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.
DDR2 Memory Overview
DDR2 memory modules should be installed in pairs of matched memory size and speed. If the DDR2 memory modules are not installed in matched pairs, the computer will continue to operate, but with a slight reduction in performance. See the label on the upper-right or upper-left corner of the module to determine the module's capacity.
NOTE: Always install DDR2 memory modules in the order indicated on the system board.
The recommended memory configurations are:
A pair of matched memory modules installed in DIMM connectors 1 and 2
or
A pair of matched memory modules installed in DIMM connectors 1 and 2 and another matched pair installed in DIMM connectors 3 and 4
NOTICE: Do not install ECC memory modules.
If you install mixed pairs of PC2-4300 (DDR2 533-MHz) and PC2-5300 (DDR2 667-MHz) memory, the modules function at the speed of the slowest module installed.
Be sure to install a single memory module in DIMM connector 1, the connector closest to the processor, before you install modules in any other connector.
.
A
matched pair of modules in DIMM connectors 1 and 2 (white securing clips)
B
matched pair of memory modules in DIMM connectors 3 and 4 (black securing clips)
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.
Addressing Memory Configurations
If you are using a 32-bit operating system such as Microsoft® Windows® XP, your computer will support a maximum of 4 GB of memory. If you are using a 64-bit operating system, your computer will support a maximum of 8 GB (2-GB DIMMs in each of the four slots) of memory.
Installing Memory
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide.
NOTICE: To avoid electrostatic discharge and damage to internal components, ground yourself by using a wrist grounding strap or by periodically touching an unpainted metal surface on the computer chassis.
NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable into the network port or device and then plug it into the computer.
Connect your computer and devices to electrical outlets, and then turn them on.
When the message appears stating that memory size has changed, press <F1> to continue.
Log on to your computer.
Right-click the My Computer icon on your Windows desktop 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.
NOTICE: To avoid electrostatic discharge and damage to internal components, ground yourself by using a wrist grounding strap or by periodically touching an unpainted metal surface on the computer chassis.
Press out the securing clip at each end of the memory module connector.
Grasp the module and pull up.
If the module is difficult to remove, gently ease the module back and forth to remove it from the connector.
Cards
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide.
Your Dell™ computer provides the following slots for PCI and PCI Express cards:
Three PCI card slots
Two PCI Express x16 card slots (can be used in a dual-graphics configuration)
One PCI Express x8 card slot
One PCI Express x1 card slot
NOTE: If a graphics card is installed in each of the PCI Express x16 card slots in the dual-graphics configuration, the PCI Express x1 and one PCI card slot are not accessible for use.
1
PCI card
2
PCI Express x16 card
3
PCI Express x16 card slot
4
PCI Express x8 card
5
PCI Express x8 card slot
6
PCI Express x1 card
7
PCI Express x1 card slot
Removing PCI and PCI Express Cards
NOTICE: To avoid electrostatic discharge and damage to internal components, ground yourself by using a wrist grounding strap or by periodically touching an unpainted metal surface on the computer chassis.
NOTICE: If you did not order a graphics card with your computer, Dell has provided a PCI graphics card for troubleshooting purposes. Removal of the card is not necessary when installing additional graphics cards; however, if you remove the card, store it in a safe and secure location for future use.
Press down the tab on the top of the card retainer at the appropriate card slot and pivot the card
retainer back through the chassis wall.
If present, press the tab on the card retention device that lays over the installed cards and lift it to gain
full access to the card.
1
release tab
2
card retainer
3
alignment guide
4
fan bracket
Press the release tab (if present) on the system board connector as you grasp the card by its top corners,
and then ease the card out of the connector.
NOTE: If the card is full-length, press the release tab on the end of the alignment guides on the fan bracket.
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.
NOTICE: Before rotating the card retainer back into place, ensure that the tops of all cards and filler brackets are flush with the alignment bar and the notch in the top of each card or filler bracket fits around the alignment guide.
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.
Rotate the card retainer back into its original position; push its tip so that its tab clicks into place.
NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable into the network port or device and then plug the cable into the computer.
If present, lower the card-retention device that lays over the installed cards and snap it into place.
NOTICE: To avoid electrostatic discharge and damage to internal components, ground yourself by using a wrist grounding strap or by periodically touching an unpainted metal surface on the computer chassis.
NOTICE: If you did not order a graphics card with your computer, Dell has provided a PCI graphics card for troubleshooting purposes. Removal of the card is not necessary when installing additional graphics cards; however, if you remove the card, store it in a safe and secure location for future use.
See the documentation that came with the card for information on configuring the card, making internal connections, or otherwise customizing it for your computer.
Position the card so that it is aligned with the slot and the securing tab (if present) is aligned with the
securing slot.
NOTE: If the card is full-length, insert the card guide into the alignment slot on the fan bracket.
1
PCI Express x16 card
2
securing tab
3
PCI Express x16 card slot
NOTICE: Ensure that you release the securing tab to seat the card. If the card is not installed correctly, you may damage the system board.
Gently pull the securing tab (if present) and place the card in the connector. Press down firmly and
ensure that the card is fully seated in the slot.
1
card connector (seated)
2
card connector (not seated)
3
bracket properly aligned within slot
4
bracket improperly aligned outside of slot
5
alignment bar
6
alignment guide
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: An incorrectly attached graphics power cable may result in degraded graphics performance.
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: Before rotating the card retainer back into place, ensure that the tops of all cards and filler brackets are flush with the alignment bar and the notch in the top of each card or filler bracket fits around the alignment guide.
Rotate the card retainer back into its original position; push its tip so that its tab clicks into place.
If present, lower the card-retention device that lays over the installed cards and snap it into place.
NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable into the network port or device and then plug the cable into the computer.
Removing a PCI Express Graphics Card from a Dual Configuration
NOTE: This section regards dual configurations of PCI Express x16 graphics cards only. For removal of any other type of PCI or PCI Express cards, see Removing PCI and PCI Express Cards.
If present, press the tab on the card retention device that lays over the installed cards and rotate it
upwards to gain full access to the card.
Gently securing both graphics cards with one hand, remove the graphics card bridge (if present) with
your other hand by pulling it up and away from the computer. Set it aside.
1
graphics card bridge
2
power connectors (2)
3
dual-PCI Express graphics cards
Disconnect any cables connected to the card.
Press down the tab on the top of the card retainer at the appropriate card slot and pivot the card
retainer back through the chassis wall.
1
release tab
2
card retainer
3
alignment guide
4
fan bracket
Press the release tab (if present) on the system board connector as you grasp the card by its top corners,
and then ease the card out of the connector.
NOTE: If the card is full-length, press the release tab on the end of the alignment guides on the fan bracket.
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.
NOTE: The graphics card bridge (not present in all dual-graphics configurations) is not necessary in a single graphics card configuration.
NOTICE: Before rotating the card retainer back into place, ensure that the tops of all cards and filler brackets are flush with the alignment bar and the notch in the top of each card or filler bracket fits around the alignment guide.
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.
Rotate the card retainer back into its original position; push its tip so that its tab clicks into place.
NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable into the network port or device and then plug the cable into the computer.
If present, lower the card-retention device that lays over the installed cards and snap it into place.
Connect your computer and devices to electrical outlets, and then turn them on.
Installing a PCI Express Graphics Card in a Dual Configuration
NOTE: To upgrade to or downgrade from a dual-graphics configuration, you will need additional parts that can be ordered from Dell (see "Contacting Dell" in your Owner's Manual).
This section pertains to dual PCI Express graphics card configurations only. For installation of other types of PCI or PCI Express cards, see Installing PCI and PCI Express Cards.
The PCI Express x1 card slot is not available for use if a graphics card is installed in each of the PCI Express x16 card slots in a dual-graphics card configuration. If you are upgrading from a single graphics card to a dual-graphics card configuration, you will need to remove any card installed in the PCI Express x1 card slot (see System Board Components to locate the PCI Express x1 card slot). To remove a PCI Express card, see Removing PCI and PCI Express Cards.
NOTICE: For information about upgrading your system to use NVIDIA SLI (Scalable Link Interface) dual-graphics technology, see the Dell website at support.dell.com.
To learn more about dual-graphics technology, see "Understanding Dual Graphics Technology" in your Owner's Manual.
NOTE: If you are upgrading to a dual-graphics card configuration and have a card installed in the PCI Express x1 card slot, remove the card (see Removing PCI and PCI Express Cards).
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.
Position the card so that it is aligned with the slot and the securing tab (if present) is aligned with the
securing slot.
NOTE: If the card is full-length, insert the card guide into the alignment slot on the fan bracket.
1
PCI Express x16 card
2
securing tab
3
PCI Express x16 card slot
NOTICE: Ensure that you release the securing tab to seat the card. If the card is not installed correctly, you may damage the system board.
Gently pull the securing tab (if present) and place the card in the connector. Press down firmly and
ensure that the card is fully seated in the slot.
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: An incorrectly attached graphics power cable may result in degraded graphics performance.
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: Before rotating the card retainer back into place, ensure that the tops of all cards and filler brackets are flush with the alignment bar and the notch in the top of each card or filler bracket fits around the alignment guide.
Rotate the card retainer back into its original position; push its tip so that its tab clicks into place.
Attach the graphics card bridge (if required for your dual-graphics configuration), pressing firmly so
that it completely covers the connector tabs.
1
graphics card bridge (not present on some dual-graphics card configurations)
2
power connectors (2)
3
dual-PCI Express graphics cards
NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable into the network port or device and then plug the cable into the computer.
If present, lower the card-retention device that lays over the installed cards and snap it into place.
Connect your computer and devices to electrical outlets, and then turn them on.
Network Adapter and Sound Card Settings
If you installed a sound card:
Enter system setup (see Entering System Setup), select Integrated Audio Controller, and then change
the setting to Off.
Connect external audio devices to the sound card connectors. Do not connect external audio devices
to the microphone, speaker/headphone, or line-in connectors on the back panel.
If you removed a sound card:
Enter system setup (see Entering System Setup), select Integrated Audio Controller, and then change
the setting to On.
Connect external audio devices to the audio connectors on the back panel of the computer.
If you installed an add-in network adapter and want to disable the integrated network adapter:
Enter system setup (see Entering System Setup), select Integrated NIC Controller, and then change
the setting to Off.
Connect the network cable to the add-in network adapter connectors. Do not connect the network
cable to the integrated connector on the back panel.
If you removed an add-in network connector:
Enter system setup (see Entering System Setup), select Integrated NIC Controller, and then change
the setting to On.
Connect the network cable to the integrated connector on the back panel of the computer.
Drives
Your computer supports:
Six SATA devices (hard drives or optical drives)
Two IDE devices (two hard drives or two optical drives)
One floppy drive
One Media Card Reader
NOTICE: When removing and replacing drives, be sure to leave the drive data and power cables connected to the system board.
NOTE: The 5.25-inch Media Card Reader/floppy drive carrier is not interchangeable with the hard drive carrier.
1
CD/DVD drive bays (4)
2
floppy drive/media card reader
3
hard-drive bays (4)
About Serial ATA (SATA) Drives
Your computer supports up to four serial ATA hard drives and two serial ATA optical drives. SATA drives provide the following benefits by transferring data using serial technology and flexible cables that are thinner and longer than IDE cables:
Improved cable routing facilitates more efficient airflow inside the chassis.
Compact cable connectors save space on the system board and on the hard drive, allowing for more efficient utilization of space inside the chassis.
General Drive Installation Guidelines
SATA drives should be connected to connectors labeled "SATA" on the system board. IDE drives should be connected to the connectors labeled "IDE."
When connecting a SATA cable, hold the cable by the connector at each end and press firmly into the connector. When disconnecting a SATA cable, hold the cable by the connector at each end and pull until the connector detaches.
1
SATA data cable
2
SATA data connector (on the system board)
3
SATA drive
When you connect two IDE devices to a single IDE data cable and configure the devices for the cable select setting, the device attached to the last connector on the data cable is primary or the boot device, and the device attached to the middle connector on the data cable is the secondary device. See the drive documentation in your upgrade kit for information on configuring devices for the cable select setting.
To connect an IDE data cable, align the tab on one connector with the notch on the other. When disconnecting an IDE data cable, grasp the colored pull-tab and pull until the connector detaches.
Hard Drive
Removing a Hard Drive
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: If you are replacing a hard drive that contains data that you want to keep, back up your files before you begin this procedure.
NOTE: If a hard-drive bracket is installed inside of the hard-drive bay, remove the bracket before you install the new hard drive.
Prepare the new hard drive for installation and check the documentation for the hard drive to verify
that the drive is configured for your computer.
NOTE: If hard drive you are installing does not have the hard drive bracket attached, use your original hard drive bracket; snap the bracket onto the new drive.
1
hard drive
2
hard-drive bracket
Verify that the hard-drive bay is empty and unobstructed.
Slide the hard drive into the hard-drive bay until it clicks securely into place.
1
hard drive
2
hard-drive bay
NOTICE: Ensure that all connectors are properly cabled and firmly seated.
Connect the power cable to the hard drive.
Connect the hard-drive data cable to the hard drive.
If no screws are attached to the new floppy drive, check the inside of the drive panel for shoulder
screws. If screws are present, attach the screws to the new drive.
1
floppy drive
2
shoulder screws (4)
Slide the floppy drive into the drive bay until it clicks into place.
1
drive release latch
2
floppy drive
Connect the power and data cables to the back of the floppy drive.
Check all cable connections and fold cables out of the way to avoid blocking airflow between the fan
and cooling vents.
Disconnect the power and data cables from the back of the Media Card Reader.
1
media card reader power cable
2
system board connector
Slide the drive-release latch towards the base of the computer to release the shoulder screw, and then
slide the media card reader out of the drive bay.
If no screws are attached to the Media Card Reader, check the inside of the drive panel for shoulder
screws. If screws are present, attach the screws to the new card reader.
1
media card reader
2
shoulder screws (4)
Slide the Media Card Reader into the drive bay until it clicks into place.
1
drive-release latch
2
media card reader
Attach the power and data cables to the back of the Media Card Reader.
Check all cable connections and fold cables out of the way to avoid blocking airflow between the fan
and cooling vents.
Disconnect the power and data cables from the back of the drive.
NOTE: If you are uninstalling your only CD/DVD drive and will not replace it at this time, disconnect the data cable from the system board and set it aside.
1
data cable
2
power cable
Slide the drive-release latch towards the base of the computer to release the shoulder screw, and then
slide the CD/DVD drive out of the drive bay.
Prepare the CD/DVD drive for installation and check the documentation that accompanied the drive
to verify that the drive is configured for your computer.
NOTE: If you are installing an IDE drive, configure the drive for the cable select setting.
If no screws are attached to the drive, check the inside of the drive panel for screws and, if screws are
present, attach the screws to the new drive.
1
CD/DVD drive
2
shoulder screws (3)
Gently slide the drive into the drive bay until you hear a click or feel the drive securely installed.
1
drive-release latch
2
CD/DVD drive
Attach the power and data cables to the CD/DVD drive.
CAUTION: The processor heat sink can get very hot during normal operation. Be sure that the heat sink has had sufficient time to cool before you touch it.
Disconnect the fan cable from the FAN1_CPU connector on the system board (see System Board
Components).
Loosen the two captive screws securing the processor airflow shroud to the chassis, then rotate the
shroud back.
1
processor airflow shroud
2
captive screws (2)
3
hinge slot
4
hinge guide
NOTICE: The processor heat sink is attached to the processor airflow shroud. When you remove the airflow shroud, lay it upside down or on its side to avoid damaging the heatsink thermal interface.
Lift the processor airflow shroud out of the computer, and set it aside.
NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable into the network port or device and then plug it into the computer.
Connect your computer and devices to electrical outlets, and then turn them on.
Processor
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide.
NOTICE: Do not perform the following steps unless you are familiar with hardware removal and replacement. Performing these steps incorrectly could damage your system board. For technical service, see "Dell Technical Support Policy (U.S. Only)" in your Owner's Manual.
Lift the socket release lever and open the processor cover.
1
processor cover
2
processor
3
socket
4
socket release lever
Remove the processor from the socket.
Leave the release lever extended in the release position so that the socket is ready for the processor to be replaced.
Installing the Processor
NOTICE: Ground yourself by touching an unpainted metal surface on the back of the computer.
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.
If the release lever on the socket is not fully extended, move it to that position.
Align the pin-1 corner of the processor and socket.
1
processor cover
2
processor
3
socket
4
socket release lever
5
socket pin-1 indicator
NOTICE: Socket pins are delicate. To avoid damage, ensure that the processor is aligned properly with the socket, and do not use excessive force when you install the processor. Be careful not to touch or bend the pins on the system board.
Set the processor lightly in the socket and ensure that the processor is level in the socket. When the
processor is positioned correctly, press it with minimal pressure to seat it.
When the processor is fully seated in the socket, close the processor cover.
Pivot the socket release lever back toward the socket and snap it into place to secure the processor.
Disconnect the fan cable from the FAN_CAGE connector on the system board (see System Board
Components).
Press down on the two tabs along the top of the fan cage, then slide the fan cage back and out of the
cage housing.
1
cage housing
2
fan cage
3
tab (2)
In succession, carefully pull on each corner of the fan to detach the rubber grommets securing the fan
to the fan cage.
1
card fan
2
rubber grommet (4)
3
fan cage
Installing the Card Fan
NOTICE: Ensure the fan cable is correctly routed through the opening in the lower-right corner of the fan cage.
With the fan power cable oriented downward, align the rubber grommets in the fan with the holes in
each corner of the fan cage, then pull the grommets through until they snap into place.
NOTE: Airflow direction and orientation are shown on the side of the fan.
1
card fan
2
rubber grommet (4)
3
fan cage
Insert the tabs along the bottom of the fan cage into the corresponding slots on the cage housing, then
rotate the fan cage forward until it snaps into place.
Connect the fan cable to the FAN_CAGE connector on the system board (see System Board
Components).
In succession, carefully pull on the two bottom corners of the fan to detach the rubber grommets
securing the fan to the processor airflow shroud, the lift the fan to detach the two remaining
grommets.
1
rubber grommet (4)
2
CPU fan
3
processor airflow shroud
Installing the CPU Fan
With the fan power cable oriented downward, align the rubber grommets in the fan with the holes in
each corner of the processor airflow shroud, then pull the grommets through until they snap into place.
NOTE: Airflow direction and orientation are shown on the side of the fan.
Remove the two screws securing the card fan assembly, then remove the assembly and set it aside.
1
screw (2)
2
card fan assembly
3
fan connector
Remove any additional components that may restrict access to the system board.
Disconnect all cables from the system board.
NOTICE: If you are replacing the system board, visually compare the replacement system board to the existing system board to make sure that you have the correct part.
Remove the two screws securing the system board assembly to the chassis, then pull on the two tabs to
slide the system board assembly towards the front of the computer.
1
screw (2)
2
tabs
NOTICE: The system board and metal tray are connected and are removed as one piece.
Carefully, lift the system board assembly up and out of the computer.
Installing the System Board
NOTICE: The system board and metal tray are connected and are installed as one piece.
NOTICE: If you are replacing the system board, visually compare the replacement system board to the existing system board to make sure that you have the correct part.
NOTE: Some components and connectors on replacement system boards may be in different locations than corresponding connectors on the existing system board.
NOTE: Jumper settings on replacement system boards are preset by the factory.
Transfer components from the existing system board to the replacement system board, if applicable.
Orient the system board assembly by aligning the notches on the bottom of the assembly with the tabs
on the computer.
Slide the system board assembly toward the back of the computer until the assembly clicks into place.
Replace the two screws to secure the system board assembly to the chassis.
Align the screw holes on the card fan assembly with the screw holes on the system board assembly,
then replace the two screws to secure the card fan assembly.
Connect the fan cable to the FAN_CAGE connector on the system board (see System Board
Components).
