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Introduction: Dell Precision™ WorkStation 420 Systems User's Guide

	Overview		Front Panel
	System Features		Back Panel
	Important Note to Microsoft Windows 98 and Windows NT 4.0 Users		Getting Help

Overview

Dell Precision WorkStation 420 systems are high-speed, upgradable workstations, designed around Intel® Pentium® III slot 1 microprocessors. These systems support the high-performance Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) bus and the accelerated graphics port (AGP) bus. One of the 32-bit PCI slots has a port extension that supports an optional redundant arrays of independent disks (RAID) card.

NOTE: Dell Precision WorkStation 420 systems do not support the 16-bit Industry-Standard Architecture (ISA) bus.

This section describes the major hardware and software features of the system and provides information you need to reinstall the operating system, if necessary. It also provides information about the indicators and controls on the computer's front panel and discusses connecting external devices to the computer.

System Features

The system offers the following features:

• Single or dual Pentium III microprocessor(s) with a front-side bus with an external speed of 133 MHz.
  
  The Intel Pentium III processor includes MMX™ technology designed to handle complex multimedia and communications software. This microprocessor incorporates an instruction set called Streaming™ SIMD extensions (SSE). SSE allows the microprocessor to process multiple data elements in parallel, thereby improving system performance when you are running application programs written to take advantage of MMX technology. The SSE instruction set includes floating-point single instruction, multiple data (SIMD) to enhance 3D display performance and other multimedia capabilities.
  
  The Intel Pentium III processor also includes the new processor serial number feature, which uniquely identifies each Pentium III processor. This feature can be enabled or disabled (default) (see CPU Serial Number in System Setup Options).
  
  The Intel Pentium III processor has a 16-kilobyte (KB) internal data cache and a 16-KB internal instruction cache, an internal math coprocessor, and other advanced internal logic.

A second Pentium III processor single-edge connector cartridge 2 (SECC2) package (of the same type and operating frequency as the installed microprocessor) can be purchased as a kit from Dell. Dual processing improves performance under operating systems that support multiprocessing, such as the Microsoft® Windows NT® 4.0 and Windows® 2000 operating systems.

• A secondary cache of static random-access memory (SRAM) integrated in the microprocessor.

• Self-Monitoring Analysis and Reporting Technology (SMART) support, which warns you at system start-up if the hard-disk drive may be becoming unreliable. To take advantage of this technology, you must have a SMART-compliant hard-disk drive in the computer. All enhanced integrated drive electronics (EIDE) and small computer system interface (SCSI) hard-disk drives shipped with Dell Precision 420 systems are SMART-compliant.

• A 32-bit integrated Crystal SoundFusion CS4614 PCI audio controller that is Sound Blaster Pro-compatible and supports Microsoft DirectSound, DirectSound3D, and wavetable synthesis. See "Using the Integrated Audio Controller" for details.

• System memory of up to 1 gigabyte (GB) on dual Rambus dynamic random-access memory (RDRAM) Rambus in-line memory modules (RIMMs) in the four RIMM slots on the system board (two channels). Memory connectors support four RIMM modules in matched pairs of 64-, 128-, 256-, and 512-megabyte (MB) module capacity.
  
  The memory subsystem also provides error checking and correction (ECC) capability, which corrects all single-bit memory errors and detects all double-bit errors. See "Adding Memory" for details on installing additional memory.

• The system's basic input/output system (BIOS), which resides in flash memory and can be upgraded remotely or by diskette if required.

• Remote Wake Up capability, which, when enabled in the System Setup program, allows the system to be started up from a server management console. Remote Wake Up capability also allows remote computer setup, BIOS upgrades, software downloading and installation, file updates, and asset tracking after hours and on weekends when local area network (LAN) traffic is at a minimum.

• Universal Serial Bus (USB) capability, which simplifies connection of peripheral devices such as keyboards, printers, and speakers. The USB connectors on the system's back panel provides two connection points for multiple USB-compliant devices. USB-compliant devices can be connected and disconnected while the system is running. USB functionality requires an operating system that supports USB, such as Windows 98. Windows NT 4.0 Service Pack (SP) 5 and earlier do not support USB; however, your Dell Precision WorkStation 420 system supports a USB keyboard through its BIOS.

• A modular computer chassis with a minimum number of screws for easy disassembly and improved serviceability.

• A high-speed, high-resolution AGP or PCI video card. (Documentation from the video card manufacturer is included with the system.) AGP greatly improves graphics performance by providing a dedicated bus for a faster interface between the video subsystem and system memory. AGP also allows conventional memory to be used for video-related tasks.

• An optional LS-120 SuperDisk drive capable of storing up to 120-MB per diskette. The SuperDisk can be installed in place of the standard diskette drive or in one of the externally accessible 5.25-inch bays. LS-120 SuperDisk drives are installed on the secondary EIDE channel.

The system board includes the following integrated features:

• Five 32-bit PCI expansion slots; one PCI slot has an extension for a RAID upgrade.

• One AGP Pro50 (4X) expansion slot (desktop chassis) or one AGP Pro (4X) expansion slot (mini tower chassis).

NOTE: An AGP Pro110 (4X) graphics adapter expansion card may require the AGP expansion slot and one or two adjacent PCI slots.

• A diskette drive interface, which supports a 3.5-inch diskette drive.

• Ultra Advanced Technology Attachment (ATA)/66 support, which allows fixed hard-disk drives to transfer data at speeds of up to 66 MB per second (MB/sec). The two ATA/66 channels support up to four EIDE devices. The primary and secondary channels utilize the PCI bus to provide faster data throughput. The primary channel supports up to two extremely high-capacity EIDE drives, while the secondary channel supports up to two devices such as EIDE CD-ROM drives and EIDE tape drives.

• SCSI support using two integrated SCSI channels:
  
  
  • The primary channel provides Ultra 160/m low-voltage differential (LVD) (160-MB/sec) support for high-performance SCSI hard-disk drives and an optional RAID subsystem that requires an optional RAID card. This channel also supports Ultra2 and Ultra SCSI devices. The maximum total length of the SCSI cable for the primary SCSI channel is 12 meters (m).
    
    
  • The secondary channel provides support for external Ultra/Wide (40-MB/sec) SCSI devices, such as scanners, and for internal Narrow SCSI devices, such as CD-ROM drives, tape drives, and optical drives. The maximum total length of the external cable on the secondary channel is .5 m with eight devices or 1 m with four devices.

• Two high-performance serial ports and one bidirectional parallel port for connecting external devices.

• A Personal System/2 (PS/2)-style keyboard port and a PS/2-compatible mouse port.

• An integrated 10/100-megabit-per-second (Mbps) 3Com® PCI Ethernet (3C905C-TX compatible) network interface controller (NIC) with Remote Wake Up support.

• Four dual-color diagnostic light-emitting diodes (LEDs) (visible on the back panel) to indicate problems or operational states.

The following software is included with your Dell™ computer system.

NOTE: Backup copies of most drivers for your system are included on the Dell Precision ResourceCD. If you need to reinstall any of these drivers, see the documentation that accompanies the CD.

• For systems with Microsoft Windows 98 or Windows NT only, utilities that safeguard the system and enhance the operation of its hardware features; for example, the AutoShutdown service lets you perform an orderly shutdown with a single touch of the power button.

• Graphics drivers for the Microsoft Windows 98, Windows NT 4.0, and Windows 2000 operating systems.

NOTE: Some video cards support either the Windows NT 4.0 or Windows 2000 operating system. Refer to the documentation that came with your video card for more information.

To change the resolution, check the documentation that came with your monitor to determine the resolutions and refresh rates supported by the monitor. Then check the documentation that came with your AGP or PCI video card for instructions on changing the resolution.

• Optional RAID drivers for the Microsoft Windows NT 4.0 and Windows 2000 operating systems (requires the 1302 RAID card).

• The System Setup program for quickly viewing and changing the system configuration information.

• Enhanced security features (a setup password, a system password, a system password lock option, a write-protect option for diskette drives, and automatic display of the system's service tag number) available through the System Setup program. In addition, a customer-definable asset tag number can be assigned via a software support utility and viewed on the System Setup screens. An integrated chassis intrusion detector is also available.

• Dell Diagnostics for evaluating the computer's components and devices.

• Network device drivers for several network operating systems. These drivers are described in "Using the Network Interface Controller."

• (For systems with Microsoft Windows 98, Windows NT, or Windows 2000 only) Desktop Management Interface (DMI) support for managing the computer system. DMI defines the software, interfaces, and data files that enable the system to determine and report information about system components.

DMI is optional and can be downloaded from http://support.dell.com/. To learn more about DMI, double-click the Dell DMI Help icon in the Dell DMI folder under the Start button.

• The optional Dell OpenManage™ IT Assistant program, which is a DMI, Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP), and Common Information Model (CIM) browser that allows the network administrator to view the computer's current hardware configuration, status, and operating system version. Dell OpenManage IT Assistant provides information you may need if you call Dell for technical assistance or if you install hardware or software in the system. For more information, see the Dell OpenManage IT Assistant User's Guide at http:\\support.dell.com.

In addition to providing the client features described in the preceding paragraph, Dell OpenManage IT Assistant enables network administrators to view, manage, and inventory remote systems in a network.

• Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI) for operating systems that support ACPI functionality.

• Sound drivers.

• SCSI drivers.

Important Note to Microsoft Windows 98 and Windows NT 4.0 Users

Your system was configured by Dell to optimize the features of your computer and of the Microsoft Windows NT 4.0 or Windows 98 operating system. If you need to reinstall either of these operating systems, you must install several supplemental items to return the system to its full functionality. See "Reinstalling Windows NT 4.0" or "Reinstalling Windows 98."

Reinstalling Windows NT 4.0

To reinstall the Windows NT 4.0 operating system, you must have the following items:

• Dell Precision ResourceCD

• Windows NT 4.0 CD from Dell

• Windows NT 4.0 SCSI controller driver diskettes

• Windows NT 4.0 Service Pack 4 (or later) CD

NOTE: You must install Windows NT 4. 0 Service Pack 4 or 5 before you install the NIC drivers. Otherwise, the integrated NIC will not function properly.

See the Dell Microsoft Windows NT Workstation 4.0 Setup Guide for general installation information for Windows NT 4.0 and for information about other drivers or supplements that may be required. For installation instructions for the various drivers, see the document recommended in the following list:

• Windows NT 4.0 SCSI controller drivers — See the documentation that came with your Dell Precision ResourceCD.

• Windows NT 4.0 bus-mastering EIDE driver — See the documentation that came with your Dell Precision ResourceCD.

• Windows NT 4.0 video drivers — See the documentation for your video card.

• Windows NT 4.0 NIC driver — See the documentation that came with your Dell Precision ResourceCD.

• Windows NT 4.0 audio drivers — See the documentation that came with your Dell Precision ResourceCD.

Reinstalling Windows 98

To reinstall the Windows 98 operating system, you must have the following items:

• Windows 98 CD from Dell

• Dell Precision ResourceCD

• SCSI boot diskette

See the Dell Microsoft Windows 98 Setup Guide for general installation information for Windows 98 and for information about other drivers or supplements that may be required. For installation instructions for the various drivers, see the document reccommended in the following list:

• Windows 98 SCSI controller drivers — See the documentation that came with your Dell Precision ResourceCD.

• Windows 98 video drivers — See the documentation for your video card.

• Windows 98 NIC driver — See the documentation that came with your Dell Precision ResourceCD.

• Windows 98 audio drivers — See the documentation that came with your Dell Precision ResourceCD.

Front Panel

The computer's front panel contains the following indicators and controls (see Figure 1 for the desktop chassis or Figure 2 for the mini tower chassis):

• The power button controls the system's DC input power. When the system is turned off, pressing the power button turns the system on. When the system is on, the power button operates as follows:

• In Windows NT, if the Dell AutoShutdown service is operational, the system performs an orderly operating system shutdown before turning off.
  
  If the Dell AutoShutdown service is not operational, the system turns off without writing unsaved data to the disk. This could result in a loss of data.

• In Windows 2000, the system performs an orderly operating system shutdown before turning off. However, the power button can be configured to put the computer in a low-power sleep state.

When the system is on, the power indicator LED displays a solid green. When the system is in a software-induced sleep state, the power indicator displays a blinking green. When you press the power button to turn off the system, the power indicator turns off; however, the power supply maintains a low-voltage (standby) current. To completely remove all power from the system, unplug the DC power cable from its electrical outlet and disconnect the network and telephone cables.

For systems running Microsoft Windows NT with the Dell AutoShutdown service operational, pressing the power button causes the system to perform an orderly operating system shutdown before turning off.

NOTE: A Display Power Management Signaling (DPMS) monitor does not begin warming up until the computer to which it is attached is turned on. Thus, some DPMS monitors may not display a video image until several seconds after you turn on the computer.

• The power indicator LED is green during normal system operation and blinks green when the computer is in sleep mode.

• The hard-disk drive access LED lights up when a hard-disk drive is in use.

NOTE: The power and hard-disk drive access LEDs are also used to display diagnostic codes.

• The diskette-drive access indicator lights up when the diskette drive is in use. (The drive access indicator for the tape drive is located on the front of the drive.)

• The reset button reboots (restarts) the system without your having to turn the power off and then on again. Rebooting the system in this manner reduces stress on system components.

Figure 1. Desktop Chassis Front Panel

Figure 2. Mini Tower Chassis Front Panel

 

1 Diskette-drive access indicator 2 Power button 3 Reset button 4 Hard-disk drive access indicator 5 Power indicator 6 Chassis door latch release button

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Back Panel

The computer's back panel contains various ports and connectors for attaching external devices and includes a security cable slot. These features are described in the following subsections.

For information about enabling, disabling, or configuring input/output (I/O) ports and connectors, see "Using System Setup." For detailed descriptions and illustrations of each port and connector on the back panel, see "I/O Ports and Connectors."

Connecting External Devices

You can connect various external devices, such as a mouse and printer, to the I/O ports and connectors on the computer's back panel. The system BIOS detects the presence of most external devices when you boot or reboot the system. When connecting external devices to the computer, follow these guidelines:

• Check the documentation that came with the device for specific installation and configuration instructions.

For example, most devices must be connected to a particular I/O port or connector to operate properly. Also, external devices such as a mouse or printer usually require you to load software files called device drivers into system memory before they will work. These device drivers help the computer recognize the external device and direct its operation.

• Dell recommends that you attach external devices only while the computer is turned off unless you are instructed otherwise in the documentation for the particular device. Then turn the computer on before turning on any external devices unless the documentation for the device specifies otherwise. (If the computer does not seem to recognize the device, try turning on the device before turning on the computer.)

NOTICE: When you disconnect external devices from the back of the computer, wait 10 to 20 seconds after disconnecting the computer from the electrical outlet before you disconnect the device to avoid possible damage to the system board.

Security Cable Slot and Padlock Ring

On the back of the computer are a security cable slot and padlock ring (see Figure 3 for the desktop chassis or Figure 4 for the mini tower chassis) for attaching commercially available theft-deterrent devices. Security cables for personal computers usually include a segment of galvanized cable with an attached locking device and key. To prevent unauthorized removal of the computer, loop the cable around an immovable object, ensure the padlock ring is in its closed position, insert the locking device into the security cable slot on the back of the computer, and lock the device with the key provided. Complete instructions for installing this kind of theft-deterrent device are usually included with the device.

NOTE: Theft-deterrent devices are of differing designs. Before you purchase such a device, make sure it will work with the cable slot on the computer.

The padlock ring allows you to secure the computer cover to the chassis to prevent unauthorized access to the inside of the computer. To use the padlock ring, slide the padlock ring to its closed position, insert a commercially available padlock through the ring, and then lock the padlock.

Figure 3. Desktop Chassis Security Cable Slot and Padlock Ring

1 Padlock ring 2 Security cable slot

Figure 4. Mini Tower Chassis Security Cable Slot and Padlock Ring

1 Security cable slot 2 Padlock ring

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Getting Help

If at any time you do not understand a procedure described in this guide or if the system does not perform as expected, Dell provides a number of tools to help you. For more information on these help tools, see "Getting Help."

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