Manuals

Removing the System Board: Dell^™ Dimension^™ Vxxx and Vxxxc Systems

NOTES: Read this entire procedure before you begin. If possible, print the system setup screens by pressing the <Print Screen> key before you turn off the computer because you will have to restore the configuration information after the system board is replaced.

1. Disconnect any cables attached to the I/O panel on the back of the computer.
2. Remove any installed expansion cards.
3. Disconnect all internal cables from the system board.
4. Remove the microprocessor and heat sink assembly.
5. Remove the chassis cooling-fan assembly.
6. Using a #2 Phillips screwdriver, loosen the four captive nuts securing the guide bracket assembly for the microprocessor to the system board. Remove the assembly from the four threaded posts.

NOTE: The four nuts are captive and are retained in the assembly when loosened. The screws are mounted on the system board.

7. Remove the system-board mounting screw from the back of the computer.

8. Lift the system board from the three plastic standoffs that secure the system board to the chassis.
9. Carefully lift the system board out from the I/O gasket (see the figure before step 1), and remove the board from the computer.
   

   NOTE: You may need to slide the board toward the front of the computer to clear the hooked standoffs before lifting the board from the computer.

10. Remove the mounting bracket from the back of the system board.

Before installing a replacement system board, complete the following steps:

1. Install the guide bracket assembly for the microprocessor. (The assembly is keyed for correct insertion.)
2. Install the microprocessor and heat sink assembly.
3. Transfer the DIMMs to the new system board.

When installing a replacement system board, angle the back of the board downward and carefully align the connectors on the back edge of the board with the cutouts in the I/O gasket. When properly aligned, the board connectors slide into the I/O gasket as you lower the board into position in the chassis and reseat it on the three plastic standoffs. Then replace the system-board mounting screw.

NOTE: The mounting screw pulls the board against the I/O gasket to prevent EMI leakage.

After installing the replacement system board, replace the expansion cards that you removed from the old system board.

When reconnecting the cables to a system board with on-board audio, be sure to connect the CD-ROM drive audio cable to the CD-ROM connector (the middle audio connector) on the system board.

To configure the system after installing a replacement board, follow these steps:

1. Install the jumper plug on pins 2 and 3 of configuration jumper J9D3 to select Maintenance mode.
2. Replace the cover and support beam and boot the system.

The computer automatically starts the system setup program, adds the Maintenance option to the menu bar, and displays the Maintenance screen.

3. If necessary, change the Processor Speed setting to match the speed of the installed microprocessor.
4. Select Clear All Passwords and press <Enter> twice.
5. Press <F10> to exit the system setup program and save any changes you made.
6. Turn off the system, remove the computer cover, and replace the jumper plug on pins 1 and 2 of jumper J9D3 to select Normal mode operation.
7. Replace the cover and support beam and boot the system.
8. If necessary, reenter the system setup program and reset the system configuration information.