Dell Dimension XPS Systems Service Manual
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."
|
NOTE: Always install DDR2 memory modules in the order indicated on the system board. |
The recommended memory configurations are:
or
|
NOTICE: Do not install ECC memory modules. |
|
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. |
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.
|
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 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. |
If you insert the module correctly, the securing clips snap into the cutouts at each end of the module.
|
NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable into the network wall jack and then plug it into the computer. |
|
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. |
If the module is difficult to remove, gently ease the module back and forth to remove it from the connector.
|
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:
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.
If you are installing or replacing a PCI Express card, see "Installing a PCI Express Card."
If necessary, disconnect any cables connected to the card. Grasp the card by its top corners, and ease it out of its connector.
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 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.
|
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. |
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 wall jack and then plug it into the computer. |
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 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. |
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 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 or replacing a PCI card, see "Installing a PCI Express 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 ease it out of its connector.
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 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.
|
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. |
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 wall jack and then plug it into the computer. |
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 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. |
Your computer supports a combination of these devices:
Connect serial ATA hard drives and serial CD/DVD drives to the system board connectors labeled SATA-0, SATA-1, SATA-2, or SATA-3. Connect IDE 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.
When you install a drive, you connect two cablesa DC power cable and a data cableto 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.
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. |
|
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide. |
|
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. |
|
NOTE: If you are installing a hard drive in the lower bay, place the drive in the bay so that the power connector is on the left-hand side (opposite of the top hard drive) |
.
|
NOTICE: When replacing the hard-drive shroud, ensure that all the cables are properly routed. |
|
NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable into the network wall jack and then plug it into the computer. |
See the documentation that came with the drive for instructions on installing any software required for drive operation.
See the documentation for your operating system for instructions.
|
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. |
|
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. |
Ensure that the rail tabs are positioned at the back of the hard drive.
|
NOTICE: Do not install any drive into the lower hard-drive bay until you have removed the green drive rails from the inside of the hard-drive bay. |
|
NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable into the network device and then plug it into the computer. |
See the documentation that came with the drive for instructions on installing any software required for drive operation.
|
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. |
Follow the procedure in "Before You Begin."
|
NOTE: If you are adding a floppy drive, see "Installing a Floppy Drive." |
|
NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable into the network wall jack and then plug it into the computer. |
See the documentation that came with the drive for instructions on installing any software required for drive operation.
|
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. |
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.
If you are adding a drive that has an audio cable, connect the audio cable to the audio connector on the system board.
|
NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable into the network wall jack and then plug it into the computer. |
See the documentation that came with the drive for instructions on installing any software required for drive operation.
|
CAUTION: Before you perform this procedure, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide. |
|
CAUTION: 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 avoid damaging the fan power cables, do not slide the shroud too quickly. |
|
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.
|
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. |
|
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide. |
|
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. |
|
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. |
Leave the release lever extended in the release position so that the socket is ready for the new processor.
|
NOTICE: Ground yourself by touching an unpainted metal surface on the back of the computer. |
|
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. |
|
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. |
|
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: Ensure 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 it into the computer. |
|
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the System Information Guide. |
|
NOTICE: The system board and metal tray are connected and are removed as one piece. |
.
|
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. |
|
NOTE: Some components and connectors on the replacement system board may be in different locations than the corresponding connectors on the existing system board. |
|
NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable into the network wall jack and then plug it into the computer. |
|
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide. |
|
CAUTION: 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: 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 auxiliary power LED on the system board has turned off. To locate this light, see "System Board Components." |
|
NOTICE: To avoid damaging the cables when you reinstall the power supply, replace the cables as shown below. |
|
CAUTION: 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 in the Product Information Guide. |
|
CAUTION: 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 in the Product Information Guide. |
To replace the front LED board, perform the removal procedure in reverse.
|
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide. |
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:
|
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:
|
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. |
|
NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable into the network device and then plug it into the computer. |