Table of Contents
- Working on your computer
- Technology and components
- Disassembly and reassembly
- Troubleshooting
- Getting help
DELL XE3 User Manual
Displayed below is the user manual for XE3 by DELL which is a product in the PCs/Workstations category. This manual has pages.
Related Manuals
OptiPlex XE3 Small Form Factor
Service Manual
Regulatory Model: D11S
Regulatory Type: D11S004
Notes, cautions, and warnings
NOTE: A NOTE indicates important information that helps you make better use of your product.
CAUTION: A CAUTION indicates either potential damage to hardware or loss of data and tells you how to avoid the problem.
WARNING: A WARNING indicates a potential for property damage, personal injury, or death.
© 2018 Dell Inc. or its subsidiaries. All rights reserved. Dell, EMC, and other trademarks are trademarks of Dell Inc. or its subsidiaries. Other trademarks
may be trademarks of their respective owners.
2018 - 05
Rev. A00
Working on your computer
Safety instructions
Use the following safety guidelines to protect your computer from potential damage and to ensure your personal safety. Unless otherwise
noted, each procedure included in this document assumes that the following conditions exist:
• You have read the safety information that shipped with your computer.
• A component can be replaced or, if purchased separately, installed by performing the removal procedure in reverse order.
WARNING: Disconnect all power sources before opening the computer cover or panels. After you nish working inside the
computer, replace all covers, panels, and screws before connecting to the power source.
WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer. For additional
safety best practices information, see the Regulatory Compliance Homepage at www.Dell.com/regulatory_compliance
CAUTION: Many repairs may only be done by a certied service technician. You should only perform troubleshooting and simple
repairs as authorized in your product documentation, or as directed by the online or telephone service and support team.
Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by your warranty. Read and follow the safety instructions
that came with the product.
CAUTION: To avoid electrostatic discharge, ground yourself by using a wrist grounding strap or by periodically touching an
unpainted metal surface at the same time as touching a connector on the back of the computer.
CAUTION: Handle components and cards with care. Do not touch the components or contacts on a card. Hold a card by its
edges or by its metal mounting bracket. Hold a component such as a processor by its edges, not by its pins.
CAUTION: When you disconnect a cable, pull on its connector or on its pull-tab, not on the cable itself. Some cables have
connectors with locking tabs; if you are disconnecting this type of cable, press in on the locking tabs before you disconnect the
cable. As you pull connectors apart, keep them evenly aligned to avoid bending any connector pins. Also, before you connect a
cable, ensure that both connectors are correctly oriented and aligned.
NOTE: The color of your computer and certain components may appear dierently than shown in this document.
Turning o your computer — Windows 10
CAUTION: To avoid losing data, save and close all open les and exit all open programs before you turn o your computer or
remove the side cover.
1 Click or tap .
2 Click or tap and then click or tap Shut down.
NOTE: Ensure that the computer and all attached devices are turned o. If your computer and attached devices did not
automatically turn o when you shut down your operating system, press and hold the power button for about 6 seconds to
turn them o.
Before working inside your computer
To avoid damaging your computer, perform the following steps before you begin working inside the computer.
1 Ensure that you follow the Safety Instruction.
2 Ensure that your work surface is at and clean to prevent the computer cover from being scratched.
1
Working on your computer 3
3 Turn o your computer.
4 Disconnect all network cables from the computer.
CAUTION: To disconnect a network cable, rst unplug the cable from your computer and then unplug the cable from the
network device.
5 Disconnect your computer and all attached devices from their electrical outlets.
6 Press and hold the power button while the computer is unplugged to ground the system board.
NOTE: To avoid electrostatic discharge, ground yourself by using a wrist grounding strap or by periodically touching an
unpainted metal surface at the same time as touching a connector on the back of the computer.
After working inside your computer
After you complete any replacement procedure, ensure that you connect any external devices, cards, and cables before turning on your
computer.
1 Connect any telephone or network cables to your computer.
CAUTION: To connect a network cable, rst plug the cable into the network device and then plug it into the
computer.
2 Connect your computer and all attached devices to their electrical outlets.
3 Turn on your computer.
4 If required, verify that the computer works correctly by running ePSA diagnostics.
4Working on your computer
Technology and components
This chapter details the technology and components available in the system.
Topics:
• DDR4
• USB features
• USB Type-C
• Advantages of DisplayPort over USB Type-C
• HDMI 2.0
DDR4
DDR4 (double data rate fourth generation) memory is a higher-speed successor to the DDR2 and DDR3 technologies and allows up to 512
GB in capacity, compared to the DDR3's maximum of 128 GB per DIMM. DDR4 synchronous dynamic random-access memory is keyed
dierently from both SDRAM and DDR to prevent the user from installing the wrong type of memory into the system.
DDR4 needs 20 percent less or just 1.2 volts, compared to DDR3 which requires 1.5 volts of electrical power to operate. DDR4 also supports
a new, deep power-down mode that allows the host device to go into standby without needing to refresh its memory. Deep power-down
mode is expected to reduce standby power consumption by 40 to 50 percent.
DDR4 Details
There are subtle dierences between DDR3 and DDR4 memory modules, as listed below.
Key notch dierence
The key notch on a DDR4 module is in a dierent location from the key notch on a DDR3 module. Both notches are on the insertion edge
but the notch location on the DDR4 is slightly dierent, to prevent the module from being installed into an incompatible board or platform.
Figure 1. Notch dierence
Increased thickness
DDR4 modules are slightly thicker than DDR3, to accommodate more signal layers.
2
Technology and components 5
Figure 2. Thickness dierence
Curved edge
DDR4 modules feature a curved edge to help with insertion and alleviate stress on the PCB during memory installation.
Figure 3. Curved edge
Memory Errors
Memory errors on the system display the new ON-FLASH-FLASH or ON-FLASH-ON failure code. If all memory fails, the LCD does not
turn on. Troubleshoot for possible memory failure by trying known good memory modules in the memory connectors on the bottom of the
system or under the keyboard, as in some portable systems.
USB features
Universal Serial Bus, or USB, was introduced in 1996. It dramatically simplied the connection between host computers and peripheral
devices like mice, keyboards, external drivers, and printers.
Let's take a quick look on the USB evolution referencing to the table below.
Table 1. USB evolution
Type Data Transfer Rate Category Introduction Year
USB 3.0/USB 3.1 Gen 1 5 Gbps Super Speed 2010
USB 2.0 480 Mbps High Speed 2000
USB 3.1 Gen 2 10 Gbps Super Speed 2013
USB 3.0/USB 3.1 Gen 1 (SuperSpeed USB)
For years, the USB 2.0 has been rmly entrenched as the de facto interface standard in the PC world with about 6 billion devices sold, and
yet the need for more speed grows by ever faster computing hardware and ever greater bandwidth demands. The USB 3.0/USB 3.1 Gen 1
6Technology and components
nally has the answer to the consumers' demands with a theoretically 10 times faster than its predecessor. In a nutshell, USB 3.1 Gen 1
features are as follows:
• Higher transfer rates (up to 5 Gbps)
• Increased maximum bus power and increased device current draw to better accommodate power-hungry devices
• New power management features
• Full-duplex data transfers and support for new transfer types
• Backward USB 2.0 compatibility
• New connectors and cable
The topics below cover some of the most commonly asked questions regarding USB 3.0/USB 3.1 Gen 1.
Speed
Currently, there are 3 speed modes dened by the latest USB 3.0/USB 3.1 Gen 1 specication. They are Super-Speed, Hi-Speed and Full-
Speed. The new SuperSpeed mode has a transfer rate of 4.8Gbps. While the specication retains Hi-Speed, and Full-Speed USB mode,
commonly known as USB 2.0 and 1.1 respectively, the slower modes still operate at 480Mbps and 12Mbps respectively and are kept to
maintain backward compatibility.
USB 3.0/USB 3.1 Gen 1 achieves the much higher performance by the technical changes below:
• An additional physical bus that is added in parallel with the existing USB 2.0 bus (refer to the picture below).
• USB 2.0 previously had four wires (power, ground, and a pair for dierential data); USB 3.0/USB 3.1 Gen 1 adds four more for two pairs
of dierential signals (receive and transmit) for a combined total of eight connections in the connectors and cabling.
• USB 3.0/USB 3.1 Gen 1 utilizes the bidirectional data interface, rather than USB 2.0's half-duplex arrangement. This gives a 10-fold
increase in theoretical bandwidth.
With today's ever increasing demands placed on data transfers with high-denition video content, terabyte storage devices, high megapixel
count digital cameras etc., USB 2.0 may not be fast enough. Furthermore, no USB 2.0 connection could ever come close to the 480Mbps
theoretical maximum throughput, making data transfer at around 320Mbps (40MB/s) — the actual real-world maximum. Similarly, USB
3.0/USB 3.1 Gen 1 connections will never achieve 4.8Gbps. We will likely see a real-world maximum rate of 400MB/s with overheads. At this
speed, USB 3.0/USB 3.1 Gen 1 is a 10x improvement over USB 2.0.
Technology and components 7
Applications
USB 3.0/USB 3.1 Gen 1 opens up the laneways and provides more headroom for devices to deliver a better overall experience. Where USB
video was barely tolerable previously (both from a maximum resolution, latency, and video compression perspective), it's easy to imagine
that with 5-10 times the bandwidth available, USB video solutions should work that much better. Single-link DVI requires almost 2Gbps
throughput. Where 480Mbps was limiting, 5Gbps is more than promising. With its promised 4.8Gbps speed, the standard will nd its way
into some products that previously weren't USB territory, like external RAID storage systems.
Listed below are some of the available SuperSpeed USB 3.0/USB 3.1 Gen 1 products:
• External Desktop USB 3.0/USB 3.1 Gen 1 Hard Drives
• Portable USB 3.0/USB 3.1 Gen 1 Hard Drives
• USB 3.0/USB 3.1 Gen 1 Drive Docks & Adapters
• USB 3.0/USB 3.1 Gen 1 Flash Drives & Readers
• USB 3.0/USB 3.1 Gen 1 Solid-state Drives
• USB 3.0/USB 3.1 Gen 1 RAIDs
• Optical Media Drives
• Multimedia Devices
• Networking
• USB 3.0/USB 3.1 Gen 1 Adapter Cards & Hubs
Compatibility
The good news is that USB 3.0/USB 3.1 Gen 1 has been carefully planned from the start to peacefully co-exist with USB 2.0. First of all,
while USB 3.0/USB 3.1 Gen 1 species new physical connections and thus new cables to take advantage of the higher speed capability of
the new protocol, the connector itself remains the same rectangular shape with the four USB 2.0 contacts in the exact same location as
before. Five new connections to carry receive and transmitted data independently are present on USB 3.0/USB 3.1 Gen 1 cables and only
come into contact when connected to a proper SuperSpeed USB connection.
Windows 8/10 will be bringing native support for USB 3.1 Gen 1 controllers. This is in contrast to previous versions of Windows, which
continue to require separate drivers for USB 3.0/USB 3.1 Gen 1 controllers.
Microsoft announced that Windows 7 would have USB 3.1 Gen 1 support, perhaps not on its immediate release, but in a subsequent Service
Pack or update. It is not out of the question to think that following a successful release of USB 3.0/USB 3.1 Gen 1 support in Windows 7,
SuperSpeed support would trickle down to Vista. Microsoft has conrmed this by stating that most of their partners share the opinion that
Vista should also support USB 3.0/USB 3.1 Gen 1.
USB Type-C
USB Type-C is a new, tiny physical connector. The connector itself can support various exciting new USB standards like USB 3.1 and USB
power delivery (USB PD).
Alternate Mode
USB Type-C is a new connector standard that is very small. It is about a third the size of an old USB Type-A plug. This is a single connector
standard that every device should be able to use. USB Type-C ports can support a variety of dierent protocols using “alternate modes,”
which allows you to have adapters that can output HDMI, VGA, DisplayPort, or other types of connections from that single USB port
8Technology and components
USB Power Delivery
The USB PD specication is also closely intertwined with USB Type-C. Currently, smartphones, tablets, and other mobile devices often use
a USB connection to charge. A USB 2.0 connection provides up to 2.5 watts of power — that'll charge your phone, but that's about it. A
laptop might require up to 60 watts, for example. The USB Power Delivery specication ups this power delivery to 100 watts. It's bi-
directional, so a device can either send or receive power. And this power can be transferred at the same time the device is transmitting
data across the connection.
This could spell the end of all those proprietary laptop charging cables, with everything charging via a standard USB connection. You could
charge your laptop from one of those portable battery packs you charge your smartphones and other portable devices from today. You
could plug your laptop into an external display connected to a power cable, and that external display would charge your laptop as you used
it as an external display — all via the one little USB Type-C connection. To use this, the device and the cable have to support USB Power
Delivery. Just having a USB Type-C connection doesn't necessarily mean they do.
USB Type-C and USB 3.1
USB 3.1 is a new USB standard. USB 3's theoretical bandwidth is 5 Gbps same as of USB 3.1 Gen 1, while USB 3.1 Gen 2's bandwidth is 10
Gbps. That's double the bandwidth, as fast as a rst-generation Thunderbolt connector. USB Type-C isn't the same thing as USB 3.1. USB
Type-C is just a connector shape, and the underlying technology could just be USB 2 or USB 3.0. In fact, Nokia's N1 Android tablet uses a
USB Type-C connector, but underneath it's all USB 2.0 — not even USB 3.0. However, these technologies are closely related.
Advantages of DisplayPort over USB Type-C
• Full DisplayPort audio/video (A/V) performance (up to 4K at 60Hz)
• Reversible plug orientation and cable direction
• Backwards compatibility to VGA, DVI with adaptors
• SuperSpeed USB (USB 3.1) data
• Supports HDMI 2.0a and is backwards compatible with previous versions
HDMI 2.0
This topic explains the HDMI 2.0 and its features along with the advantages.
HDMI (High-Denition Multimedia Interface) is an industry-supported, uncompressed, all-digital audio/video interface. HDMI provides an
interface between any compatible digital audio/video source, such as a DVD player, or A/V receiver and a compatible digital audio and/or
video monitor, such as a digital TV (DTV). The intended applications for HDMI TVs, and DVD players. The primary advantage is cable
reduction and content protection provisions. HDMI supports standard, enhanced, or high-denition video, plus multichannel digital audio on
a single cable.
HDMI 2.0 Features
•HDMI Ethernet Channel - Adds high-speed networking to an HDMI link, allowing users to take full advantage of their IP-enabled
devices without a separate Ethernet cable
•Audio Return Channel - Allows an HDMI-connected TV with a built-in tuner to send audio data "upstream" to a surround audio system,
eliminating the need for a separate audio cable
•3D - Denes input/output protocols for major 3D video formats, paving the way for true 3D gaming and 3D home theater applications
•Content Type - Real-time signaling of content types between display and source devices, enabling a TV to optimize picture settings
based on content type
•Additional Color Spaces - Adds support for additional color models used in digital photography and computer graphics
•4K Support - Enables video resolutions far beyond 1080p, supporting next-generation displays that will rival the Digital Cinema systems
used in many commercial movie theaters
Technology and components 9
•HDMI Micro Connector - A new, smaller connector for phones and other portable devices, supporting video resolutions up to 1080p
•Automotive Connection System - New cables and connectors for automotive video systems, designed to meet the unique demands of
the motoring environment while delivering true HD quality
Advantages of HDMI
• Quality HDMI transfers uncompressed digital audio and video for the highest, crispest image quality.
• Low -cost HDMI provides the quality and functionality of a digital interface while also supporting uncompressed video formats in a
simple, cost-eective manner
• Audio HDMI supports multiple audio formats from standard stereo to multichannel surround sound
• HDMI combines video and multichannel audio into a single cable, eliminating the cost, complexity, and confusion of multiple cables
currently used in A/V systems
• HDMI supports communication between the video source (such as a DVD player) and the DTV, enabling new functionality
10 Technology and components
Disassembly and reassembly
Side cover
Removing the side cover
1 Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer.
2 To remove the cover:
a Slide the release latch on the back side of your system until it gives a click sound to unlock the side cover [1].
b Slide and lift the side cover from the system [2].
Installing the side cover
1 Place the cover on the computer and slide the cover towards the front of the system [1] until it clicks into place [2].
3
Disassembly and reassembly 11
2 Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer
Expansion card
Removing expansion card
1 Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer.
2 Remove the Side cover.
3 To remove the expansion card:
a Pull the metal tab to open the expansion card latch [1].
b Pull the release tab at the base of the expansion card [2].
c Disconnect and lift the expansion card away from the connector on the system board [3].
12 Disassembly and reassembly
Installing the expansion card
1 Insert the expansion card into the connector on the system board [1].
2 Press the expansion card until it clicks into place.
3 Close the expansion card latch and press it until it clicks into place [2].
Disassembly and reassembly 13
4 Install the Side cover.
5 Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer.
Coin cell battery
Removing coin cell battery
1 Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer.
2 Remove the Side cover.
3 To remove the coin cell battery:
a Using a plastic scribe press the release latch until the coin cell battery pops out [1].
b Remove the coin cell battery from the system [2].
14 Disassembly and reassembly
Installing the coin cell battery
1 Place the coin cell battery in its slot on the system board [1].
2 Press the battery into the connector until it locks into place [2].
Disassembly and reassembly 15
3 Install the Side cover.
4 Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer.
ard drive assembly
Removing the hard drive assembly
1 Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer.
2 Remove the Side cover.
3 To remove the hard drive:
a Disconnect the hard drive data cable and power cable from the connectors on the hard drive [1, 2].
b Push the release tab and lift the hard drive assembly from the system [3].
16 Disassembly and reassembly
Installing the hard drive assembly
1 Align the tabs on the hard drive assembly with the slots on the chassis at 30 degree angle .
2 Press the hard drive assembly so that it gets secured to the hard drive and optical drive cage [1].
3 Connect the hard drive data cable and hard drive power cable to the connectors on the hard drive [2,3]
Disassembly and reassembly 17
4 Install the Side cover.
5 Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer.
Front Bezel
Removing front bezel
1 Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer.
2 Remove the Side cover.
3 To remove the front bezel:
a Pry the retention tabs to release the front bezel from the system [1].
b Rotate the front bezel away from the computer [2] and pull to release the hooks on the front bezel from the front-panel slots [3].
18 Disassembly and reassembly
Installing front bezel
1 Align the bezel and insert the retention tabs on the bezel into the slots on the system.
2 Press the bezel until the tabs clicks into place.
Disassembly and reassembly 19
3 Install the Side cover.
4 Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer.
Hard drive and optical drive module
Removing the hard drive and optical drive module
1 Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer.
2 Remove the:
aSide cover
bFront bezel
cHDD assembly
3 To release the hard drive and optical drive module:
a Unroute the optical drive cables and hard drive cables through the retention clip and HDD-ODD release tab respectively.
20 Disassembly and reassembly
b Slide the release tab to unlock the hard drive and optical module [1].
c Lift the hard drive and optical module [2]
Disassembly and reassembly 21
4 To remove the hard drive and optical drive module:
a Disconnect the optical drive data cable and optical drive power cable from the connectors on the optical drive [1, 2].
b Slide and lift the hard drive and optical drive module from the system [3].
22 Disassembly and reassembly
Installing the hard drive and optical drive module
1 Insert the tabs on the hard drive and optical drive module into the slot on the system at 30 degree angle [1].
2 Connect the optical drive data cable and power cable to the connectors on the optical drive [2, 3].
Disassembly and reassembly 23
3 Lower the hard drive and optical drive module so that it is placed in its slot [1].
4 Slide the release tab to lock the module [2].
24 Disassembly and reassembly
5 Route the hard drive data and power cables through the HDD-ODD release tab .
6 Route the optical drive data cable and power cable through the retention clips .
Disassembly and reassembly 25
7 Install the:
aHDD assembly
bFront bezel
cSide cover
8 Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer.
Optical drive
Removing the optical drive
1 Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer.
2 Remove the:
aSide cover
bFront bezel
3 To remove the optical drive:
a Disconnect the hard drive data cable and power cable from the connectors on the hard drive [1, 2].
26 Disassembly and reassembly
b Slide the release tab to unlock the hard drive and optical module [1].
c Lift the hard drive and optical module [2].
Disassembly and reassembly 27
d Disconnect the optical drive data cable and optical drive power cable from the connectors on the optical drive [1, 2] and lower
the hard drive and optical module until it is seated.
28 Disassembly and reassembly
e Push the release latch on the optical drive [1] and pull the optical drive out from the system [3].
Disassembly and reassembly 29
Installing the optical drive
1 Slide the optical drive into its slot in the system [1].
2 Slide the release tab to unlock the hard drive and optical drive module [2].
30 Disassembly and reassembly
3 Lift the hard drive and optical module [1], connect the optical drive data cable and power cable to the connectors on the optical drive
[2, 3].
Disassembly and reassembly 31
4 Connect the hard drive data cable and hard drive power cable to the connectors on the hard drive [1,2].
32 Disassembly and reassembly
5 Slide the release tab to lock the module [2].
Disassembly and reassembly 33
6 Install the:
aFront bezel
bSide cover
7 Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer.
Memory module
Removing memory module
1 Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer.
2 Remove the:
aSide cover
bFront bezel
cHDD assembly
dHard drive and optical drive module
3 To remove the memory module:
a Pry open the retention tabs from both sides to lift the memory module from the connector [1].
b Remove the memory module from the system board [2].
34 Disassembly and reassembly
Installing the memory module
1 Align the notch on the memory module with the tab on the memory module connector.
2 Insert the memory module into the memory module socket [1].
3 Press the memory module until the memory module retention tabs click into place [2].
Disassembly and reassembly 35
4 Install the:
aHard drive and optical drive module
bHDD assembly
cFront bezel
dSide cover
5 Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer.
Heat sink duct
Removing heat sink duct
1 Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer.
2 Remove the:
aSide cover
bFront bezel
cHDD assembly
dHard drive and optical drive module
3 To remove the heat sink bracket:
a Pull both the release tabs simultaneously, to remove the plastic duct that secures the heat sink assembly [1].
b Lift the plastic duct away from the heat sink assembly [2].
36 Disassembly and reassembly
Installing heat sink duct
1 To install the heat sink duct:
a Align the plastic duct over the heat sink assembly [1].
b Pull the release tabs and push the plastic bracket until it clicks in place [2].
Disassembly and reassembly 37
2 Install the:
aHard drive and optical drive module
bHDD assembly
cFront bezel
dSide cover
3 Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer.
Heat sink fan
Removing heat sink fan
1 Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer.
2 Remove the:
aSide cover
bFront bezel
cHDD assembly
dHard drive and optical drive module
eHeat sink duct
3 To remove the heat sink fan:
a Disconnect the heat sink fan cable from the system board [1].
b Loosen the screws (4) that secure the heat sink fan to the heat sink [2].
c Lift the heat sink away from the system [3].
NOTE: Loosen the screws in a sequential order (1,2,3,4) as mentioned on the system board.
38 Disassembly and reassembly
Installing heat sink fan
1 Place the heat sink fan on the heat sink [1].
2 Tighten the screws (4) to secure the heat sink fan over the heat sink [2].
NOTE: Tighten the screws in a sequential order (1,2,3,4) as mentioned on the system board.
3 Connect the heat sink fan cable to the connector on the system board [3].
Disassembly and reassembly 39
4 Install the:
aHeat sink duct
bHard drive and optical drive module
cHDD assembly
dFront bezel
eSide cover
5 Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer.
Heat sink
Removing heat sink
1 Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer.
2 Remove the:
aSide cover
bFront bezel
cHDD assembly
dHard drive and optical drive module
eHeat sink duct
fHeat sink fan
3 To remove the heat sink:
a Loosen the captive screws (4) that secure the heat sink to the system board [1].
NOTE: Remove the screw in the sequential order (1,2,3,4) as printed on the system board.
b Lift the heat sink away from the computer [2].
40 Disassembly and reassembly
Installing heat sink
1 Place the heat sink on the processor and align the screws of the heat sink with the holders on the system board [1].
2 Tighten the captive screws to secure the heat sink to the system board [2].
Replace the screw in the sequential order (1,2,3,4) as printed on the system board.
Disassembly and reassembly 41
3 Replace the Heat sink fan.
4 Install the:
aHeat sink duct
bHard drive and optical drive module
cHDD assembly
dFront bezel
eSide cover
5 Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer.
Intrusion switch
Removing intrusion switch
1 Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer.
2 Remove the:
aSide cover
bFront bezel
cHDD assembly
dHard drive and optical drive module
eHeat sink duct
fHeat sink fan
3 To remove the intrusion switch:
a Disconnect the intrusion switch cable from the connector on the system board [1].
b Slide the intrusion switch and lift it away from the system chassis [2].
42 Disassembly and reassembly
Installing the intrusion switch
1 Insert the intrusion switch into the slot on the chassis [1].
2 Connect the intrusion switch cable to the system board [2].
Disassembly and reassembly 43
3 Install the:
aHeat sink fan
bHeat sink duct
cHard drive and optical drive module
dHDD assembly
eFront bezel
fSide cover
4 Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer.
Power switch
Removing power switch
1 Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer.
2 Remove the:
aSide cover
bFront bezel
cHDD assembly
dHard drive and optical drive module
3 To remove the power switch:
a Disconnect the power switch cable from the system board [1].
b Press the power switch retention tabs and pull the power switch out from the system [2] [3].
44 Disassembly and reassembly
Installing the power switch
1 Align and slide the power switch module into the slot on the chassis until it clicks into place [1, 2].
2 Connect the power switch cable to the connector on the system board [3].
Disassembly and reassembly 45
3 Install the:
aHard drive and optical drive module
bHDD assembly
cFront bezel
dSide cover
4 Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer.
Processor
Removing processor
1 Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer.
2 Remove the:
aSide cover
bFront bezel
cHDD assembly
dHard drive and optical drive module
eHeat sink duct
fHeat sink fan
3 To remove the processor:
a Release the socket lever by pushing the lever down and out from under the tab on the processor shield [1].
46 Disassembly and reassembly
b Lift the lever upward and lift the processor shield [2].
c Lift the processor out of the socket [3].
Installing the processor
1 Place the processor on the socket such that the slots on the processor align with the socket keys [1].
2 Close the processor shield by sliding it under the retention screw [2].
3 Lower the socket lever and push it under the tab to lock it [3].
Disassembly and reassembly 47
4 Install the:
aHeat sink fan
bHeat sink duct
cHard drive and optical drive module
dHDD assembly
eFront bezel
fSide cover
5 Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer.
M.2 PCIe SSD
Removing the M.2 PCIe SSD
NOTE: The instructions are applicable to M.2 SATA SSD also.
1 Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer.
2 Remove the:
aSide cover
bFront bezel
48 Disassembly and reassembly
cHDD assembly
dHard drive and optical drive module
3 To remove the M.2 PCIe SSD:
a Remove the single (M2x3.5) screw that secures the M.2 PCIe SSD to the system board [1].
b Lift and pull out the PCIe SSD from its connector on the system board [2].
Installing the M.2 PCIe SSD
NOTE: The instructions are applicable to M.2 SATA SSD also.
1 Place the SSD thermal pad into the slot on the system board [1] .
2 Insert the M.2 PCIe SSD to the connector on the system board [2].
Disassembly and reassembly 49
3 Install the:
aHard drive and optical drive module
bHDD assembly
cFront bezel
dSide cover
4 Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer.
Power supply unit
Removing power supply unit or PSU
1 Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer.
2 Remove the:
aSide cover
bFront bezel
cHDD assembly
dHard drive and optical drive module
eHeat sink duct
50 Disassembly and reassembly
fHeat sink fan
3 To release the PSU:
a Disconnect the CPU power cable from the system board [1].
b Unroute the power cables from the retention clips on the chassis [2,3].
c Disconnect the system power cable from the connector on the system board [4].
4 To remove the PSU:
a Remove the screws (3) that secure the PSU to the system [1].
b Press the blue release tab at the rear end of the PSU unit [2].
c Slide the PSU and lift it away from the system [3].
Disassembly and reassembly 51
Installing the power supply unit or PSU
1 Insert the PSU in the chassis and slide it towards the back of the system to secure it [1, 2].
2 Replace the screws to secure the PSU to the rear chassis of the system [3].
52 Disassembly and reassembly
3 Connect the power cable to the connector on the system board [1].
4 Route the CPU power cable through the retention clips [2,3].
5 Connect the CPU power cable to the connector on the system board [4].
Disassembly and reassembly 53
6 Install the:
aHeat sink fan
bHeat sink duct
cHard drive and optical drive module
dHDD assembly
eFront bezel
fSide cover
7 Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer.
Speaker
Removing speaker
1 Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer.
2 Remove the:
aSide cover
bFront bezel
cHDD assembly
dHard drive and optical drive module
eHeat sink duct
fHeat sink fan
gPSU
3 To remove the speaker:
a Disconnect the speaker cable from the connector on the system board [1].
54 Disassembly and reassembly
b Press the release tab [2] and pull the speaker out from the system chassis [3].
Installing the speaker
1 Insert the speaker into the slot on the system chassis and press it until it clicks into place [1, 2].
2 Connect the speaker cable to the connector on the system board [3].
Disassembly and reassembly 55
3 Install the:
aPSU
bHeat sink fan
cHeat sink duct
dHDD assembly
eHard drive and optical drive module
fFront bezel
gSide cover
4 Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer.
System board
Removing system board
1 Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer.
2 Remove the:
aSide cover
bFront bezel
cHDD assembly
dHard drive and optical drive module
eHeat sink duct
fHeat sink fan
gHeat sink
hProcessor
56 Disassembly and reassembly
iMemory module
jM.2 PCIe SSD
3 To remove the I/O panel:
a Remove the screw that secures the I/O panel [1].
b Rotate the I/O panel and remove it from the system [2].
c Disconnect the hard drive data cable [3], optical drive data cable [4] and power cable [5] from the connectors on the system
board.
4 Disconnect the following cables from the connectors on the system board:
a Intrusion switch [1]
b CPU power [2]
c Power cable [3]
d Power switch [4]
5 Unroute the PSU cables from the retention clips [5].
Disassembly and reassembly 57
6 To remove the screws from the system board:
a Remove the screws (5) that secure the system board to the chassis [1].
b Remove the stando single (#6-32) screw [2] and single (M3x5) screw that secures the system board to the system [3].
58 Disassembly and reassembly
7 To remove the system board:
a Lift and slide the system board away from the system [1, 2].
Disassembly and reassembly 59
Installing the system board
1 Hold the system board by its edges, and align it towards the back of the system.
2 Lower the system board into the system chassis until the connectors at the back of the system board align with the slots on the
chassis, and the screw holes on the system board align with the standos on the system chassis [1,2].
60 Disassembly and reassembly
3 Replace the single (#6-32) screw, single (M3x5) screw and screws (5) that secure the system board to the system [1,2].
Disassembly and reassembly 61
4 Route all the cables through the routing clips [1].
5 Align the cables with the pins on connectors on the system board and connect the following cables to the system board:
a Power switch [2]
b Power cable [3]
c CPU power [4]
d Intrusion switch [5]
6 Connect the power cable, optical drive data cable and hard drive data cable [1, 2, 3].
7 Insert the hook on the I/O panel into the slot on the chassis and rotate to close the I/O panel [4].
8 Replace the screw to secure the I/O panel to the chassis [5].
62 Disassembly and reassembly
Troubleshooting
Enhanced Pre-Boot System Assessment — ePSA
diagnostics
The ePSA diagnostics (also known as system diagnostics) performs a complete check of your hardware. The ePSA is embedded with the
BIOS and is launched by the BIOS internally. The embedded system diagnostics provides a set of options for particular devices or device
groups allowing you to:
• Run tests automatically or in an interactive mode
• Repeat tests
• Display or save test results
• Run thorough tests to introduce additional test options to provide extra information about the failed device(s)
• View status messages that inform you if tests are completed successfully
• View error messages that inform you of problems encountered during testing
CAUTION: Use the system diagnostics to test only your computer. Using this program with other computers may cause invalid
results or error messages.
NOTE: Some tests for specic devices require user interaction. Always ensure that you are present at the computer terminal
when the diagnostic tests are performed.
Running the ePSA Diagnostics
1 Invoke diagnostics boot by either of the methods suggested above
2 Once on one time boot menu use up/down arrow key to navigate to ePSA or diagnostics and press <return> key to launch
Fn+PWR will ash diagnostics boot selected on screen and launch ePSA/diagnostics directly.
3 On the boot menu screen, select the Diagnostics option.
4 Press the arrow in the lower-right corner to go to the page listing.
The items detected are listed and will be tested
5 If there are any issues, error codes are displayed.
Note the error code and validation number and contact Dell.
To run a diagnostic test on a specic device
1 Press Esc and click Yes to stop the diagnostic test.
2 Select the device from the left pane and click Run Tests.
3 If there are any issues, error codes are displayed.
Note the error code and validation number and contact Dell.
Diagnostics
The computer POST (Power On Self Test) ensures that it meets the basic computer requirements and the hardware is working
appropriately before the boot process begins. If the computer passes the POST, the computer continues to start in a normal mode.
4
64 Troubleshooting
However, if the computer fails the POST, the computer emits a series of LED codes during the start-up. The system LED is integrated on
the Power button.
The following table shows dierent light patterns and what they indicate.
Table 2. Diagnostics
Number of LED ashes Problem description
2 amber, 1 Amber Motherboard failure
2 Amber, 2 Amber Motherboard, PSU or PSU Cabling failure
2 Amber, 3 Amber Motherboard, memory or CPU failure
2 Amber, 4 Amber CMOS battery failure
Diagnostic error messages
Table 3. Diagnostic error messages
Error messages Description
AUXILIARY DEVICE FAILURE The touchpad or external mouse may be faulty. For an external
mouse, check the cable connection. Enable the Pointing Device
option in the System Setup program.
BAD COMMAND OR FILE NAME Ensure that you have spelled the command correctly, put spaces in
the proper place, and used the correct path name.
CACHE DISABLED DUE TO FAILURE The primary cache internal to the microprocessor has failed.
Contact Dell
CD DRIVE CONTROLLER FAILURE The optical drive does not respond to commands from the
computer.
DATA ERROR The hard drive cannot read the data.
DECREASING AVAILABLE MEMORY One or more memory modules may be faulty or improperly seated.
Reinstall the memory modules or, if necessary, replace them.
DISK C: FAILED INITIALIZATION The hard drive failed initialization. Run the hard drive tests in Dell
Diagnostics.
DRIVE NOT READY The operation requires a hard drive in the bay before it can
continue. Install a hard drive in the hard drive bay.
ERROR READING PCMCIA CARD The computer cannot identify the ExpressCard. Reinsert the card
or try another card.
EXTENDED MEMORY SIZE HAS CHANGED The amount of memory recorded in non-volatile memory (NVRAM)
does not match the memory module installed in the computer.
Restart the computer. If the error appears again, Contact Dell
THE FILE BEING COPIED IS TOO LARGE FOR THE
DESTINATION DRIVE
The le that you are trying to copy is too large to t on the disk, or
the disk is full. Try copying the le to a dierent disk or use a larger
capacity disk.
A FILENAME CANNOT CONTAIN ANY OF THE FOLLOWING
CHARACTERS: \ / : * ? " < > | -
Do not use these characters in lenames.
GATE A20 FAILURE A memory module may be loose. Reinstall the memory module or, if
necessary, replace it.
Troubleshooting 65
Error messages Description
GENERAL FAILURE The operating system is unable to carry out the command. The
message is usually followed by specic information. For example,
Printer out of paper. Take the appropriate
action.
HARD-DISK DRIVE CONFIGURATION ERROR The computer cannot identify the drive type. Shut down the
computer, remove the hard drive, and boot the computer from an
optical drive. Then, shut down the computer, reinstall the hard
drive, and restart the computer. Run the Hard Disk Drive tests in
Dell Diagnostics.
HARD-DISK DRIVE CONTROLLER FAILURE 0 The hard drive does not respond to commands from the computer.
Shut down the computer, remove the hard drive, and boot the
computer from an optical drive. Then, shut down the computer,
reinstall the hard drive, and restart the computer. If the problem
persists, try another drive. Run the Hard Disk Drive tests in Dell
Diagnostics.
HARD-DISK DRIVE FAILURE The hard drive does not respond to commands from the computer.
Shut down the computer, remove the hard drive, and boot the
computer from an optical drive. Then, shut down the computer,
reinstall the hard drive, and restart the computer. If the problem
persists, try another drive. Run the Hard Disk Drive tests in Dell
Diagnostics.
HARD-DISK DRIVE READ FAILURE The hard drive may be defective. Shut down the computer, remove
the hard drive, and boot the computer from an optical. Then, shut
down the computer, reinstall the hard drive, and restart the
computer. If the problem persists, try another drive. Run the Hard
Disk Drive tests in Dell Diagnostics.
INSERT BOOTABLE MEDIA The operating system is trying to boot to non-bootable media, such
as an optical drive. Insert bootable media.
INVALID CONFIGURATION INFORMATION-PLEASE RUN
SYSTEM SETUP PROGRAM
The system conguration information does not match the hardware
conguration. The message is most likely to occur after a memory
module is installed. Correct the appropriate options in the system
setup program.
KEYBOARD CLOCK LINE FAILURE For external keyboards, check the cable connection. Run the
Keyboard Controller test in Dell Diagnostics.
KEYBOARD CONTROLLER FAILURE For external keyboards, check the cable connection. Restart the
computer, and avoid touching the keyboard or the mouse during the
boot routine. Run the Keyboard Controller test in Dell Diagnostics.
KEYBOARD DATA LINE FAILURE For external keyboards, check the cable connection. Run the
Keyboard Controller test in Dell Diagnostics.
KEYBOARD STUCK KEY FAILURE For external keyboards or keypads, check the cable connection.
Restart the computer, and avoid touching the keyboard or keys
during the boot routine. Run the Stuck Key test in Dell
Diagnostics.
LICENSED CONTENT IS NOT ACCESSIBLE IN
MEDIADIRECT
Dell MediaDirect cannot verify the Digital Rights Management
(DRM) restrictions on the le, so the le cannot be played.
MEMORY ADDRESS LINE FAILURE AT ADDRESS, READ
VALUE EXPECTING VALUE
A memory module may be faulty or improperly seated. Reinstall the
memory module or, if necessary, replace it.
66 Troubleshooting
Error messages Description
MEMORY ALLOCATION ERROR The software you are attempting to run is conicting with the
operating system, another program, or a utility. Shut down the
computer, wait for 30 seconds, and then restart it. Run the program
again. If the error message still appears, see the software
documentation.
MEMORY DOUBLE WORD LOGIC FAILURE AT ADDRESS,
READ VALUE EXPECTING VALUE
A memory module may be faulty or improperly seated. Reinstall the
memory module or, if necessary, replace it.
MEMORY ODD/EVEN LOGIC FAILURE AT ADDRESS, READ
VALUE EXPECTING VALUE
A memory module may be faulty or improperly seated. Reinstall the
memory module or, if necessary, replace it.
MEMORY WRITE/READ FAILURE AT ADDRESS, READ
VALUE EXPECTING VALUE
A memory module may be faulty or improperly seated. Reinstall the
memory module or, if necessary, replace it.
NO BOOT DEVICE AVAILABLE The computer cannot nd the hard drive. If the hard drive is your
boot device, ensure that the drive is installed, properly seated, and
partitioned as a boot device.
NO BOOT SECTOR ON HARD DRIVE The operating system may be corrupted, Contact Dell.
NO TIMER TICK INTERRUPT A chip on the system board may be malfunctioning. Run the
System Set tests in Dell Diagnostics.
NOT ENOUGH MEMORY OR RESOURCES. EXIT SOME
PROGRAMS AND TRY AGAIN
You have too many programs open. Close all windows and open the
program that you want to use.
OPERATING SYSTEM NOT FOUND Reinstall the operating system. If the problem persists, Contact
Dell.
OPTIONAL ROM BAD CHECKSUM The optional ROM has failed. Contact Dell.
SECTOR NOT FOUND The operating system cannot locate a sector on the hard drive. You
may have a defective sector or corrupted File Allocation Table (FAT)
on the hard drive. Run the Windows error-checking utility to check
the le structure on the hard drive. See Windows Help and
Support for instructions (click Start > Help and Support). If a large
number of sectors are defective, back up the data (if possible), and
then format the hard drive.
SEEK ERROR The operating system cannot nd a specic track on the hard drive.
SHUTDOWN FAILURE A chip on the system board may be malfunctioning. Run the
System Set tests in Dell Diagnostics. If the message reappears,
Contact Dell.
TIME-OF-DAY CLOCK LOST POWER System conguration settings are corrupted. Connect your
computer to an electrical outlet to charge the battery. If the
problem persists, try to restore the data by entering the System
Setup program, then immediately exit the program. If the message
reappears, Contact Dell.
TIME-OF-DAY CLOCK STOPPED The reserve battery that supports the system conguration settings
may require recharging. Connect your computer to an electrical
outlet to charge the battery. If the problem persists, Contact Dell.
TIME-OF-DAY NOT SET-PLEASE RUN THE SYSTEM SETUP
PROGRAM
The time or date stored in the system setup program does not
match the system clock. Correct the settings for the Date and
Time options.
TIMER CHIP COUNTER 2 FAILED A chip on the system board may be malfunctioning. Run the
System Set tests in Dell Diagnostics.
Troubleshooting 67
Error messages Description
UNEXPECTED INTERRUPT IN PROTECTED MODE The keyboard controller may be malfunctioning, or a memory
module may be loose. Run the System Memory tests and the
Keyboard Controller test in Dell Diagnostics or Contact Dell.
X:\ IS NOT ACCESSIBLE. THE DEVICE IS NOT READY Insert a disk into the drive and try again.
System error messages
Table 4. System error messages
System message Description
Alert! Previous attempts at booting this system
have failed at checkpoint [nnnn]. For help in
resolving this problem, please note this
checkpoint and contact Dell Technical Support
The computer failed to complete the boot routine three consecutive
times for the same error.
CMOS checksum error RTC is reset, BIOS Setup default has been loaded.
CPU fan failure CPU fan has failed.
System fan failure System fan has failed.
Hard-disk drive failure Possible hard disk drive failure during POST.
Keyboard failure Keyboard failure or loose cable. If reseating the cable does not solve
the problem, replace the keyboard.
No boot device available No bootable partition on hard disk drive, the hard disk drive cable is
loose, or no bootable device exists.
• If the hard drive is your boot device, ensure that the cables are
connected and that the drive is installed properly and
partitioned as a boot device.
• Enter system setup and ensure that the boot sequence
information is correct.
No timer tick interrupt A chip on the system board might be malfunctioning or
motherboard failure.
NOTICE - Hard Drive SELF MONITORING SYSTEM has
reported that a parameter has exceeded its
normal operating range. Dell recommends that
you back up your data regularly. A parameter
out of range may or may not indicate a
potential hard drive problem
S.M.A.R.T error, possible hard disk drive failure.
68 Troubleshooting
Getting help
Contacting Dell
NOTE: If you do not have an active Internet connection, you can nd contact information on your purchase invoice, packing slip,
bill, or Dell product catalog.
Dell provides several online and telephone-based support and service options. Availability varies by country and product, and some services
may not be available in your area. To contact Dell for sales, technical support, or customer service issues:
1 Go to Dell.com/support.
2 Select your support category.
3 Verify your country or region in the Choose a Country/Region drop-down list at the bottom of the page.
4 Select the appropriate service or support link based on your need.
5
Getting help 69