Dell Studio Desktop User manual

DellStudio™540ServiceManual
Notes, Notices, and Cautions
Information in this document is subject to change without notice.
©2008DellInc.Allrightsreserved.
Reproduction of these materials in any manner whatsoever without the written permission of Dell Inc. is strictly forbidden.
Trademarks used in this text: Dell, the DELL logo, and Dell Studio are trademarks of Dell Inc.; Microsoft and Windows are either trademarks or registered trademarks of Microsoft
Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.
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 Inc. disclaims any
proprietary interest in trademarks and trade names other than its own.
Model: DCMA
July2008Rev.A00
Technical Overview
Before You Begin
Replacing the Computer Cover
Replacing the Front Panel
Replacing Memory Module(s)
Replacing a PCI/PCI Express Card
Replacing Drives
Replacing Fans
Replacing the Front I/O Panel
Replacing the Processor
Replacing the System Board
Replacing the Power Supply
Replacing the Battery
Replacing the Rubber Foot
System Setup

NOTE: A NOTE indicates important information that helps you make better use of your computer.
NOTICE: A NOTICE indicates either potential damage to hardware or loss of data and tells you how to avoid the problem.
CAUTION: A CAUTION indicates a potential for property damage, personal injury, or death.

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Before You Begin
DellStudio™540ServiceManual
Technical Specifications
Recommended Tools
Turning Off Your Computer
Safety Instructions
This chapter provides procedures for removing and installing the components in your computer. Unless otherwise noted, each procedure assumes that the
following conditions exist:
lYou have performed the steps in Turning Off Your Computer and Safety Instructions.
lYou have read the safety information that shipped with your computer.
lA component can be replaced or—if purchased separately—installed by performing the removal procedure in reverse order.
Technical Specifications
For information on technical specifications of your computer, see the Setup Guide that shipped with your computer or see the Dell Support website at
support.dell.com.
Recommended Tools
The procedures in this document may require the use of a small Phillips screwdriver size #2.
Turning Off Your Computer

1. Shut down the operating system.

2. Ensure that the computer and all attached devices are turned off. If your computer and attached devices did not automatically turn off when you shut
down your operating system, press and hold the power button for about 4 seconds to turn them off.
Safety Instructions
Use the following safety guidelines to help protect your computer from potential damage and to help to ensure your own personal safety.


1. Ensure that the work surface is flat and clean to prevent the computer cover from being scratched.

2. Turn off your computer (see Turning Off Your Computer).

3. Disconnect all telephone or network cables from the computer.

4. Disconnect your computer and all attached devices from their electrical outlets.

5. Press and hold the power button while the system is unplugged to ground the system board.
NOTICE: To avoid losing data, save and close all open files and exit all open programs before you turn off your computer.
CAUTION: 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.
NOTICE: Onlyacertifiedservicetechnicianshouldperformrepairsonyourcomputer.DamageduetoservicingthatisnotauthorizedbyDell™isnot
covered by your warranty.
NOTICE: 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.
NOTICE: To avoid damaging the computer, perform the following steps before you begin working inside the computer.
NOTICE: To disconnect a network cable, first unplug the cable from your computer and then unplug the cable from the network device.

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

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Replacing a PCI/PCI Express Card
DellStudio™540ServiceManual
Removing a PCI/PCI Express Card
Installing a PCI/PCI Express Card
Replacing the Card Retention Bracket
Configuring Your Computer After Removing or Installing a PCI/PCI Express Card

Removing a PCI/PCI Express Card

1. Uninstall the card's driver and software from the operating system. For more information, see the Setup Guide.

2. Follow the procedures in Before You Begin.

3. Remove the computer cover (see Replacing the Computer Cover).

4. Remove the screw holding the card retention bracket.

5. Lift the card retention bracket and set it aside in a secure place.

6. If necessary, disconnect any cables connected to the card.
lFor a PCI card, grasp the card by its top corners, and ease it out of its connector.
lFor a PCI Express card, pull the securing tab, grasp the card by its top corners, and then ease it out of its connector.

7. If you are replacing an existing card, go to step 6 of Installing a PCI/PCI Express Card.

8. Install a filler bracket in the empty card-slot opening.

9. Replace the card retention bracket. See Replacing the Card Retention Bracket.

10. Replace the computer cover, reconnect the computer and devices to electrical outlets, and then turn them on.

11. To complete the removal procedure, see Configuring Your Computer After Removing or Installing a PCI/PCI Express Card.
Installing a PCI/PCI Express Card

1. Follow the procedures in Before You Begin.

2. Remove the computer cover. See Replacing the Computer Cover.

CAUTION: 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.
1
card retention bracket
2
filler bracket
NOTICE: Installing filler brackets over empty card-slot openings is necessary to maintain FCC certification of the computer. The brackets also keep dust
and dirt out of your computer.


3. Remove the screw holding the card retention bracket.

4. Lift the card retention bracket and set it aside in a secure place.

5. Remove the filler bracket to create a card-slot opening.

6. Prepare the card for installation.
See the documentation that came with the card for information on configuring, customizing and making internal connections on the card.

7. Align the card with the connector.

8. Place the card in the connector and press down firmly. Ensure that the card is fully seated in the slot.

9. Replace the card retention bracket. See Replacing the Card Retention Bracket.

10. Connect any cables that should be attached to the card.
See the documentation for the card for information about the card's cable connections.

11. Replace the computer cover, reconnect the computer and devices to electrical outlets, and then turn them on.

12. To complete the installation, see Configuring Your Computer After Removing or Installing a PCI/PCI Express Card.
Replacing the Card Retention Bracket
NOTE: If you are installing a PCI Express card into the x16 connector, ensure that the securing slot is aligned with the securing tab.
1
PCI Express x16 card
2
securing tab
3
PCI Express x1 card
4
PCI Express x1 card slot
5
PCI Express x16 card slot
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1
alignment bar
2
fully-seated card
3
not fully-seated card
4
alignment guide
5
bracket within slot
6
bracket caught outside of slot
NOTICE: Do not route card cables over or behind the cards. Cables routed over the cards can prevent the computer cover from closing properly or
cause damage to the equipment.

Replace the card retention bracket ensuring that:
lThe guide clamp is aligned with the guide notch.
lThe tops of all cards and filler brackets are flush with the alignment bar.
lThe notch in the top of the card or filler bracket fits around the alignment guide.
Configuring Your Computer After Removing or Installing a PCI/PCI Express Card
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
1
alignment guide
2
filler bracket
3
alignment bar
4
card retention bracket
5
guide clamps (2)
6
guide notchs (2)
NOTE: For information on location of connectors, see the Setup Guide. For information on installing drivers and software for your card, see the
documentation that shipped with the card.

Installed
Removed
Sound Card
1. Enter system setup (see System Setup).
2. Go to Integrated Peripherals and select Onboard Audio Controller, and then
change the setting to Disabled.
3. Connect the external audio devices to the sound card's connectors.
1. Enter system setup (see System Setup).
2. Go to Integrated Peripherals and select
Onboard Audio Controller
change the setting to Enabled.
3. 
Connect the external audio devices to the computer's back panel connectors.
Network
Card
1. Enter system setup (see System Setup).
2. Go to Integrated Peripherals and select Onboard LAN Controller, and then
change the setting to Disabled.
3. Connect the network cable to the network card's connector.
1. Enter system setup (see System Setup).
2. Go to Integrated Peripherals and select
Onboard LAN Controller
change the setting to Enabled.
3. 
Connect the network cable to the integrated network connector.

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Replacing the Battery
DellStudio™540ServiceManual



1. Record all the screens in system setup (see System Setup) so that you can restore the correct settings in step 10.

2. Follow the procedures in Before You Begin.

3. Remove the computer cover (see Replacing the Computer Cover).

4. Locate the battery socket (see System Board Components).

5. Carefully press the battery release lever away from the battery and the battery will pop out.

6. Remove the battery from the system and properly dispose of the battery.

7. Insert the new battery into the socket with the side labeled "+" facing up, then snap the battery into place.

8. Replace the computer cover (see Replacing the Computer Cover).

9. Connect your computer and devices to electrical outlets, and then turn them on.

10. Enter system setup (see System Setup) and restore the settings you recorded in step 1.
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
CAUTION: 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: A new battery can explode 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.
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. Ensure that the object is
inserted between the battery and the socket before you attempt 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.
1
battery (positive side)
2
battery release lever
1
battery (positive side)
2
battery release lever

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Replacing the Computer Cover
DellStudio™540ServiceManual



1. Follow the procedures in Before You Begin.

2. Lay your computer on its side with the computer cover facing up.

3. Open the padlock, if applicable.

4. Remove the two thumbscrews.

5. Pull the cover grip towards the back of the computer lift it away from the computer.

6. Set the cover aside in a secure location.

7. To replace the computer cover, perform the removal procedure in reverse order.
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
CAUTION: 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: To guard against likelihood of electric shock, laceration by moving fan blades or other unexpected injuries, always unplug your
computer from the electrical outlet before removing the cover.
NOTICE: Ensure that sufficient space exists to support the system with the cover removed—at least 30 cm (1 ft.) of desk top space.
1
computer cover
2
front of computer
3
thumbscrews (2)
4
cover grip

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Replacing the Processor
DellStudio™540ServiceManual


1. Follow the procedures in Before You Begin.

2. Remove the computer cover (see Replacing the Computer Cover).


3. Disconnect the power cables from the ATX POWER and ATX_CPU connectors (see System Board Components) on the system board.

4. Remove the processor fan and heat sink assembly from the computer (see Replacing the Processor Fan and Heat Sink Assembly).

5. Press and push the release lever down and out to release it from the tab that secures it.

6. Open the processor cover.

7. Lift up the processor to remove it from the socket, place it aside in a safe and secure place.
Leave the release lever extended in the release position so that the socket is ready for the new processor.

8. Unpackthenewprocessor,becarefulnottotouchtheundersideoftheprocessor.
CAUTION: 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.
NOTICE: Do not perform the following steps unless you are familiar with hardware removal and replacement. Performing these steps incorrectly could
damage your system board. For technical service, see the Setup Guide.
CAUTION: Despite having a plastic shield, the heat sink assembly may be very hot during normal operation. Be sure that it has had sufficient time
to cool before you touch it.
NOTE: Unless a new heat sink is required for the new processor, reuse the original heat sink assembly when you replace the processor.
1
processor cover
2
processor
3
socket
4
release lever
NOTICE: When removing or replacing the processor, do not touch any of the pins inside the socket or allow any objects to fall on the pins in the socket.
NOTICE: Ground yourself by touching an unpainted metal surface on the back of the computer.


9. If the release lever on the socket is not fully extended, move it to that position.

10. Orient the front and back alignment-notches on the processor with the front and back alignment-notches on the socket.

11. Align the pin-1 corners of the processor and socket.

12. Set the processor lightly in the socket and ensure that the processor is positioned correctly.

13. When the processor is fully seated in the socket, close the processor cover.

14. Pivot the socket release lever back towards the socket, and snap it into place to secure the processor.

15. Clean the thermal grease from the bottom of the heat sink.

16. Apply the new thermal grease to the top of the processor.

17. Replace the processor fan and heat sink assembly (see Replacing the Processor Fan and Heat Sink Assembly).

18. Connect the power cables from the ATX POWER and ATX_CPU connectors (see System Board Components) on the system board.

19. Replace the computer cover (see Replacing the Computer Cover).

20. Connect your computer and devices to electrical outlets, and then turn them on.
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
1
processor cover
2
tab
3
processor
4
socket
5
center cover latch
6
release lever
7
front alignment-notch
8
processor pin-1 indicator
9
back alignment notch


NOTICE: You must position the processor correctly in the socket to avoid permanent damage to the processor and the computer when you turn on the
computer.
NOTICE: Socket pins are delicate. To avoid damage, ensure that the processor is aligned properly with the socket, and do not use excessive force
when you replace the processor. Be careful not to touch or bend the pins on the system board.
NOTICE: To avoid damage, ensure that the processor aligns properly with the socket, and do not use excessive force when you install the processor.
NOTE: Ensure that the tab on the processor cover is positioned underneath the center cover latch on the socket.
NOTICE: Ensure that you apply new thermal grease. New thermal grease is critical for ensuring adequate thermal bonding, which is a requirement for
optimal processor operation.
NOTICE: Ensure that the processor fan and heat sink assembly is correctly seated and secure.