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Small Form-Factor Desktop, Small Desktop, and Small Mini-Tower
Chassis — Removing and Replacing Parts: Dell™ OptiPlex™ GX150 Service
Manual
This section provides procedures for removing and replacing the
components, assemblies, and subassemblies in the Dell OptiPlex small form-factor desktop,
small desktop, and small mini-tower chassis GX150 systems. Unless otherwise noted, each
procedure assumes that the following conditions exist:
The GX150 chassis is primarily a tool-less one, but certain
procedures (such as removing drive bracket rails and removing the control panel) require
the use of one or more of the following tools:
- Small flat-blade screwdriver
- #1 and #2 Phillips-head screwdrivers
- An 8-inch, #2 Phillips-head screwdriver
Also, Dell recommends that you use a wrist grounding strap as
explained in "Precautionary Measures."
Before you perform any procedure in this section, read the following
caution for your personal safety and to prevent damage to the system from electrostatic
discharge (ESD).
 |
CAUTION: FOR YOUR PERSONAL SAFETY AND PROTECTION OF THE
EQUIPMENT
Before you start to work on the system, perform the following steps in the sequence
listed:
- Turn off the computer and all attached devices.
- Disconnect the computer and devices from their AC power sources.
Also, disconnect any telephone or telecommunication lines from the computer. Doing so
reduces the potential for personal injury or shock.
- If you are disconnecting a device from the computer or are removing a
component from the system board, wait 15 to 30 seconds after disconnecting the computer
from AC power before disconnecting the device or removing the component to avoid possible
damage to the system board.
- Verify that the auxiliary power indicator on the system board is not
on. If it is on, you may need to wait 15 to 30 seconds for it to go out (see "System Board Components" for the location of this indicator).
- Wear a wrist grounding strap, and clip it to an unpainted metal
surface, such as the padlock ring on the back of the chassis. If a wrist grounding strap
is not available, touch an unpainted metal surface on the back of the computer or on the
computer chassis, such as the power supply, to discharge static charge from your body
before touching anything inside the computer. While you work, periodically touch an
unpainted metal surface on the computer chassis to dissipate static electricity that might
harm internal components.
In addition, take note of the following safety guideline when
appropriate:
- Handle components and cards with care. Do not touch the components or
contacts on a card. Hold a card by it edges or by its metal mounting bracket. Hold a
component such as a microprocessor by its edges, not by its pins.
|
 |
NOTE: If your computer is on a stand, remove the
stand before you open the computer cover. |
Opening the Small Form-Factor
Desktop Computer Cover
 |
| 1 |
Securing buttons (one on each side) |
| 2 |
Padlock ring |
|
Opening the Small Desktop Computer Cover
 |
| 1 |
Securing buttons (one on each side) |
| 2 |
Padlock ring |
|
Opening the Small Mini-Tower Computer Cover
 |
| 1 |
Securing buttons (one on each side) |
| 2 |
Padlock ring |
|
- Remove the padlock from the padlock ring, if present.
NOTICE: To prevent damage to the optical drive data cable, open
the cover until it catches at a 45-degree angle. Then remove the optical drive data cable
from the system board and open the cover to a 90-degree angle.
Opening the Small Mini-Tower Chassis to a 45-Degree Angle
NOTICE: Do not open the cover if the computer is on the edge
of a desk or table. Doing so may cause the computer to tip over and fall. Make sure that
the computer is situated so that there is at least 12 inches of desk- or table-top for the
cover to rest on.
- Press in on the two securing buttons until the cover is free to swing
up.
Closing the Computer Cover
- Check all cable connections, especially those that might have come
loose during your work. Fold cables out of the way so that they do not catch on the
computer cover. Make sure cables are not routed over the drive cage—they will prevent
the cover from closing properly.
- Check to see that no tools or extra parts (including screws) are left
inside the computer's chassis.
- In the small mini-tower chassis, close the cover to a 45-degree angle
and connect the optical drive data cable.
- Close the computer cover by pivoting the cover down toward the back
of the chassis and into position. Make sure that the securing buttons click into place.
- Replace the padlock, if required.
| |
NOTE: After you open and close the
cover, the chassis intrusion detector causes the following message to be displayed at the
next system start-up:
ALERT! Cover was previously removed.
See "Resetting the Chassis Intrusion Detector" for instructions. |
Inside the Small
Form-Factor Desktop Chassis
 |
| 1 |
Hard drive |
| 2 |
3.5-inch floppy drive
(supports slimline devices) |
| 3 |
Optical drive (supports
slimline devices) |
| 4 |
Internal speaker |
| 5 |
Chassis intrusion switch |
| 6 |
Power supply release button |
| 7 |
Power supply |
| 8 |
AC power connector |
| 9 |
I/O ports and connectors |
| 10 |
Padlock ring |
| 11 |
Microprocessor and heat sink |
| 12 |
System board |
|
Inside the Small
Desktop Chassis
 |
| 1 |
3.5-inch floppy drive |
| 2 |
Hard drive |
| 3 |
Internal speaker |
| 4 |
Chassis intrusion switch |
| 5 |
Expansion-card cage |
| 6 |
Power supply |
| 7 |
Expansion-card slots |
| 8 |
AC power connector |
| 9 |
Padlock ring |
| 10 |
I/O ports and connectors |
| 11 |
Microprocessor and heat sink |
| 12 |
System board |
| 13 |
Optical drive |
|
Inside the Small
Mini-Tower Chassis
NOTICE: This view shows the optical drive data cable
removed.
 |
| 1 |
Optical drive |
| 2 |
3.5-inch floppy drive |
| 3 |
Hard drive |
| 4 |
Internal speaker |
| 5 |
Chassis intrusion switch |
| 6 |
System board |
| 7 |
Expansion-card slots |
| 8 |
I/O ports and connectors |
| 9 |
AC power connector |
| 10 |
Power supply |
| 11 |
Padlock ring |
| 12 |
Microprocessor and heat sink
shroud |
|
Cabling—Small Form-Factor Desktop Chassis
 |
| 1 |
Control panel cable |
| 2 |
EIDE interface cable (hard
drive) |
| 3 |
Optical drive power cable |
| 4 |
3.5-inch floppy drive data
cable |
| 5 |
Optical drive data cable |
| 6 |
EIDE power cable (hard drive) |
| 7 |
Front I/O cable |
| 8 |
Front I/O audio cable |
| 9 |
Optical drive audio cable |
|
Cabling—Small Desktop Chassis
|
NOTE: The following figure depicts the
cabling in a system that does not have a sound card installed. |
 |
| 1 |
Optical drive audio cable |
| 2 |
Optical drive data cable |
| 3 |
3.5-inch floppy drive data
cable |
| 4 |
Control panel cable |
| 5 |
Front I/O cable |
| 6 |
Front I/O audio cable |
| 7 |
EIDE interface cable (hard
drive) |
|
| |
NOTE: The following figure depicts the
cabling in a system that has a sound card installed. |
 |
| 1 |
Optical drive audio cable |
| 2 |
Optical drive data cable |
| 3 |
3.5-inch floppy drive data
cable |
| 4 |
Control panel cable |
| 5 |
Front I/O cable |
| 6 |
Front I/O audio cable |
| 7 |
EIDE interface cable (hard
drive) |
|
Cabling—Small Mini-Tower
Chassis
 |
| 1 |
Optical drive power cable |
| 2 |
Optical drive audio cable |
| 3 |
Optical drive data cable |
| 4 |
3.5-inch floppy drive data
cable |
| 5 |
3/5-inch floppy drive power
cable |
| 6 |
Hard-drive power cable |
| 7 |
Hard-drive data cable |
| 8 |
Front I/O cable |
| 9 |
Front I/O audio cable |
|
The following table provides a color code key for the cables inside
the system.
| Hard drive |
Blue |
| Floppy drive |
Black |
| Optical drive |
Orange |
| USB |
Gray |
| ATA, IDE, or EIDE drive |
Green |
| Control panel |
Yellow |
| CD audio |
Blue |
| System audio |
Black |
Removing the Control Panel—Small
Form-Factor Desktop Chassis
- Face the front of the computer and
grasp the right and left sides of the plastic computer cover. Dislodge the plastic cover
from the metal chassis and pull the plastic out and away.
- Remove the piece covering the control panel.
- Remove the screw that holds the control panel to the chassis.
Rotating the Badge—Small
Form-Factor Desktop Chassis
- Remove the plastic part of the computer cover (see step 1 in the previous procedure).
- From the inside of the front bezel, push in on the two tabs on either
side of the badge to release the badge.
- Press on the badge until it is freed.
Replacing the Control Panel and
Badge—Small Form-Factor Desktop Chassis
Replace the control panel and badge by following, in reverse order,
the procedures in "Removing the Control Panel and
Badge—Small Form-Factor Desktop Chassis."
Removing the Control Panel—Small Desktop
Chassis
- Remove the front I/O panel.
- Using an 8-inch, #2 Phillips-head screwdriver, remove the screw
holding the control panel to the chassis and pull the panel up and away from the chassis.
Rotating the Badge—Small Desktop Chassis
- Open the front USB door.
- From the inside of the door, push in on the two tabs on either side
of the badge to release the badge.
- Press on the badge until it is freed
Replacing the Control Panel—Small
Desktop Chassis
- Replace the control panel and secure it to the chassis by replacing
the screw you removed in step 2.
- Replace the front I/O panel.
Replacing the Badge—Small Desktop Chassis
Slightly tilt the replacement button so that the lever fits through
the slot on the bezel. Straighten the button and press it into place.
Removing the Control Panel and
Badge—Small Mini-Tower Chassis
- Lay the computer on its right side and open the
cover.
- Remove the top and bottom panels of the computer by releasing the
eight tabs on each panel.
- Remove the front bezel:
- Release the three tabs located on the front bezel; one tab is located
by the CD drive and two tabs are located by the I/O panel.
- Close the cover and remove the front bezel.
NOTICE: This view of the small mini-tower chassis shows the
optical drive data cable removed.
 |
| 1 |
Top panel |
| 2 |
Bottom panel |
| 3 |
Front panel tabs (3) |
| 4 |
Top panel tabs (8) |
|
- Remove the screw holding the control panel to the chassis, and pull
the panel up and away from the chassis.
- Rotate the badge by pressing in on the small lever that holds the
badge to the bezel.
Replacing the Control Panel and
Badge—Small Mini-Tower Chassis
To replace the control panel and badge, follow the "Removing the Control Panel and Badge" procedures
in reverse, ensuring that the tabs on the top panel, bottom panel, and front panel are
secure.
Removing Front-Panel Inserts—Small Desktop Chassis
- Facing the front of the computer, use your fingers to remove
the front-panel cover.
 |
| 1 |
Optical drive front-panel cover |
| 2 |
3.5-inch drive front-panel cover |
|
- Press on the insert until it pops free of the front-panel cover.
Removing Front-Panel Inserts—Small Mini-Tower Chassis
- Open the computer cover to a 45-degree angle and disconnect the
optical drive data cable.
- Open the cover to a 90-degree angle and release the insert tabs from
inside the chassis.
- Press on the insert until it pops free of the front-panel cover.
Replacing Front-Panel Inserts
To replace a front-panel insert, follow the "Removing Front-Panel Inserts" procedures in reverse.
Removing the Front I/O Panel—Small Form-Factor Desktop Chassis
- To access the screw that holds the front I/O panel to the chassis, remove the hard drive.
- Disconnect the control panel cable from
the control panel connector on the I/O panel. Disconnect the front I/O cable from the
connector on the system board (see "System Board Components"
for the location of the front-panel connector and front I/O cable).
- Remove all cables that are connected to the front I/O panel.
- From inside the chassis cover, remove the mounting screw that secures
the front I/O panel to the chassis.
- Remove the front I/O panel from the chassis.
Removing the Front I/O
Panel—Small Desktop Chassis
- Remove the hard-drive shroud.
- Disconnect the hard-drive data cable.
- Disconnect the control panel cable from
the control panel connector. Disconnect the I/O cable from the connector on the system
board (see "System Board Components" for the location of
the front-panel connector and I/O cable).
Note the routing of the control panel cable as you remove it from the chassis so that you
can replace it correctly.
- Remove all cables that are connected to the front I/O panel.
- From inside the chassis cover, remove the mounting screw that secures
the front I/O panel to the chassis.
- Remove the front I/O panel from the chassis.
Removing the Front I/O
Panel—Small Mini-Tower Chassis
- Disconnect the control panel cable from
the control panel connector. Disconnect the I/O cable from the connector on the system
board (see "System Board Components" for the location of
the front-panel connector and I/O panel).
Note the routing of the control panel cable as you remove it from the chassis so that you
can replace it correctly.
- Remove all cables that are connected to the front I/O panel.
- From inside the chassis cover, remove the mounting screw that secures
the front I/O panel to the chassis.
- Remove the front I/O panel from the chassis.
Replacing the Front I/O
Panel—Small Form-Factor Desktop, Small Desktop, and Small Mini-Tower Chassis
To replace the front I/O panel, follow the "Removing
the Front I/O Panel" procedures in reverse, ensuring that the upright, notched
tab on the chassis fits through the hole at the end of the control panel.
Removing the Chassis Intrusion Switch—Small Form-Factor Desktop
Chassis
Removing the Chassis Intrusion Switch—Small Desktop Chassis
Removing the Chassis Intrusion Switch—Small Mini-Tower Chassis
- Disconnect the chassis intrusion
switch cable connector from the control panel on the front of the chassis.
Note the routing of the chassis intrusion cable as you remove it from the chassis. Chassis
hooks may hold the cable in place inside the chassis.
- Slide the chassis intrusion switch out of its slot and remove the
switch and its attached cable from the chassis.
Replacing the Chassis Intrusion Switch
To replace the chassis intrusion switch, follow the "Removing the Chassis Intrusion Switch" procedures in
reverse order.
- Enter system setup by pressing <F2> during the system's POST.
|
NOTE: For instructions on using system setup, see
the online System User's Guide. |
- Under the System Security tab, reset the Chassis Intrusion
option by pressing the left- or right-arrow key to select Reset. Change the setting
to Enabled, Enabled-Silent, or Disabled.
|
NOTES: The default is Enabled-Silent.
If a setup password has been assigned by someone else, contact the network
administrator for information on resetting the chassis intrusion detector. |
- Press <Alt><B> to restart the system and implement your
changes.
Small Form-Factor Desktop Chassis
Small Desktop Chassis
Small Mini-Tower Chassis
Removing the 3.5-Inch Floppy
Drive—Small Form-Factor Desktop Chassis
- Open the computer cover.
- Disconnect the combination data cable from the interface (IDE2) and
floppy drive data connectors on the system board.
Removing the Cables on the Floppy Drive—Small-Form
Factor Chassis
 |
| 1 |
Power cable |
| 2 |
Audio cable |
| 3 |
Optical interposer board |
| 4 |
LIF lever |
| 5 |
Combination data cable |
| 6 |
System board floppy drive connector |
| 7 |
System board interface connector (IDE2) |
|
- Disconnect the power cable and audio cable from the interposer board
and then remove the interposer board from the optical drive.
- Press inward on the two tabs on the sides of the floppy drive to
disengage the drive from the chassis; slide the drive upward and remove it from the
chassis.
- Disconnect the floppy drive data cable
from the back of the drive by first releasing the LIF lever.
Once this lever is released, the cable is easily removed from the connector.
Removing the Floppy Drive Data Cable
 |
| 1 |
Floppy drive data cable |
| 2 |
LIF lever |
| 3 |
System board floppy drive connector |
|
- Remove the floppy drive from the sled by pulling the sled tab out
while pushing the drive up, and then sliding the drive out of the sled.
Removing and Replacing the Sled
- Snap the replacement drive into the sled and ensure that it is secure
in the sled.
- Attach the floppy drive data cable to the back of the floppy drive by
inserting the cable into the connector and then sliding the LIF lever to lock the cable
into place.
Attaching the Floppy Drive Data Cable—Small
Form-Factor Chassis
 |
| 1 |
Floppy drive data cable |
| 2 |
LIF lever |
|
- Gently slide the drive into the chassis until the tabs securely click
into position.
Replacing the Floppy Drive—Small
Form-Factor Chassis
 |
| 1 |
Floppy drive data cable |
|
- Connect the interposer board to the optical drive and connect the
power cable and audio cable.
Attaching Cables—Small Form-Factor Chassis
 |
| 1 |
Power cable |
| 2 |
Audio cable |
| 3 |
Interposer board |
| 4 |
LIF lever |
| 5 |
Combination data cable |
| 6 |
System board floppy drive connector |
| 7 |
System board interface connector (IDE2) |
|
- Connect the combination data cable to the floppy and interface (IDE2)
connectors on the system board.
- Close the computer cover.
Removing the 3.5-Inch Floppy Drive—Small Desktop and
Small Mini-Tower Chassis
- Open the computer cover.
- Disconnect the power cable and the floppy
drive data cable from the drive.
- Press inward on the two tabs on the sides of the drive bay to
disengage the bracket from the chassis.
- Slide the bracket upward, and remove it from the chassis.
Removing the 3.5-Inch Floppy Drive—Small Desktop Chassis
Removing the 3.5-Inch Floppy Drive—Small Mini-Tower Chassis
- If the replacement drive does not have the bracket rails attached,
remove the old drive from the bracket by removing the four screws that secure the drive to
the bracket rails.
- Attach the bracket to the new drive by aligning the screw holes on
the drive with the screw holes on the bracket rails and tightening all four screws.
Removing and Replacing the Drive Bracket Rails
 |
| 1 |
Drive |
| 2 |
Bracket rails (2) |
| 3 |
Screws (4) |
|
- Ensure that bracket rails are attached to the new drive.
- Gently slide the bracket into place until the tabs securely click
into position.
- Attach the floppy drive data cable to the back of the floppy drive.
- Connect the power cable to the power input connector on the drive.
Attaching Cables to a 3.5-Inch
Drive—Small Desktop
Chassis
 |
| 1 |
Power cable |
| 2 |
Floppy drive data cable |
| 3 |
Floppy drive system board connector |
|
Attaching Cables to a 3.5-Inch
Drive—Small Mini-Tower
Chassis
 |
| 1 |
Power cable |
| 2 |
Floppy drive data cable |
| 3 |
Floppy drive system board connector |
|
- Close the computer cover.
Small Form-Factor Desktop Chassis
Small Desktop Chassis
Small Mini-Tower Chassis
Removing the Optical Drive—Small Form-Factor Desktop Chassis
- Open the computer cover.
- Remove the interposer board from the optical drive.
Removing Cables—Small Form-Factor
Desktop Chassis
 |
| 1 |
Interposer board |
| 2 |
Optical drive interface connector |
| 3 |
Combination data cable |
| 4 |
System board floppy drive connector |
| 5 |
System board interface (IDE2) connector |
|
- Press inward on the two tabs on the sides of the drive bay to
disengage the drive from the chassis.
Replacing the Optical Drive—Small Form-Factor Desktop Chassis
- Gently slide the drive into place until the tabs securely click into
position.
- Connect the interposer board to the optical drive.
- Close the computer cover.
Attaching Cables to an
Optical Drive—Small
Form-Factor Desktop Chassis
 |
| 1 |
Interposer board |
| 2 |
Optical drive interface connector |
| 3 |
Combination data cable |
| 4 |
System board floppy drive connector |
| 5 |
System board interface (IDE2) connector |
|
Removing the Optical Drive—Small Desktop Chassis
Removing the Optical Drive—Small Mini-Tower Chassis
Removing and Replacing the Drive Bracket Rails—Small
Desktop and Small Mini-Tower Chassis
|
| 1 |
Drive |
| 2 |
Bracket rails (2) |
| 3 |
Screws (4) |
|
If you are replacing an optical drive and bracket assembly, follow
these instructions. If you are installing a new drive that does not have bracket rails
attached, connect it to the set of rails that are attached to the inside of the cover.
|
NOTE: If there are no screws with the bracket in
the small mini-tower chassis, contact Dell. See the User's Guide for information on
contacting Dell. |
- Open the computer cover.
- Remove the optical drive data cable from the optical drive.
- Remove the optical drive power cable and audio cable from the optical
drive.
- Press inward on the two tabs on the sides of the drive bay to
disengage the bracket from the chassis.
- Slide the bracket upward and remove it from the chassis.
- If the replacement drive does not have the bracket rails attached,
remove the brackets from the old drive by removing the four screws that secure the drive
to the bracket rails.
- Attach the bracket to the new drive by aligning the screw holes on
the drive with the screw holes on the bracket rails and tightening all four screws.
Replacing the Optical Drive—Small Desktop and
Small Mini-Tower Chassis
- Reinstall the optical drive and bracket assembly in the chassis by
gently sliding the bracket into place until the tabs securely click into position.
- If you are installing a drive that has its own controller card, install the controller card in an expansion slot.
- Connect the optical drive power cable and audio cable to the optical
drive.
- Connect the optical drive data cable to the optical drive.
If your system came with an EIDE CD drive, use the spare connector
on the existing interface cable. Otherwise, use the EIDE interface cable provided in the
drive kit.
Attaching Cables to an
Optical Drive—Small
Desktop Chassis
 |
| 1 |
Optical drive data cable |
| 2 |
Optical drive interface connector |
| 3 |
Power cable |
| 4 |
Power connector |
| 5 |
Audio connector |
| 6 |
Audio cable |
|
Attaching Cables to an
Optical Drive—Small
Mini-Tower Chassis
 |
| 1 |
Power connector |
| 2 |
Optical drive data cable |
| 3 |
Audio connector |
| 4 |
System board interface connector (IDE2) |
|
|
NOTE: If you install a second optical device, do
not route the cable through the plastic clips on the side of the 3.5-inch bay. |
- Close the computer cover.
Small Form-Factor Desktop Chassis
Small Desktop Chassis
Small Mini-Tower Chassis
Removing the Hard-Drive Shroud—Small Desktop Chassis
- Open the computer cover.
- Remove the plastic shroud covering the hard drive by pressing in on
the indented tab at the top of the shroud and lifting the shroud away.
Removing the Hard Drive—Small Form-Factor
Desktop Chassis
Removing the Hard Drive—Small
Desktop Chassis
Removing the Hard Drive—Small
Mini-Tower Chassis
- Disconnect the power and interface cables from the drive.
- For the small form-factor chassis, press in on the tabs on each side
of the bracket and slide it toward the I/O panel and remove the drive from the
chassis.
For the small desktop and small mini-tower chassis, press in
on the tabs on each side of the bracket, and slide it up and out.
- If your replacement hard drive does not have the bracket rails
attached, remove the four screws holding the bracket rails to the hard drive.
NOTICE: To avoid possibly damaging the drive by ESD, ground
yourself by touching an unpainted metal surface on the back of the computer.
NOTICE: When you unpack the drive, do not set it on a hard surface, which may damage
the drive. Instead, set the drive on a surface, such as a foam pad, that will sufficiently
cushion it.
- If necessary, attach the bracket rails to the new hard drive by
aligning the four screw holes of the drive and bracket and then inserting and tightening
the screws that came with your upgrade kit.
- Reinstall the hard-drive bracket in the chassis by gently sliding the
bracket into place until you hear it securely click.
- Connect a power cable to the power input connector on the back of the
drive, and connect one of the device connectors on the EIDE cable
to the 40-pin interface connector on the back of the hard drive.
- Check all connectors to be certain that they are properly cabled and
firmly seated.
NOTICE: To avoid possible damage to the system, you must match
the colored stripe on the EIDE interface cable with pin 1 on the drive's interface
connector and with the EIDE interface connector (labeled IDE1) on the system board.
To locate EIDE connector 1 (IDE1) on the system board, see "System
Board Components."
Attaching Hard-Drive
Cables—Small Form-Factor Desktop Chassis
 |
| 1 |
Drive power connector |
| 2 |
Hard-drive power cable |
| 3 |
Drive IDE1 connector |
| 4 |
Hard-drive data cable |
| 5 |
System board IDE1 connector |
|
Attaching Hard-Drive
Cables—Small Desktop Chassis
 |
| 1 |
Hard-drive power cable |
| 2 |
Hard-drive data cable |
| 3 |
IDE1 connector |
|
Attaching Hard-Drive Cables—Small
Mini-Tower Chassis
 |
| 1 |
Hard-drive data cable |
| 2 |
Hard-drive power cable |
| 3 |
IDE1 connector |
|
- Close the computer cover.
- If the drive you just installed is the primary drive, insert a
bootable system floppy disk into the floppy drive.
- Turn on the computer.
- Enter system setup and update the appropriate Primary Drive
option, 0 or 1.
See the User's Guide for complete information on system setup.
- Reset the chassis intrusion detector.
- Restart the computer.
- Partition and logically format the computer's hard drive before
proceeding to the next step.
For partition and format instructions, refer to the documentation
that came with the operating system.
| |
NOTE: On systems with hard drives
larger than 2 GB, create a primary partition of 2 GB and divide the remaining capacity
into partitions of 2 GB or less. For example, a system with a 2.5-GB hard drive would have
a primary partition of 2 GB (drive C) and a second partition of 500 MB (drive D). Hard
drives must be partitioned this way because MS-DOS®—based operating systems
(including Microsoft® Windows NT®, when using a FAT16 file system) do not support drive
partitions larger than 2 GB. |
- Test the hard drive by running the Dell Diagnostics.
See "Solving Problems" in the User's Guide for complete information.
- If the drive you just installed is the primary drive, install the
operating system on the hard drive.
For instructions, refer to the documentation that came with the operating system.
Removing the Power Supply—Small
Form-Factor Desktop Chassis
 |
| 1 |
DC power cables |
| 2 |
Push button |
| 3 |
AC power connector |
|
Removing the Power Supply—Small
Desktop Chassis
 |
| 1 |
DC power cables |
| 2 |
AC power connector |
| 3 |
Push button |
|
Removing the Power Supply—Small
Mini-Tower Chassis
 |
| 1 |
DC power cables |
| 2 |
Push button |
| 3 |
Screws (2) |
| 4 |
AC power connector |
|
- Disconnect the AC power cable from the back of the power supply.
- 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 chassis as you remove
them from the system board and drives. It is important to route these cables properly when
you replace them to prevent them from being pinched or crimped.
- On the small desktop system, remove the
expansion-card cage, and remove the power cables from the side of the hard-drive cage.
To remove the power cables, use the cables as leverage and pull away from the clips while
simultaneously pulling on the metal clips with your finger.
On the small mini-tower chassis, remove the two screws that secure
the power supply to the back of the chassis.
- Press the "PUSH" button located on the floor of the
chassis.
- Slide the power supply toward the front of the computer approximately
1 inch.
- Lift the power supply up and out of the computer chassis.
Replacing the Power Supply
- Slide the power supply into place.
- On the small mini-tower chassis, replace the two screws that secure
the power supply to the back of the chassis.
- Reconnect the DC power cables.
- Connect the AC power cable to the connector.
- On the small desktop system, reattach the power cables to the side of
the hard-drive cage.
- Run the cables underneath the metal clips.
- Press the clips to close them over the cables.
Removing the Expansion-Card Cage—Small Desktop Chassis
- Examine any cables connected to
expansion cards through the back-panel openings, and disconnect any cables that will not
extend to where the cage must be placed when it is removed from the chassis.
- Remove any cables connected to the expansion card.
- Gently pull on the handle and lift the expansion-card cage up and
away from the chassis.
Replacing the Expansion-Card Cage
- Align the expansion-card cage slots with the tabs in the chassis
opening for the expansion-card cage. Slide the expansion-card cage into place.
- Make sure that the riser board is fully seated in the RISER connector
on the system board.
- Reconnect any cables you removed in step 1
and 2 of the previous procedure.
 |
| 1 |
PCI expansion-card connector 1 (PCI1) |
| 2 |
PCI expansion-card connector 2 (PCI2) |
|
Removing the PCI Riser Board on the
Small Desktop Chassis
NOTICE: To avoid damage to the expansion cards or the system board by ESD, ground
yourself by touching an unpainted metal surface on the back of the computer.
- Remove the expansion-card cage.
- Remove the expansion cards installed in
the slots.
- Remove the two screws that attach the riser board to the
expansion-card cage.
Replacing the PCI Riser Board on the
Small Desktop Chassis
Follow the "Removing the PCI Riser
Board" procedures in reverse order.
Removing the PCI Riser Board on the Small
Mini-Tower Chassis
NOTICE: To avoid damage to the expansion cards or the system
board by ESD, ground yourself by touching an unpainted metal surface on the back of the
computer.
- Remove all cables from the system board.
- Remove the system board metal tray assembly.
- Detach the riser board from the system board metal tray assembly.
|
NOTE: The metal tab on the PCI riser
board may be engaged, release the tab before you remove the riser board. You do not need
to engage this tab when you replace the riser board. |
 |
| 1 |
PCI riser board |
| 2 |
System board |
| 3 |
System board tab |
| 4 |
Riser board tab |
|
Replacing the PCI Riser Board on the Small Mini-Tower Chassis
Follow the "Removing the PCI Riser Board"
procedures in reverse order.
The small form-factor desktop chassis supports one expansion slot
for a low-profile, 32-bit, 33-MHz PCI card. The small desktop chassis accommodates up to
two 32-bit PCI expansion cards. The small mini-tower chassis supports up to four 32-bit
PCI expansion cards.
| |
NOTE: Before disconnecting a device
from the system or removing a component from the system board, verify that the auxiliary
power indicator LED on the system board is off. For the location of this LED, see "System Board Components." |
32-Bit Low Profile Expansion Card
32-Bit Expansion Card
- If necessary, disconnect any cables connected to the card.
- In the small desktop system, remove the
expansion-card cage.
- Raise the plastic lever that covers the card-slot opening for the
expansion-card you want to remove and remove the filler bracket.
- Grasp the card by its outside corners, and ease it out of its
connector on the riser board.
- If you are removing the card permanently, install a metal filler
bracket over the empty card-slot opening.
Replacing an Expansion Card—Small Form-Factor Chassis
Replacing an Expansion Card—Small Desktop Chassis
 |
| 1 |
Card-edge connector |
| 2 |
Expansion card |
| 3 |
Riser board |
| 4 |
PCI expansion-card connector |
| 5 |
Expansion-card cage |
|
Replacing an Expansion Card—Small Mini-Tower Chassis
|
CAUTION: Some network cards
automatically start the system when they are connected. To guard against electrical shock,
be sure to unplug the computer from its electrical outlet before installing any expansion
cards. |
- Prepare the expansion card for installation.
See the
documentation that came with the expansion card for information on configuring the card,
making internal connections, or otherwise customizing it for your system.
- Raise the lever that covers the card-slot opening on the back of the
chassis.
- If there is a filler bracket, remove the filler bracket by raising
the hinged lever and sliding the bracket up.
- Insert the expansion card into the expansion-card connector.
- When the card is firmly seated in the connector, secure the card's
mounting bracket to the chassis by lowering the plastic lever.
- Connect any cables that should be attached to the card.
- In the small desktop system, replace the expansion-card cage.
- Close the computer cover, and
reconnect the computer and devices to their electrical outlets and turn them on.
| |
NOTE: After you open and close the
cover, the chassis intrusion detector causes the following message to be displayed at the
next system start-up:
ALERT! Cover was previously removed.
See "Resetting the Chassis Intrusion Detector"
for instructions. |
The subsections that follow contain procedures for removing system
board components.
System Board Components
Front of Computer
Back of Computer |
| 1 |
PC speaker |
| 2 |
DC power connector |
| 3 |
Floppy drive connector |
| 4 |
Battery |
| 5 |
EIDE2 connector |
| 6 |
Auxiliary power indicator |
| 7 |
Memory module (DIMM) connectors (2) |
| 8 |
Front-panel cable connector |
| 9 |
EIDE1 connector |
| 10 |
PCI 2 riser connector (not populated on
the small form-factor chassis, used as the riser in the small desktop chassis, and can be
populated with PCI expansion card in the small mini-tower chassis) |
| 11 |
PCI 1 connector (not able to be populated
on the small desktop chassis) |
| 12 |
AGP/GPA connector |
| 13 |
Video connector (upper) and audio
connectors (lower) |
| 14 |
CD audio and telephony connectors |
| 15 |
NIC connector (upper) and USB connectors
(2) (lower) |
| 16 |
Keyboard (lower) and mouse (upper)
connectors |
| 17 |
Diagnostic LEDs |
| 18 |
Voltage regulator module |
| 19 |
Parallel port (upper) and serial port (2)
(lower) connectors |
| 20 |
Microprocessor fan connector |
| 21 |
Microprocessor and heat sink assembly |
|
The following figure shows the location of the PSWD jumper on the
system board.
System Board Jumper
The following table lists the labels for connectors and sockets on
the system board and gives a brief description of their functions.
System Board Connectors and Sockets
| Connector or Socket |
Description |
| AGP |
AGP Pro connector |
| AUDIO |
Line-in, line-out, and microphone jacks |
| AUX_PWR |
Auxiliary power indicator |
| BATTERY |
Battery socket |
| CD-IN |
CD-ROM drive audio cable connector |
| DIAG_LED |
Diagnostic LEDs |
| DIMM_x |
DIMM socket |
| DSKT |
Floppy drive interface connector |
| FAN |
Microprocessor fan connector |
| FRONTAUDIO |
Front-panel audio connector for onboard
audio |
| FRONTPANEL |
Front-panel cable connector |
| IDEn |
EIDE interface connector |
| KYBD_MOUSE |
Keyboard and mouse connectors |
| MICROPROCESSOR |
Microprocessor connector |
| MODEM |
Telephony connector |
| MONITOR |
Video connector |
| NIC_USB |
Integrated NIC connector and USB
connectors |
| PAR_SER1_SER2 |
Parallel and serial port connectors |
| PCI1 and 2 |
PCI expansion card connectors |
| POWER |
Main power input connector |
| PSWD |
Password jumper |
| VRISER |
Riser board connector |
| SPEAKER |
Internal speaker |
| VRM |
Voltage regulator module connector |
Removing a Memory Module
- Press the securing clips outward simultaneously until the memory
module disengages and pops out slightly from the socket.
- Lift the module away from the socket.
Replacing a Memory Module
Press the module fully into the socket while closing the securing
clips to lock the module into place.
 |
| 1 |
Securing clips (2) |
| 2 |
Slot |
|
Installing an AGP Card
|
NOTE: The small form-factor and small
desktop systems support low-profile AGP cards. |
- Remove the filler bracket by raising the hinged lever and sliding the
bracket up.
Removing the AGP Slot Filler Bracket in the
Small-Form Factor Chassis
Removing the AGP Slot Filler Bracket—Small Desktop
Chassis
Removing the AGP Slot Filler Bracket—Small Mini-Tower
Chassis
- Insert the AGP card into the connector on the
system board. Make sure that the card is securely fastened by the AGP card clip.
Installing an AGP Card
 |
| 1 |
Front end notch of AGP card |
| 2 |
I/O panel AGP video connector |
| 3 |
AGP card clip lever |
|
- Press the AGP card clip lever toward PCI slot 1.
- Slide the AGP card into place.
- Release the AGP card clip lever, ensuring that the tab on the AGP
card clip lever fits into the notch on the front end of the AGP card.
- Secure the AGP card bracket by lowering the securing lever on the
back panel.
Removing an AGP Card
- Raise the hinged lever on the back on
the system.
- On the AGP card clip, press the lever toward PCI slot 1.
- Pull the AGP card up out of the AGP card clip.
Installing a GPA (also called
AIMM) Card
 |
| 1 |
Front end of GPA (AIMM) card |
| 2 |
Back end of GPA (AIMM) card |
| 3 |
GPA (AIMM) connector |
| 4 |
AGP card clip tab |
| 5 |
AGP card clip |
| 6 |
AGP card clip lever tab |
| 7 |
AGP card clip lever |
|
- Insert the card into the connector.
- Hook the back end of the card under the AGP card clip tab.
- Lower the front end of the card, and push the AGP card clip lever
away so that the AGP card clip lever tab is out of the way.
- Insert the card firmly into the connector, and release the lever so
that the tab is over the front end card bottom.
Removing a GPA (AIMM) Card
- Press on the AGP card clip lever so that the tab is not covering the
card edge bottom.
- Lift the card's front end up, and slightly tilt it upward until the
other card end is free from the AGP card clip tab.
|
CAUTION: The microprocessor package and heat sink
assembly can get extremely hot. To avoid burns, be sure the package and assembly have had
sufficient time to cool before you touch them. |
- Disconnect the cooling fan power cable from the FAN1 connector on the
system board.
- On the small form-factor and small desktop chassis:
- Remove the cooling fan/heat sink assembly from the microprocessor by
inserting a flat-blade screwdriver into the slot on the securing slip's green tab. Press
down on the tab until the securing clip releases.
The securing clip hooks over the tab on the side of the socket opposite the hinged end.
- Lift the heat sink away from the microprocessor.
On the small mini-tower chassis:
- Remove the fan shroud assembly.
- Remove the heat sink clip.
- Lift the heat sink away from the microprocessor.
Removing the Securing Clip
 |
| 1 |
Securing clip |
| 2 |
Securing clip tab |
|
- Remove the microprocessor chip from the socket.
NOTICE: Be careful not to bend any of the pins when you remove
the microprocessor package from the ZIF socket. Bending the package pins can permanently
damage the microprocessor.
The ZIF socket has a lever-type handle that secures and releases the microprocessor
package from the ZIF socket.
- Pull the socket release lever straight up until the microprocessor
package releases.
- Remove the microprocessor package from the socket.
Leave the release lever extended so that the socket is ready for the
new microprocessor package.
Removing the Microprocessor
 |
| 1 |
Microprocessor chip |
| 2 |
Socket release lever |
| 3 |
ZIF socket |
|
NOTICE: If you are replacing the microprocessor, do not reuse the
old heat sink. Doing so can cause the microprocessor to overheat because of an inadequate
amount of thermal compound between the heat sink assembly and the microprocessor package.
NOTICE: You must position the microprocessor package correctly in
the ZIF socket to avoid permanent damage to the microprocessor and the computer when you
turn on the system.
- Install the microprocessor package in the ZIF socket.
- If the release lever on the ZIF socket is not all the way out, move
it to that position now.
- Align pin-1 (the beveled corner) of the microprocessor package and
pin-1 of the ZIF socket.
Installing the Microprocessor Chip
 |
| 1 |
Pin-1 corners of chip and socket aligned |
|
- Set the microprocessor package lightly in the socket, making sure
that all the pins are headed into the correct holes.
Because the system uses a ZIF socket, there is no need to use force (which could bend the
pins if the microprocessor package is misaligned).
- When the microprocessor package is positioned correctly, press it
with minimal pressure to fully seat it in the ZIF socket.
- When the microprocessor package is fully seated, pivot the release
lever back toward the system board until it snaps into place, securing the microprocessor
package.
- Replace the fan/heat sink assembly.
- If you are installing a new heat sink assembly, remove the plastic
cover that is attached to the bottom of the new heat sink assembly.
- Place the heat sink assembly on top of the microprocessor package.
- Orient the metal retaining clip as shown in "Removing the Securing Clip," and hook the unhinged end of
the clip over the tab on the top edge of the ZIF socket.
NOTICE: Be sure to orient the clip so that the green tab is opposite the memory
modules, or the modules may be damaged.
- Insert a flat-blade screwdriver in the slot on the green tab, and
press down to snap the clip over the tab on the bottom edge of the ZIF socket.
|
NOTE: If you are installing a microprocessor
replacement kit from Dell, return the original heat sink assembly and microprocessor
package to Dell in the same package in which your replacement kit was sent. Your
microprocessor replacement kit should include a replacement microprocessor heat sink and
one replacement securing clips. |
- Reconnect the cooling fan power cable to the FAN1 connector on the
system board.
As the system boots, it detects the presence of the new
microprocessor and automatically changes the system configuration information in system
setup.
| |
NOTE: After you open and close the
cover, the chassis intrusion detector causes the following message to be displayed at the
next system start-up:
ALERT! Cover was previously removed. |
- Enter system setup and confirm that the system data area correctly
identifies the type of installed microprocessor.
| |
NOTE: For instructions on using system
setup, see the online System User's Guide. |
- While in system setup, reset the Chassis Intrusion option by
pressing the left- or right-arrow key to select Reset and then choosing Enabled,
Enabled-Silent, or Disabled.
See the online System User's Guide for information on the chassis intrusion
detector.
| |
NOTE: If a setup password has been
assigned by someone else, contact the network administrator for information on resetting
the chassis intrusion detector. |
- Run the Dell Diagnostics to verify that the new processor is
operating correctly.
Remove the voltage regulator module (VRM) by pressing on the levers
of the VRM connector until the module is released and pops up. Since there is not much
room between the microprocessor heat sink and the VRM, you may need to use a flat-head
screwdriver to gently press on the levers.
NOTICE: Be careful when using a screwdriver to press on the VRM
connector levers. If the screwdriver slips, the system board could be damaged.
 |
| 1 |
VRM |
| 2 |
VRM connector |
| 3 |
Levers (2) |
|
Install the VRM by inserting into the connector until you hear the
module snap into place.
| |
CAUTION: There is a danger of the new
battery exploding 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. |
- If possible, enter system setup and print the system setup screens.
- Remove the system battery by carefully prying it out of its socket
with your fingers or with a blunt, nonconducting object such as a plastic screwdriver.
Replacing the System Battery
- Orient the new battery with the "+" facing up.
- Insert the battery into its socket and snap it into place.
Removing the System Board—Small Form-Factor Desktop,
Small Desktop, and Small Mini-Tower Chassis
 |
| 1 |
System board and metal tray assembly |
| 2 |
Tab |
|
| |
NOTE: The system board and the metal tray
are attached and are removed as one piece. |
- Remove or move any components that restrict access to the
system board.
- Disconnect all cables from the system board.
Before you remove the existing system board, visually compare the replacement system board
to the existing system board to make sure that you have the correct part.
| |
NOTE: The small mini-tower chassis has a
tab on the riser board. Release the tab before you remove the system board. |
- Pull up on the tab and slide the system board toward the front of the
chassis; lift it up and away.
- Place the system board that you just removed next to the replacement
system board.
Replacing the System Board
- Transfer components from the existing system board to the replacement
system board.
- Remove the memory modules and install them on the replacement board.
|
CAUTION: The
microprocessor package and heat sink assembly can get hot. To avoid burns, be sure that
the package and assembly have had sufficient time to cool before you touch them.
|
- Remove the fan/heat sink assembly and microprocessor package from the
existing system board and transfer it to the replacement system board.
- For the small mini-tower replace the riser
board.
- Configure the settings of the replacement system board.
Set the jumper on the replacement system board so it is identical to the one on the
existing board.
| |
NOTE: Some components and connectors on the
replacement system board may be in different locations than the corresponding connectors
on the existing system board. |
- Orient the replacement board by aligning the notches on the bottom to
the tabs on the chassis floor.
- Slide the board toward the back of the chassis until it clicks into
place.
- Replace any components and cables that you removed from the system
board.
- Reconnect all cables to their connectors at the back of the computer,
close the computer cover, and reconnect the computer and
devices to their power sources and turn them on.
| |
NOTE: After you close the
cover, the chassis intrusion detector causes the following message to be displayed at the
next system start-up:
ALERT! Cover was previously removed. |
- Reset the chassis intrusion detector.
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