About Your Computer

Dell™ OptiPlex™ SX270 Systems User's Guide

Front View

Back View

Back-Panel Connectors

Connecting the Power Adapter

Front View

1
power button
Press this button to turn on the computer.

NOTICE: To avoid losing data, do not use the power button to turn off the computer. Instead, perform a Microsoft^® Windows^® shutdown.

2
power light
The power light illuminates and blinks or remains solid to indicate different states:
No light — The computer is turned off (S4, S5, or mechanical OFF).

Steady green — The computer is in a normal operating state.

Blinking green — The computer is in a power-saving state (S1 or S3).

Blinking or solid amber — See "Power Problems."

To exit from a power-saving state, press the power button or use the keyboard or the mouse if it is configured as a wake device in the Windows Device Manager. For more information about sleep states and exiting from a power-saving state, see "Power Management."
See "Diagnostic Lights" for a description of light codes that can help you troubleshoot problems with your computer.

3
hard-drive access light
The hard-drive access light is on when the computer reads data from or writes data to the hard drive. The light might also be on when devices such as your CD player are operating.

4
USB connectors (2)
Connect USB devices such as a mouse, keyboard, printer, joystick, and computer speakers into either of the USB connectors.

5
microphone connector
Attach a microphone to this connector.

6
headphone connector
Attach headphones to this connector.

7
module bay
Install a CD/DVD drive, second hard drive, or floppy drive in the module bay.

8
module release button
Press this button to remove a device in the module bay.

Back View

1
computer cover/hard-drive release button
Press this button toward the cover release icon to remove the cover, or press this button toward the hard-drive icon to release the hard drive.

2
back-panel connectors
The connectors for your computer.

3
power connector
The connector for the power adapter.

4
diagnostic lights
See "Diagnostic Lights" for a description of light codes that can help you troubleshoot problems with your computer.

Back-Panel Connectors

1
parallel connector
Connect a parallel device, such as a printer, to the parallel connector. If you have a USB printer, plug it into a USB connector.

2
link integrity light
Green — A good connection exists between a 10-Mbps network and the computer.

Orange — A good connection exists between a 100-Mbps network and the computer.

Yellow — A good connection exists between a 1000-Mbps (1-Gbps) network and the computer.

Off — The computer is not detecting a physical connection to the network or the Network Controller is turned off in system setup.

3
network adapter
Attach the UTP cable to an RJ45 jack wall plate or to an RJ45 port on a UTP concentrator or hub and press the other end of the UTP cable into the network adapter connector until the cable snaps securely into place.
Dell recommends the use of Category 5 wiring and connectors for our customers' networks.

4
network activity light
The yellow light flashes when the computer is transmitting or receiving network data. A high volume of network traffic may make this light appear to be in a steady "on" state.

5
power connector
The connector for the power adapter.

6
mouse connector
Plug a standard mouse into the green mouse connector. Turn off the computer and any attached devices before you connect a mouse to the computer. If you have a USB mouse, plug it into a USB connector.
If your computer is running Windows 2000 or Windows XP, Dell installed the necessary mouse drivers on your hard drive.

7
line-out connector
Use the green line-out connector to attach an amplified speaker set.

8
line-in connector
Use the blue line-in connector to attach a record/playback device such as a cassette player, CD player, or VCR.

9
keyboard connector
If you have a standard keyboard, plug it into the purple keyboard connector. If you have a USB keyboard, plug it into a USB connector.

10
USB connectors (4)
Connect USB devices such as a mouse, keyboard, printer, joystick, and computer speakers into any of the USB connectors.

11
video connector
If you have a DVI-compatible monitor, plug the cable from your monitor into the white connector on the back panel.
If you have a VGA monitor, see "Connecting a VGA Monitor."

12
serial connector
Connect a serial device, such as a handheld device, to the serial connector.

Connecting a VGA Monitor

If you have a VGA Monitor, plug the VGA-DVI adapter into the DVI connector and connect the monitor cable to the adapter as shown.

Inside Your Computer

CAUTION: Before you remove the computer cover, follow the steps in "CAUTION: Safety Instructions."

CAUTION: To avoid electrical shock, always unplug your computer from the power adapter before removing the cover.

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.

1
microprocessor heat sink fan shroud
5
chassis intrusion switch

2
memory modules
6
system board

3
speaker (optional)
7
battery

4
cooling vents

Orientations

The computer can be used in either a vertical or horizontal position on a desktop or mounted under a surface such as a desk or table. By using a wall-mount bracket, the computer may be attached to a wall.

NOTICE: When setting up your computer, secure all cables toward the back of your work area to prevent the cables from being pulled, tangled, or stepped on.

Standard Orientations

NOTICE: Do not place your monitor on the computer. Use a monitor stand.

NOTICE: In a high-vibration environment or when installing the computer overhead, use the optional wall-mount bracket instead of the chassis stand. To order this bracket, contact Dell.

NOTICE: To ensure proper ventilation, do not place your computer vertically on a desktop without using the chassis stand (see "Chassis Stand").

NOTICE: To ensure proper ventilation, do not block the cooling vents.

As an option, you may mount the computer to a vertical or horizontal surface by using a wall-mount bracket. If you have the integrated flat-panel option, the stand is integrated as part of the total assembly.

Chassis Stand

You may attach the chassis stand to orient your computer vertically. You can also attach the stand to the mounting plate (see "Mounting Plate") to hang the computer under a tabletop or desktop or to securely attach the computer to a horizontal surface.

Raise the captive screw and slide the chassis stand slat into one of three mounting slots on the back of the computer.
When the stand is in place, tighten the screw.

1
captive screw

2
chassis stand

3
mounting slot (for vertical position, upright on a desktop)

4
mounting slot (for horizontal position hanging under a desktop)
NOTE: The stand must not be used in the horizontal position on a desktop. Place the computer directly on a desktop.

5
mounting slot (for vertical position, hanging under a surface)

To remove the chassis stand, loosen and lift the screw. Hold the screw up while sliding the stand out of the slot.

Cable Cover

NOTICE: If you are installing the computer under a desktop or tabletop, do not attach the cable cover until the computer is firmly attached to the mounting plate (see "Attaching the Computer to the Mounting Plate").

Attaching the Cable Cover

NOTE: If you use the stand on your computer, attach the stand before attaching the cable cover.

1
bottom piece of the cable cover

2
security cable slot

3
top piece of the cable cover

Attach all the cables to the back panel.
To attach the two-piece cable cover, hold the bottom piece of the cable cover and align the four tabs with the four slots on the computer's back panel.
Insert the tabs into the slots and slide the piece toward the diagnostic lights (see the illustration) until it is securely positioned.
Grasp the top piece of the cable cover and align the two tabs with the two slots in the computer's back panel.
Insert the tabs into the slots and slide the piece toward the diagnostic lights (see the illustration).
Install a security device in the security cable slot (optional).

Removing the Cable Cover

If a security device is installed in the security cable slot, remove the device.
Grasp the top piece of the cable cover and slide it to the left until it stops, and then lift it up and away.
To remove the bottom piece of the cable cover, while pressing the lever, slide the piece to the left until it stops, and then lift it up and away.

Mounting Plate

NOTICE: When installing the computer in the hanging orientation, avoid locations where it will be bumped by a user's legs or chair.

Attaching the Computer to the Mounting Plate

NOTE: Before attaching the mounting plate to a surface, first orient yourself with how the stand attaches to the mounting plate.

1
release lever tab

2
mounting plate slot

3
screw holes (4)

4
solid surface with a 1-inch (2.5 cm) minimum thickness

CAUTION: Attach the mounting plate to a solid surface capable of supporting 40 lbs (18.1 kg) hanging weight.

Using the four #6 wood screws (0.625 inch; 15.88 mm) provided, attach the mounting plate to a solid surface with a minimum thickness of 1 inch (2.5 cm).
Orient the computer and stand under the mounting plate approximately 1 inch (2.5 cm) from the edge of the mounting plate.
Lift the computer and stand, insert the stand into the mounting bracket, and slide the stand until the release lever tab is inserted through the slot in the mounting plate.

Attach the cable cover (if used).

Removing the Computer From the Mounting Plate

1
mounting plate slot

2
release lever tab

CAUTION: To avoid personal injury, remove the mounting plate if you are permanently removing the computer.

Firmly hold the computer and press the release lever tab until the tab is freed from the slot on the mounting plate.
While still firmly holding the computer, slide the computer and stand approximately 1 inch (2.5 cm), until it stops.
Lower the computer and stand away from the mounting plate.

Connecting the Power Adapter

Connect the power adapter to the connector on the back of the computer. In order for the connection to be secure, verify that the latch engages completely (a click will be heard or felt).
Connect a power cable to the power adapter.

NOTICE: The following section applies to Japan only.

CAUTION: If you decide to connect the green ground wire to an electrical outlet, do not permit contact between the green ground wire and power leads because electrical shock, fire, or damage to your computer can occur (see the following illustration).

If you decide not to connect the green ground wire to an electrical outlet, go to step 4.

Connect the metal ground connector to the grounding source on the outlet (see the following illustration):
1. Loosen the grounding source.
1. Slide the metal ground connector behind the grounding source, and then tighten the grounding source.

1
grounding source

2
metal ground connector

Connect the power cable to the outlet.

Back to Contents Page

1	computer cover/hard-drive release button	Press this button toward the cover release icon to remove the cover, or press this button toward the hard-drive icon to release the hard drive.
2	back-panel connectors	The connectors for your computer.
3	power connector	The connector for the power adapter.
4	diagnostic lights	See "Diagnostic Lights" for a description of light codes that can help you troubleshoot problems with your computer.

1	parallel connector	Connect a parallel device, such as a printer, to the parallel connector. If you have a USB printer, plug it into a USB connector.
2	link integrity light	Green — A good connection exists between a 10-Mbps network and the computer. Orange — A good connection exists between a 100-Mbps network and the computer. Yellow — A good connection exists between a 1000-Mbps (1-Gbps) network and the computer. Off — The computer is not detecting a physical connection to the network or the Network Controller is turned off in system setup.
3	network adapter	Attach the UTP cable to an RJ45 jack wall plate or to an RJ45 port on a UTP concentrator or hub and press the other end of the UTP cable into the network adapter connector until the cable snaps securely into place. Dell recommends the use of Category 5 wiring and connectors for our customers' networks.
4	network activity light	The yellow light flashes when the computer is transmitting or receiving network data. A high volume of network traffic may make this light appear to be in a steady "on" state.
5	power connector	The connector for the power adapter.
6	mouse connector	Plug a standard mouse into the green mouse connector. Turn off the computer and any attached devices before you connect a mouse to the computer. If you have a USB mouse, plug it into a USB connector. If your computer is running Windows 2000 or Windows XP, Dell installed the necessary mouse drivers on your hard drive.
7	line-out connector	Use the green line-out connector to attach an amplified speaker set.
8	line-in connector	Use the blue line-in connector to attach a record/playback device such as a cassette player, CD player, or VCR.
9	keyboard connector	If you have a standard keyboard, plug it into the purple keyboard connector. If you have a USB keyboard, plug it into a USB connector.
10	USB connectors (4)	Connect USB devices such as a mouse, keyboard, printer, joystick, and computer speakers into any of the USB connectors.
11	video connector	If you have a DVI-compatible monitor, plug the cable from your monitor into the white connector on the back panel. If you have a VGA monitor, see "Connecting a VGA Monitor."
12	serial connector	Connect a serial device, such as a handheld device, to the serial connector.

1	microprocessor heat sink fan shroud	5	chassis intrusion switch
2	memory modules	6	system board
3	speaker (optional)	7	battery
4	cooling vents

1	captive screw
2	chassis stand
3	mounting slot (for vertical position, upright on a desktop)
4	mounting slot (for horizontal position hanging under a desktop) NOTE: The stand must not be used in the horizontal position on a desktop. Place the computer directly on a desktop.
5	mounting slot (for vertical position, hanging under a surface)

1	bottom piece of the cable cover
2	security cable slot
3	top piece of the cable cover

1	release lever tab
2	mounting plate slot
3	screw holes (4)
4	solid surface with a 1-inch (2.5 cm) minimum thickness