set it on a hard surface. Instead, set the drive on a surface, such as
a foam pad, that will sufficiently cushion it.
NOTICE: If you are replacing a hard drive that contains data you want to keep, back up your files before you begin
this procedure.
Check the documentation for the drive to verify that it is configured for your computer.
Disconnect the power and hard-drive cables from the drive.
1
serial ATA data cable
2
power cable
Press the blue tabs on each side of the drive towards each other and slide the drive up and out of the
computer.
1
tabs (2)
2
hard drive
Installing a Hard Drive
Unpack the replacement hard drive, and prepare it for installation.
Check the documentation for the drive to verify that it is configured for your computer.
NOTE: If your replacement hard drive does not have the plastic guide bracket attached, remove the
bracket from the old drive by unsnapping it from the drive. Snap the bracket onto the new drive.
1
drive
2
bracket rails (2)
Gently slide the drive into place until you hear a click or feel the drive securely installed.
Connect the power and hard-drive cables to the drive.
Check all connectors to ensure that they are properly cabled and firmly seated.
NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable into the network wall jack and then plug the cable into
the computer.
Connect your computer and devices to electrical outlets, and turn them on.
See the documentation that came with the drive for instructions on installing any software required for drive operation.
Adding a Second Hard Drive (optional)
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions located in the
Product Information Guide.
CAUTION: To guard against electrical shock, always unplug your computer from the electrical outlet before
removing the cover.
NOTICE: To avoid damage to the drive, do not set it on a hard surface. Instead, set the drive on a surface, such as
a foam pad, that will sufficiently cushion it.
Check the documentation for the drive to verify that it is configured for your computer.
If you are installing a new floppy drive rather than replacing a drive, remove the drive-panel insert from
the FlexBay, and then attach the shoulder screws located in the back of the drive-panel insert to the
drive.
Gently slide the drive into place until you hear a click or feel the drive securely installed.
Attach the power and data cables to the floppy drive.
Connect the other end of the data cable to the connector labeled "FLOPPY" on the system board and
route the cable through the clip on the shroud.
1
FlexBay
2
power cable
3
data cable
Check all cable connections, and fold cables out of the way to provide airflow for the fan and cooling
vents.
NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable into the network device and then plug the cable into the
computer.
Connect your computer and devices to their electrical outlets, and turn them on.
See the documentation that came with the drive for instructions on installing any software required for drive operation.
Enter system setup and select the appropriate Diskette Drive option.
Verify that your computer works correctly by running the Dell Diagnostics.
Media Card Reader
Removing a Media Card Reader
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions located in the
Product Information Guide.
NOTICE: To prevent static damage to components inside your computer, discharge static electricity from your
body before you touch any of your computer's electronic components. You can do so by touching an unpainted
metal surface on the computer chassis.
Disconnect the USB cable on the back of the Media Card Reader from the FlexBay USB connector on
the system board and route the cable through the clip on the shroud.
1
sliding plate lever
2
sliding plate
3
Media Card Reader
Grasp the sliding plate lever and push it towards the base of
the computer; then, hold it in place while you slide the Media Card Reader from the computer.
Check all cable connections, and fold cables out of the way to provide airflow for the fan and cooling
vents.
NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable into the network device and then plug the cable into the
computer.
Connect your computer and devices to their electrical outlets, and turn them on.
Installing a Media Card Reader
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions located in the
Product Information Guide.
NOTICE: To prevent static damage to components inside your computer, discharge static electricity from your
body before you touch any of your computer's electronic components. You can do so by touching an unpainted
metal surface on the computer chassis.
Remove the Media Card Reader and bracket from its packaging.
If you are installing a new Media Card Reader rather than replacing
one, remove the drive-panel insert
from the FlexBay, and then attach the shoulder screws located in the back
of the drive-panel insert to the Media Card Reader.
Gently slide the drive (which should not yet be connected to the FlexBay cable) into place until you
hear a click or feel the drive securely installed.
Connect the USB cable on the back of the Media Card Reader to the front panel USB connector on
the system board.
Connect the FlexBay USB cable to the back of the Media Card Reader.
1
Media Card Reader
2
FlexBay cables
Route the USB cable through the cable routing clip.
Check all cable connections, and fold cables out of the way to provide airflow for the fan and cooling
vents.
If you are installing a new CD/DVD drive rather than replacing
a drive, remove the optical drive-panel insert and then attach the shoulder screws located in the back of the drive-panel
insert to the drive.
Gently slide the drive into place until you hear a click or feel
the drive securely installed.
1
drive
2
screws (3)
Connect the power and data cables to the drive.
1
data cable
2
power cable
Check all cable connections, and fold cables out of the way to provide airflow for the fan and cooling
vents.
NOTE: To loosen the two captive screws on each side of the heat sink and fan shroud assembly, you need a long
Phillips screwdriver.
Loosen the two captive screws on each side of the heat sink assembly.
CAUTION: Despite having a plastic shield, the heat sink assembly may be very hot during normal operation. Be
sure that it has had sufficient time to cool before you touch it.
Rotate the heat sink and fan shroud assembly upward, and remove it from the computer.
1
heat sink and fan shroud assembly
2
captive screw housings (2)
NOTICE: If you are installing a processor upgrade kit from Dell, discard the original heat sink. If you are not
installing a processor upgrade kit from Dell, reuse the original heat sink when you install your new processor.
Open the processor cover by sliding the release lever out from beneath the center cover latch on the
socket. Then, pull the lever back to release the processor.
1
processor cover
2
processor
3
socket
4
center cover latch
5
release lever
NOTICE: When replacing the processor, do not touch any of the pins inside the socket or allow any objects to fall
on the pins in the socket.
Gently remove the processor from the socket.
Leave the release lever extended in the release position so that the socket is ready for the new processor.
Installing the Processor
NOTICE: Ground yourself by touching an unpainted metal surface on the back of the computer.
NOTICE: When replacing the processor, do not touch any of the pins inside the socket or allow any objects to fall
on the pins in the socket.
Unpack the new processor, being careful not to touch the underside of the processor.
NOTICE: You must position the processor correctly in the socket to avoid permanent damage to the processor and
the computer when you turn on the computer.
If the release lever on the socket is not fully extended, move it to that position.
Orient the front and rear alignment notches on the processor with the front and rear alignment
notches on the socket.
Align the pin-1 corners of the processor and socket.
1
processor cover
6
release lever
2
tab
7
front alignment notch
3
processor
8
socket and processor pin-1 indicator
4
processor socket
9
rear alignment notch
5
center cover latch
NOTICE: To avoid damage, ensure that the processor aligns properly with the socket, and do not use excessive
force when you install the processor.
Set the processor lightly in the socket and ensure that the processor is positioned correctly.
When the processor is fully seated in the socket, close the processor cover.
Ensure that the tab on the processor cover is positioned underneath the center cover latch on the socket.
Pivot the socket release lever back toward the socket and snap it into place to secure the processor.
NOTICE: If you are not installing a processor upgrade kit from Dell, reuse the original heat sink assembly when you
replace the processor.
If you installed a processor replacement kit from Dell, return the original heat sink assembly and processor to Dell in the same package in which your replacement kit was sent.
Install the heat sink and fan shroud assembly:
Place the heat sink and fan shroud assembly back onto the heat sink assembly bracket.
Rotate the heat sink and fan shroud assembly down towards the computer base and tighten the
two capture screws.
NOTICE: Ensure that the heat sink is correctly seated and secure.
NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable into the network wall jack and then plug the cable into
the computer.
Connect your computer and devices to electrical outlets, and turn them on.
System Board
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions located in the
Product Information Guide.
Removing the System Board
CAUTION: To guard against electrical shock, always unplug your computer from the electrical outlet before
opening the cover.
NOTICE: Before touching anything inside your computer, ground yourself by touching an unpainted metal surface,
such as the metal at the back of the computer. While you work, periodically touch an unpainted metal surface to
dissipate any static electricity that could harm internal components.
Disconnect the DC power cables from the system board and the drives.
Note the routing of the DC power cables underneath the tabs in the computer frame as you remove them from the system board and drives. You must route these cables properly when you replace them to prevent them from being pinched or crimped.
Remove the four screws that attach the power supply to the back of the computer frame.
Press the release button located on the floor of the computer frame.
1
release button
2
power supply
3
screws (4)
4
AC power connector
Slide the power supply approximately 1 inch towards the front of the computer.
Lift the power supply up and out of the computer.
Replacing the Power Supply
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions located in the
Product Information Guide.
Slide the power supply into place.
Replace the screws that secure the power supply to the back of the computer frame.
Reconnect the DC power cables.
Connect the AC power cable to the connector.
Run the cables underneath the clips, and press the clips to close them over the cables.
NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable into the network wall jack and then plug the cable into
the computer.
Connect your computer and devices to electrical outlets, and turn them on.
Battery
Replacing the Battery
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions located in the
Product Information Guide.
NOTICE: To prevent static damage to components inside your computer, discharge static electricity from your
body before you touch any of your computer's electronic components. You can do so by touching an unpainted
metal surface on the computer chassis.
A coin-cell battery maintains computer configuration, date, and time information. The battery can last several years.
If you have to repeatedly reset time and date information after turning on the computer, replace the battery.
CAUTION: A new battery can explode if it is incorrectly installed. Replace the battery only with the same or
equivalent type recommended by the manufacturer. Discard used batteries according to the manufacturer's
instructions.
To replace the battery:
Record all the screens in system setup so that you can restore the correct settings in step 8.
NOTICE: If you pry the battery out of its socket with a blunt object, be careful not to touch the system board with
the object. Ensure that the object is inserted between the battery and the socket before you attempt to pry out the
battery. Otherwise, you may damage the system board by prying off the socket or by breaking circuit traces on the
system board.
Remove the battery by carefully prying it out of its socket with your fingers or with a blunt,
nonconducting object such as a plastic screwdriver.
Insert the new battery into the socket with the side labeled "+" facing up, and snap the battery into
place.
