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Dell OptiPlex GXa Service Manual

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  • Page 1 Š Š ®...
  • Page 2 International Business Machines Corporation; 3Com is a registered trademark of 3Com Corporation. Other trademarks and trade names may be used in this document to refer to either the entities claiming the marks and names or their products. Dell Computer Corporation disclaims any proprietary interest in trademarks and trade names other than its own.

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    Contents Chapter 1 System Overview....... 1-1 Overview of Chassis Configurations ....... 1-1 Chassis Differences.
  • Page 4 Computer Service Information........1-12 Online Documentation ........1-12 System Diagnostics .
  • Page 5 Eject, Power, and Reset Buttons ........4-5 Front-Panel Inserts .
  • Page 6 Expansion Cards..........5-15 Expansion-Card Cage.
  • Page 7 System Board Components........6-21 DIMMs .
  • Page 8 Figure 4-2. Computer Cover Removal ......4-4 Figure 4-3. Eject, Power, and Reset Button Removal ....4-5 Figure 4-4.
  • Page 9 Figure 5-20. DIMM Installation ....... . . 5-20 Figure 5-21. Installing a Video-Memory Upgrade Module ... . 5-21 Figure 5-22.
  • Page 10 Tables Table 1-1. System-Board Jumper Descriptions ....1-15 Table 1-2. Interrupt Assignments ......1-15 Table 1-3.
  • Page 11 xiii...
  • Page 12 This First A prerequisite for using this manual to service Dell computer systems is a ® basic knowledge of IBM -compatible PCs and prior training in IBM- compatible PC troubleshooting techniques. In addition to information provided in this manual and the online System User’s Guide, Dell provides the Diagnostics and Troubleshooting Guide for troubleshooting procedures and instructions on using the Dell diagnostics to test the computer system.

  • Page 13: Chapter 1 System Overview

    ® technology. Chapters 1 through 3 and Appendix A contain information that applies to all models of the Dell OptiPlex GXa family; Chapters 4, 5, and 6 are chassis- specific. verview of Chassis Configurations The Dell OptiPlex GXa systems are available in the following chassis configurations: •...

  • Page 14: Chassis Differences

    The features described in the following subsections are common to all chassis configurations. Pentium II Microprocessor All systems in the Dell OptiPlex GXa computer family incorporate the Pentium II microprocessor for improved operating speeds and overall performance. Some of the major enhancement features of the Pentium II microprocessor...

  • Page 15: Secondary L2 Cache

    SEC cartridge/heat sink assembly on the system board. Main Memory Main memory for the Dell OptiPlex GXa systems range from a minimum of 16 MB of memory to a maximum of 324 MB. All main memory is implemented using high-speed ECC and non-ECC DIMMs. One to three DIMMs ranging in memory capacity sizes from 16 to 128 MB may be used to provide a maximum memory capacity of 324 MB.

  • Page 16: Built-In Svga Subsystem

    Not Installed (under either the Drive A or Drive B category). Built-In SVGA Subsystem The Dell OptiPlex GXa systems include a built-in high-performance 64-bit accelerated graphics port (AGP) subsystem, implemented on the system board, which drives an external SVGA monitor. The AGP contains a dedicated bus...

  • Page 17: Network Cable Requirements

    Ethernet network. Full Set of I/O Ports For desktop connectivity, the Dell OptiPlex GXa systems include the following ports: • 25-pin bidirectional parallel port with EPP/ECP and demand-mode DMA support •...

  • Page 18: Location Of Major Components

    Low-Profile Computer power button power indicator reset button hard-disk drive access indicator Midsize Computer diskette-drive access indicator power indicator power button hard-disk drive reset button access indicator Mini Tower Computer Figure 1-2. Front-Panel Features Dell OptiPlex GXa Systems Service Manual...

  • Page 19: Figure 1-3. Internal View Of The Low-Profile Computer

    3.5-inch diskette drive diskette/tape drive hard-disk drive interface cable interface cable power supply padlock ring voltage hard-disk drive selection switch AC power receptacle security cable slot parallel port connector expansion-card serial port 1 cage connector mouse connector expansion-card slots (3) keyboard connector audio connectors (3) USB connectors (2)

  • Page 20: Advanced Expansion Features

    Figure 1-5. Internal View of the Mini Tower Computer dvanced Expansion Features The Dell OptiPlex GXa systems contain advanced expansion subsystems that can support a mixture of traditional ISA expansion cards (called legacy cards), Plug and Play ISA expansion cards, and PCI expansion cards.

  • Page 21: Low-Profile Computer's Expansion-Card Slots

    Low-Profile Computer’s Expansion-Card Slots The low-profile computers have three expansion-card slots. The riser board has two ISA expansion-card connectors and two PCI expansion-card connectors. One PCI expansion-card connector and one ISA expansion-card connector share a single expansion-card slot, resulting in a total of three expansion-card slots (see Figure 1-6).

  • Page 22: Mini Tower Computer's Expansion-Card Slots

    ISA expansion-card connectors and five PCI expansion-card connectors. Two PCI expansion-card connectors share expansion-card slots with two ISA connectors, resulting in a total of seven expansion-card slots (see Figure 1-9). The riser board is active, incorporating PCI-to-PCI bridging. Dell OptiPlex GXa Systems Service Manual 1-10...

  • Page 23: Upgrade Options

    Chapters 4, 5, and 6. Microprocessor/L2 Cache Upgrades On the Dell OptiPlex GXa systems, the microprocessor and secondary L2 cache memory are implemented in an SEC cartridge/heat sink assembly. Upgrade to a higher-performance microprocessor is accomplished by snapping out the old assembly and installing an upgrade assembly as higher-performance microprocessors become available.

  • Page 24: Video-Memory Upgrade Option

    Unless otherwise specified, the information applies to all chassis configurations. Online Documentation Dell computers are shipped with an online System User’s Guide (within the Dell Accessories program folder) that provides additional installation and configura- tion information and Dell contact information.

  • Page 25: Figure 1-10. System Board Components

    microphone line-out jack jack (MIC) (LINE-OUT) serial port 2 connector video connector USB connectors keyboard/mouse (SERIAL2) (MONITOR) (USB) connectors (stacked) line-in jack (KYBD/MOUSE) (LINE-IN) parallel/serial port 1 connectors (stacked) (PARALLEL/SERIAL1) NIC connector (ENET) microprocessor fan connector (FAN) video-memory upgrade socket SEC cartridge (VIDEO_UPGRADE) (SLOT1)

  • Page 26: System Board Jumpers

    System Board Jumpers Figure 1-11. System Board Jumpers Dell OptiPlex GXa Systems Service Manual 1-14...

  • Page 27: Interrupt Assignments

    Table 1-1. System-Board Jumper Descriptions Jumper Description Settings RSVD2 Reserved Jumper not installed (default). 300MHZ Microprocessor Install jumper if the microprocessor’s speed internal speed is 300 MHz; otherwise the jumper should not be installed. 266MHZ Microprocessor Install jumper if the microprocessor’s speed internal speed is 266 MHz;...

  • Page 28: Dma Channel Assignments

    Generated by bus controller chip to activate second DMA controller DREQ5 Available DREQ6 Available DREQ7 Available NOTE: The built-in sound controller, built-in NIC, and built-in video controllers are assigned available DMA channels automatically during system start-up. Dell OptiPlex GXa Systems Service Manual 1-16...

  • Page 29: Hard-Disk Drive Service Information

    Hard-Disk Drive Service Information The following subsections provide service-related information about hard-disk drive options in the low-profile, midsize, and mini tower computers. NOTE: Throughout this manual, component-location information references are made that assume the chassis orientations identified in Figure 1-12. back left right...

  • Page 30: Hard-Disk Drive For The Low-Profile Computer

    NOTE: The power supply produces DC voltages only under its loaded condi- tion. Therefore, when you measure these voltages, the DC power connectors must be connected to their corresponding power input connectors on the system board or drives. Dell OptiPlex GXa Systems Service Manual 1-18...

  • Page 31: Table 1-4. Dc Voltage Ranges

    Table 1-4. DC Voltage Ranges Voltage Range Maximum Output Current +3.3 VDC +3.15 to +3.45 VDC 12.0 A (low-profile computers) 14.0 A (midsize and mini tower computers) +5 VDC +4.75 to +5.25 VDC 18.0 A (low-profile computers) 22.0 A (midsize and mini tower computers) +12 VDC +11.40 to +12.60 VDC...

  • Page 32: Pin Assignments For The Dc Power Connectors

    (black) common (black) common (black) common (black) +5 VDC (red) +12 VDC (yellow) Figure 1-14. DC Power Connectors P2 (Midsize and Mini Tower Chassis); P3, P4, P5, P6, and P9 (All Chassis) Dell OptiPlex GXa Systems Service Manual 1-20...

  • Page 33: Dc Power Distribution

    P2, P7 +3.3 VDC (blue/white) +3.3 VDC (blue/white) +3.3 VDC (blue/white) common (black) common (black) common (black) Figure 1-15. DC Power Connectors P2 (Low-Profile Chassis) and P7 (All Chassis) DC Power Distribution Figures 1-16 through 1-20 provide the following information about DC power distribution: •...

  • Page 34: Figure 1-16. Dc Power Cables For The Low-Profile Computer

    Figure 1-16. DC Power Cables for the Low-Profile Computer Dell OptiPlex GXa Systems Service Manual 1-22...

  • Page 35: Figure 1-17. Dc Power Distribution For The Low-Profile Computer

    system board +3 VDC battery riser board power RTC/ management NVRAM +3.3 VDC logic PCI1 +5 VDC POWER1 PCI2 +12 VDC PWRGOOD –12 VDC RISER PSON# PSON# +5 VFP +5 VFP +5 VDC +5 VDC +5 VDC +5 VDC ISA1 ISA2 –5 VDC –5 VDC...

  • Page 36: Figure 1-18. Dc Power Cables For The Midsize And Mini Tower Computers

    Figure 1-18. DC Power Cables for the Midsize and Mini Tower Computers Dell OptiPlex GXa Systems Service Manual 1-24...

  • Page 37: Figure 1-19. Dc Power Distribution For The Midsize Computer

    system board +3 VDC battery riser board power RTC/ management +3.3 VDC NVRAM logic PCI1 +5 VDC through POWER1 +12 VDC PWRGOOD PCI3 –12 VDC RISER PSON# PSON# +5 VFP +5 VFP +5 VDC +5 VDC +5 VDC ISA1 +5 VDC through –5 VDC –5 VDC...

  • Page 38: Figure 1-20. Dc Power Distribution For The Mini Tower Computer

    KYBD 3.5-inch +5 VDC diskette drive MOUSE processor core optional MICROPROCESSOR regulator drive +3.3 VDC core VCC +2.1 to +3.5 VDC optional drive Figure 1-20. DC Power Distribution for the Mini Tower Computer Dell OptiPlex GXa Systems Service Manual 1-26...

  • Page 39: Technical Specifications

    echnical Specifications Table 1-5. Technical Specifications Microprocessor Microprocessor type ..Intel Pentium II microprocessor with MMX technology Microprocessor speed ..233, 266, or 300 MHz External system clock ..66 MHz Internal cache .
  • Page 40 CD-ROM drives Mini tower computers ..one 3.5-inch bay, dedicated to a 3.5-inch diskette drive; three 5.25-inch bays for dis- kette drives, tape drives, or CD-ROM drives Dell OptiPlex GXa Systems Service Manual 1-28...
  • Page 41 Table 1-5. Technical Specifications (continued) Drives (continued) Internal hard-disk drive bays: Low-profile computers . . . one bay for a 1-inch-high EIDE or SCSI hard-disk drive Midsize computers ..two bays for either one or two 1-inch-high EIDE or SCSI hard-disk drives, or one 1-inch-high EIDE or SCSI hard-disk drive and one 1.6-inch-high EIDE or SCSI hard-...
  • Page 42 (on NIC connector)..yellow LED Power Power supply wattage: Low-profile computers . . . 145 W Midsize computers ..200 W Mini tower computers ..230 W Dell OptiPlex GXa Systems Service Manual 1-30...
  • Page 43 Table 1-5. Technical Specifications (continued) Power (continued) Power-supply heat dissipation: Low-profile computers . . . 808 BTU (nominal) Midsize computers ..913 BTU (nominal) Mini tower computers . . . 913 BTU (nominal) Power supply voltage ..90 to 135 V at 60 Hz;...
  • Page 44 –16 to 10,600 m (–50 to 35,000 ft) The maximum operating temperature of 35°C (95°F) is for altitudes below 914.6 m (3000 ft). Above 914.6 m (3000 ft) the maximum operating temperature is reduced. Dell OptiPlex GXa Systems Service Manual 1-32...

  • Page 45: Basic Troubleshooting

    Basic Troubleshooting his chapter provides basic troubleshooting procedures applicable to all sys- tems of the Dell OptiPlex GXa family. A brief explanation of how to load and start the diskette-based diagnostics is also provided at the end of the chapter.

  • Page 46: External Visual Inspection

    For proper settings of the video monitor controls, see the documentation for the monitor. 7. Inspect the keyboard to ensure that no keys are sticking. If one or more keys are sticking, it may be necessary to replace the keyboard. Dell OptiPlex GXa Systems Service Manual...

  • Page 47: Observing The Boot Routine

    8. Inspect the exterior of the computer, including all controls and indica- tors, and all user-accessible data storage devices for any signs of physical damage. Does the inspection reveal any problems? Yes. Refer to the parts removal and replacement procedure in Chapters 4, 5, or 6 as appropriate for your chassis type.

  • Page 48: Internal Visual Inspection

    To perform the internal visual inspection, follow these steps: 1. Turn off the system, including any attached peripherals, and disconnect all the AC power cables from their power sources. 2. Remove the computer cover. Dell OptiPlex GXa Systems Service Manual...
  • Page 49 3. Verify that all chips, DIMMs, and expansion cards are fully seated in their sockets or connectors. WARNING: The SEC cartridge/heat sink assembly can get extremely hot. Be sure the assembly has had sufficient time to cool before you touch it. While reseating the SEC cartridge/heat sink assembly, use a wrist grounding strap or maintain contact with a metal surface on the chassis.

  • Page 50: Eliminating Resource Conflicts

    Run Specific Tests — Tests a particular area or subsystem etting Help If you are unable to determine the source of your problem, call Dell for techni- cal assistance. For instructions, see “Getting Help” in the online System User’s Guide.

  • Page 51: Beep Codes And Error Messages

    Dell OptiPlex GXa family of computers. These error mes- sages can occur during the POST or, in the case of some failures, during normal system operation.

  • Page 52: Table 3-1. Post Beep Codes

    2-4-4 3-1-1 Slave DMA-register failure Defective system board 3-1-2 Master DMA-register failure 3-1-3 Master interrupt-mask regis- ter failure 3-1-4 Slave interrupt-mask register failure 3-2-4 Keyboard-controller test Faulty keyboard controller failure (defective system board) Dell OptiPlex GXa Systems Service Manual...

  • Page 53: System Error Messages

    Table 3-1. POST Beep Codes (continued) Beep Code Error Probable Causes 3-3-4 Screen initialization failure Faulty video subsystem (defective system board) 3-4-1 Screen-retrace test failure 3-4-2 Search for video ROM failure 4-2-1 No timer tick Defective system board 4-2-2 Shutdown failure 4-2-3 Gate A20 failure 4-2-4...

  • Page 54: Table 3-2. System Error Messages

    Failure occurred while Faulty diskette, faulty or Diskette read system attempted to improperly connected failure read diskette. diskette/tape drive inter- face cable, or loose power cable. Dell OptiPlex GXa Systems Service Manual...
  • Page 55 Table 3-2. System Error Messages (continued) Message Definition Probable Causes System could not suc- Faulty diskette/tape drive Diskette sub- cessfully issue reset controller (defective sys- system reset command to diskette tem board). failed controller. Diskette write-protect Diskette write-protected. Diskette write feature activated.
  • Page 56 Memory alloca- flicts with operating gram or utility. tion error system, application pro- gram, or utility. Memory test did not POST memory test termi- Memory tests complete. nated by pressing terminated by . keystroke Dell OptiPlex GXa Systems Service Manual...
  • Page 57 Table 3-2. System Error Messages (continued) Message Definition Probable Causes System does not recog- Faulty diskette, diskette/ No boot device nize diskette drive or tape drive subsystem, available hard-disk drive from hard-disk drive, hard-disk which it is trying to drive subsystem, or no boot.
  • Page 58 DIMMs board/mouse controller protected mode improperly seated. chip (defective system board). MS-DOS cannot write Faulty diskette or hard- Write fault to diskette or hard-disk disk drive. drive. Write fault on selected drive Dell OptiPlex GXa Systems Service Manual...

  • Page 59: Removing And Replacing Parts On The Low-Profile Chassis

    Dell OptiPlex GXa low-profile computer. If you are servicing a Dell OptiPlex GXa midsize or mini tower computer, use Chapter 5, “Removing and Replacing Parts on the Midsize Chassis,” or Chapter 6, “Removing and Replacing Parts on the Mini Tower Chassis.”...

  • Page 60: Precautionary Measures

    Avoid touching components and contacts on a card, and avoid touching pins on a chip to prevent static electricity damage. Dell OptiPlex GXa Systems Service Manual...

  • Page 61: Inside The Computer

    nside the Computer Figure 4-1 shows an internal view of the interior of the low-profile computer and identifies major components for orientation. Refer to this illustration as needed when performing the component removal/replacement procedures in this chapter. diskette drive CD-ROM drive in drive cage for external bay external drive...

  • Page 62: Computer Cover

    Three plastic hooks on the inside-front part of the cover secure it to the chassis. Before you reinstall the cover, fold all cables out of the way so that they do not interfere with the cover or with the proper airflow inside the computer. Dell OptiPlex GXa Systems Service Manual...

  • Page 63: Eject, Power, And Reset Buttons

    ject, Power, and Reset Buttons eject button computer cover (upside down) reset button power button Figure 4-3. Eject, Power, and Reset Button Removal To remove the eject, power, and reset buttons, follow these steps: 1. Lay the computer cover upside down on a flat work surface, with the back of the cover facing you.

  • Page 64: Front-Panel Inserts

    To replace a front-panel insert, position the front-panel insert, then press the ring-tabs over the posts. If necessary, use a -inch nutdriver to help push on the ring-tabs. Dell OptiPlex GXa Systems Service Manual...

  • Page 65: Control Panel

    ontrol Panel chassis mounting screw control panel cable control panel mounting tab Figure 4-5. Control Panel Removal To remove the control panel, follow these steps: 1. Disconnect the control panel cable from the PANEL connector on the system board (see Figure 4-15). 2.

  • Page 66: Drives

    3.5-inch diskette drive DC power cable 5.25-inch drive bay and bracket power supply hard-disk drive EIDE cable primary EIDE connector (IDE1) back DSKT connector secondary EIDE connector (IDE2) Figure 4-6. Drive Hardware Dell OptiPlex GXa Systems Service Manual...

  • Page 67: Inch Diskette Drive Assembly

    3.5-Inch Diskette Drive Assembly drive-mounting screws (2) 3.5-inch diskette- drive-assembly latches (2) front of computer hooks (2) Figure 4-7. 3.5-Inch Diskette Drive Removal To remove the 3.5-inch diskette drive assembly, follow these steps: 1. Disconnect the DC power cable and the interface cable from the back of the diskette drive.

  • Page 68: 5.25-Inch Drive Assembly

    Check the alignment of the computer cover around the 5.25-inch drive bezel. Adjust the drive forward or backward on the bracket to align it. Dell OptiPlex GXa Systems Service Manual 4-10...

  • Page 69: Hard-Disk Drive Assembly

    Hard-Disk Drive Assembly hard-disk drive mounting screws (4) tabs (2) captive screw front of computer notches (2) Figure 4-9. Hard-Disk Drive Assembly Removal To remove the hard-disk drive, follow these steps: 1. Disconnect the DC power cable and the interface cable from the back of the drive.

  • Page 70: System Power Supply

    WARNING: The voltage select switch, located on the back of the power supply assembly, must be set to the correct operating voltage (115 V or 230 V) before the power cable is plugged into an AC outlet. Dell OptiPlex GXa Systems Service Manual 4-12...

  • Page 71: Expansion Cards

    Cards The computer has a removable expansion-card cage. The expansion-card cage contains the riser board and any installed expansion cards. Dell recommends that you remove the expansion-card cage first before removing or installing expansion cards. If you are not removing any of the expansion cards, leave the external cables attached to the expansion cards.

  • Page 72: Expansion Card

    1. Disconnect any external cables from the expansion card being removed. 2. Remove the expansion-card cage. 3. Remove the retaining screw from the card-mounting bracket. 4. Grasp the expansion card by its corners, and carefully remove it from the expansion-card connector. Dell OptiPlex GXa Systems Service Manual 4-14...

  • Page 73: Riser Board

    Riser Board riser-board mounting screws (2) riser-board alignment slot riser board expansion-card cage Figure 4-13. Riser Board Removal To remove the riser board, follow these steps: 1. Remove the expansion-card cage and all expansion cards. 2. Lay the expansion-card cage on a flat work surface with the riser board facing up.

  • Page 74: System Board

    Push evenly on both sides of the system board as you slide it into position (do not twist the system board). Dell OptiPlex GXa Systems Service Manual 4-16...

  • Page 75: System Board Components

    ystem Board Components The subsections that follow Figure 4-15 contain procedures for removing/ replacing system board components. microphone serial port 2 connector line-out jack jack (MIC) (SERIAL2) (LINE-OUT) keyboard/mouse video connector connectors (stacked) USB connectors (MONITOR) line-in jack (KYBD/MOUSE) (USB) (LINE-IN) parallel/serial port 1 connectors (stacked)

  • Page 76: Dimms

    You can upgrade video memory from 2 to 4 MB by installing a video-memory upgrade module into the video-memory upgrade socket on the system board. Adding additional video memory increases the system’s video performance and provides additional modes for high-resolution/expanded color applications. Dell OptiPlex GXa Systems Service Manual 4-18...

  • Page 77: Figure 4-18. Installing A Video-Memory Upgrade Module

    To install the video memory upgrade, follow these steps: 1. Remove the expansion-card cage. CAUTION: To avoid possible damage to the video-memory upgrade socket and/or video-memory upgrade module, the module is keyed and must be correctly positioned before inserting it into the socket. 2.

  • Page 78: Microprocessor

    Microprocessor To take advantage of future options in processor speed and functionality, you can replace the microprocessor on your system board with any Dell-supported microprocessor upgrade. The microprocessor upgrade kit is shipped with an SEC cartridge/heat sink assembly, which includes the microprocessor, micro- processor heat sink, and L2 cache memory module.

  • Page 79: System Battery

    To remove the SEC cartridge/heat sink assembly, follow these steps: 1. Remove the system power supply. WARNING: The SEC cartridge/heat sink assembly can get extremely hot during system operations. Be sure that the assembly has had suffi- cient time to cool before touching it. 2.
  • Page 80 9. Turn off the computer; wait 10 or more minutes and reenter the System Setup program to ensure that the date and time are still correct indicat- ing that the system battery is functioning correctly. Dell OptiPlex GXa Systems Service Manual 4-22...

  • Page 81: Removing And Replacing Parts On The Midsize Chassis

    Midsize Chassis his chapter provides procedures for removing the components, assemblies, and subassemblies in the Dell OptiPlex GXa midsize computer. If you are ser- vicing a Dell OptiPlex GXa low-profile or mini tower computer, use Chapter 4, “Removing and Replacing Parts on the Low-Profile Chassis,” or Chapter 6, “Removing and Replacing Parts on the Mini Tower Chassis.”...

  • Page 82: Precautionary Measures

    Avoid touching components and contacts on a card, and avoid touching pins on a chip to prevent static electricity damage. Dell OptiPlex GXa Systems Service Manual...

  • Page 83: Inside The Computer

    nside the Computer Figure 5-1 shows an internal view of the midsize computer and identifies major components for orientation. Refer to this illustration as needed when perform- ing the component removal/replacement procedures in this chapter. 3.5-inch diskette drive external drive bays diskette/tape drive interface cable hard-disk drive bracket...

  • Page 84: Floor Stand

    Use your fingers or a wide flat-blade screwdriver to unscrew the floor stand screw. 3. Pull the floor stand away from the computer. Disengage the three orientation nubs that position and help hold the floor stand to the computer. Dell OptiPlex GXa Systems Service Manual...

  • Page 85: Computer Cover

    omputer Cover securing buttons (2) Figure 5-3. Computer Cover Removal To remove the computer cover, follow these steps: 1. Turn off power to all peripherals and disconnect the AC power cable from its AC outlet. 2. Press in on the two securing buttons until the cover is free to swing up. 3.

  • Page 86: Eject, Power, And Reset Buttons

    When these clips are released, the button comes free from the front panel of the cover. Dell OptiPlex GXa Systems Service Manual...

  • Page 87: Front-Panel Inserts

    ront-Panel Inserts 5.25-inch front- panel insert computer cover (upside down) posts (2) ring-tabs (2) Figure 5-5. Front-Panel Insert Removal To remove a front-panel insert, follow these steps: 1. Lay the computer cover upside down on a flat work surface, with the front of the cover facing you.

  • Page 88: Control Panel

    3. Remove the mounting screw holding the control panel to the chassis. 4. Slide the control panel out of the hooks holding it to the chassis. Note the routing of the control panel cable as you remove it from the chassis. Dell OptiPlex GXa Systems Service Manual...

  • Page 89: Drives

    rives Figure 5-6 shows an example of drive hardware that can be installed in the com- puter. Refer to this figure when you perform any of the procedures in the following subsections. diskette/tape drive system power DC power cable interface cable supply 3.5-inch diskette drive hard-disk drive bracket...

  • Page 90: Externally Accessible Drive Assemblies

    When you replace the 3.5-inch diskette drive, be sure that the two hooks on the right side of the bracket engage the mounting holes in the side of the 3.5-inch diskette drive. Dell OptiPlex GXa Systems Service Manual 5-10...

  • Page 91: 5.25-Inch Drive Assembly

    5.25-Inch Drive Assembly retaining tabs (2) Figure 5-9. 5.25-Inch Drive Assembly Removal To remove a 5.25-inch drive assembly from the middle or lower drive bay, fol- low these steps: 1. Disconnect the DC power cable and the interface cable from the back of the drive.

  • Page 92: Hard-Disk Drive Bracket

    When you reinstall the hard-disk drive bracket, place the lower-back tab of the hard-disk drive bracket into position (be sure that the opening in the lower-back tab is over the alignment tab on the chassis); then rotate the front of the bracket down into position. Dell OptiPlex GXa Systems Service Manual 5-12...

  • Page 93: Hard-Disk Drive

    Hard-Disk Drive drive-mounting screws (4) drive-mounting screws (4) for bottom-mounted drive for side-mounted drive hard-disk drive bracket hard-disk drive Figure 5-12. Hard-Disk Drive Removal To remove a hard-disk drive, follow these steps: 1. Remove the hard-disk drive bracket. 2. Remove the four screws that attach the hard-disk drive to the hard-disk drive bracket.

  • Page 94: System Power Supply

    4. Lift the front end of the system power supply up, and move it to the right to disengage the power supply from the slot in the chassis. 5. Lift the system power supply from the computer. Dell OptiPlex GXa Systems Service Manual 5-14...

  • Page 95: Expansion Cards

    Cards The computer has a removable expansion-card cage. The expansion-card cage contains the riser board and any installed expansion cards. Dell recommends that you remove the expansion-card cage first before removing or installing expansion cards. If you are not removing any of the expansion cards, leave the external cables attached to the expansion cards.

  • Page 96: Expansion Card

    1. Disconnect any cables from the expansion card being removed. 2. Remove the expansion-card cage. 3. Remove the retaining screw from the card-mounting bracket. 4. Grasp the expansion card by its corners, and carefully remove it from the expansion-card connector. Dell OptiPlex GXa Systems Service Manual 5-16...

  • Page 97: Riser Board

    Riser Board riser-board mounting screws (2) slots (2) riser board expansion-card cage Figure 5-16. Riser Board Removal To remove the riser board, follow these steps: 1. Remove the expansion-card cage and all expansion cards. 2. On a flat work surface, turn the expansion-card cage over, with the riser board facing up.

  • Page 98: System Board

    Push evenly on both sides of the system board as you slide it into position (do not twist the system board). Dell OptiPlex GXa Systems Service Manual 5-18...

  • Page 99: System Board Components

    ystem Board Components The subsections that follow Figure 5-18 contain procedures for removing/ replacing system board components. microphone serial port 2 connector line-out jack (SERIAL2) jack (MIC) (LINE-OUT) keyboard/mouse video connector connectors (stacked) USB connectors line-in jack (MONITOR) (KYBD/MOUSE) (USB) (LINE-IN) parallel/serial port 1 connectors (stacked)

  • Page 100: Dimms

    You can upgrade video memory from 2 to 4 MB by installing a video-memory upgrade module into the video-memory upgrade socket on the system board. Adding additional video memory increases the system’s video performance and provides additional modes for high-resolution/expanded color applications. Dell OptiPlex GXa Systems Service Manual 5-20...

  • Page 101: Figure 5-21. Installing A Video-Memory Upgrade Module

    To install the video memory upgrade, follow these steps: 1. Remove the expansion-card cage. CAUTION: To avoid possible damage to the video-memory upgrade socket and/or video-memory upgrade module, the module is keyed and must be correctly positioned before inserting it into the socket. 2.

  • Page 102: Microprocessor

    Microprocessor To take advantage of future options in processor speed and functionality, you can replace the microprocessor on your system board with any Dell-supported microprocessor upgrade. The microprocessor upgrade kit is shipped with an SEC cartridge/heat sink assembly, which includes the microprocessor, micro- processor heat sink, and L2 cache memory module.

  • Page 103: System Battery

    To remove the SEC cartridge/heat sink assembly, follow these steps: 1. Remove the system power supply. WARNING: The SEC cartridge/heat sink assembly can get extremely hot during system operations. Be sure that the assembly has had suffi- cient time to cool before touching it. 2.
  • Page 104 9. Turn off the computer; wait 10 or more minutes and reenter the System Setup program to ensure that the date and time are still correct indicat- ing that the system battery is functioning correctly. Dell OptiPlex GXa Systems Service Manual 5-24...

  • Page 105: Removing And Replacing Parts On The Mini Tower Chassis

    Mini Tower Chassis his chapter provides procedures for removing the components, assemblies, and subassemblies in the Dell OptiPlex GXa mini tower computer. If you are servicing a Dell OptiPlex GXa low-profile or midsize computer, use Chapter 4, “Removing and Replacing Parts on the Low-Profile Chassis,” or Chapter 5, “Removing and Replacing Parts on the Midsize Chassis.”...

  • Page 106: Precautionary Measures

    Avoid touching components and contacts on a card, and avoid touching pins on a chip to prevent static electricity damage. Dell OptiPlex GXa Systems Service Manual...

  • Page 107: Inside The Computer

    nside the Computer Figure 6-1 shows an internal view of the interior of the mini tower computer and identifies major components for orientation. Refer to this illustration as needed when performing the component removal/replacement procedures in this chapter. power supply external drive bays hard-disk drive bracket...

  • Page 108: Computer Cover

    5. Disengage the tabs that secure the cover to the top of the chassis, and lift the cover away. Before you reinstall the cover, fold all cables out of the way so that they do not interfere with the cover or with the proper airflow inside the computer. Dell OptiPlex GXa Systems Service Manual...

  • Page 109: Front Bezel

    ront Bezel tab release retaining hooks (2) Figure 6-3. Front-Bezel Removal To remove the front bezel, follow these steps: 1. Press the tab release marked with the icon. 2. Tilt the bezel away from the chassis. 3. Disengage the two retaining hooks at the bottom of the bezel, and pull the bezel away from the chassis.

  • Page 110: Eject, Power, And Reset Buttons

    3. To remove the power button or the reset button, use a small screw- driver and push in on the two or three plastic clips that hold the button to the bezel. When these clips are released, the button comes free from the bezel. Dell OptiPlex GXa Systems Service Manual...

  • Page 111: Front-Panel Inserts

    ront-Panel Inserts front bezel posts (2) 5.25-inch front-panel insert ring-tabs (2) Figure 6-5. 5.25-Inch Front-Panel Insert Removal To remove a 5.25-inch front-panel insert, follow these steps: 1. Hold the bezel with the front facing you. 2. From the front of the bezel, use your thumbs to press inward on the insert until it slides off the two posts.

  • Page 112: Figure 6-6. 3.5-Inch Front-Panel Insert Removal

    To replace the front-panel insert for the 3.5-inch bay, work from outside the bezel. Place the insert in position, and press it into the opening. Dell OptiPlex GXa Systems Service Manual...

  • Page 113: Control Panel

    ontrol Panel chassis hooks (2) control panel control panel cable screw Figure 6-7. Control Panel Removal To remove the control panel, follow these steps: 1. Remove the hard-disk drive bracket. 2. Disconnect the control panel cable from the PANEL connector on the system board (see Figure 6-20).

  • Page 114: Drives

    (IDE1) secondary EIDE connector (IDE2) EIDE cable Figure 6-8. Drive Hardware Externally Accessible Drive Assemblies The following subsections contain removal/replacement procedures for drives that are installed in the externally accessible drive bays. Dell OptiPlex GXa Systems Service Manual 6-10...

  • Page 115: 3.5-Inch Diskette Drive Assembly

    3.5-Inch Diskette Drive Assembly retaining-tab release button Figure 6-9. 3.5-Inch Diskette Drive Assembly Removal To remove the 3.5-inch diskette drive assembly, follow these steps: 1. Disconnect the DC power cable and the interface cable from the back of the 3.5-inch diskette drive. 2.

  • Page 116: 5.25-Inch Drive Assembly

    When you replace the 3.5-inch diskette drive, be sure that the two hooks on the right side of the bracket engage the mounting holes in the side of the 3.5-inch diskette drive. 5.25-Inch Drive Assembly retaining tabs (2) Figure 6-11. 5.25-Inch Drive Assembly Removal Dell OptiPlex GXa Systems Service Manual 6-12...

  • Page 117: Figure 6-12. 5.25-Inch Drive Removal

    To remove a 5.25-inch drive assembly from the middle or lower drive bay, fol- low these steps: 1. Disconnect the DC power cable and the interface cable from the back of the drive. 2. Press in on the two retaining tabs (one on each side of the drive), and slide the drive assembly forward to remove it.

  • Page 118: Hard-Disk Drive Bracket

    When you reinstall the hard-disk drive bracket, insert the bracket’s hinge tabs into the chassis slots so that the tabs hook over the slots. Then rotate the bracket toward the drive cage, and fit the bracket’s sliding tab on the drive-cage slide rail. Dell OptiPlex GXa Systems Service Manual 6-14...

  • Page 119: Hard-Disk Drive

    Hard-Disk Drive drive-mounting screws (4) sliding tab for side-mounted drive hard-disk drive hard-disk drive bracket drive-mounting screws (4) for bottom-mounted drive Figure 6-14. Hard-Disk Drive Removal To remove a hard-disk drive, follow these steps: 1. Remove the hard-disk drive bracket. 2.

  • Page 120: System Power Supply

    5. Lift the system power supply from the computer. When you reinstall the power supply, place the power-supply detent link over the pin on the power supply as you position the power supply in the chassis opening. Dell OptiPlex GXa Systems Service Manual 6-16...

  • Page 121: Expansion Cards

    Cards The computer has a removable expansion-card cage. The expansion-card cage contains the riser board and any installed expansion cards. Dell recommends that you remove the expansion-card cage first before removing or installing expansion cards. If you are not removing any of the expansion cards, leave the external cables attached to the expansion cards.

  • Page 122: Expansion Card

    1. Disconnect any cables from the expansion card being removed. 2. Remove the expansion-card cage. 3. Remove the retaining screw from the card-mounting bracket. 4. Grasp the expansion card by its corners, and carefully remove it from the expansion-card connector. Dell OptiPlex GXa Systems Service Manual 6-18...

  • Page 123: Riser Board

    Riser Board riser-board riser board mounting screws (2) slots (2) expansion-card cage Figure 6-18. Riser Board Removal To remove the riser board, follow these steps: 1. Remove the expansion-card cage and all expansion cards. 2. Place the expansion-card cage on a flat work surface with the riser board facing up.

  • Page 124: System Board

    Push evenly on both sides of the system board as you slide it into position (do not twist the system board). Dell OptiPlex GXa Systems Service Manual 6-20...

  • Page 125: System Board Components

    ystem Board Components The subsections that follow Figure 6-20 contain procedures for removing/ replacing system board components. microphone serial port 2 connector jack (MIC) line-out jack (SERIAL2) (LINE-OUT) video connector keyboard/mouse USB connectors (MONITOR) line-in jack connectors (stacked) (USB) (LINE-IN) (KYBD/MOUSE) parallel/serial port 1 connectors (stacked)

  • Page 126: Dimms

    You can upgrade video memory from 2 to 4 MB by installing a video-memory upgrade module into the video-memory upgrade socket on the system board. Adding additional video memory increases the system’s video performance and provides additional modes for high-resolution/expanded color applications. Dell OptiPlex GXa Systems Service Manual 6-22...

  • Page 127: Figure 6-23. Installing A Video-Memory Upgrade Module

    To install the video memory upgrade, follow these steps: 1. Remove the expansion-card cage. CAUTION: To avoid possible damage to the video-memory upgrade socket and/or video-memory upgrade module, the module is keyed and must be correctly positioned before inserting it into the socket. 2.

  • Page 128: Microprocessor

    Microprocessor To take advantage of future options in processor speed and functionality, you can replace the microprocessor on your system board with any Dell-supported microprocessor upgrade. The microprocessor upgrade kit is shipped with an SEC cartridge/heat sink assembly which includes the microprocessor, micro- processor heat sink, and L2 cache memory module.

  • Page 129: System Battery

    To remove the SEC cartridge/heat sink assembly, follow these steps: 1. Remove the system power supply. WARNING: The SEC cartridge/heat sink assembly can get extremely hot during system operations. Be sure that the assembly has had suffi- cient time to cool before touching it. 2.
  • Page 130 9. Turn off the computer; wait 10 or more minutes and reenter the System Setup program to ensure that the date and time are still correct indicat- ing that the system battery is functioning correctly. Dell OptiPlex GXa Systems Service Manual 6-26...

  • Page 131: Appendix A System Setup Program

    Appendix A System Setup Program his appendix describes the System Setup program, which is used to change the system configuration information stored in NVRAM on the system board. To enter the System Setup program, follow these steps: 1. Turn on (or reboot) the system. 2.

  • Page 132: System Setup Screens

    Video Memory: 2 MB SGRAM IDE Hard Disk: Auto XXXXX Service Tag: Diskette: Auto XXXXX Asset Tag: Speaker: Alt-P next Tab,Shift-Tab change fields change values Esc exit Alt-B reboot Figure A-1. System Setup Screens Dell OptiPlex GXa Systems Service Manual...

  • Page 133: Table A-1. System Setup Categories

    Table A-1. System Setup Categories Category Function Time Resets time on computer’s internal clock. Date Resets date on computer’s internal calendar. Diskette Drive A Identifies type of diskette drives installed. Cat- Diskette Drive B egory options always match physical locations of drives in computer.
  • Page 134 The port’s I/O address may be set to 278h 3BCh, or 378h Otherwise, the port may be disabled. Parallel Mode Controls whether system’s built-in parallel port acts as an AT-compatible (unidirectional) or PS/2-compatible (bidirectional) port. Dell OptiPlex GXa Systems Service Manual...
  • Page 135 Table A-1. System Setup Categories (continued) Category Function IDE Hard Disk Enables system’s built-in EIDE hard-disk drive interface. Diskette Enables system’s built-in diskette drive controller. Speaker Enables on-board speaker. Microprocessor Displays type of microprocessor installed. Level 2 Cache Displays size of level 2 cache memory installed.
  • Page 136 Dell OptiPlex GXa Systems Service Manual...

  • Page 137: Index

    Index Numbers boot routine for troubleshooting, 2-3 bracket, hard-disk drive, removal 3.5-inch diskette drive removal midsize computer, 5-12 low-profile computer, 4-9 mini tower computer, 6-14 midsize computer, 5-10 mini tower computer, 6-12 5.25-inch drive assembly removal low-profile computer, 4-10 midsize computer, 5-11 cabling, verification, 2-2 mini tower computer, 6-12 CD-ROM drive removal...
  • Page 138 1-20 computer, 6-14 distribution, low-profile computer, 1-23 location, low-profile computer, 4-8 distribution, midsize computer, 1-25 location, midsize computer, 5-9 distribution, mini tower computer, 1-26 location, mini tower computer, 6-10 voltage ranges, 1-19 Dell OptiPlex GXa Systems Service Manual...
  • Page 139 drives (continued) tape drive removal, low-profile computer, 4-10 floor stand removal tape drive removal, midsize computer, midsize computer, 5-4 5-11 front-bezel removal tape drive removal, mini tower mini tower computer, 6-5 computer, 6-12 front-panel features, 1-6 front-panel insert removal low-profile computer, 4-6 midsize computer, 5-7 mini tower computer, 6-7, 6-8 EIDE subsystem, 1-3...
  • Page 140 6-16 precautionary measures connector information, 1-4 low-profile computer, 4-2 controller, 1-4 midsize computer, 5-2 standards, 1-4 mini tower computer, 6-2 primary EIDE connector low-profile computer, 4-8 midsize computer, 5-9 mini tower computer, 6-10 Dell OptiPlex GXa Systems Service Manual...
  • Page 141 switch, AC voltage selection, 1-5, 1-7 system battery removal removing and replacing parts low-profile computer, 4-21 low-profile computer, 4-1 midsize computer, 5-23 midsize computer, 5-1 mini tower computer, 6-25 mini tower computer, 6-1 system board reset button removal component locations, 1-12 low-profile computer, 4-5 features, 1-12 midsize computer, 5-6...
  • Page 142 3-1 adding to midsize computer, 5-20 adding to mini tower computer, 6-22 controller, 1-4 visual inspection external, 2-2 upgrade options, 1-11 internal, 2-4 voltage selection switch, AC, 1-7 warnings, 4-2, 5-2, 6-2 Dell OptiPlex GXa Systems Service Manual...

Table of Contents