CAUTION: To guard against electrical shock, laceration by moving fan blades, or other unexpected injuries, always unplug your computer from the electrical outlet before opening the cover.
CAUTION: Do not operate your computer with any cover(s) (including computer covers, bezels, filler brackets, front-panel inserts, and so on.) removed.
CAUTION: Some of the parts described in this chapter may be replaceable by a certified service technician only and are not custom replaceable.
Before You Begin
This chapter provides procedures for removing and installing the components in your computer. Unless otherwise noted, each procedure assumes that the following conditions exist:
You have read the safety information in the Dell™ Product Information Guide.
A component can be replaced or—if purchased separately—installed by performing the removal procedure in reverse order.
Recommended Tools
The procedures in this document may require the following tools:
Small flat-blade screwdriver
Small Phillips screwdriver
Small plastic scribe
Flash BIOS executable update program on the Dell Support website at support.dell.com
Turning Off Your Computer
NOTICE: To avoid losing data, save and close any open files and exit any open programs before you turn off your computer.
Windows® XP:
Save and close any open files and exit any open programs.
Click Start®Turn Off Computer®Turn off.
Ensure that the computer and any attached devices are turned off. If your
computer and attached devices did not automatically turn off when you
shut down your operating system, press and hold the power button for at
least 8 to 10 seconds until the computer turns off.
Windows Vista®:
Save and close any open files and exit any open programs.
Click Start , click the arrow , and then click Shut Down.
The computer turns off after the operating system shutdown process finishes.
Ensure that the computer and any attached devices are turned off. If your
computer and attached devices did not automatically turn off when you
shut down your operating system, press and hold the power button for at
least 8 to 10 seconds until the computer turns off.
Before Working Inside Your Computer
Use the following safety guidelines to help protect your computer from potential damage and to help to ensure your own personal safety.
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide.
NOTICE: Handle components and cards with care. Do not touch the components or contacts on a card. Hold a card by its edges or by its metal mounting bracket. Hold a component such as a processor by its edges, not by its pins.
NOTICE: Only a certified service technician should perform repairs on your computer. Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by your warranty.
NOTICE: When you disconnect a cable, pull on its connector or on its pull-tab, not on the cable itself. Some cables have connectors with locking tabs; if you are disconnecting this type of cable, press in on the locking tabs before you disconnect the cable. As you pull connectors apart, keep them evenly aligned to avoid bending any connector pins. Also, before you connect a cable, ensure that both connectors are correctly oriented and aligned.
NOTICE: To disconnect a network cable, first unplug the cable from your computer and then unplug the cable from the network device.
Disconnect all telephone or network cables from the computer.
NOTICE: To avoid damaging the system board, you must remove the main battery before you service the computer.
Disconnect your computer and all attached devices from their electrical
outlets.
Press the power button to ground the system board.
CAUTION: To guard against electrical shock, laceration by moving fan blades, or other unexpected injuries, always unplug your computer from the electrical outlet before opening the cover.
Open the computer 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 static electricity, which could harm internal components.
Removing the Computer Cover
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, laceration by moving fan blades, or other unexpected injuries, always unplug your computer from the electrical outlet before opening the cover.
NOTICE: Ensure that sufficient space exists to support the removed cover.
NOTICE: Ensure that you are working on a level, protected surface to avoid scratching either the computer or the surface on which it is resting.
Lay your computer on its side with the computer cover facing up.
Remove the two thumbscrews securing the cover, using a flat-blade
screwdriver.
1
computer cover
2
front of computer
3
thumbscrew (2)
Release the computer cover by pulling it away from the front of the
computer and lifting it up.
Set the cover aside in a secure location.
Inside View of Your Computer
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide.
1
CD or DVD drive
2
power supply
3
optional CD or DVD drive
4
floppy drive or Media Reader (optional)
5
hard drive
6
optional hard drive
System Board Components
1
processor socket (CPU)
2
processor fan connector (CPU_FAN)
3
memory module connectors (DIMM_2)
4
memory module connectors (DIMM_1)
5
memory module connectors (DIMM_4)
6
memory module connectors (DIMM_3)
7
main power connector (ATX_POWER)
8
floppy drive connector (FLOPPY)
9
serial ATA drive connectors (SATA3)
10
serial ATA drive connectors (SATA2)
11
password jumper (CLEAR_PW)
12
CMOS jumper (CLEAR CMOS)
13
front panel connector (F_PANEL)
14
serial ATA drive connectors (SATA1)
15
serial ATA drive connectors (SATA0)
16
front USB connector (F_USB3)
17
front USB connector (F_USB2)
18
FlexBay connector (F_USB1)
19
PCI connector (PCI3)
20
PCI connector (PCI2)
21
IEEE connector
22
front audio (F_AUDIO)
23
battery socket
24
PCI Express x1 connector (PCIE_X1)
25
PCI Express x16 connector (PCIE_x16)
26
audio connectors
27
2 USB and 1 LAN connector
28
2 USB connectors
29
chassis fan connector (CHASSIS_FAN)
30
video connector (VGA)
31
power for cpu (ATX_CPU)
Power Supply DC Connector Pin Assignments
DC Power Connector P1
Pin Number
Signal name
Wire Color
Wire Size
1
3.3 V
Orange
20 AWG
2
3.3 V
Orange
20 AWG
3
RTN
Black
20 AWG
4
5 V
Red
20 AWG
5
RTN
Black
20 AWG
6
5 V
Red
20 AWG
7
RTN
Black
20 AWG
8
POK
Gray
22 AWG
9
5 V AUX
Purple
20 AWG
10
+12 V
Yellow
20 AWG
11
+12 V
Yellow
20 AWG
12
3.3 V
Orange
20 AWG
13
3.3 V
Orange
20 AWG
14
-12 V
Blue
22 AWG
15
RTN
Black
20 AWG
16
PS_ON
Green
22 AWG
17
RTN
Black
20 AWG
18
RTN
Black
20 AWG
19
RTN
Black
20 AWG
20
OPEN
21
5 V
Red
20 AWG
22
5 V
Red
20 AWG
23
5 V
Red
20 AWG
24
RTN
Black
20 AWG
DC Power Connector P2
Pin Number
Signal Name
18-AWG Wire
1
GND
Black
2
GND
Black
3
+12 VADC
Yellow
4
+12 VADC
Yellow
DC Power Connectors P3, P5, P8, and P9
Pin Number
Signal name
18-AWG Wire
1
+3.3 VDC
Orange
2
GND
Black
3
+5 VDC
Red
4
GND
Black
5
+12 VBDC
White
DC Power Connector P7
Pin Number
Signal Name
22-AWG Wire
1
+5 VDC
Red
2
GND
Black
3
GND
Black
4
+12 VADC
Yellow
Memory
You can increase your computer memory by installing memory modules on the system board. Your computer supports DDR2 memory. For additional information on the type of memory supported by your computer, see Memory.
NOTICE: Do not install ECC or buffered memory modules. Only unbuffered, non-ECC memory is supported.
Memory Installation Guidelines
DIMM connectors must be populated in a numerical order, beginning with connectors DIMM_1 and DIMM_2, then connectors DIMM_3 and DIMM_4. If a single DIMM is installed, you must install it in connector DIMM_1.
For best performance, memory modules should be installed in pairs of matched memory size, speed, and technology. If the memory modules are not installed in matched pairs, the computer will operate, but with a slight reduction in performance. (See the label on the module to determine the module's capacity.) For example, if you install a mixed pair of DDR2 667-MHz and DDR2 800-MHz memory, the modules function at the slowest speed installed.
1
Pair A: matched pair of memory modules in connectors DIMM_1 and DIMM_2
2
Pair B: matched pair of memory modules in connectors DIMM_3 and DIMM_4
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.
Installing Memory
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide.
CAUTION: Before installing memory, you must remove the PCI Express x16 card. See Cards.
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 device and then plug it into the computer.
Connect your computer and devices to electrical outlets, and turn them on.
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.
CAUTION: Before removing memory, you must remove the PCI Express x16 card. See Cards.
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: 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 and PCI Express cards:
Remove the screw holding the card retention bracket.
Lift the card retention bracket and set it aside in a secure location.
If you are installing a new card, remove the filler bracket to create a
card-slot opening.
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.
For PCI card, grasp the card by its top corners, and ease it out of its connector.
For PCI Express card, pull the securing tab, grasp the card by its top corners, and then ease it out of its connector.
NOTE: The position of the card shown in the illustration is indicative and may vary from the original.
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, laceration by moving fan blades, or other unexpected injuries, always unplug your computer from the 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.
1
alignment bar
2
fully-seated card
3
not fully seated card
4
alignment guide
5
bracket within slot
6
bracket caught outside of slot
If you are installing the PCI Express card into the x16 card connector,
position the card so the securing slot is aligned with the securing tab.
Place the card in the connector and press down firmly. Ensure that the card
is fully seated in the slot.
1
PCI Express x16 card
2
PCI Express x16 card slot
3
securing tab
4
PCI Express x1 card slot
5
PCI Express x1 card
6
securing slot
Replace the card retention bracket ensuring that:
The guide clamp is aligned with the guide notch.
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.
1
alignment guide
2
filler bracket
3
alignment bar
4
card retention bracket
5
guide clamp (2)
6
guide notch (2)
Fix the card retention bracket by replacing and tightening the screw.
Connect any cables that should be attached to the card.
See the documentation for the card for information about the card's cable connections.
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.
NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable into the network 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.
If you installed a sound card:
Enter system setup (see System Setup), go to Onboard Devices and
select IntegratedAudio, and then change the setting to Off.
Connect external audio devices to the sound card's connectors.
Do not connect external audio devices to the microphone,
speaker/headphone, or line-in connectors on the back panel (see Back
Panel Connectors).
If you installed an add-in network adapter and want to disable the
integrated network adapter:
Enter system setup (see System Setup), go to Onboard Devices and
select Integrated NIC, and then change the setting to Off.
Connect the network cable to the add-in network adapter's connectors.
Do not connect the network cable to the integrated connector on the
back panel (see Back Panel Connectors).
Install any drivers required for the card as described in the card
documentation.
Remove the screw holding the card retention bracket.
Lift the card retention bracket and set it aside in a secure location.
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.
For PCI card, grasp the card by its top corners, and ease it out of its connector.
For PCI Express card, pull 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.
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.
Replace the card retention bracket, ensuring that:
The guide clamp is aligned with the guide notch.
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.
Fix the card retention bracket by replacing and tightening the screw.
NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable into the network 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.
Remove the card's driver from the operating system.
If you removed a sound card:
Enter system setup (see System Setup), go to Onboard Devices and
select Integrated Audio, and then change the setting to On.
Connect external audio devices to the audio connectors on the back
panel of the computer (see Back Panel Connectors).
If you removed an add-in network connector:
Enter system setup (see System Setup), go to Onboard Devices and
select Integrated NIC, and then change the setting to On.
Connect the network cable to the integrated connector on the back
panel of the computer (see Back Panel Connectors).
Bezel
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, laceration by moving fan blades, or other unexpected injuries, always unplug your computer from the electrical outlet before opening the cover.
Grasp and lift the bezel grips one at a time to release it from the front panel.
Rotate and pull the bezel away from the front of the computer to release
bezel clamps from bezel clamp slot.
Set aside the bezel in a secure location.
Replacing the Bezel
Align and insert the bezel clamps in the bezel clamp slots.
1
bezel grip (3)
2
bezel
3
bezel clamp (3)
4
bezel clamp slot (3)
5
back side of computer
Rotate the bezel toward the computer until it snaps into place on the
front panel.
Drives
Your computer supports a combination of these devices:
Up to two serial ATA hard drives
One optional floppy drive or an optional Media Card Reader
Up to two CD or DVD drives
1
CD or DVD drive
2
optional CD or DVD drive
3
floppy drive or Media Card Reader
4
optional hard drive
5
hard drive
Recommended Drive Cable Connections
Connect serial ATA hard drives to connectors labeled "SATA0" or "SATA1" on the system board.
Connect serial ATA CD or DVD drives to connectors labeled "SATA2 " or "SATA3" on the system board.
Connecting Drive Cables
When you install a drive, you connect two cables—a DC power cable and a data cable—to the back of the drive.
1
power cable
2
power input connector
Drive Interface Connectors
The drive cable connectors are keyed for correct insertion. Properly align the cable connector key on the cable and the drive before connecting.
1
interface cable
2
interface connector
Connecting and Disconnecting Drive Cables
When connecting and disconnecting a serial ATA data cable, disconnect the cable using the pull-tab.
The serial ATA 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.
Hard Drives
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, laceration by moving fan blades, or other unexpected injuries, 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.
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.
Disconnect the power and data cables from the drive.
Disconnect the data cable from the system board.
1
hard drive
2
power cable
3
serial ATA data cable
4
system board connector
5
screws (4)
Remove the four screws securing the hard drive.
Slide the drive out away from the front of the computer.
If removing this drive changes the drive configuration, then be sure to
reflect these changes in system setup. When you restart your computer,
enter system setup (see System Setup), then go to the "Drives" section of
the system setup and under Drive 0 through 3, set the Drive to the correct
configuration.
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, laceration by moving fan blades, or other unexpected injuries, 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.
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, laceration by moving fan blades, or other unexpected injuries, always unplug your computer from the electrical outlet before opening the cover.
Disconnect the power and data cables from the back of the floppy drive.
NOTE: If you have installed a PCI Express x16 card, this card may cover the floppy-drive connectors. Remove this card before disconnecting the floppy-drive cables (see Removing a PCI/PCI Express Card).
Disconnect the data cable from the system board.
Remove the two screws securing the floppy drive.
Slide the floppy drive out through the front of the computer.
If you are not replacing the drive, reinstall the drive panel insert
(see Media Card Reader).
If you are installing a new floppy drive rather than replacing a drive,
remove the break-away metal plate from the FlexBay (see Removing the
FlexBay Break-Away Metal Plate).
Gently slide the floppy drive into place in the FlexBay slot.
Align the screw slots in the floppy drive with the screw slots in the
FlexBay slot.
Tighten the two screws to secure the floppy drive.
Attach the power and data cables to the floppy drive.
Connect the other end of the data cable to the connector labeled
"FLOPPY" on the system board (see System Board Components) and
route the cable through the clip on the shroud.
1
floppy drive
2
data cable
3
power cable
4
system board connector
5
screws (2)
6
screw slots (2)
Check all cable connections, and fold cables out of the way to avoid
blocking airflow between the fan and cooling vents.
NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable into the network device and then plug it into 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 (see System Setup) and select the appropriate Diskette
Drive option.
Verify that your computer works correctly by running the Dell Diagnostics
(see Dell Diagnostics).
Removing the FlexBay Break-Away Metal Plate
Align the tip of a Phillips screwdriver with the slot on the break-away metal plate and rotate the screwdriver outwards to break and remove the metal plate.
Replacing the Drive Panel Insert
1
drive panel insert (optional)
2
back of the computer
Align the drive panel insert along the edges of the empty slot for the
floppy drive.
Push the panel insert. Drive panel insert is locked in place.
NOTE: To comply with FCC regulations, it is recommended that you replace the drive panel insert whenever the floppy drive is removed from the computer.
Removing the Drive Panel Insert
Release the drive panel insert by pushing it out of the chassis. Drive panel insert is released.
Media Card Reader
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, laceration by moving fan blades, or other unexpected injuries, always unplug your computer from the electrical outlet before opening the cover.
Disconnect the FlexBay USB cable and the power cable from the back of
the Media Card Reader and from the internal USB connector on the
system board (see System Board Components).
Remove the two screws securing the Media Card Reader.
Slide the Media Card Reader out through the front of the computer.
If you are installing a new Media Card Reader rather than replacing a
Media Card Reader, remove the break-away metal plate from the FlexBay
(see Removing the FlexBay Break-Away Metal Plate).
Remove the Media Card Reader from its packaging.
Gently slide the Media Card Reader into place in the FlexBay slot.
Align the screw slots in the Media Card Reader with the screw slots in the
FlexBay.
Tighten the two screws to secure the Media Card Reader.
NOTE: Ensure that the Media Card Reader is installed before the FlexBay cable is connected.
Connect the FlexBay USB cable to the back of the Media Card Reader and
to the internal USB connector on the system board (see System Board
Components).
Connect your computer and devices to electrical outlets, and then turn
them on.
CD or DVD 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, laceration by moving fan blades, or other unexpected injuries, always unplug your computer from the electrical outlet before opening the cover.
NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable into the network device and then plug it into 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 (see System Setup) and select the appropriate Drive
option.
Verify that your computer works correctly by running the Dell Diagnostics
(see Dell Diagnostics).
Replacing the CD or DVD Panel Insert
1
CD or DVD panel insert (optional)
2
back of the computer
Align the CD or DVD panel insert along the edges of the empty slot for
CD or DVD.
Push the panel. CD or DVD panel insert is locked in place.
NOTE: To comply with FCC regulations, it is recommended that you replace the CD or DVD panel insert whenever the CD or DVD is removed from the computer.
Removing the CD or DVD Panel Insert
Release the CD or DVD panel insert by pushing it out of the chassis. CD or DVD panel insert is released.
Battery
Replacing the 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's instructions.
To replace the battery:
Record all the screens in system setup (see System Setup) so that you can
restore the correct settings in step 9.
NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable into the network device and then plug it into the computer.
Connect your computer and devices to electrical outlets, and then turn
them on.
Enter system setup (see System Setup) and restore the settings you
recorded in step 1. Then go to the Maintenance section and clear the low
battery and other errors associated with the battery replacement in the
Event Log.
Properly dispose of the old battery.
See the Product Information Guide for battery disposal information.
Power Supply
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.
Disconnect the DC power cables from the system board and the drives.
Note the routing of the DC power cables underneath the tabs in the computer chassis as you remove them from the system board and drives. You must route these cables properly when you replace them to prevent them from being pinched or crimped.
Remove the hard drive cable, CD or DVD drive data cable, front panel
ribbon cable, and any other cables from the securing clip on the side of the
power supply.
Remove the four screws that attach the power supply to the back of the
computer chassis.
1
power supply
2
screws (4)
Slide the power supply towards the front of the computer and lift it out.
Place and slide the replacement power supply toward the back of the computer.
Replace and tighten all screws that secure the power supply to the back of
the computer chassis.
Failure to replace and tighten all screws may cause electrical shock as these screws are a key part of the system grounding.
NOTICE: Route the DC power cables under the chassis tabs. The cables must be properly routed to prevent the cables from being damaged.
Reconnect the DC power cables to the system board and drives.
Secure the hard drive cable, CD or DVD drive data cable, and the front
panel ribbon cable to the securing clip on the side of the power supply.
NOTE: Double-check all cable connections to make sure they are secure.
Connect your computer and devices to an electrical outlet, and turn them on.
Verify that the computer works correctly by running the Dell Diagnostics
(see Dell Diagnostics).
Processor
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.
Carefully disconnect and move any cables that are routed over the heat
sink assembly.
Rotate the clamp lever 180 degrees counter-clockwise to release the clamp
grip from the bracket projection.
Release the clamp grip from the bracket projection on the opposite side.
CAUTION: Despite having a plastic shield, the heat sink assembly may be very hot during normal operation. Be sure that it has had sufficient time to cool before you touch it.
NOTICE: Strong thermal grease bond may exist between the processor and heat sink. Do not use excessive force to separate the heat sink assembly from the processor to avoid damaging the processor.
Rotate the heat sink assembly upward gently, and remove it from the
computer. Lay the heat sink assembly down on its top, with the thermal
grease facing upward.
1
fan
2
fan cover
3
heat sink
4
bracket
5
clamp grip
6
bracket projection
7
clamp lever
NOTICE: Unless a new heat sink is required for the new processor, reuse the original heat sink assembly when you replace the processor.
Pull the release lever straight up until the processor is released.
1
processor
2
release lever
3
socket
NOTICE: Be careful not to bend any of the pins when you remove the processor. Bending the pins can permanently damage the processor.
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.
NOTICE: After removing the processor, be careful not to get any thermal grease on the processor pins. Thermal grease on the pins can permanently damage the processor.
Installing the Processor
NOTICE: Ground yourself by touching an unpainted metal surface on the back of the computer.
NOTICE: Be careful not to bend any of the pins when you unpack the processor. Bending the pins can permanently damage the processor.
Unpack the new processor, being careful not to bend any of the processor pins.
Extend the release lever on the socket fully.
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.
Align the pin-1 corner of the processor and socket.
1
processor pin-1 indicator
2
processor
3
release lever
4
socket
NOTICE: To avoid damage, ensure that the processor aligns properly with the socket, and do not use excessive force when you install the processor.
Set the processor lightly in the socket and ensure that the processor is
positioned correctly.
While lightly pressing down on the processor, rotate the release lever back
toward the system board until it snaps into place, securing the processor.
Clean the thermal grease from the bottom of the heat sink.
NOTICE: Ensure that you apply new thermal grease. New thermal grease is critical for ensuring adequate thermal bonding, which is a requirement for optimal processor operation.
Apply the new thermal grease to the top of the processor.
NOTICE: Ensure that the floppy drive and audio cables are not routed so that they are pinched when the heat sink assembly is installed.
Install the heat sink assembly:
Place the heat sink and fan assembly back onto the heat-sink assembly
bracket.
Ensure that the two clamp grips are aligned with the two bracket
projections.
Hold the heat sink fan assembly in place and rotate the clamp lever
180 degrees clockwise to secure the heat sink and fan assembly.
NOTICE: Ensure that the heat sink assembly is correctly seated and secure.
1
clamp lever
2
bracket projection
3
clamp grip
4
bracket
5
heat sink
6
fan cover
7
fan
Connect any cables disconnected before removing the heat sink assembly.
Connect your computer and devices to an electrical outlet, and turn them on.
Verify that the computer works correctly by running the Dell Diagnostics
(see Dell Diagnostics).
I/O Panel
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, laceration by moving fan blades, or other unexpected injuries, always unplug your computer from the electrical outlet before opening the cover.
CAUTION: The heat sink assembly, power supply, and other components may be very hot during normal operation. Be sure that they have had sufficient time to cool before you touch them.
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.
Removing the I/O Panel
NOTE: Note the routing of all cables as you remove them so that you can re-route them correctly when installing the new I/O panel.
NOTICE: When sliding the I/O panel out of the computer, be extremely careful. Carelessness may result in damage to the cable connectors and the cable routing clips.
Disconnect all the cables that are connected to the I/O panel from the
system board.
Remove the screw that secures the I/O panel.
Slide the I/O panel down to release the I/O panel clamp from the I/O panel
clamp slot.
Carefully remove the I/O panel from the computer.
1
I/O panel clamp
2
I/O panel
3
screw
4
cables
5
I/O panel clamp slot
Installing the I/O Panel
Place the I/O panel into the slot.
NOTICE: Take care not to damage the cable connectors and the cable routing clips when sliding the I/O panel into the computer.
Align and slide the I/O panel clamp in the I/O panel clamp slot.
Replace and tighten the screw that secures the I/O panel.
Connect your computer and devices to an electrical outlet, and turn them
on.
Verify that the computer works correctly by running the Dell Diagnostics
(see Dell Diagnostics).
1
I/O panel clamp
2
I/O panel
3
screw
4
cables
5
I/O panel clamp slot
Processor Fan
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, laceration by moving fan blades, or other unexpected injuries, always unplug your computer from the electrical outlet before opening the cover.
CAUTION: The heat sink assembly, power supply, and other components may be very hot during normal operation. Be sure that they have had sufficient time to cool before you touch them.
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.
Carefully disconnect and move any cables that are routed over the heat
sink assembly.
CAUTION: Despite having a plastic shield, the heat sink assembly may be very hot during normal operation. Be sure that it has had sufficient time to cool before you touch it.
Connect your computer and devices to an electrical outlet, and turn
them on.
Chassis Fan
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, laceration by moving fan blades, or other unexpected injuries, always unplug your computer from the electrical outlet before opening the cover.
CAUTION: The heat sink assembly, power supply, and other components may be very hot during normal operation. Be sure that they have had sufficient time to cool before you touch them.
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: To guard against electrical shock, laceration by moving fan blades, or other unexpected injuries, always unplug your computer from the electrical outlet before opening the cover.
CAUTION: The heat sink assembly, power supply, and other components may be very hot during normal operation. Be sure that they have had sufficient time to cool before you touch them.
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 add-in cards on the system board (see Cards).
Remove the processor and heat sink assembly (see Processor).
Remove the memory modules (see Removing Memory) and document
which memory module is removed from each memory socket so that the
memory modules can be installed in the same location after the board is
replaced.
Disconnect all cables from the system board. Note the routing of all cables
as you remove them so that you can re-route them correctly after installing
the new system board.
Remove the eight screws from the system board.
Lift the system board up and out.
System Board Screws
1
screws (8)
2
system board
Place the system board that you just removed next to the replacement
system board to compare and ensure they are identical.
Installing the System Board
Gently align the board into the chassis and slide it toward the back of the
computer.
Using the eight screws, secure the system board to the chassis.
Replace the cables that you removed from the system board.
