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Adding and Replacing Parts

Dell™ Dimension™ 8250 Series

Turning Off the Computer

NOTICE: To prevent data loss, you must turn off your computer through the Start menu rather than by pressing the power button.

HINT: If you are having difficulty turning off your computer, see "General Problems."

1. Save and close any open files and exit any open programs.
   
   
2. Click the Start button and then click Turn off Computer.
   
   
3. Click Turn off.
   
   

The computer automatically turns off after the shutdown process finishes.

4. Turn off your monitor and any other devices connected to power.
   
   

Reattaching the Front Door and Hinge Arms

To prevent damage to your computer, the front door is designed to "break away" if it is lifted up too far. If the front door breaks away, you might need to reattach both the front door and the hinge arms.

Reattaching the Front Door

1. Shut down the computer through the Start menu.
   
   
2. Lower the hinge arms to the vertical position.
   
   
3. Align the two clips on the inside of the front door with the two hinge arms.
   
   
4. Press inward on the front door until it clips to both hinge arms.
   
   

Reattaching the Hinge Arms

CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions listed in your Owner's Manual.

1. Shut down the computer through the Start menu.
   
   
2. Disconnect the power cable from your computer.
   
   
3. Remove the front door, if it is attached.
   
   

The front door snaps off of the two hinge arms.

4. Remove the front-panel insert above the front-door bay area.
   
   

Pull the bottom of the insert with your fingers to remove it.

5. Lift both hinge arms to the horizontal position.
   
   
6. Use the two view slots to align the pivot bar with the two pivot-bar slots.
   
   

NOTICE: Using excessive force to pull the hinge arms into place may damage the arms or the front panel.

7. Pull the arms toward you until they snap into place.
   
   

If the hinge arms don't snap back into place on the first attempt, slightly reposition the arms and try again.

8. After the hinge arms clip into place, lower and raise the arms two or three times to properly seat them.
   
   
9. Reattach the front-panel insert.
   
   
10. Reconnect the power cable to your computer.
    
    
11. Reattach the front door.
    
    

Opening the Computer Cover

CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the steps listed in the safety instructions in your Owner's Manual.

CAUTION: To guard against electrical shock, always unplug your computer from the electrical outlet before opening the cover.

1. Shut down the computer through the Start menu.
   
   

NOTICE: To disconnect a network cable, first unplug the cable from your computer and then unplug it from the network wall jack.

2. Turn off any attached devices and disconnect them from their electrical outlets.
   
   
3. Disconnect the computer power cable from the wall outlet, and then press the power button to ground the system board.
   
   

NOTICE: Ensure that sufficient space exists to support the open cover—at least 30 cm (1 ft) of desk top space.

4. Lay the computer on its side so that the arrow on the bottom of the computer points up.
   
   
5. Open the cover:
   
   
   1. Facing the back of the computer, press the release button on the right side of the computer with one hand while pulling up on the top of the cover with the other hand.
      
      
   2. Press the release button on the left side of the computer with one hand while pulling up on the top of the cover with the other hand.
      
      
   3. Hold the bottom of the computer with one hand, and then pull open the cover with the other hand.
      
      

Installing and Removing Cards

CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the steps in the safety instructions in your Owner's Manual.

CAUTION: To guard against electrical shock, always unplug your computer from the electrical outlet before opening the cover.

Your Dell™ computer provides slots for up to four 32-bit, 33-MHz cards.

Cards

If you are installing or replacing a card, follow the procedures in the next section. If you are removing but not replacing a card, see "Removing a Card."

Installing a Card

CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the steps in the safety instructions in your Owner's Manual.

1. If you are replacing a card, remove the current driver for the card from the operating system.
   
   
2. Shut down the computer through the Start menu.
   
   

NOTICE: To disconnect a network cable, first unplug the cable from your computer and then unplug it from the network wall jack.

3. Turn off any attached devices and disconnect them from their electrical outlets.
   
   
4. Disconnect the computer power cable from the wall outlet, and then press the power button to ground the system board.
   
   
5. Open the computer cover.
   
   
6. Press the lever on the card retention arm and raise the retention arm.
   
   

7. If you are installing a new card, remove the filler bracket to create a card-slot opening. Then continue with step 9.
   
   
8. If you are replacing a card that is already installed in the computer, remove the card.
   
   

If necessary, disconnect any cables connected to the card. Grasp the card by its top corners, and ease it out of its connector.

9. Prepare the card for installation.
   
   

See the documentation that came with the card for information on configuring the card, making internal connections, or otherwise customizing it for your computer.

CAUTION: Some network adapters automatically start the computer when they are connected to a network. To guard against electrical shock, be sure to unplug your computer from its electrical outlet before installing any cards. Verify that the standby power light on the system board is off.

10. Place the card in the connector and press down firmly. Ensure that the card is fully seated in the slot.
    
    

If the card is full-length, insert the end of the card into the card guide bracket as you lower the card toward its connector on the system board. Insert the card firmly into the card connector on the system board.

11. Before you lower the retention arm, ensure that:
    
    
    • The tops of all cards and filler brackets are flush with the alignment bar
      
      
    • The notch in the top of the card or filler bracket fits around the alignment guide
      
      

Press the arm into place, securing the card(s) in the computer.

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.

12. 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: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable into the network wall jack and then plug it into the computer.

13. Close the computer cover, reconnect the computer and devices to electrical outlets, and turn them on.
    
    
14. Install any drivers required for the card as described in the card documentation.
    
    

Removing a Card

CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the steps in the safety instructions in your Owner's Manual.

1. Shut down the computer through the Start menu.
   
   

NOTICE: To disconnect a network cable, first unplug the cable from your computer and then unplug it from the network wall jack.

2. Turn off any attached devices and disconnect them from their electrical outlets.
   
   
3. Disconnect the computer power cable from the wall outlet, and then press the power button to ground the system board.
   
   
4. Open the computer cover.
   
   
5. Press the lever on the card retention arm and raise the retention arm.
   
   
6. If necessary, disconnect any cables connected to the card.
   
   
7. Grasp the card by its top corners, and ease it out of its connector.
   
   
8. If you are removing the card permanently, install a filler bracket in the empty card-slot opening.
   
   

If you need a filler bracket, contact Dell. See your Owner's Manual for contact information.

9. Lower the retention arm and press it into place, securing the card(s) in the computer.
   
   

NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable into the network wall jack and then plug it into the computer.

10. Close the computer cover, reconnect the computer and devices to electrical outlets, and turn them on.
    
    
11. Remove the card's driver from the operating system.
    
    

Adding Memory

CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the steps in the safety instructions in your Owner's Manual.

CAUTION: To guard against electrical shock, always unplug your computer from the electrical outlet before opening the cover.

You can increase your computer memory by installing memory modules on the system board. For information on the type of memory supported by your computer, look under "Memory" in "Technical Specifications."

RDRAM Overview

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 the new modules were purchased from Dell. Your original memory modules must be installed as a pair in either connectors RIMM1 and RIMM2 or RIMM3 and RIMM4. Do not pair one original memory module with one new memory module in connectors RIMM1 and RIMM2 or RIMM3 and RIMM4. Otherwise, your computer may not start properly.

RDRAM technology requires that all memory connectors have either a memory module or a continuity module installed. Memory modules and continuity modules are easily identified—memory modules have a metal cover on one side of the module and continuity modules do not.

HINT: The metal cover on a memory module is manufactured in various colors. The color of the metal cover has no effect on the module's performance.

Memory modules are the actual components that provide memory for the microprocessor; continuity modules are used only to complete the memory circuit if memory modules are not installed in all of the memory connectors.

Another RDRAM requirement is that memory modules must be installed in pairs of matched memory size. This means that if you purchased your computer with 128 MB of memory installed and you want to add another 128 MB of memory, you must remove the two continuity modules and replace them with two 64-MB memory modules.

NOTICE: You can only install continuity modules in connectors RIMM3 and RIMM4.

HINT: Mixed pairs of PC1066 and PC800 modules all function as PC800.

The only two valid memory configurations are:

• A pair of matched memory modules installed in connectors RIMM1 and RIMM2 with continuity modules installed in connectors RIMM3 and RIMM4
  
  

or

• A pair of matched memory modules installed in connectors RIMM1 and RIMM2 and another matched pair installed in connectors RIMM3 and RIMM4
  
  

HINT: Memory purchased from Dell is covered under your computer warranty.

Removing a Memory Module

1. Shut down the computer through the Start menu.
   
   

NOTICE: To disconnect a network cable, first unplug the cable from your computer and then unplug it from the network wall jack.

2. Turn off any attached devices and disconnect them from their electrical outlets.
   
   
3. Disconnect the computer power cable from the wall outlet, and then press the power button to ground the system board.
   
   
4. Open the computer cover.
   
   
5. Press out the securing clip at each end of the memory module connector.
   
   
6. 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.

Adding a Memory Module

1. Shut down the computer through the Start menu.
   
   

NOTICE: To disconnect a network cable, first unplug the cable from your computer and then unplug it from the network wall jack.

2. Turn off any attached devices and disconnect them from their electrical outlets.
   
   
3. Disconnect the computer power cable from the wall outlet, and then press the power button to ground the system board.
   
   
4. Open the computer cover.
   
   
5. Press out the securing clip at each end of the memory module connector.
   
   

6. Align the notch on the bottom of the module with the crossbar in the connector.
   
   

NOTICE: To avoid damage to the memory module, press the module straight down into the socket with equal force applied at each end of the module.

7. Insert the module straight down into the connector, ensuring that it fits into the vertical guides at each end of the connector. Press firmly on the ends of the module until it snaps into place.
   
   

If you insert the module correctly, the securing clips snap into the cutouts at each end of the module.

8. Close the computer cover.
   
   

NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable into the network wall jack and then plug it into the computer.

9. Connect your computer and devices to electrical outlets, and turn them on.
   
   
10. Right-click the My Computer icon and then click Properties.
    
    
11. Click the General tab.
    
    
12. To verify that the memory is installed correctly, check the amount of memory (RAM) listed.
    
    

Adding or Replacing the AGP Card

CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the steps in the safety instructions in your Owner's Manual.

CAUTION: To guard against electrical shock, always unplug your computer from the electrical outlet before opening the cover.

Your Dell™ computer provides a connector for an AGP card.

1. Shut down the computer through the Start menu.
   
   

NOTICE: To disconnect a network cable, first unplug the cable from your computer and then unplug it from the network wall jack.

2. Turn off any attached devices and disconnect them from their electrical outlets.
   
   
3. Disconnect the computer power cable from the wall outlet, and then press the power button to ground the system board.
   
   
4. Open the computer cover.
   
   

Removing an AGP Card

1. Remove the filler bracket by raising the hinged lever and sliding the bracket up.
   
   
2. Press the card lever toward the PCI connector.
   
   
3. Pull the card up and out of the card clip.
   
   

Installing an AGP Card

1. To add or replace the card, press the card lever toward the PCI connector and gently press the card into the AGP connector until it clicks into place.
   
   

2. Release the card lever, ensuring that the tab fits into the notch on the front end of the card.
   
   
3. Secure the card by lowering the hinged lever on the back panel.
   
   
4. Close the computer cover.
   
   
5. Connect the monitor cable to the card's video connector.
   
   

NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable into the network wall jack and then plug it into the computer.

6. Connect your computer and devices to electrical outlets, and turn them on.
   
   

Drives

Your computer supports:

• Two hard drives
  
  
• Two floppy or optional Zip drives
  
  
• Two CD or DVD drives
  
  

Hard Drive

CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the steps in the safety instructions in your Owner's Manual.

CAUTION: To guard against electrical shock, always unplug your computer from the electrical outlet before opening the cover.

NOTICE: To avoid damage to the drive, do not set it on a hard surface. Instead, set the drive on a surface, such as a foam pad, that will sufficiently cushion it.

1. If you are replacing a hard drive that contains data you want to keep, back up your files before you begin this procedure.
   
   
2. Shut down the computer through the Start menu.
   
   
3. Turn off your computer and any devices.
   
   
4. Ground yourself by touching an unpainted metal surface on the chassis, such as the metal around the card-slot openings at the back of the computer, before touching anything inside your computer.
   
   

While you work, periodically touch an unpainted metal surface on the computer chassis to dissipate any static electricity that might harm internal components.

NOTICE: To disconnect a network cable, first unplug the cable from your computer and then unplug it from the network wall jack.

5. Disconnect your computer and devices from their power sources. Also, disconnect any telephone or telecommunication lines from the computer.
   
   
6. Disconnect the computer power cable from the wall outlet, and then press the power button to ground the system board.
   
   
7. Open the computer cover.
   
   

Removing a Hard Drive

1. Disconnect the power and hard-drive cables from the drive.
   
   

2. Press in on the tabs on each side of the drive and slide the drive up and out.
   
   

Installing a Hard Drive

1. Unpack the replacement hard drive, and prepare it for installation.
   
   
2. Check the documentation for the drive to verify that it is configured for your computer.
   
   
3. If your replacement hard drive does not have the bracket rails attached, remove the rails from the old drive by removing the two screws that secure each rail to the drive. Attach the bracket rails to the new drive by aligning the screw holes on the drive with the screw holes on the bracket rails and then inserting and tightening all four screws (two screws on each rail).
   
   

4. Install the hard drive into the computer by gently sliding the drive into place until you hear it securely click.
   
   

NOTICE: Match the colored strip on the cable with pin 1 on the drive (pin 1 is marked as "1").

5. Connect the power and hard-drive cables to the drive.
   
   

6. Check all connectors to be certain that they are properly cabled and firmly seated.
   
   
7. Close the computer cover.
   
   

NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable into the network wall jack and then plug it into the computer.

8. Connect your computer and devices to electrical outlets, and turn them on.
   
   

See the documentation that came with the drive for instructions on installing any software required for drive operation.

Adding a Second Hard Drive

CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the steps in the safety instructions in your Owner's Manual.

CAUTION: To guard against electrical shock, always unplug your computer from the electrical outlet before opening the cover.

NOTICE: To avoid damage to the drive, do not set it on a hard surface. Instead, set the drive on a surface, such as a foam pad, that will sufficiently cushion it.

1. Check the documentation for the drive to verify that it is configured for your computer.
   
   
2. Shut down the computer through the Start menu.
   
   
3. Turn off your computer and any devices.
   
   
4. Ground yourself by touching an unpainted metal surface on the chassis, such as the metal around the card-slot openings at the back of the computer, before touching anything inside your computer.
   
   

While you work, periodically touch an unpainted metal surface on the computer chassis to dissipate any static electricity that might harm internal components.

NOTICE: To disconnect a network cable, first unplug the cable from your computer and then unplug it from the network wall jack.

5. Disconnect your computer and devices from their power sources. Also, disconnect any telephone or telecommunication lines from the computer.
   
   
6. Disconnect the computer power cable from the wall outlet, and then press the power button to ground the system board.
   
   
7. Open the computer cover.
   
   
8. Remove the two green plastic rails from the inside of the hard-drive bay by gently pulling the rails up and out of the bay.
   
   
9. Attach the rails to the hard drive using the two screws attached to the rails.
   
   

Ensure that the rail tabs are positioned at the back of the hard drive.

NOTICE: Do not install any drive into the lower hard-drive bay until you have removed the green drive rails from the inside of the hard-drive bay.

10. Remove the first hard drive from the upper bay and install it in the lower bay:
    
    
    1. Disconnect the power and the hard-drive cables from the back of the first hard drive.
       
       
    2. Press in the two green rail tabs and pull the first hard drive out of the upper bay.
       
       
    3. Gently slide the first hard drive into the lower bay until you hear a click.
       
       
    4. Reconnect the power and hard-drive cables to the back of the first hard drive.
       
       
11. Gently slide the new hard drive into the upper bay until you hear a click.
    
    

12. Connect a power cable to the drive.
    
    

NOTICE: Match the colored strip on the cable with pin 1 on the drive.

13. Locate the extra connector on the drive cable that is attached to your first hard drive and attach the connector to the second hard drive.
    
    

Your computer uses cable-select drive cables. This means that the device connected to the end connector of the drive cable is the master device and the device connected to the middle connector is the slave device. Be sure that the jumper setting on the new device is set for "cable select" (see the documentation that came with the drive for information).

14. Close the computer cover.
    
    

NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable into the network wall jack and then plug it into the computer.

15. Connect your computer and devices to their electrical outlets, and turn them on.
    
    

See the documentation that came with the drive for instructions on installing any software required for drive operation.

Front-Panel Inserts

If you are installing a new floppy or CD/DVD drive instead of replacing a drive, remove the front-panel inserts.

1. Open the cover to a 90-degree angle.
   
   
2. Locate the insert that is in front of the drive bay that you want to use.
   
   
3. From inside the computer, press in the release tab of the insert.
   
   

4. From the outside of the computer, pull the insert away from the computer's front panel.
   
   
5. If you purchased your floppy drive from Dell, you received a front-panel insert in your floppy drive kit. Proceed to step 7.

   
   

6. If you are installing a CD/DVD drive or a floppy drive that was not purchased from Dell, remove the insert from the insert frame by pressing on the four tabs.

7. If you purchased your floppy drive from Dell, attach the insert that you received in the floppy drive kit over the front of the drive bay. If you are installing a CD/DVD drive or floppy drive that was not purchased from Dell, reattach the empty insert frame over the front of the drive bay.
   
   
8. To attach either insert, face the front of the computer and slip the left side of the insert into the left side of the drive bay opening. Then, slightly press in the right-side insert release tab and gently push in the insert.

Floppy Drive

CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the steps in the safety instructions in your Owner's Manual.

CAUTION: To guard against electrical shock, always unplug your computer from the electrical outlet before opening the cover.

1. Shut down the computer through the Start menu.
   
   
2. Turn off your computer and any devices.
   
   
3. Ground yourself by touching an unpainted metal surface on the chassis, such as the metal around the card-slot openings at the back of the computer, before touching anything inside your computer.
   
   

While you work, periodically touch an unpainted metal surface on the computer chassis to dissipate any static electricity that might harm internal components.

NOTICE: To disconnect a network cable, first unplug the cable from your computer and then unplug it from the network wall jack.

4. Disconnect your computer and devices from their power sources. Also, disconnect any telephone or telecommunication lines from the computer.
   
   
5. Disconnect the computer power cable from the wall outlet, and then press the power button to ground the system board.
   
   
6. Open the computer cover.
   
   

Removing a Floppy Drive

1. Disconnect the power and floppy-drive cables from the back of the floppy drive.
   
   

2. Press inward on the two tabs on the sides of the drive, slide the drive upward, and remove it from the floppy-drive bay.
   
   

Installing a Floppy Drive

1. If you are replacing a drive and the new drive does not have the bracket rails attached, remove the rails from the old drive by removing the two screws that secure each rail to the drive. Attach the bracket to the new drive by aligning the screw holes on the drive with the screw holes on the bracket rails and then inserting and tightening all four screws (two screws on each rail).
   
   

2. Gently slide the drive into place until the tabs securely click into position.
   
   
3. Attach the power and floppy-drive cables to the floppy drive.
   
   

4. If you are installing a new floppy drive rather than replacing a drive, remove the front-panel inserts.
   
   
5. Check all cable connections, and fold cables out of the way to provide airflow for the fan and cooling vents.
   
   
6. Close the computer cover.
   
   

NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable in to the network wall jack and then plug it in to the computer.

7. Connect your computer and devices to their electrical outlets, and turn them on.
   
   

See the documentation that came with the drive for instructions on installing any software required for drive operation.

CD/DVD Drive

CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the steps in the safety instructions in your Owner's Manual.

CAUTION: To guard against electrical shock, always unplug your computer from the electrical outlet before opening the cover.

1. Shut down the computer through the Start menu.
   
   
2. Turn off your computer and any devices.
   
   
3. Ground yourself by touching an unpainted metal surface on the chassis, such as the metal around the card-slot openings at the back of the computer, before touching anything inside your computer.
   
   

While you work, periodically touch an unpainted metal surface on the computer chassis to dissipate any static electricity that might harm internal components.

NOTICE: To disconnect a network cable, first unplug the cable from your computer and then unplug it from the network wall jack.

4. Disconnect your computer and devices from their power sources. Also, disconnect any telephone or telecommunication lines from the computer.
   
   
5. Disconnect the computer power cable from the wall outlet, and then press the power button to ground the system board.
   
   
6. Open the computer cover.
   
   

Removing a CD/DVD Drive

1. Disconnect the power, audio, and CD/DVD drive cables from the back of the drive.
   
   

2. Press inward on the two tabs on the sides of the drive, and then slide the drive upward and remove it from the drive bay.
   
   

Installing a CD/DVD Drive

1. If you are installing a new drive, unpack the drive and prepare it for installation.
   
   

Check the documentation that accompanied the drive to verify that the drive is configured for your computer. If you are installing an IDE drive, configure the drive for the cable select setting.

2. Connect the new drive to the set of rails that are attached to the inside of the cover. If a set of rails is not attached inside the cover, contact Dell. See your Owner's Manual for contact information.
   
   
3. If you are installing a replacement drive and the new drive does not have the bracket rails attached, remove the rails from the old drive by removing the two screws that secure each rail to the drive. Attach the bracket to the new drive by aligning the screw holes on the drive with the screw holes on the bracket rails and then inserting and tightening all four screws (two screws on each rail).
   
   

4. Gently slide the drive into place until the tabs securely click into position.
   
   
5. Connect the power, audio, and CD/DVD drive cables to the drive.
   
   

6. If you are installing a new CD/DVD drive rather than replacing a drive, remove the front-panel inserts.
   
   
7. If you are installing a drive that has its own controller card, install the controller card in a card slot.
   
   
8. Check all cable connections, and fold cables out of the way to provide airflow for the fan and cooling vents.
   
   
9. Close the computer cover.
   
   

NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable in to the network wall jack and then plug it in to the computer.

10. Connect your computer and devices to their electrical outlets, and turn them on.
    
    

See the documentation that came with the drive for instructions on installing any software required for drive operation.

Replacing the Microprocessor

CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in your Owner's Manual.

1. Shut down the computer through the Start menu.
   
   
2. Turn off any attached devices and disconnect them from their electrical outlets.
   
   

NOTICE: To disconnect a network cable, first unplug the cable from your computer and then unplug it from the network wall jack.

3. Disconnect the power cable from your computer, and then press the power button to ground the system board.
   
   
4. Open the computer cover.
   
   
5. Disconnect the cooling fan power cable from the FAN2 connector on the system board.
   
   
6. Disconnect the +12-VDC P2 DC power cable from the connector on the system board.
   
   
7. Lift up the airflow shroud.
   
   

8. For each of the metal securing clips that secure the heat sink to the microprocessor, press down on the clip's latch to release the clip from the retention base. Then lift each clip out of the tabs on the retention base and away from the heat sink.
   
   

NOTICE: Gently rock the heat sink and then lift it to remove it.

9. Lift the heat sink away from the microprocessor.
   
   

NOTICE: Do not discard the original heat sink and securing clips unless you are installing a microprocessor upgrade kit from Dell. If you are not installing a microprocessor upgrade kit from Dell, reuse the original heat sink, blower, and securing clips when installing your new microprocessor.

10. Pull the socket lever up straight up until the microprocessor is released.
    
    

The microprocessor uses a ZIF socket with a lever-type handle that secures or releases the microprocessor.

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.

11. Remove the microprocessor from the socket.
    
    

Leave the release lever extended in the release position so that the socket is ready for the new microprocessor.

Installing the Microprocessor

NOTICE: You must position the microprocessor package correctly in the socket to avoid permanent damage to the microprocessor and the computer.

1. If the release lever on the ZIF socket is not extended to the release position, move it to that position.
   
   
2. Align pin-1 (the beveled corner) of the microprocessor package and pin-1 of the socket.
   
   

NOTICE: The microprocessor pins are delicate. To avoid damage, ensure that the microprocessor aligns properly with the socket, and do not use excessive force when installing the processor.

3. Carefully set the microprocessor in the socket and press it down lightly to seat it.
   
   
4. Rotate the lever back toward the system board until it snaps into place, securing the microprocessor package.
   
   
5. If you are installing a new heat sink, remove the film covering the bottom of the heat sink.
   
   
6. Lower the heat sink to the microprocessor so that the heat sink fits in the retention base.
   
   
7. For each of the replacement metal clips, fit the end of the clip that does not have the latch over its tab on the retention base. Then, fit the middle of the clip over the middle tab on the retention base, and press down on the clip's latch to secure the clip to the retention base.
   
   
8. Lower the airflow shroud over the heat sink.
   
   
9. Reconnect the cooling fan power cable to the FAN2 connector on the system board.
   
   
10. Plug the +12-VDC P2 DC power cable into the connector on the system board.
    
    
11. Close the computer cover.
    
    
12. Connect your computer and devices to their electrical outlets, and turn them on.
    
    

NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable into the network wall jack and then plug it into the computer.

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 clip.

Removing the Front I/O Panel

CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the steps listed in the safety instructions in your Owner's Manual.

CAUTION: To guard against electrical shock, always unplug your computer from the electrical outlet before opening the cover.

1. Shut down the computer through the Start menu.
   
   

NOTICE: To disconnect a network cable, first unplug the cable from your computer and then unplug it from the network wall jack.

2. Turn off any attached devices and disconnect them from their electrical outlets.
   
   
3. Disconnect the power cable from your computer, and then press the power button to ground the system board.
   
   
4. Open the computer cover.
   
   
5. Disconnect the control panel cable from the control panel connector. Disconnect the I/O cable from the connector on the system board.
   
   

Note the routing of the control panel cable as you remove it from the computer so that you can replace it correctly.

6. Remove all cables that are connected to the front I/O panel.
   
   
7. From inside the computer cover, remove the mounting screw that secures the front I/O panel to the computer.
   
   
8. Remove the front I/O panel from the computer.
   
   
9. Reinstall the front I/O panel by reversing steps 5 through 7.
   
   
10. Close the computer cover.
    
    

NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable into the network wall jack and then plug it into the computer.

11. Connect your computer and devices to their electrical outlets, and turn them on.
    
    

Power Supply

Removing the Power Supply

CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in your Owner's Manual.

1. Shut down the computer through the Start menu.
   
   
2. Turn off any attached devices and disconnect them from their electrical outlets.
   
   

NOTICE: To disconnect a network cable, first unplug the cable from your computer and then unplug it from the network wall jack.

3. Disconnect the power cable from your computer, and then press the power button to ground the system board.
   
   
4. Open the computer cover.
   
   
5. Be sure the AC power cable is disconnected from the back of the power supply. Then disconnect the DC power cables from the system board and the drives.
   
   

Note the routing of the DC power cables underneath the tabs in the computer frame 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.

6. Remove the two screws that secure the power supply to the back of the computer.
   
   
7. Press the "PUSH" button located on the floor of the computer frame.
   
   
8. Slide the power supply toward the front of the system approximately 1 inch.
   
   
9. Lift the power supply up and out of the computer.
   
   

Replacing the Power Supply

1. Slide the power supply into place.
   
   
2. Replace the two screws that secure the power supply to the back of the computer frame.
   
   
3. Reconnect the DC power cables.
   
   
4. Close the computer cover.
   
   
5. Connect your computer and devices to their electrical outlets, and turn them on.
   
   

NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable into the network wall jack and then plug it into the computer.

System Board

Removing the System Board

CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the steps in the safety instructions in your Owner's Manual.

1. Shut down the computer through the Start menu.
   
   
2. Ensure that your computer and attached devices are turned off. If your computer and attached devices did not automatically turn off when you shut down your computer, turn them off now.
   
   

NOTICE: To disconnect a network cable, first unplug the cable from your computer and then unplug it from the network wall jack.

3. Disconnect any telephone or telecommunication lines from the computer.
   
   
4. Disconnect your computer and all attached devices from their electrical outlets, and then press the power button to ground the system board.
   
   

CAUTION: To guard against electrical shock, always unplug your computer from the electrical outlet before opening the cover.

5. Open the computer cover.
   
   

NOTICE: Before touching anything inside your computer, ground yourself by touching an unpainted metal surface, such as the metal at the back of the computer. While you work, periodically touch an unpainted metal surface to dissipate any static electricity that could harm internal components.

NOTICE: The system board and metal tray are connected and are removed as one piece.

6. Remove any components that restrict access to the system board.
   
   
7. Disconnect all cables from the system board.
   
   
8. Before you remove the existing system board assembly, visually compare the replacement system board to the existing system board to make sure that you have the correct part.
   
   
9. Pull up on the tab and slide the system board assembly toward the front of the computer, and then lift it up and away.
   
   

10. Place the system board assembly that you just removed next to the replacement system board.
    
    

Replacing the System Board

1. Transfer components from the existing system board to the replacement system board:
   
   
   1. 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, ensure that the package and assembly have had sufficient time to cool before you touch them.

2. Remove the heat-sink assembly and microprocessor from the existing system board and transfer them to the replacement system board.
   
   

2. Configure the settings of the replacement system board.
   
   
3. Set the jumpers on the replacement system board so they are identical to the ones 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.

4. Orient the replacement board by aligning the notches on the bottom to the tabs on the computer.
   
   
5. Slide the system board assembly toward the back of the computer until it clicks into place.
   
   
6. Replace any components and cables that you removed from the system board.
   
   
7. Reconnect all cables to their connectors at the back of the computer.
   
   
8. Close the computer cover.
   
   

NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable into the network wall jack and then plug it into the computer.

9. Connect your computer and devices to electrical outlets, and turn them on.
   
   

Closing the Computer Cover

1. Ensure that all cables are connected, and fold cables out of the way.
   
   

Gently pull the power cables toward you so that they do not get caught underneath the drives.

2. Ensure that no tools or extra parts are left inside the computer.
   
   
3. Close the cover:
   
   
   1. Pivot the cover down.
      
      
   2. Press down on the right side of the cover until it closes.
      
      
   3. Press down on the left side of the cover until it closes.
      
      
   4. Ensure that both sides of the cover are locked. If not, repeat step 3.
      
      

NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable into the network wall jack and then plug it into the computer.

4. Connect your computer and devices to electrical outlets, and turn them on.
   
   

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