CAUTION: Some of the parts described in this chapter may be replaceable by a certified service technician only and are not customer 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 all open files and exit all open programs before you turn off your computer.
Save and close any open files and exit any open programs.
Shut down the operating system:
In Windows XP, click Start®Turn Off Computer®Turn off.
In Windows Vista, 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 8-10 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 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.
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, 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, always unplug your computer from the electrical outlet before removing 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 screws securing the cover.
1
computer cover
2
front of computer
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
optical drive
2
power supply
3
optional optical drive
4
floppy drive or Media Reader
5
hard drive
6
optional hard drive
System Board Components
1
processor socket (CPU)
2
processor fan connector (CPU_FAN)
3
memory module connector (DIMM_1)
4
memory module connector (DIMM_2)
5
memory module connector (DIMM_3)
6
memory module connector (DIMM_4)
7
main power connector (ATX_POWER)
8
floppy drive connector (FLOPPY)
9
battery socket
10
serial ATA drive connector (SATA0)
11
serial ATA drive connector (SATA1)
12
CMOS jumper (CLEAR CMOS)
13
password jumper (CLEAR_PW)
14
front panel connector (F_PANEL)
15
serial ATA drive connector (SATA4)
16
front USB connector (F_USB1)
17
serial ATA drive connector (SATA5)
18
front USB connector (F_USB2)
19
front FlexBay connector (F_USB3)
20
system fan connector (SYS_FAN1)
21
front audio (F_AUDIO)
22
PCI connector (PCI2)
23
PCI connector (PCI1)
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, P4, P5, and P6
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 numerical order beginning with connectors DIMM_1 and DIMM_3, then connectors DIMM_2 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 533-MHz and DDR2 667-MHz and 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 place.
If you are installing a new card, align the tip of a Phillips screwdriver with
the slot on the break-away metal plate and rotate the screwdriver outwards
to break the metal plate.
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 you are replacing may vary from the illustration.
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.
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
securing tab
3
PCI Express x1 card
4
PCI Express x1 card slot
5
PCI Express x16 card 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
screw
6
guide clamp (2)
7
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 place.
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, always unplug your computer from the electrical outlet before removing the cover.
Grasp and lift the three bezel grips one at a time to release them from the
front panel.
Rotate and pull the bezel away from the front of the computer to release
the three bezel clamps from bezel insert.
Set aside the bezel in a secure location.
Replacing the Bezel
Align and insert the bezel clamps in the bezel insert.
1
bezel grip (3)
2
bezel
3
bezel clamp (3)
4
clamp insert (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 optical drives
1
optical drive
2
optional optical drive
3
floppy drive or Media 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 "SATA4 " or "SATA5" 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, always unplug your computer from the electrical outlet before removing 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.
NOTICE: Ensure that you do not scratch the screw holes with the screw driver, as the hard disk circuit board assembly is exposed.
Slide the drive out and away from the front of the computer.
If removing this drive changes the drive configuration, you will need 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, always unplug your computer from the electrical outlet before removing 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.
NOTE: For additional drives, extra screws are not shipped during initial purchase of the computer, but are shipped with the additional drives.
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 installing a new floppy drive rather than replacing a drive, align
the tip of a Phillips screwdriver with the slot on the break-away metal plate
and rotate the screwdriver outwards to break the metal plate.
Gently slide the floppy drive into place in the FlexBay slot.
Align the screw holes in the floppy drive with the screw holes in the
FlexBay.
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 holes in the floppy drive
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 Floppy 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 and push the panel insert.The 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.
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, always unplug your computer from the electrical outlet before removing 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 not reinstalling the Media Card Reader, replace the drive panel
insert, as needed.
Gently slide the Media Card Reader into place in the FlexBay slot.
Align the screw holes in the Media Card Reader with the screw holes 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).
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 Optical Drive Panel Insert
1
drive panel insert (optional)
2
back of the computer
Align the optical drive panel insert along the edges of the empty slot for the optical drive. Push until the insert is locked in place.
NOTE: To comply with FCC regulations, it is recommended that you replace the drive panel insert whenever the optical drive is removed from the computer.
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, optical 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 out the power supply and lift it out.
Slide the replacement power supply towards the back of the computer.
Replace and tighten all screws that secure the power supply to the back of
the computer chassis.
CAUTION: 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, optical 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).
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, 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.
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.
, 
