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Installing System Board Options: Dell™ OptiPlex™ GX1 and GX1p Mini Tower Managed PC Systems

	Overview		Adding Video Memory (OptiPlex GX1 Only)
	Expansion Cards		Upgrading the Microprocessor
	Adding Memory		Replacing the System Battery

Overview

This chapter describes how to install the following options:

• Industry-Standard Architecture (ISA) and Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) expansion cards
  
  
• System memory
  
  
• Video memory (GX1 only)
  
  
• Microprocessor

This chapter also includes instructions for replacing the system battery, if necessary.

Use Figure 1 to locate the system board features.

Figure 1. System Board Features

Expansion Cards

Expansion cards are installed on the computer's riser board (see Figure 3). The riser board plugs into the RISER connector on the system board (see Figure 1) and is considered an extension of the system board.

The system accommodates up to seven expansion cards, which can be a mix of 32-bit PCI expansion cards and 8- and 16-bit ISA expansion cards. (See Figure 2 for examples of ISA and PCI expansion cards.)

Figure 2. Expansion Cards

Expansion Slots

Nine expansion-card connectors reside on the riser board (see Figure 3). Because two expansion slots are shared, a maximum of seven expansion cards can be installed on the riser board.

• Expansion-card connectors ISA1–ISA4 support 8- or 16-bit ISA expansion cards.
  
  
• Expansion-card connectors PCI1–PCI5 support 32-bit PCI expansion cards.

Figure 3. Riser-Board Expansion-Card Connectors

Installing an Expansion Card

CAUTION: To avoid the possibility of electric shock, turn off the computer and any peripherals, disconnect them from their electrical outlets, and then wait at least 5 seconds before you remove the computer cover. Also, before you install an expansion card, see "Safety First — For You and Your Computer."

Follow this procedure to install an expansion card:

1. If you are installing a non-Plug and Play ISA expansion card, enter the ISA Configuration Utility (ICU) and add the new expansion card to your configuration.

   See "Using the ISA Configuration Utility" for instructions.

   NOTE: If you install a PCI or Plug and Play expansion card, your system automatically performs any required configuration tasks during the boot routine.

2. Prepare the expansion card for installation, and remove the computer cover according to the instructions in "Removing the Computer Cover."

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

CAUTION: Some network cards automatically start up the system when they are connected. To guard against electrical shock, be sure to unplug your computer from its electrical outlet before you install any expansion cards.

3. Remove the expansion-card cage as instructed in "Removing the Expansion-Card Cage."
   
   
4. Unscrew and remove the metal filler bracket that covers the card-slot opening for the expansion slot you intend to use (see Figure 4).

   Save the screw to use when installing the expansion card later in this procedure.

Figure 4. Removing the Filler Bracket

5. Install the expansion card.

   Insert the card-edge connector firmly into the expansion-card connector on the riser board. Gently rock the card into the connector until the card is fully seated (see Figure 5).

Figure 5. Installing an Expansion Card

6. When the card is firmly seated in the connector and the card-mounting bracket is flush with the brackets on either side of it, secure the bracket with the screw you removed in step 4.
   
   
7. If you are installing an optional Wakeup On LAN network card, attach the three-wire power cable that came with the card to the P1 connector on the riser board (see Figure 3) and to the network interface controller (NIC) card.
   
   
8. Replace the expansion-card cage in the chassis as instructed in "Replacing the Expansion-Card Cage."
   
   
9. Connect any cables that should be attached to the card.

   See the documentation that came with the card for information about its cable connections.

10. Replace the computer cover, and reconnect your computer and peripherals to their electrical outlets and turn them on.

NOTE: If Enabled, the Chassis Intrusion option will cause the following message to be displayed at the next system start-up: ALERT! Cover was previously removed.

Removing an Expansion Card

CAUTION: To avoid the possibility of electric shock, turn off the computer and any peripherals, disconnect them from their electrical outlets, and then wait at least 5 seconds before you remove the computer cover. Also, before you install an expansion card, see "Safety First — For You and Your Computer."

Follow this procedure to remove an expansion card:

1. If you are removing a non-Plug and Play ISA expansion card, enter the ICU and remove the expansion card from your configuration.

   See "Using the ISA Configuration Utility" for instructions.

2. Remove the computer cover according to the instructions in "Removing the Computer Cover."
   
   
3. If necessary, disconnect any cables connected to the card.
   
   
4. Remove the expansion-card cage as instructed in "Removing the Expansion-Card Cage."
   
   
5. Unscrew the mounting bracket of the card you want to remove.
   
   
6. Grasp the card by its outside corners, and ease it out of its connector.
   
   
7. If you are removing the card permanently, install a metal filler bracket over the empty card-slot opening.

NOTE: Installing filler brackets over empty card-slot openings is necessary to maintain Federal Communications Commission (FCC) certification of the system. The brackets also keep dust and dirt out of your computer.

8. Replace the expansion-card cage in the chassis as instructed in "Replacing the Expansion-Card Cage."
   
   
9. Replace the computer cover, and reconnect your computer and peripherals to their electrical outlets and turn them on.

NOTE: If Enabled, the Chassis Intrusion option will cause the following message to be displayed at the next system start-up: ALERT! Cover was previously removed.

Adding Memory

Memory can be increased to a maximum of 768 megabytes (MB) by installing combinations of 32-, 64-, 128-, or 256-MB dual in-line memory modules (DIMMs) in the three DIMM sockets on the system board. Figure 6 shows the DIMMs and DIMM sockets.

Your system can support both error checking and correction (ECC) and nonparity synchronous dynamic random-access memory (SDRAM) DIMMs. However, ECC support is available only if all DIMMs are ECC DIMMs. ECC DIMMs enable your system to correct all single-bit memory errors and detect multibit memory errors.

When you add system memory, you may install DIMMs in any socket. For optimum operation, Dell recommends that you install a DIMM in socket A first (closest to the processor) before installing a DIMM in another socket.

Figure 6. DIMMs and DIMM Sockets

Table 1 lists sample memory configurations and shows valid DIMM combinations and socket placements for each configuration.

Table 1. Sample DIMM Configuration Options

Performing a Memory Upgrade

CAUTION: To avoid the possibility of electric shock, turn off the computer and any peripherals, disconnect them from their electrical outlets, and then wait at least 5 seconds before you remove the computer cover. Also, before you install an expansion card, see "Safety First — For You and Your Computer."

Follow this procedure to perform a memory upgrade:

1. Remove the computer cover according to the instructions in "Removing the Computer Cover."
   
   
2. Rotate the power supply out of the way according to the instructions in "Rotating the Power Supply Away From the System Board."
   
   
3. Determine the DIMM sockets into which you will install DIMMs or replace existing DIMMs.

   See Figure 1 and Table 1.

4. Install or replace DIMMs as necessary to reach the desired memory total.

   Follow the instructions in "Installing a DIMM" or "Removing a DIMM," as appropriate.

5. Rotate the power supply back into the computer chassis.
   
   
6. Replace the computer cover, and reconnect your computer and peripherals to their electrical outlets and turn them on.
   
   

NOTE: If Enabled, the Chassis Intrusion option will cause the following message to be displayed at the next system start-up: ALERT! Cover was previously removed.

The system detects that the new memory does not match the existing system configuration information and generates the following message:

The amount of system memory has changed.
Strike the F1 key to continue, F2 to run the setup utility 

7. Press <F2> to enter the System Setup program and check the System Memory under System Data Options.
   

The system should have already changed the value of System Memory to reflect the newly installed memory modules. Verify the new total. If it is correct, skip to step 9.


8. If the memory total is incorrect, turn off and disconnect your computer and peripherals from their electrical outlets. Remove the computer cover, and check the installed DIMMs to make sure that they are seated properly in their sockets. Then repeat steps 6 and 7.
   
   
9. When the System Memory total is correct, press the <Esc> key to exit the System Setup program.
   
   
10. Run the Dell Diagnostics to verify that the DIMMs are operating properly.

    See your Diagnostics and Troubleshooting Guide for information on running the Dell Diagnostics and troubleshooting any problems that may occur.

Installing a DIMM

Use the following procedure to install a DIMM:

1. Locate the first empty socket in which you plan to install a DIMM.

   For optimum performance, DIMMs should be installed in consecutive sockets beginning with socket A.

2. Locate the plastic securing clips at each end of the socket. Press the clips outward until they snap open.
   
   
3. Orient the DIMM to the socket by aligning the notches in the DIMM's edge connector with the crossbars in the socket.
   
   
4. Press the DIMM straight into the slot running down the center of the socket (see Figure 7) until the securing clips snap into place around the ends of the DIMM.

Figure 7. Installing a DIMM

Removing a DIMM

To remove a DIMM, press the securing clips outward (see Figure 8) simultaneously until the DIMM disengages from the socket (it should pop up slightly).

Figure 8. Removing a DIMM

Adding Video Memory (OptiPlex GX1 Only)

You can upgrade video memory on an OptiPlex GX1 from 4 to 8 MB by installing a video-memory upgrade module (OptiPlex GX1p systems come with 8 MB of video memory). Upgrading the video memory increases video performance and allows you to use video modes for application programs that require high resolutions and many colors.

CAUTION: To avoid the possibility of electric shock, turn off the computer and any peripherals, disconnect them from their electrical outlets, and then wait at least 5 seconds before you remove the computer cover. Also, before you install an expansion card, see "Safety First — For You and Your Computer."

To upgrade the video memory, perform the following steps:

1. Remove the computer cover according to the instructions in "Removing the Computer Cover."
   
   
2. Remove the expansion-card cage as described in "Removing the Expansion-Card Cage."
   
   
3. Locate the video-memory upgrade socket (labeled "VIDEO_UPGRADE") on the system board.
   
   

See Figure 1.

4. Orient the module as shown in Figure 9. Then install it in the socket.
   
   Video memory modules are keyed, or designed to fit in the socket in only one direction.
   
   The socket on the system board is notched so that the video memory module can be firmly seated only one way.
   
   
   1. Align the video memory module's edge connector with the slot in the center of the socket.
      
      
   2. Press the video memory module's edge connector firmly into the socket.
      
      
   3. Pivot the module down until it clicks into place.
      
      
   4. If you do not hear a sharp click, you should remove the module and reinstall it.
      

   Figure 9. Installing a Video-Memory Upgrade Module

5. Replace the expansion-card cage as described in "Replacing the Expansion-Card Cage."
   
   
6. Replace the computer cover, and reconnect your computer and peripherals to their electrical outlets and turn them on.
   

NOTE: If Enabled, the Chassis Intrusion option will cause the following message to be displayed at the next system start-up: ALERT! Cover was previously removed.

7. Enter the System Setup program and check the Video Memory under System Data Options.
   
   
8. If the video memory total is incorrect, turn off and disconnect your computer and peripherals from their electrical outlets. Remove the computer cover, and check the video memory upgrade to make sure that it is seated properly in its socket. Then repeat steps 6 and 7.
   
   
9. Run the Video Test Group in the Dell Diagnostics to test the new video memory.

   See your Diagnostics and Troubleshooting Guide for information on running the Dell Diagnostics and troubleshooting any problems that may occur.

Upgrading the Microprocessor

To take advantage of future options in speed and functionality, you can replace the microprocessor on your system board with any Dell-supported microprocessor upgrade. Call your Dell sales representative for information on available microprocessor upgrades.

The microprocessor upgrade kit includes a new single-edge contact (SEC) cartridge with heat sink assembly and an airflow shroud.

CAUTION: Before you remove the computer cover, see "Safety First — For You and Your Computer."

The following procedure describes how to replace the microprocessor.

NOTE: Dell recommends that only a technically knowledgeable person perform this procedure.

1. Remove the computer cover according to the instructions in "Removing the Computer Cover."
   
   
2. Rotate the power supply out of the way according to the instructions in "Rotating the Power Supply Away From the System Board."

CAUTION: The SEC cartridge and heat sink can get extremely hot during system operation. Be sure the assembly has had sufficient time to cool before you touch it.

3. Locate the SEC cartridge connector (labeled "SLOT1") on the system board.

See Figure 1.

4. Remove the airflow shroud over the SEC cartridge/heat sink assembly.

   Squeeze the tabs on the top of the airflow shroud until the clips under the tabs disengage the top of the heat sink. Then lift the shroud from the cooling fan and SEC cartridge/heat sink assembly.

5. Remove the SEC cartridge/heat sink assembly from the system board connector (see Figure 10).

Press outward and hold the guide-bracket assembly latches, grasp the SEC cartridge/heat sink assembly firmly, and pull away from the connector on the system board. Lift the SEC cartridge/heat sink assembly from the guide bracket assembly.

NOTE: You must use up to 15 pounds of force to disengage the SEC cartridge from the connector.

Figure 10. Removing the Microprocessor

6. Insert the new SEC cartridge/heat sink assembly into the system board connector.

   Orient the SEC cartridge/heat sink assembly with the heat sink facing upward (as you face the front of the chassis). Align the sides of the heat sink with the guide brackets and press the SEC firmly into its connector until it is fully seated. The guide brackets will snap into place, securing the SEC cartridge in the connector on the system board.

   NOTE: You must use up to 25 pounds of force to fully engage the SEC cartridge in the connector.

7. Install the airflow shroud over the SEC cartridge/heat sink assembly.

   Fit the mouth of the shroud in the alignment slots on the sides of the cooling fan. Then squeeze the tabs on the top of the shroud and lower it down until the clips under the tabs engage onto the top of the heat sink.

8. Rotate the power supply back into position.
   
   
9. Replace the computer cover, and reconnect your computer and peripherals to their electrical outlets and turn them on.

NOTE: If Enabled, the Chassis Intrusion option will cause the following message to be displayed at the next system start-up: ALERT! Cover was previously removed.

10. Enter the System Setup program and confirm that the installed microprocessor is correctly identified.
    
    As the system boots, it detects the new microprocessor and automatically changes the system configuration information in the System Setup program.
    
    
11. Run the Dell Diagnostics to verify that the new microprocessor is operating correctly.

    See your Diagnostics and Troubleshooting Guide for information on running the Dell Diagnostics and troubleshooting any problems that may occur.

Replacing the System Battery

A 3.0-volt (V) CR2032 coin-cell battery installed on the system board maintains system configuration, date, and time information in a special section of memory.

The operating life of the battery can extend up to ten years. The battery may need replacing if an incorrect time or date is displayed during the boot routine along with a message such as:

Time-of-day not set - please run SETUP program

or

Invalid configuration information - please run SETUP program

or

Strike the F1 key to continue, F2 to run the setup utility

To determine whether the battery needs replacing, reenter the time and date through the System Setup program (not through the MS-DOS time and date commands) and exit the program properly to save the information (see "Using the System Setup Program" for instructions). Turn off your system and disconnect it from AC power for a few hours; then reconnect and turn on your system. Enter the System Setup program. If the date and time are not correct in the System Setup program, replace your battery.

You can operate your system without a battery; however, without a battery, the system configuration information is erased if the system is turned off or unplugged from AC power. In this case, you must enter the System Setup program and reset the configuration options.

CAUTION: There is a danger of the new battery exploding if it is incorrectly installed. Replace the battery only with the same or equivalent type recommended by the manufacturer. Discard used batteries according to the manufacturer's instructions.

CAUTION: Before you remove the computer cover, see "Safety First — For You and Your Computer."

Use the following procedure to replace the system battery with another CR2032 coin-cell battery:

1. If you have not already done so, make a copy of your system configuration information in the System Setup program.

   If the settings are lost while you are replacing the battery, refer to your written or printed copy of the system configuration information to restore the correct settings. See "Using the System Setup Program" for instructions.

2. Remove the computer cover according to the instructions in "Removing the Computer Cover."
   
   
3. To access the battery on the system board, remove the expansion-card cage as described in "Removing the Expansion-Card Cage."

   NOTICE: If you pry the battery out of its socket with a blunt object, be careful not to touch the system board with the object. Make certain that the object is inserted between the battery and the socket before attempting to pry out the battery. Otherwise, you may damage the system board by prying off the socket or by breaking circuit traces on the system board.

4. Locate the battery and remove it.

   The battery (see Figure 1) is mounted in a socket labeled "BATTERY" in the front-right corner of the system board (as you face the front of the system).

   Pry the battery out of its socket with your fingers or with a blunt, nonconductive object, such as a plastic screwdriver.

5. Install the new battery.

   Orient the battery with the side labeled "+" facing up (see Figure 11). Then insert the battery into the socket, and snap it into place.

   Figure 11. System Battery and Battery Socket

6. Replace the expansion-card cage as described in "Replacing the Expansion-Card Cage."
   
   
7. Replace the computer cover, and reconnect your computer and peripherals to their electrical outlets and turn them on.

NOTE: If Enabled, the Chassis Intrusion option will cause the following message to be displayed at the next system start-up: ALERT! Cover was previously removed.

8. Enter the System Setup program and confirm that the battery is operating properly.
   
   
9. Enter the correct time and date through the System Setup program's Time and Date categories. Also, use the copy you made in step 1 to restore the correct settings for other system configuration information. Then exit the System Setup program.
   
   
10. Turn off your computer, and unplug it for at least 10 minutes.
    
    
11. After 10 minutes, plug in the computer, turn it on, and enter the System Setup program. If the time and date are still incorrect, see the chapter titled "Getting Help" in your Diagnostics and Troubleshooting Guide for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

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