You can increase your computer memory by installing memory modules on the system board.
Your Dell Dimension computer supports DDR2 memory. For additional information on the type of memory supported by your computer, see "Memory."
DDR2 Memory Overview
DDR2 memory modules should be installed in pairs of matched memory size, speed, and technology. If the DDR2 memory modules are not installed in matched pairs, the computer will continue to operate, but with a slight reduction in performance. See the label on the upper-right corner of the module to determine the module's capacity.
NOTE: Always install DDR2 memory modules in the order indicated on the system board.
The recommended memory configurations are:
A memory module installed in connector DIMM connector 1
or
A pair of matched memory modules installed in DIMM connectors 1 and 2
or
A pair of matched memory modules installed in DIMM connectors 1 and 2 and another matched pair installed in DIMM connectors 3 and 4
NOTICE: Do not install ECC memory modules.
If you install mixed pairs of DDR2 400- and 533-MHz 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. You should install your original memory modules in pairs either in DIMM connectors 1 and 2 or DIMM connectors 3 and 4.
Addressing Memory With 4-GB Configurations
Your computer supports a maximum of 4 GB of memory when you use four 1-GB DIMMs. Current operating systems, such as Microsoft� Windows� XP, can only use a maximum of 4 GB of address space; however, the amount of memory available to the operating system is less than 4 GB. Certain components within the computer require address space in the 4-GB range. Any address space reserved for these components cannot be used by computer memory.
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.
Lay the computer on its side so that the system board is on the bottom of the inside of the
computer.
Press out the securing clip at each end of the memory module connector.
Align the notch on the bottom of the module with the crossbar in the connector.
NOTICE: To avoid damage to the memory module, press the module straight down into the connector while you apply equal force to each end of the module.
Insert the module into the connector until the module snaps into position.
If you insert the module correctly, the securing clips snap into the cutouts at each end of the module.
Close the computer cover.
NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable into the network wall jack and then plug it into the computer.
Connect your computer and devices to electrical outlets, and turn them on.
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.
Press out the securing clip at each end of the memory module connector.
Grasp the module and pull up.
If the module is difficult to remove, gently ease the module back and forth to remove it from the connector.
Cards
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 x16 card slot
One PCI Express x1 card slot
PCI Cards
If you are installing or replacing a card, follow the procedures in the next section. If you are removing but not replacing a card, see "Removing a PCI Card."
If you are replacing a card, remove the current driver for the card from the operating system.
Unscrew and remove the filler bracket for the card slot you want to use.
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.
Align the cutout on the bottom of the card with the crossbar in the system board connector.
Gently rock the card into the connector until it is fully seated.
Ensure that the card is fully seated and that its bracket is within the card slot.
Secure the card bracket with the screw you removed in step 2.
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: Do not route card cables over or behind the cards. Cables routed over the cards can cause damage to the equipment.
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.
If necessary, disconnect any cables connected to the card.
Remove the securing screw from the card bracket.
Grasp the card by its top corners, and ease it out of its connector.
If you are removing the card permanently, install a filler bracket in the empty card-slot
opening.
If you need a filler bracket, contact Dell (see the Owner's Manual).
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.
NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable into the network wall jack and then plug it into the computer.
Close the computer cover, reconnect the computer and devices to electrical outlets, and then
turn them on.
Remove the card's driver from the operating system.
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 computer back panel.
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 computer back panel.
PCI Express Cards
Your computer supports one PCI Express x16 card and one PCI Express x1 card.
If you are installing or replacing a PCI Express card, follow the procedures in the next section. If you are removing but not replacing a PCI Express card, see "Removing a PCI Express Card."
If you are replacing a card, remove the current driver for the card from the operating system.
If you are installing a new card, unscrew and remove the filler bracket to create a card-slot
opening. Then continue with step 4.
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. If your card includes a retention mechanism, remove the top of the retention mechanism by pressing the tab and pulling up on the top. Gently pull the securing tab, grasp the card by its top corners, and then 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.
If you are installing the card into the x16 card connector, position the card so the securing slot
is aligned with the securing tab, and gently pull the securing tab.
Place the card in the connector and press down firmly. Ensure that the card is fully seated and
that the bracket is within the card slot.
If you replaced a card that was already installed in the computer and you removed the top of
the retention mechanism, you may reinstall the top.
Secure the card bracket with the screw you removed in step 2.
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 it into the computer.
Close 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.
If necessary, disconnect any cables connected to the card.
If your card includes a retention mechanism, remove the top of the retention mechanism by
pressing the tab and pulling up on the top.
Remove the securing screw from the card bracket.
Gently pull back the securing tab, grasp the card by its top corners, and then ease it out of its
connector.
If you are removing the card permanently, install a filler bracket in the empty card-slot
opening.
If you need a filler bracket, contact Dell (see the Owner's Manual).
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.
NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable into the network device and then plug it into the computer.
Close the computer cover, reconnect the computer and devices to electrical outlets, and then
turn them on.
Remove the card's driver from the operating system.
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 computer back panel.
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 computer back panel.
Install any drivers required for the card as described in the card documentation.
Front Panel
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 opening the cover.
If your computer has a release lever, push the release lever to release the top tab.
Reach inside the computer and push the top and bottom tab towards you to release
them.
Rotate the front panel to separate it from the side hinges.
Removing the Front-Panel Insert
Press in the two insert tabs.
Push out the front-panel insert.
Reattaching the Front Panel
Reattach the front panel to the side hinges.
Rotate the front panel until it snaps onto the front of the computer.
Drives
Your computer supports a combination of these devices:
Up to two hard drives
One optional floppy
Up to two CD or DVD drives
General Installation Guidelines
Connect serial ATA hard drives to the system board connectors labeled SATA-0 or SATA-2. Connect CD/DVD drives to the connector labeled PRI IDE.
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 primary or the boot device (drive 0), and the device attached to the middle connector on the interface cable is the secondary 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. Some drives may also have an audio connector; one end of the audio cable will attach to the drive connector and the other will attach 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.
When connecting an IDE cable, ensure you align the colored stripe with the pin 1 connector. When disconnecting an IDE cable, grasp the colored pull tab and pull until the connector detaches.
When connecting and disconnecting a serial ATA cable, hold the cable by the connector at each end.
NOTE: The system board serial ATA connector may have an attached cover or shroud.
Power Cable 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 opening 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.
If you are replacing a hard drive that contains data you want to keep, back up your files before
you begin this procedure.
Partition and logically format your drive before you proceed to the next step.
See the documentation for your operating system for instructions.
Test the hard drive by running the Dell Diagnostics (see the Owner's Manual).
If the drive you just installed is the primary drive, install your operating system on the hard
drive.
Adding a Second 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 opening 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.
Remove the additional hard drive bracket from the computer:
Remove the bracket-securing screws for the additional drive.
Remove the bracket for the additional drive from the computer.
If you are replacing the additional hard drive, remove the drive from the bracket:
Remove the hard drive-securing screws.
Remove the hard drive from the bracket.
NOTICE: Ground yourself by touching an unpainted metal surface on the back of the computer.
NOTICE: When you unpack the drive, do not set it on a hard surface, which may damage the drive. Instead, set the drive on a soft surface, such as a foam pad, that will sufficiently cushion it.
Install the additional hard drive:
Place the two bracket tabs into the drive slots inside the computer's front panel.
Swing the bracket forward so that it is flush with the computer's front panel.
If you are replacing a floppy drive, remove the drive from the bracket.
Attach the floppy drive bracket to the floppy drive.
Align the screw holes on the drive with the screw holes on the bracket.
Insert and tighten all four drive-securing screws (two on each side).
Position the top of the floppy drive bracket so that it is completely flush with the bottom of
the upper drive bay, and then slide the floppy drive bracket forward into position.
NOTE: The top of the floppy drive bracket has two slots that fit into two clips on the bottom of the upper drive bay. When the floppy drive bracket is properly mounted, it remains in place without support.
Secure the floppy drive bracket with the top bracket screw that came with your drive.
Disconnect the power, audio, and CD/DVD drive cables from the back of the drive and from
the system board.
Remove the CD/DVD drive securing screw.
Slide the drive forward and remove it from the drive bay.
Installing a CD/DVD Drive
If you are installing a new drive, unpack the drive and prepare it for installation.
Check the documentation that accompanied the drive to verify that the drive is configured for your computer. If you are installing an IDE drive, configure the drive for the cable select setting.
NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable into the network wall jack and then plug it into the computer.
Connect your computer and devices to electrical outlets, and then turn them on.
See the documentation that came with the drive for instructions on installing any software
required for drive operation.
Processor
Removing the Processor
NOTICE: Do not perform the following steps unless you are familiar with hardware removal and replacement. Performing these steps incorrectly could damage your system board. For technical service, see "Contacting Dell" in the Owner's Manual.
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions
located in the Product Information Guide.
Disconnect the cooling fan power cable from the fan connector on the system board.
Disconnect the power cable from the processor power connector on the system board.
Lift up the airflow shroud.
CAUTION: The heat sink can get very hot during normal operation. Be sure that the heat sink has had
sufficient time to cool before you touch it.
Remove the heat sink:
Remove the retention module clips. Press the tabs toward the center of the clip and
lift up.
On the retention base locate the
tab opposite the power supply.
Press on the retention base tab
until the heat sink pops up
slightly.
Press out on the second retention
tab while lifting the heat sink up
and out of the retention base.
NOTICE: Lay the heat sink down on its side.
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 and blower when you install your new processor.
Push down and out on the socket
release lever.
Open the processor cover.
To remove the processor from the socket, lift the processor vertically in one motion.
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.
Unpack the new 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.
Align the pin-1 corners of the processor and socket.
NOTICE: Socket pins are delicate. To avoid damage, ensure that the processor is aligned properly with the socket, and do not use excessive force when you install the process. Be careful not to touch or bend the pins on the system board.
Set the processor lightly in the socket and ensure that the processor is level in the socket.
When the processor is positioned correctly, press it with minimal pressure to seat it.
When the processor is fully seated in the socket, close the processor cover.
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:
Slide one end of the heat sink under the retention tab.
Pull out the other retention tab and lower the heat sink until it fits securely in the base.
NOTICE: Ensure the heat sink is correctly seated and secure.
Reinstall the retention module clips.
Lower the airflow shroud over the heat sink.
Reconnect the cooling fan power cable to the
fan connector on the system board.
Reconnect the power cable to the processor
power connector on the system board.
CAUTION: The microprocessor package can get hot. To avoid burns, ensure that the
package has had sufficient time to cool before you touch it.
Remove the microprocessor package from the existing system board and transfer it to
the replacement system board.
Configure the settings of the replacement system board.
Set the jumpers on the replacement system board so that they are identical to the ones on the existing board.
Place the system board inside the computer frame, place the heat-sink base on the system
board, and then replace the screws that you removed in step 8 of the preceding procedure.
Reinstall the fan assembly.
Reinstall the microprocessor heat sink, and then lower the heat-sink shroud.
Connect the AC power cable to the AC power connector on the back of the power supply.
NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable into the network wall jack and then plug it into the computer.
Connect your computer and devices to electrical outlets, and turn them on.
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.
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