You can increase your computer memory by installing memory modules on the system board. For information on the type of memory supported by your computer, see "Memory."
NOTE: DDR 333 memory operates at 320-MHz when used with an 800-MHz front-side bus
processor.
DDR Memory Overview
DDR memory modules should be installed in pairs of matched memory size. This means that if you purchased your computer with 256 MB of memory installed and you want to add another 256 MB of memory, you must install it in the appropriate connector. If the DDR memory modules are not installed in matched pairs, the computer will continue to operate, but with a slight reduction in performance.
NOTE: Always install DDR memory modules in the order indicated on the system board.
The recommended memory configurations are:
A pair of matched memory modules installed in connectors DIMM1 and DIMM2
or
A pair of matched memory modules installed in connectors DIMM1 and DIMM2 and another matched pair installed in connectors DIMM3 and DIMM4
Additional memory recommendations include:
Do not install ECC memory modules.
Be sure to install a single memory module in DIMM 1 or the connector closest to the processor before you install modules in the other connectors.
Memory Installation Guidelines
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. You should install your original memory modules in pairs either in
connectors DIMM1 and DIMM2 or connectors DIMM3 and DIMM4. If possible, do not pair an
original memory module with a new memory module. Otherwise, your computer may not
function at optimal performance.
NOTE: Memory purchased from Dell is covered under your computer warranty.
Installing Memory
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in your
Owner's Manual.
Lay the computer on its side so that the system board is on the bottom of the inside of
the computer.
If necessary, remove a memory module:
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.
To insert a module, 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 breaking the memory module, do not press near the middle of the module.
Insert the module straight down into the connector, ensuring that it fits into the
vertical guides at each end of the connector. Press firmly on the ends of the module
until it snaps into place.
If you insert the module correctly, the securing clips snap into the cutouts at each end of the module.
Press the lever on the card retention arm and raise the retention arm.
If you are installing a new card, remove the filler bracket to create a card-slot opening.
Then continue with step 7.
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 the card is full-length, insert the end of the card into the card guide bracket as you lower the card toward its connector on the system board. Insert the card firmly into the card connector on the system board.
Before you lower the retention arm, 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.
Press the retention arm into place, securing the card(s) in the computer.
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.
Press the lever on the card retention arm and raise the retention arm.
If necessary, disconnect any cables connected to the card.
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.
NOTE: You must install filler brackets over empty card-slot openings to maintain FCC
certification of the computer. The brackets also keep dust and dirt out of your computer.
Lower the retention arm and press it into place, securing the card(s) in the computer.
If your replacement hard drive does not have the bracket rails attached, remove the
rails from the old drive by removing the two screws that secure each rail to the drive.
Attach the bracket rails to the new drive by aligning the screw holes on the drive with
the screw holes on the bracket rails and then inserting and tightening all four screws
(two screws on each rail).
Install the hard drive into the computer by gently sliding the drive into place until you
hear it click securely.
Connect the power and hard-drive cables to the drive.
Check all connectors to be certain that they are properly cabled and firmly seated.
If you are replacing a drive and the new drive does not have the bracket rails attached,
remove the rails from the old drive by removing the two screws that secure each rail to
the drive. Attach the bracket to the new drive by aligning the screw holes on the drive
with the screw holes on the bracket rails and then inserting and tightening all four
screws (two screws on each rail). See the diagram.
Gently slide the drive into place until the tabs securely click into position.
Attach the power and floppy-drive cables to the floppy drive.
If you are installing a new floppy drive rather than replacing a drive, remove the front-
panel inserts.
From inside the drive bay, gently press on each side of the insert until it pops out.
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 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 new drive to the set of rails that are attached to the inside of the cover. If
a set of rails is not attached inside the computer cover, contact Dell.
If you are installing a replacement drive and the new drive does not have the bracket
rails attached, remove the rails from the old drive by removing the two screws that
secure each rail to the drive. Attach the bracket to the new drive by aligning the screw
holes on the drive with the screw holes on the bracket rails and then inserting and
tightening all four screws (two screws on each rail). See the diagram.
Gently slide the drive into place until the tabs securely click into position.
Connect the power and CD/DVD drive cables to the drive.
If you are adding a drive that has an audio cable, connect the audio cable to the audio connector on the audio card.
If you are installing a new CD/DVD drive rather than replacing a drive, remove the
front-panel inserts.
From inside the drive bay, gently press on each side of the insert until it pops out.
If you are installing a drive that has its own controller card, install the controller card in
an expansion slot.
See the documentation that accompanied the drive and controller card to verify that the configuration is correct for your computer.
Check all cable connections, and fold cables out of the way to provide airflow for the
fan and cooling vents.
NOTICE: You must position the processor correctly in the socket to avoid permanent damage to
the processor and the computer.
If the release lever is not extended to the release position, move it to that position.
Align pin-1 (the imprinted corner) of the processor and pin-1 of the socket.
NOTICE: Processor pins are delicate. To avoid damage, ensure that the processor aligns
properly with the socket, and do not use excessive force when you install the processor.
Carefully set the processor in the socket and press it down lightly to seat it.
Rotate the release lever back toward the system board until it snaps into place,
securing the processor.
Install the heat sink:
Insert the notched end of the heat sink onto the end of the retention base that is
opposite the hinge.
Lower the heat sink until it fits securely in the base.
When the heat sink is secured, pivot the retention module clip back until the tab
snaps into place to secure the heat sink.
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.
Remove the retention module clip by pressing in on the tab and lifting the
retention module clip up.
Pull the release lever out until the heat sink is released.
Lift the heat sink away from the processor.
NOTICE: Lay the heat sink down with the thermal grease facing upward.
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.
Pull the release lever straight up until the processor is released.
NOTICE: Be careful not to bend any of the pins when you remove the processor from the
socket. Bending the pins can permanently damage the processor.
Remove the processor from the socket.
If you are replacing the processor, leave the release lever extended in the release position so that the socket is ready for the new processor and go to "Installing the Processor."
Remove any components that restrict access to the system board.
Disconnect all cables from the system board.
Before you remove the existing system board assembly, visually compare the
replacement system board to the existing system board to make sure that you have the
correct part.
Remove the system board screw.
Pull up on the two tabs, slide the system board assembly toward the front of the
computer, and then lift the assembly up and away.
Place the system board assembly 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 processor package and heat-sink assembly can get hot. To avoid burns, ensure that the package and assembly have had sufficient time to cool before you touch them.
Configure the settings of the replacement system board.
Set the jumpers on the replacement system board so they are identical to the ones on
the existing board.
NOTE: Some components and connectors on the replacement system board may be in different
locations than the corresponding connectors on the existing system board.
Orient the replacement board by aligning the notches on the bottom of the board with
the tabs on the computer.
Slide the system board assembly toward the back of the computer until the assembly
clicks into position.
Replace any components and cables that you removed from the system board.
Reconnect all cables to their connectors at the back of the computer.
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.
Power Supply
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in your Owner's Manual.
Removing the Power Supply
NOTICE: Before disconnecting a device from the computer, wait 10 to 20 seconds after
disconnecting the computer from its electrical outlet. Before removing a component from the
system board, verify that the standby power light on the system board has turned off. To locate
this light, see "System Board Components."
Disconnect the power supply cables and the card fan cable.
Remove the card fan guide:
Pull up on the fan-guide release button.
Slide the card fan guide to the right.
Lift the card fan guide out of the four securing slots in the computer.
While pressing the power-supply release button, slide the power supply toward the
back of the computer.
Lift the power supply away from the computer.
Slide the power supply cables out of the computer (through the hole).
Replacing the Power Supply
Slide the power supply cables through the hole into the computer.
Insert the power-supply securing tabs into the power-supply securing slots on the
computer, ensuring that each securing tab is connected to its slot on the computer.
Slide the power supply toward the front of the computer.
Install the card fan guide:
Place the card fan guide into the four securing slots in the computer.
Slide the card fan guide to the left until it locks into position.
Connect the power supply cables and the card fan cable.
Disconnect and remove all disk drives (see "Drives").
Release the front panel by pressing each of the front-panel release tabs.
There are seven release tabs.
Close the computer cover halfway and pull the front panel away from the computer.
Replacing the Front Panel
To replace the front panel, perform the removal procedure in reverse.
Drive Door
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in your
Owner's Manual.
Removing the Drive Door
Open the drive door.
Unsnap the top bracket hinge and pull the top of the drive door outward, away from
the computer.
Lift the bottom bracket hinge away from the computer.
Replacing the Drive Door
To prevent damage to your computer, the drive door is designed to "break away" from the computer if it is opened too far. If the drive door detaches from the computer without disassembling, perform the removal procedure in reverse.
If the drive door is open and it is opened too far, instead of breaking away from the computer in one piece, the drive door may disassemble into several smaller pieces. If the drive door disassembles:
If necessary, reattach the door hinges to the door bracket. Ensure that the hinge tabs
are away from the door bracket.
Attach the door bracket/door hinge assembly to the door, starting with the lower part
of each door hinge.
Attach the drive door to the computer, starting with the bottom bracket hinge.
Battery
CAUTION: Before you begin this procedure, follow the safety instructions in your
Owner's Manual.
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 9.
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.
