You can increase your computer memory by installing memory modules on the system board.
Your computer supports DDR2 memory.
NOTE: Buffered memory is not supported on this computer.
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 module to determine the module capacity.
NOTE: Always install DDR2 memory modules in the order indicated on the system board.
The recommended memory configurations are:
A pair of matched memory modules installed in DIMM connectors 1 and 2 (white securing clips)
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 (black securing clips)
NOTICE: Do not install ECC memory modules.
NOTE: If you install DDR2 667-MHz memory, the speed is reduced to 533 MHz.
If you install mixed pairs of DDR2 400-MHz (PC2-3200) and DDR2 533-MHz (PC2-4300) memory, the modules function at the speed of the slowest module 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 two 2-GB DIMMs. Current operating systems, such as Microsoft® Windows® XP, can 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 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 port or device and then plug it
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 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, 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 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 Express cards:
One PCI Express x16 card slot
One PCI Express x1 card slot
NOTE: The slots for the PCI Express x16 and PCI Express x1 cards are half-height slots.
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 card, see "Removing a PCI Express Card."
If you are replacing a card, remove the current driver for the card from the operating system.
Pull up on 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 installing a new card, remove the filler bracket to create a card-slot opening. Then
continue with step 6.
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.
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 pull the securing tab.
Place the card in the connector and press down firmly. Ensure that the card is fully seated in
the 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.
Close the card retention door by snapping it into place to secure the cards.
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 that came with the card for information about the card cable connections.
NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable into the network port or device and then plug it
into the computer.
Replace the computer cover, reconnect the computer and devices to electrical outlets, and
then turn them on.
Install any drivers required for the card as described in the card documentation.
Pull up on 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 necessary, disconnect any cables connected to the card.
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.
NOTE: Installing filler brackets over empty card-slot openings is necessary to maintain FCC certification
of the computer. The brackets keep dust and dirt out of your computer.
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 cards or filler brackets fits around the alignment guide.
Close the card retention door by snapping it into place to secure the cards.
Replace the computer cover, reconnect the computer and devices to electrical outlets, and
then turn them on.
Uninstall the driver for that card.
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.
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.
Connect the power cable and the serial ATA data cable to the drive.
Ensure that all connectors are properly cabled and firmly seated.
Slide the drive into place until you feel a click or feel the drive securely installed.
Pull up on the drive release latch and slide the drive toward the back of the computer.
Carefully, so as not to damage the attached interface cable, lift the drive away from the
computer.
NOTE: The interface cable is held in place by the metal drive bracket and does not need to be removed
from the drive.
Disconnect the interface cable from the interface cable connector on the system board.
Set the drive aside in a secure location.
Installing a CD/DVD 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.
Connect the interface cable to the interface cable connector on the system board. See System
Board Components.
Slide the drive into place until you feel a click or feel the drive securely installed.
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 in to the network port or device and then plug
it in to 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 Drive option.
Verify that your computer works correctly by running the Dell Diagnostics.
Media Card Reader
For information about using the Media Card Reader, see your Owner's Manual.
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions 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: The heat-sink assembly can get very hot during normal operation. Be sure that the assembly
has had sufficient time to cool before you touch it.
Remove the two screws from either side of the heat-sink assembly.
NOTICE: After you remove the heat-sink assembly, lay the assembly on its side. Do not set the heat-sink
assembly upright or touch the thermal interface to avoid damage to the thermal interface material on the
underside.
Pivot the assembly toward the back of the computer and lift to remove.
Fan Assembly
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the
Product Information Guide.
CAUTION: The heat-sink assembly can get very hot during normal operation. Be sure that the assembly
has had sufficient time to cool before you touch it.
Disconnect the fan power cable from the FAN connector on the system board.
1
fan assembly
2
fan cable connector
3
fan release tab
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 in the
Product Information Guide.
CAUTION: The heat-sink assembly can get very hot during normal operation. Be sure that the assembly
has had sufficient time to cool before you touch it.
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.
NOTICE: Carefully remove the processor from the socket to avoid permanent damage to the processor.
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: When you install the heat-sink assembly, do not touch the thermal interface to prevent damage
to the thermal interface material on the interface.
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.
NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable into the network port or device and then plug it
into the computer.
Connect your computer and devices to electrical outlets, and turn them on.
Modem
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the
Product Information Guide.
NOTICE: Before you remove or install the modem, make sure to disconnect all telephone and network
cables from your computer.
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.
NOTE: Note the routing of the modem cable as you remove the modem. You must route the cable
properly when you replace the modem to prevent the cable from being pinched or crimped.
Remove the modem cable from the modem.
Remove the external modem connector:
Remove the screw that secures the external modem connector.
Slide the external modem connector away from the slot that holds the modem connector
in place.
Lift the modem cable and connector from the computer.
To install a new modem cable and external modem connector:
Attach the modem cable to the external modem connector.
Align the external modem connector with the slot on the back on the computer.
Replace the screw that secures the external modem connector in place.
Carefully route the cable wire and reconnect the modem cable to the modem.
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 AC power cable from the power supply connector.
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.
Remove the power supply, any installed cards, and any components that restrict access to the
system board.
Disconnect all cables from the system board.
Disconnect the modem cable and ground wire from the modem:
Disconnect the modem cable from the modem.
Use a size #1 screwdriver to remove the screws that secure the modem and ground wire
to the system board, and set the screws aside.
Before you remove the existing system board, visually compare the replacement system board
to the existing system board to make sure that you have the correct part.
Remove the six screws that attach the system board to the bottom of the computer.
Lift the system board out of the computer.
Place the system board that you just removed next to the replacement system board.
Replacing the System Board
Transfer components from the existing system board to the replacement system board:
CAUTION: The heat-sink assembly and processor package can get hot. To avoid burns, ensure that the
assembly and package have had sufficient time to cool before you touch them.
Remove the modem 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 system board.
NOTE: Some components and connectors on the replacement system board may be in different
locations from corresponding connectors on the existing system board.
Orient the replacement system board by aligning the slots in the bottom of the board to the
tabs on the computer.
Slide the system board down onto the pins.
Replace the screw that holds the system board down.
Reconnect the modem cable and ground wire to the modem:
Reconnect the modem cable from the modem.
Use a size #1 screwdriver to remove the screws securing the modem and ground wire to
the system board, and set the screws aside.
Replace any components and cables that you removed from the system board.
Reconnect all cables to their connectors at the back of the computer.
Remove the power supply, any installed cards, and any components that restrict access to the
system board.
Remove the system board.
NOTE: Depending on your computer, you may have one or two screws that secure the front I/O panel.
Remove the two screws that hold the front I/O panel.
Pivot the I/O panel toward the back of the computer and lift to remove.
Disconnect any cables that are attached to the front I/O panel.
1
screws (2)
2
front I/O panel
Battery
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions 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 instructions.
Replacing the Battery
Record all the screens in system setup so that you can restore the correct settings in step 11.
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:
Support the battery connector by pressing down firmly on the positive side of the
connector.
While supporting the battery connector, press the battery toward the positive side of the
connector and pry it up out of the securing tabs on the negative side of the connector.
NOTICE: To avoid damage to the battery connector, you must firmly support the connector while
installing or removing a battery.
Install the new system battery.
Support the battery connector by pressing down firmly on the positive side of the
connector.
Hold the battery with the "+" facing up, and slide it under the securing tabs on the
positive side of the connector.
Press the battery straight down into the connector until it snaps into place.
