ACE COMPUTERS Force 12 Use and care manual

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TECHNICAL
REFERENCE GUIDE
Models:
Ace Force 12
Ace Firestorm 1Z490X
Ace LogiCAD 497A

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
DISCLOSURES................................................................................................................................... 3
INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................... 4
ENEGY STAR AND POWER MANAGEMENT...................................................................................... 5
ILLUSTRATED SYSTEM DISASSEMBLY/REASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS ............................................... 7
TROUBLESHOOTING YOUR PC....................................................................................................... 32
MAINTENANCE.............................................................................................................................. 34
SOFTWARE UPDATES..................................................................................................................... 35
REMOVAL OF PERSONAL DATA ..................................................................................................... 36
UPGRADES, SERVICE, AND REPAIR ................................................................................................ 39
PRODUCT TAKE BACK, END OF LIFE PROCESSING, and E-WASTE PROGRAM................................ 41
REVISION HISTORY......................................................................................................................... 42

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DISCLOSURES
The information in this User’s Manual has been carefully reviewed and is believed to be accurate.
The vendor assumes no responsibility for any inaccuracies that may be contained in this document
and makes no commitment to update or to keep current the information in this manual, or to
notify any person or organization of the updates. Please Note: For the most up-to-date version of
this manual, please see our website at www.acecomputers.com.
Ace Computers reserves the right to make changes to the product described in this manual at any
time and without notice. This product, including software and documentation, is the property of
Ace Computers and/ or its licensors, and is supplied only under a license. Any use or reproduction
of this product is not allowed, except as expressly permitted by the terms of said license.
IN NO EVENT WILL Ace Computers BE LIABLE FOR DIRECT, INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL,
SPECULATIVE OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES ARISING FROM THE USE OR INABILITY TO USE THIS
PRODUCT OR DOCUMENTATION, EVEN IF ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. IN
PARTICULAR, SUPER MICRO COMPUTER, INC. SHALL NOT HAVE LIABILITY FOR ANY HARDWARE,
SOFTWARE, OR DATA STORED OR USED WITH THE PRODUCT, INCLUDING THE COSTS OF
REPAIRING, REPLACING, INTEGRATING, INSTALLING OR RECOVERING SUCH HARDWARE,
SOFTWARE, OR DATA.
Any disputes arising between manufacturer and customer shall be governed by the laws of Cook
County in the State of Illinois, USA. The State of Illinois, County of Cook shall be the exclusive venue
for the resolution of any such disputes. Ace Computer's total liability for all claims will not exceed
the price paid for the hardware product.
The products sold by Ace Computers are not intended for and will not be used in life support
systems, medical equipment, nuclear facilities or systems, aircraft, aircraft devices,
aircraft/emergency communication devices or other critical systems whose failure to perform be
reasonably expected to result in significant injury or loss of life or catastrophic property damage.
Accordingly, Ace Computers disclaims any and all liability, and should buyer use or sell such
products for use in such ultra-hazardous applications, it does so entirely at its own risk.
Furthermore, buyer agrees to fully indemnify, defend and hold Ace Computers harmless for and
against any and all claims, demands, actions, litigation, and proceedings of any kind arising out of
or related to such ultra-hazardous use or sale.
Unless you request and receive written permission from Ace Computers, you may not copy any
part of this document. Information in this document is subject to change without notice. Other
products and companies referred to herein are trademarks or registered trademarks of their
respective companies or mark holders.
Printed in the United States of America.

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INTRODUCTION
Audience
This manual is mainly written for professional system integrators, PC technicians, and end of life
recycling facilities, with the exception of the Energy Management Section, which is written to
provide additional guidance on standard energy settings and configurable energy settings for the
end user.
Resources
If you have any questions regarding this manual or computer
system, please contact our support team through Ace Computers
Support page at support.acecomputers.com
This manual may be periodically updated without notice. Please
check the Ace Computers website for possible updates to the
manual revision level.

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ENEGY STAR AND POWER MANAGEMENT
What is Energy Star?
Created by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the United States Department of
Energy (DOE), the Energy Star program is a strict set of specifications that residential appliances
and construction elements (washers, dryers, refrigerators, freezers, dishwashers, televisions,
tablets, computers, monitors, water heaters, HVAC units, dehumidifiers, air cleaners and
purifiers, lighting, insulation and more) must meet through evaluation and testing to achieve
certification.
The Energy Star rating assures consumers that the product has been EPA and DOE certified to
function as well or better than its peers, while saving money, energy and the environment due
to its greater energy efficiency.
Benefits of Energy Star
•Increased Efficiency
•Reduced Energy Use
•Reduced Utility Bills
•Reduced Power Plant Emissions and Carbon Footprint
•Wide Selection, Rebates, and Convenience
FORCE 12 Power Management Settings “As Shipped”
The default Power Management settings have been selected for compliance with Energy Star and
are recommended by the Energy Star program for optimal energy savings.
Power Management Option
Setting
System Sleep Mode
After 30 min. of user inactivity
Display Sleep Mode
After 10 min. of user inactivity
Primary Hard Drive –“Hard Disk Turn Off”
20 min.
How to wake your computers or monitor from Sleep or Hibernate Mode?
To wake up your computer or monitor from sleep or hibernate, move the mouse or press any key
on the keyboard. If this does not work, press the power button to wake up the computer.

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Wake Management
Capable of both remote (via network) and scheduled (via real time clock) wake events
from Sleep Mode.
Provide clients with the ability to centrally manage (via vendor tools) any wake
management settings that are configured through hardware settings if the manufacturer
has control over such features.
WoL (Wake on LAN)
WoL Capabilities/Default Settings
Yes
No
Has the ability to Enable and Disable WoL for Sleep Mode
WoL Enables from Sleep by default:
WoL Enabled from Off by default:
WoL from Sleep:
WoL from Sleep - Default Settings
Yes
No
Shipped Enabled Under All Conditions
Shipped Enabled When Operating on AC power only
Shipped Disabled
Shipped Disabled with both client OS and Network Controls to Enable
Feature

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ILLUSTRATED SYSTEM DISASSEMBLY/REASSEMBLY
INSTRUCTIONS
Introduction
This section of the technical reference guide is intended to provide the following information:
•Information on parts requiring selective treatment per WEEE Directive
•Disassembly process for removal of external enclosure without tools
•Disassembly instructions, including required tools, as applicable
•Diagram and/or pictorial representation of all parts in the system
This section of the user manual is intended to provide guidance to end of life recyclers on the
presence of materials and components that require selective treatment, per Article 15 of the EU
WEEE Directive 2012/19/EU.
The provided information should also help direct recyclers to proper methods for removing parts
and general product disassembly instructions. This Chapter also outlines specific substances,
mixtures, and components that must be removed from any separately collected electronic waste
component and shall be disposed or recovered in compliance with Directive 2008/98/EC.
Please note: All the illustrations in the below disassembly instructions are for demonstration only.
The system and components shown in this section are a representative sample.
Replacement Parts
Refer to section “UPGRADES, SERVICE, AND REPAIR” for information on how to obtain
replacement components for your system.
NOTE: While the components of this computer can be replaced by the end user, Ace
Computers does not recommend that an end user without previous computer repair
experience perform the upgrades and/or replacement of said components. Computer
components are delicate and can easily be damaged. If you are uncertain about replacement or
upgrade of your computers, the Ace Computers technical support team does offer “depot”
services for on-site system repair and upgrade. Please contact the Ace Computers Technical
Support team for additional information and pricing.
CAUTION: Always power off the system and unplug the power cord(s) before opening the
side panel to access the internal components.
ATTENTION: Electrostatic discharge potential.
Your computer’s internal components are highly susceptible to risk of damage from
electrostatic discharge (static electricity, which occurs naturally on your body due to friction). To
avoid damaging your equipment, always earth yourself to your computer system before opening
the computer’s chassis or handling any internal component(s).

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Representative Desktop Component Layout
Please note the illustration below is a representative sample of the FORCE 12, Firestorm, and
LogiCAD systems.
Heat Sink
Fan
Processor
Memory (1-
8 DIMMS)
Power Supply
Case Fan
HDD Storage
Device
Optical Drive
M.2 SSD
Storage
Device
Motherboard
I/O
Expansion
Bays
GPU/
Expansion
Cards

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Chassis Cover Removal
Location: In order to access the internal components of your system, you will need to remove the
left cover of the chassis.
Type and number of fastenings: Two thumb screws
Tools required: None, thumb screws are intended to be unfastened with your thumb and
forefinger.
Procedure:
Step 1: Ensure the desktop is off, unplugged, and any potential energy is dissipated.
Step 2: Unfasten the (2) thumb screws on the left side rear, top and bottom, at the rear of the
chassis.
Step 3: Once removed, slide the chassis side panel parallel to the chassis towards the rear, this
will disengage the various tabs that are holding the panel to the chassis.
Step 4: This is the same process for the opposite side panel
Reinstallation
Step 5: To reinstall the panels lay them against the side of the case and gently slide them along
the perforations ensuring the tabs catch in the proper channels.
Step 6: Reinsert the thumb screws and tighten until firm.
Disposal:
Selective Treatment/Special Handling Per
Annex VII, Directive 2012/19/EU: None

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Data Storage Devices
Location: The FORCE 12, Firestorm, and LogiCAD desktop series have the option to utilize both
spinning hard drives (HDD) and M.2 SSD storage devices. The storage devices are located as
indicated in Figure 1.
Type and number of fastenings: HDD = (4) Phillips screws, M.2 SSD = (1) Phillips screw.
Tools required:
HDD = Screwdriver with PH2 bit
M.2 SSD = Screwdriver with PH1 or smaller bit.
Procedure:
HDD = Bottom mount
Step 1: Ensure the desktop is off, unplugged, and any potential energy is dissipated.
Step 2: Remove the side panel from the chassis as indicated in the “Chassis Cover” section of this
manual.
Step 3: The HDD is mounted to the bottom of the chassis. Turn the chassis on the side, the screws
are located on the bottom of the chassis. While you are unfastening the screws be sure to secure
the HDD so it does not fall and damage any of the components.
Step 4: Remove all data cables from the motherboard.
Reinstallation
Step 5: Reinstall new HDD in the same position as the one being removed, insert the (4) screws
into the HDD through the bottom of the chassis.
Step 6: Attach data cable from HDD to MB, the recommended port is “SATA # 1”
Step 7: Attach SATA power from Power Supply to HDD.
Disposal:
Selective Treatment/Special Handling Per Annex VII, Directive 2012/19/EU: The HDD
contains one printed circuit board greater than 10 sq. cm and must be removed from the
device and must be disposed of, or recovered, in compliance with the requirements of Directive
2008/98/EC.

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M.2 SSD
Step 1: Ensure the desktop is off, unplugged, and any potential energy is dissipated.
Step 2: Remove the side panel from the chassis as indicated in the “Chassis Cover” section of this
manual.
Step 3: Identify the M.2 SSD on the
motherboard, refer to Figure 1 for
additional help. Remove the Philips
screw using the PH1 or smaller bit
screwdriver, then pull straight back
in a parallel position to remove the
M.2 SSD from the slot on the
motherboard.
Reinstallation
Step 4: Gently slide the M2. SSD into
the designated slot, as noted in the photo above, and secure with the Philips head screw using a
PH1 or smaller bit.
Disposal:
Selective Treatment/Special Handling Per Annex VII, Directive 2012/19/EU: The M.2 SSD
contains one printed circuit board greater than 10 sq. cm and must be removed from the
device and must be disposed of, or recovered, in compliance with the requirements of Directive
2008/98/EC.

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Memory
Location: The FORCE 12 model can contain up to 4 DIMMS of memory. The memory modules are
found on the motherboard to the right of the heat sink fan, refer to Figure 1 for additional
guidance.
Type and number of fastenings: Two (2) latches per memory module.
Tools required: None.
Procedure:
Step 1: Ensure the desktop is off, unplugged, and any potential energy is dissipated.
Step 2: Remove the side panel from the chassis as indicated in the “Chassis Cover” section of this
manual.
Step 3: After locating the memory, press both release tabs on the ends of the memory module
to unlock the carriage. Use gentle, even force, on either side of the memory module to remove
from the memory slot.
Step 4: Repeat Step 3 for each piece of memory in the system.
Reinstallation
Step 5: Using the graphic, to
install new or additional
memory DIMMS, open the
latch, and gently push down,
with equal pressure
distribution on both sides of
the memory module. Ensure
the memory is fully engaged,
then reengage the latch to
secure the memory in place.
Disposal:
Selective Treatment/Special Handling Per Annex VII, Directive 2012/19/EU: The memory
module is a printed circuit board of greater than 10 sq. cm and must be removed from
the device and must be disposed of, or recovered, in compliance with the requirements of
Directive 2008/98/EC.

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Heatsink and Processor
Location: The processor is found on the motherboard underneath the heatsink fan. Refer to
Figure 1 for additional guidance. The FORCE 12 motherboard only accepts a single processor.
Type and number of fastenings:
Heatsink: 4x Philips screws
Processor: Carriage mechanism
Tools required: Philips PH2 screwdriver
Procedure:
Heatsink with Philips screws
Step 1: Ensure the desktop is off, unplugged, and any potential energy is dissipated.
Step 2: Remove the side panel from the chassis as indicated in the “Chassis Cover” section of this
manual.
Step 3: Remove 4x Phillips screws from the
base of the heatsink module. Once all 4
Phillips screws are removed you will be able to
remove the heatsink module off the processor
socket.
Step 4: The heatsink is powered by the
motherboard, so the cable connecting the
heatsink to the motherboard will also need to
be disconnected. Follow the cable from the
origination on the heatsink, back to the
motherboard. You may have to remove the zip
tie mechanisms securing the cabling along the
way for successful removal.
Reinstallation
Step 5: Align the heatsink with the mounting holes and reinsert the Philips screws in the locations
noted in the photo, do not over tighten the screws.
Step 6: Connect fan cable to fan header on motherboard.

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Heatsink with push pin
Step 1: Ensure the desktop is off, unplugged, and any potential energy is dissipated.
Step 2: Remove the side panel from the chassis as indicated in the “Chassis Cover” section of this
manual.
Step 3: Remove the fan connector from the fan
header.
Step 4: Turn the push pins with a flat bladed
screwdriver counterclockwise 90 degrees to
release them.
Step 5: Pull up the push pins
Step 6: Remove the fan
Reinstallation
Step 7: Turn the push pins clockwise 90 degrees
to reset them.
Step 8: Reinsert the fan and find the push
pins.
Step 9: Press the push pins in the order
shown to secure them.
Step 10: Plug the fan connector from the
fan header.
Disposal:
Selective Treatment/Special Handling Per Annex VII, Directive 2012/19/EU: Any plastic
components within the heatsink fan must be removed separately due to the presence of
brominated flame retardants and shall be disposed or recovered in compliance with Directive
2008/98/EC.

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Processor
The removal and reinstallation of the CPU is a very delicate process and if not done with
care the CPU socket could be damaged and thus leave the motherboard unusable.
Step 1: Ensure the desktop is off, unplugged, and any potential energy is dissipated.
Step 2: Remove the side panel from the chassis as indicated in the “Chassis Cover” section of this
manual.
Step 3: To access the CPU, the heatsink must first be removed, refer to “heat sink” section as
noted on Page 13-14 above, as applicable.
Step 4: Follow the pictorial representations indicated
1-5 below, this is the process for installation of the
processor. For removal the process is the same except
the CPU will already be in the socket.

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For specific details on reinstallation of the motherboard and any peripheral components
of the motherboard refer to the motherboard user manual. For re-installation of a
processor specifically, ensure to utilize a thermal paste between the top of the process and the
bottom of the heat sink, this allows for the best thermal heat transfer and effective cooling.
Disposal:
Selective Treatment/Special Handling Per Annex VII, Directive 2012/19/EU: The processor
must be disposed of, or recovered, in compliance with the requirements of Directive
2008/98/EC.

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Expansion Cards/ Graphics Cards
Location: Certain configurations of desktops may include expansion and/or graphics cards. These
can be found in the lower, left-hand corner of the system configuration. The cards are electrically
connected to the motherboard via PCIe slots, and physically connected to the case.
Type and number of fastenings: One or two Phillips screws.
Tools required: Screwdriver with PH2 bit.
Procedure:
Step 1: Ensure the desktop is off, unplugged, and any potential energy is dissipated.
Step 2: Remove the side panel from the chassis as indicated in the “Chassis Cover” section of this
manual.
Step 3: Remove the Phillips screws from the rear of the case.
Step 4: Disengage the retaining latch on the PCIe slot (see photo below). This is a critical step and
if not done may damage the slot.
Step 5: With firm, gentle force, pull the card, perpendicular to the motherboard, out of the
attaching PCIe socket. Be careful not to bend the card while still engaged in the PCIe slot.
Reinstallation
Step 6: Install the card into the PCIe 16x slot, making sure the latch “clicks”.
Step 7: Add screw to the card bracket securing the card to the chassis.

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For specific details on reinstallation of the motherboard and any peripheral components
of the motherboard refer to the motherboard user manual.
Disposal:
Selective Treatment/Special Handling Per Annex VII, Directive 2012/19/EU: Graphics and
add on expansion cards, contain one printed circuit board greater than 10 sq. cm and
must be removed from the device and must be disposed of, or recovered, in compliance with the
requirements of Directive 2008/98/EC.
Designated
area for
additional
Expansion
Cards/
Graphics Cards

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Power Supply Module
Location: The power supply module is located in the rear, upper portion of the chassis.
Type and number of fastenings: Four (4) Phillips Screws per module.
Tools required: Screwdriver
Procedure:
Step 1: Step 1: Ensure the computer is off, unplugged, and any
potential energy is dissipated.
Step 2: Remove the side panel from the chassis as indicated in
the “Chassis Cover” section of this manual.
Step 3: Remove the four exterior Phillips screws, be sure to
support the power supply once the screws are removed there will
no longer be anything to support the power supply.
Step 4: Remove all electrical connections from the various
internal components as applicable.
Step 5: Gently slide the power supply out of the case.
When removing the connectors from the motherboard
use caution, some connectors have latching clips and if
not removed properly can be damaged during the removal
process. See photo below for reference.
Reinstallation
Step 6: When reinstalling the power supply be sure
to use care not to hit or damage other components
in the system.
Step 7: Position the power supply in the upper left-
hand corner of the chassis, aligning the holes of the
power supply with the rear screw holes of the
chassis.
Step 8: Use a PH2 Phillips screw bit, tighten the screws to secure the power supply in place.
Step 9: Reconnect the required power cables. Depending on the configuration of system this
may vary, but the basic system required connection of the following:

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•24 Pin ATX_PWR (see motherboard diagram below for location)
•8 Pin ATX_12V (see motherboard diagram below for location)
•SATA Power to HDD
•SATA Power to Optical Drive
Disposal:
Selective Treatment/ Special Handling Per Annex VII, Directive 2012/19/EU: The PSU
contains a printed circuit board of greater than 10 sq. cm and must be removed from
the device and must be disposed of, or recovered, in compliance with the requirements of
Directive 2008/98/EC.