You can increase your computer memory by installing memory modules on the system board.
Your computer supports unbuffered, non-ECC, 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.
If you install mixed pairs of DDR2 800-MHz (PC2-6400) 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.
1
matched pair of memory modules in DIMM connectors 1 and 2 (white securing clips)
2
matched pair of memory modules in DIMM connectors 3 and 4 (black securing clips)
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.
NOTE: Memory purchased from Dell is covered under your computer warranty.
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 then 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, then 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.
1
PCI Express x16 card
2
PCI Express x1 card
3
PCI Express x1 card slot
4
PCI Express x16 card slot
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.
Gently push the release tab on the card retention door from the inside to pivot the door open. Because
the door is attached, it will remain in the open position.
1
retention arm tab
2
PCI Express card
3
edge connector
4
card connector
5
securing tab
6
securing slot
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, grasp the card by its top corners,
and ease it out of its connector.
If necessary, disconnect any cables connected to the card.
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 then gently pull the securing tab.
Place the card in the connector and press down firmly. Ensure that the card is fully seated in the slot.
1
card not fully seated
2
bracket within slot
3
bracket caught outside of slot
4
card fully seated
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.
1
retention arm
2
PCI Express card
3
edge connector
4
card connector
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.
Gently push the release tab on the card retention door from the inside to pivot the door open. Because
the door is attached, it will remain in the open position.
Gently pull back the securing tab, grasp the card by its top corners, and then ease it out of its connector.
If necessary, disconnect any cables connected to the card.
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. Filler brackets also 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 card or filler bracket fits around the alignment guide.
Close the card retention door by snapping it into place to secure the cards.
Connect 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 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.
Unpack the 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
tabs (2)
2
drive
3
drive screw holes
4
drive bracket
Connect the power cable and hard drive or SATA cable to the drive.
1
power cable
2
hard drive plastic latch
3
hard drive cable or serial ATA data cable
4
open bay
Check all connectors to be certain that they are properly cabled and firmly seated.
Gently slide the drive into the open bay until the hard drive plastic latch attaches to the hard drive
holder on the chassis.
1
tabs (2)
2
hard drive
3
hard drive holder on the chassis
4
hard drive plastic latch
Align the drive screw holes with the screws projecting upwards on the heat sink holder.
Firmly press on the blue tab on each side of the drive until you hear a click.
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 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.
Enter System Setup (see Entering System Setup), and then select the appropriate Drive option.
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.
Disconnect the interface cable from the back of the Media Card Reader and from the Media Card
Reader connector on the system board (see System Board Components).
1
interface cable
2
Media Card Reader connector
Pull up on the drive release latch and slide the Media Card Reader towards the back of the computer,
then lift to remove the drive from the computer.
NOTE: If necessary, remove the Media Card Reader screws.
Remove the Media Card Reader from its packaging and ensure that all the screws are included.
1
drive
2
drive bracket
3
screws (4)
Slide the drive into place until you feel a click or feel the drive securely installed.
Connect the interface cable to the back of the Media Card Reader and to the Media Card Reader
connector on the system board (see System Board Components).
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 towards the back of the computer and lift to remove.
Installing the Heat Sink Assembly
Place the heat sink assembly back onto the heat sink assembly bracket.
Rotate the heat sink assembly down towards the computer base and tighten the two captive screws.
NOTICE: Ensure that the heat sink is correctly seated and secure.
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 CPUFAN connector on the system board (see System Board
Components).
1
fan assembly
2
fan cable connector
3
fan release lever
4
fan tabs (2)
Press the fan release lever, then slide the fan towards the back of the computer to release the two fan
tabs from the keyhole slots in the chassis.
Carefully, remove the fan from the computer.
Installing the Fan Assembly
When reinstalling the fan, ensure that you do not pinch any wires that run near the fan.
NOTICE: Ensure that the two fan tabs are fully inserted into the keyhole slots in the chassis so that the fan can slide back fully into position. Ensure that the fan release lever is seated into its slot in the chassis.
CAUTION: 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 assistance, see "Contacting Dell" in your Owner's Manual.
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide.
CAUTION: To guard against electrical shock, always unplug your computer from the electrical outlet before opening the cover.
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: 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.
Place your finger upon the hook end of the release lever, then push down and out to release it from the
tab that secures it.
1
processor cover
2
processor
3
processor socket
4
release lever
Open the processor cover, and then carefully 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: 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: 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. Ensure that the notches on the processor are aligned with the notches on the socket.
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
2
securing tab
3
processor
4
processor socket
5
center cover latch
6
release lever
7
alignment notches (2)
8
socket and processor pin-1 indicator
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 processor.
Gently place the processor in the socket and check to ensure that the processor is positioned correctly.
When the processor is fully seated in the socket, close the processor cover.
Ensure that the securing 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 beneath the securing tab.
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 received.
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 then 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: For easier access to the modem, it may be necessary to remove the power cable from the power connector (POWER) on the system board (see System Board Components).
Remove the existing modem:
Remove the modem cable from the RJ11 internal connector.
Use a small Phillips screwdriver to remove the two screws securing the modem to the system
board, and then set the screws aside.
Pull straight up on the attached pull-tab to lift the modem out of its connector on the system
board.
Remove the modem cable from the modem.
1
pull tab
2
modem cable
3
screws (2)
4
RJ11 internal connector (RJ11INT)
5
modem
6
T-shaped connector attached to the modem cable
Install the new modem:
Connect the T-shaped connector of the modem cable to the modem.
Align the modem with the screw holes and press the modem into its connector on the system
board (see System Board Components).
NOTICE: The connectors are keyed to ensure correct insertion. If you feel resistance, check the connectors for proper orientation, then try again.
Replace and tighten the two screws to secure the modem to the system board.
Replace the other end of the modem cable to the RJ11 internal connector.
Connect the power cable to the power connector (POWER) on the system board (see System Board
Components).
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.
Disconnect all DC power cables from the system board and drives.
Remove the three power supply screws.
1
power supply screws (3)
Slide the power supply approximately 1 inch toward the front of the computer.
Carefully lift the power supply out of the computer.
Replacing the Power Supply
Lower the power supply into the computer and slide the power supply toward the back of the
computer.
Connect the AC power cable to the power supply connector.
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 then turn them on.
System Board
Removing the System Board
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide.
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 any components that restrict access to the system board.
Remove the heat sink assembly and processor.
Disconnect all cables from the system board.
Before you remove the existing system board, visually compare the replacement system board to the
existing board to ensure that you have the correct part.
Remove the six screws that secure the system board to the bottom of the computer.
Slide the system board assembly toward the front of the computer, and then carefully lift the system
board up and out of the computer.
1
screws (6)
Place the system board assembly that you just removed next to the replacement system board to ensure
that it is identical.
NOTE: Some components and connectors on the replacement system board may be in different locations from corresponding connectors on the existing system board.
Replacing the System Board
Gently align the system board into the chassis and slide it toward the back of the computer.
Replace the six screws to secure the system board to the computer.
NOTE: Some components and connectors on the replacement system board may be in different locations from corresponding connectors on the existing system board.
Transfer components from the existing system board to the replacement system board:
Remove the memory modules and install them on the replacement system board (see Memory).
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.
Orient the five LED card case tabs with the slots in the chassis.
NOTE: Ensure that the card release lever is on top.
Press the case so that the tabs fix firmly into the slots in the chassis.
Press the LED card case release lever and slide the case towards the top of the chassis until you hear a
click and the case locks in position.
Replace the cable connected to the card.
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
Enter the system setup program (see Entering System Setup) and record the values for all the screens
so that you can restore the correct settings after installing the new battery.
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 then snap the battery
into place.
