Dell XPS 730 H2C User manual

Dell™XPS™730/730XServiceManual
Model DCDO
Notes, Cautions, and Warnings
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 XPS 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.
November2008Rev.A00
Technical Overview
Before You Begin
Replacing the Computer Stand
Replacing the Computer Cover
Replacing the Theater Lighting Unit
Replacing Memory Module(s)
Replacing a PCI/PCI Express Card
Replacing Drives
Replacing the Heat Sink Assembly
Replacing the Processor
Replacing Fans
Replacing the Master Control Board
Replacing the System Board
Replacing the Power Supply
Replacing the Battery
System Setup
NOTE: A NOTE indicates important information that helps you make better use of your computer.
CAUTION: A CAUTION indicates potential damage to hardware or loss of data if instructions are not followed.
WARNING: A WARNING indicates a potential for property damage, personal injury, or death.

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Before You Begin
Dell™XPS™730/730X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 ships 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 Quick
Reference 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 following tools:
lSmall Phillips screwdriver
lSmall flat-blade screwdriver
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).
CAUTION: To avoid losing data, save and close all open files and exit all open programs before you turn off your computer.
WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer. For additional safety best
practices information, see the Regulatory Compliance Homepage at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.
CAUTION: 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.
CAUTION: When you disconnect a cable, pull on its connector or on its pull-tab, not on the cable itself. Some cables have connectors with locking
tabs; if you are disconnecting this type of cable, press in on the locking tabs before you disconnect the cable. As you pull connectors apart, keep
them evenly aligned to avoid bending any connector pins. Also, before you connect a cable, ensure that both connectors are correctly oriented
and aligned.
CAUTION: To avoid damaging the computer, perform the following steps before you begin working inside the 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.

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
CAUTION: To disconnect a network cable, first unplug the cable from your computer and then unplug the cable from the network device.
CAUTION: 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™XPS™730/730XServiceManual
Removing a PCI Express Graphics Card From a Multi Graphics Card Configuration
Installing Graphics Cards for Multi Graphics Card
Replacing the PCI and PCI Express Cards

Removing a PCI Express Graphics Card From a Multi Graphics Card Configuration

1. Follow the procedures in Before You Begin.

2. Remove the computer cover (see Replacing the Computer Cover).

3. Gently securing both graphics cards with one hand, remove the graphics card bridge (if present) with your other hand by pulling it up and away from the
computer. Set it aside.
Repeat if removing two bridges from a triple card configuration.
WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer. For additional safety best
practices information, see the Regulatory Compliance Homepage at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.
NOTE: If a graphics card is installed in each of the PCIe x16 card slots in the multi-graphics configuration, the PCIe x1 and one PCI card slot are not
accessible for use.
1
PCI card
2
PCIe x1 card
3
PCIe x1 card slot
4
PCIe x16 card slot
5
PCIe x16 card


NOTE: This section deals with dual and triple configurations of PCIe x16 graphics cards only. For removal of any other type of PCI or PCIe cards, see
Replacing the PCI and PCI Express Cards.
1
graphics card bridge
2
power connectors (2)
3
dual-PCIe graphics cards




4. Disconnect any cables connected to the card.

5. Remove the captive screws on top of the PCI card fan shroud and remove the shroud.

6. Remove the card retention screw(s) on the top of the card retainer at the appropriate card slot and pivot the card retainer back through the chassis
wall.

7. Press the securing tab (if present) on the system board connector as you grasp the card by its top corners, and then ease the card straight out of the
connector
.

8. Install a filler bracket in the empty card-slot opening. If you are replacing the card, see Installing Graphics Cards for Multi Graphics Card.


9. Replace the PCI card fan shroud, replace the computer cover (see Replacing the Computer Cover), reconnect the computer and devices to electrical
outlets, and then turn them on.
Installing Graphics Cards for Multi Graphics Card
This section pertains to using dual and triple PCIe graphics cards to take advantage of NVIDIA's SLI (Scalable Link Interface). For installation of other types of
PCI or PCIe cards, see Replacing a PCI/PCI Express Card.
1
retention screw
2
card retainer
3
alignment guide
4
fan bracket
1
PCIe x16 card
2
securing tab
3
PCIe x16 card slot


NOTE: 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.
NOTE: The graphics card bridge (not present in all multi-graphics configurations) is not necessary in a single graphics card configuration.
CAUTION: 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.
NOTE: To upgrade to or downgrade from a dual-or triple-graphics card configuration, you may need additional parts that can be ordered from Dell.

Some expansion card slots will not be available for use if a dual-slot graphics card is installed in any of the PCIe x16 card slots. If you are upgrading from a
single-slot graphics card to a dual-slot graphics card, you will need to remove any card installed in these expansion slots. To remove a PCIe card, see
Replacing the PCI and PCI Express Cards.


1. Follow the procedures in Before You Begin.

2. Remove the computer cover (see Replacing the Computer Cover).

3. Remove the captive screws on top of the PCI card fan shroud and remove the shroud.

4. Remove the filler bracket or existing graphics card to create a card-slot opening.

5. Install two SLI-ready graphics cards into the two outer PCIe x16 slots on the system board.

6. Prepare the cards for installation.
See the documentation that came with the cards for information on configuring them, making internal connections, or otherwise customizing them for
your computer.

7. Position each card so that it is aligned with the slot and that the securing tab (if present) is aligned with the slot.

CAUTION: For information about upgrading your system to use NVIDIA SLI (Scalable Link Interface) multi-graphics technology, see the Dell
support website at support.dell.com.
NOTE: If you are upgrading to a multi-graphics card configuration and have a card installed in the PCIe x1 card slot, remove the card (see
Replacing the PCI and PCI Express Cards).
1
retention screw
2
card retainer
3
alignment guide
4
fan bracket
NOTE: If the card is full length, insert the card guide into the alignment slot on the fan bracket.
1
PCIe x16 card
2
securing tab
3
PCIe x16 card slot


CAUTION: Ensure that you release the securing tab to seat the card. If the card is not installed correctly, you may damage the system board.

Gently pull the securing tab (if present) and place the card in the connector. Press down firmly and ensure that the card is fully seated in the slot.



8. Screw in the card retention screw(s) on the top of the card retainer at the appropriate card slot.

9. Repeat for additional graphics cards.
Connect the PCIe supplementary power connectors from the system power supply to each of the graphics cards. See the documentation for the card for
information about the card's cable connections.

10. Install the NVIDIA SLI connector across the two outer graphics cards. Each SLI-ready graphics card has an SLI connector tab on its upper side. Press
firmly on each connector so that it completely covers the connector tab.

11. If present, lower the graphics card bridge that lays over the installed cards and snap it into place.

12. Replace the computer cover (see Replacing the Computer Cover), reconnect the computer and devices to electrical outlets, and then turn them on.
Replacing the PCI and PCI Express Cards



1. Follow the procedures in Before You Begin.

2. Remove the computer cover (see Replacing the Computer Cover).

3. Disconnect any cables connected to the card.

4. If the card is a full length, remove the captive screws on top of the PCI card fan shroud and remove the shroud.

5. Remove the card retention screw.
CAUTION: 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.
CAUTION: An incorrectly attached graphics power cable may result in degraded graphics performance.
1
graphics card bridge
2
power connectors (2)
3
dual-PCIe graphics cards


CAUTION: To avoid electrostatic discharge and damage to internal components, ground yourself by using a wrist grounding strap or by
periodically touching an unpainted metal surface on the computer chassis.
CAUTION: If your computer came with a PCI graphics card installed, removal of the card is not necessary when installing additional graphics
cards; however, the card is required for troubleshooting purposes. If you remove the card, store it in a safe and secure location.


6. Press the securing tab (if present) on the system board connector as you grasp the card by its top corners, and then ease the card out of the
connector.

7. Install a filler bracket in the empty card-slot opening. If you are replacing the card, see Replacing a PCI/PCI Express Card.


8. Reinstall the card retention screw.

9. Reinstall the card slot fan shroud.

10. Replace the computer cover (see Replacing the Computer Cover), reconnect the computer and devices to electrical outlets, and then turn them on.

11. Uninstall the driver for the card that you removed.


12. If present, press the tab on the graphics card bridge that lays over the installed cards and rotate it upwards to gain full access to the card.

13. Press down the tab on the top of the graphics card bridge at the appropriate card slot and pivot the graphics card bridge back through the chassis wall.
1
retention screw
2
card retainer
3
alignment guide
4
fan bracket
NOTE: If the card is full length, press the securing tab on the end of the alignment guides on the fan bracket.
1
PCIe x16 card
2
securing tab
3
PCIe x16 card slot


NOTE: 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.
CAUTION: 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.
CAUTION: If you have or are upgrading to the optional multi-graphics configuration, see Installing Graphics Cards for Multi Graphics Card to
install a graphics card.


14. Remove the filler bracket or existing card (see Replacing the PCI and PCI Express Cards) to create a card-slot opening.

15. Prepare the card for installation.
See the documentation that came with the card for information on configuring the card, making internal connections, or otherwise customizing it for your
computer.

16. Position the card so that it is aligned with the slot and the securing tab (if present) is aligned with the slot.


17. Gently pull the securing tab (if present) and place the card in the connector. Press down firmly and ensure that the card is fully seated in the slot.
1
retention screw
2
card retainer
3
alignment guide
4
fan bracket
NOTE: If the card is full length, insert the card guide into the alignment slot on the fan bracket.
1
PCIe x16 card
2
securing tab
3
PCIe x16 card slot


CAUTION: Ensure that you release the securing tab to seat the card. If the card is not installed correctly, you may damage the system board.




18. Connect any cables that should be attached to the card.
See the documentation for the card for information about the card's cable connections.


19. Rotate the graphics card bridge back into its original position; push its tip so that its tab clicks into place.

20. If present, lower the graphics card bridge that lays over the installed cards and snap it into place.

21. Replace the computer cover (see Replacing the Computer Cover), reconnect the computer and devices to electrical outlets, and then turn them on.

22. Install any drivers required for the card as described in the card documentation.
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
1
card connector (seated)
2
card connector (not seated)
3
bracket properly aligned within
slot
4
bracket improperly aligned outside of
slot
5
alignment bar
6
alignment guide
CAUTION: 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.
CAUTION: An incorrectly attached graphics power cable may result in degraded graphics performance.
CAUTION: Before rotating the card retainer back into place, ensure that the tops of all cards and filler brackets are flush with the alignment bar
and the notch in the top of each card or filler bracket fits around the alignment guide.

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Replacing the Battery
Dell™XPS™730/730X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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
WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer. For additional safety best
practices information, see the Regulatory Compliance Homepage at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.
WARNING: 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.
CAUTION: 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™XPS™730/730XServiceManual





1. Follow the procedures in Before You Begin.

2. Pull back on the cover release latch.

3. With the cover release latch pulled back, grip the sides of the cover, then pivot the top of the cover up and away from the computer.

4. Slide the cover forward and up to remove it from the hinge slots, then set it aside in a secure and protected location.

5. To replace the computer cover, perform the removal procedure in reverse order.
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
WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer. For additional safety best
practices information, see the Regulatory Compliance Homepage at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.
WARNING: To guard against electrical shock, always unplug your computer from the electrical outlet before removing the cover.
WARNING: Do not operate your equipment with any cover(s) (including computer covers, bezels, filler brackets, front-panel inserts, etc.)
removed.
CAUTION: 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
cover release latch
3
cover hinge tabs
4
stabilizing feet (closed)

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Replacing the Computer Stand
Dell™XPS™730/730XServiceManual



1. Follow the procedures in Before You Begin.

2. Loosen the captive screw securing the stand to the base of the computer.

3. Gently slide the stand back, towards the rear of the computer, then pull the stand away from the computer to remove it.

4. To replace the computer stand, perform the removal procedure in reverse order.
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
WARNING: Your computer is heavy and can be difficult to maneuver. Seek assistance before attempting to lift, move, or tilt the computer and
always lift correctly to avoid injury; avoid bending over while lifting.
WARNING: The computer stand should be installed at all times to ensure maximum system stability. Failure to install the stand could result in the
computer tipping over, potentially resulting in bodily injury or damage to the computer.

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Replacing the Heat Sink Assembly
Dell™XPS™730/730XServiceManual
Replacing the Air Cooled Heat Sink Assembly
Replacing the Liquid Cooling Heat Sink Assembly


Your computer uses one of the following types of processor cooling solutions, air-cooling or H2Ceramic (also called H2C or Hot-to-Cold) liquid-cooling system.
Replacing the Air Cooled Heat Sink Assembly

1. Follow the procedures in Before You Begin.

2. Remove the computer cover (see Replacing the Computer Cover).


3. Loosen the four captive screws that secure the heatsink to the chassis.

4. Gently lift the heat sink assembly out of the chassis. You may have to gently twist the heat sink to fully disengage the heat sink assembly.

5. Disconnect the fan cable from the rear fan connector on the LED circuit board at the back of the chassis.



6. To replace the air cooled heat sing assembly, apply thermal grease to the top of the processor as needed.

7. Align the screw holes on the heat sink assembly with the holes on the base of the computer, then tighten the four screws to secure the assembly.

8. Connect the fan cable to the rear fan connector on the LED circuit board.

9. Replace the computer cover (see Replacing the Computer Cover).
WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer. For additional safety best
practices information, see the Regulatory Compliance Homepage at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.
CAUTION: 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.
WARNING: The processor heat sink can get very hot during normal operation. Be sure that the heat sink has had sufficient time to cool before you
touch it.
1
fan power connector
2
LED circuit board
3
captive screws (4)


CAUTION: The processor heat sink is attached to the processor fan shroud. When you remove the processor fan shroud, lay it upside down or on
its side to avoid damaging the heat sink thermal interface.
CAUTION: Ensure that adequate thermal grease is applied to the top of the processor. Thermal grease is critical for ensuring adequate thermal
bonding, which is a requirement for optimal processor operation.

Replacing the Liquid Cooling Heat Sink Assembly


1. Follow the procedures in Before You Begin.

2. Remove the computer cover (see Replacing the Computer Cover).


3. Observe the following cautions when working with the liquid cooling assembly.
lThe liquid cooling assembly is not user serviceable or upgradeable. All required service should be done by qualified service personnel only.
lThe liquid cooling assembly in your system contains a non-refillable coolant. In the event of a coolant leak, shut down your system immediately.
Unplug your system from the power outlet and contact Dell Technical Support.
lIn the event of skin contact with the coolant, wash your skin with soap and water. Seek medical attention if irritation develops.
lIn the event of eye contact with the coolant, rinse your eyes immediately with water, with your eyelids open, for 15 minutes. Seek medical
attention if irritation persists.

4. Disconnect the liquid cooling cable from the H2C connector on the Master Control Board (see Master Control Board).


5. Loosen the screws on the liquid cooling assembly, then lift the assembly out of the computer and set it aside.


6. To install the liquid cooling heat sink assembly, apply thermal grease to the top of the processor as needed.

7. Align the screw holes on the liquid cooling assembly with the holes on the base of the computer, then tighten the six screws to secure the assembly.

8. Connect the liquid cooling cable to the H2C connector on the Master Control Board (see Master Control Board).

9. Close the computer cover (see Replacing the Computer Cover).

10. Connectyourcomputeranddevicestoelectricaloutlets,andturnthemon.
WARNING: The liquid cooling assembly is responsible for cooling the system board chipset in addition to the CPU. If the liquid cooling assembly is
replaced with an assembly other than the original, a cooling solution must be installed to avoid overheating the chipset. Failure to install a cooling
solution, either third-party or Dell provided, may result in damage to your system and render the system inoperable.
WARNING: The processor heat sink can get very hot during normal operation. Be sure that the heat sink has had sufficient time to cool before you
touch it.
CAUTION: The processor heat sink is attached to the liquid cooling assembly. When you remove the liquid cooling assembly, lay it upside down or
on its side to avoid damaging the heatsink thermal interface.
1
liquid cooling assembly
2
captive screws
CAUTION: Ensure that adequate thermal grease is applied to the top of the processor. Thermal grease is critical for ensuring adequate thermal
bonding, which is a requirement for optimal processor operation.

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

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Replacing Drives
Dell™XPS™730/730XServiceManual
Replacing a Hard Drive
Replacing the Drive Panel
Replacing a Floppy Drive (XPS 730 Only)
Replacing a Media Card Reader

Replacing a Hard Drive



1. Follow the procedures in Before You Begin.

2. Remove the computer cover (see Replacing the Computer Cover).

3. Disconnect the power cable and the data cable from the hard drive.
Dell™XPS™730:
Dell XPS 730X:
WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer. For additional safety best
practices information, see the Regulatory Compliance Homepage at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.
WARNING: To guard against electrical shock, always unplug your computer from the electrical outlet before removing the cover.
CAUTION: If you are replacing a hard drive that contains data that you want to keep, back up your files before you begin this procedure.
1
power cable
2
data cable


4. Press the blue tabs on each side of the hard drive bracket toward each other and slide the drive up and out of the hard drive bay.

5. Prepare the new hard drive for installation and check the documentation for the hard drive to verify that the drive is configured for your computer.

3.5" hard drive:
Removal:
Replacement:
1
power cable
2
data cable
1
blue tabs (2)
2
hard drive
3
hard drive bay


NOTE: If a hard drive bracket is installed inside the hard drive bay, remove the bracket before you install a new hard drive.
NOTE: If the hard drive you are installing does not have the hard drive bracket attached, use your original hard drive bracket; snap the bracket
onto the new drive.


2.5" hard drive:
Removal:
Replacement:

6. Verify that the hard drive bay is empty and unobstructed.

7. Slide the hard drive into the hard drive bay until it clicks securely into place.
1
hard drive
2
hard drive bracket
1
hard drive cage
2
hard drive
3
hard drive bracket


1
hard drive
2
hard drive bracket
3
hard drive cage





8. Connect the power cable to the hard drive.

9. Connect the hard drive data cable to the hard drive.
Dell XPS 730:
Dell XPS 730X:
1
hard drive
2
hard drive bay
CAUTION: Ensure that all connectors are properly cabled and firmly seated.
1
power cable
2
data cable