NEC READY ES PRO User manual

First Printing — August 1997
Copyright 1997
NEC Computer Systems Division
Packard Bell NEC, Inc.
1414 Massachusetts Avenue
Boxborough, MA 01709
All Rights Reserved
Proprietary Notice and Liability Disclaimer
The information disclosed in this document, including all designs and related materials, is the
valuable property of NEC Computer Systems Division, Packard Bell NEC (NECCSD, PBNEC)
and/or its licensors. NECCSD and/or its licensors, as appropriate, reserve all patent, copyright
and other proprietary rights to this document, including all design, manufacturing,
reproduction, use, and sales rights thereto, except to the extent said rights are expressly granted
to others.
The NECCSD product(s) discussed in this document are warranted in accordance with the
terms of the Warranty Statement accompanying each product. However, actual performance of
each such product is dependent upon factors such as system configuration, customer data, and
operator control. Since implementation by customers of each product may vary, the suitability
of specific product configurations and applications must be determined by the customer and is
not warranted by NECCSD.
To allow for design and specification improvements, the information in this document is
subject to change at any time, without notice. Reproduction of this document or portions
thereof without prior written approval of NECCSD is prohibited.
NEC is a registered trademark of NEC Corporation and NEC CS500 is a trademark of NEC Technologies, Inc. These
trademarks and registered trademarks are used under license by NEC Computer Systems Division,
Packard Bell NEC, Inc.
All other product, brand, or trade names used in this publication are the trademarks or registered trademarks of their
respective trademark owners.

Contents iii
Contents
System upgrades ........................................................................ 1
Choosing options..............................................................................2
Getting started..................................................................................2
Precautions.................................................................................. 3
Working inside the system ................................................................4
Handling computer parts...................................................................4
Connecting/disconnecting cables.......................................................5
A look inside................................................................................ 7
Taking off the cover .........................................................................8
Taking a quick look inside ..............................................................11
Looking at the system board...........................................................12
Replacing the cover ........................................................................13
System memory......................................................................... 15
Looking at memory upgrade kits.....................................................16
Checking the memory in your system..............................................17
Adding memory modules ................................................................19
Removing a memory module...........................................................21
Expansion boards ..................................................................... 23
Adding boards................................................................................24
Removing a board...........................................................................28

iv Contents
System processor......................................................................31
Removing the processor................................................................. 32
Adding a processor........................................................................ 35
Storage devices..........................................................................39
Preparing the device....................................................................... 40
Identifying the cables you need....................................................... 41
System power cables ................................................................. 42
Diskette drive cable................................................................... 43
IDE cables................................................................................. 44
Connecting cables to your device ................................................... 45
Cabling an IDE device............................................................... 45
Cabling a diskette drive ............................................................. 47
Installing storage devices................................................................ 48
Adding a 3 1/2-inch hard disk.................................................... 48
Adding a 5 1/4-inch device........................................................ 52
External options.........................................................................59
Locating external connectors.......................................................... 60
Connecting an NEC CS500 monitor............................................... 64
Connecting an NEC C700 monitor................................................. 66
Connecting a printer....................................................................... 68
System resources......................................................................71
Looking at communication ports.................................................... 72
Looking at COM port and IRQ settings ......................................... 72
Viewing system resources .............................................................. 73
Checking jumper settings ............................................................... 74
Clearing your password.................................................................. 77

Contents v
System specifications............................................................... 79
System chassis................................................................................80
Power supply.............................................................................80
Expansion board slots ................................................................81
Storage device slots ...................................................................81
System unit dimensions and weight ............................................81
System board..................................................................................82
Processor...................................................................................83
Secondary cache ........................................................................84
System memory..........................................................................84
Intel TX PCI chipset ..................................................................85
PCI local bus..............................................................................86
Expansion board slots ................................................................87
BIOS .........................................................................................87
IDE ports...................................................................................88
I/O ports and connectors............................................................88
Universal serial bus ....................................................................89
Graphics accelerator...................................................................90
Power management....................................................................91
Plug and play .............................................................................91
Feature connector ......................................................................92
Diskette drive.................................................................................92
Hard disk........................................................................................93
CD-ROM reader.............................................................................94
Keyboard........................................................................................97
Mouse............................................................................................98
Fax/modem/sound board.................................................................98
Sound........................................................................................99
Fax/modem..............................................................................101
Graphics board .............................................................................102

vi Contents
Ethernet network board ............................................................... 103
Game pad .................................................................................... 104
Environmental specifications........................................................ 104
Tables
Diskette drive specifications........................................................... 92
CD-ROM reader specifications....................................................... 94
CD-ROM reader jumper block A settings....................................... 96
CD-ROM reader jumper block B settings....................................... 96

This guide vii
This guide
This guide provides information for adding system upgrades to your
Ready computer. The guide also includes system specifications.
Who should use this guide?
We’ve written this guide for anyone who wants to install an upgrade
option in the Ready computer or who needs system specifications.
How should I use this guide?
We recommend that you read:

“System upgrades” for information about choosing upgrades
and getting started.

“Precautions” for safety guidelines when you work inside the
system and when you handle computer parts.

“A look inside” to become familiar with the inside of your
computer and to locate upgrade features. Also see this section
to remove and replace the system cover.

the appropriate section for the upgrade you want to add to
your computer. Sections include procedures for adding system
memory, expansion boards, processor, and storage devices.

“External options” to connect a device to the connectors at
the back of the system, such as a monitor or printer.

viii This guide

“System resources” to find a description of your computer’s
resources, such as communication ports and interrupts, default
settings, and how to view available resources. You can also
find jumper setting information to check factory settings.

“Specifications” for information about the features,
characteristics, and capabilities of your Ready system.
What about text conventions?
This guide uses the following text conventions.

Warnings, cautions, and notes have the following meanings:
!
WARNING
Warnings alert you to situations that could result in serious
personal injury or loss of life.
!
CAUTION
Cautions indicate situations that can damage the hardware
or software.
Note:
Notes give important information about the
material being described.

This guide ix

Names of keyboard keys are printed as they appear on the
keyboard, for example, Ctrl,Alt, or Enter.

Text or keystrokes that you enter appear in boldface type. For
example, type exit and press Enter.

Mouse input is a single click of the left mouse button unless
indicated otherwise.
Where else can I find information?
Use the following documentation with this guide for upgrade
information:

NEC Ready Multimedia Computers User’s Guide
In addition to describing your computer’s features, this
printed guide provides quick steps for accomplishing ordinary
office tasks in some new, easier ways using your Ready
computer.
 NEC Help Center
The NEC Help Center is your comprehensive source of
information about your system. Go to the NEC Help Center
for detailed information about upgrading your computer.
Choose the System Upgrades category.
You can also choose topics from categories such as System
Tour, The Basics, Advanced Topics, Questions & Answers,
and Service & Support.

System upgrades 1
System upgrades
Your Ready computer comes with high-performance, state-of-the-art
components designed to deliver the power and speed necessary for
most of today's computing. New technologies and additional
requirements demand more power and more speed.
Upgrade options let you increase system power, memory, and storage
capabilities to meet your growing computer needs.
Your Ready system supports a variety of NECCSD and industry-
standard options. Many optional upgrade components are available
for customizing your computer.

2 System upgrades
Choosing options
For help in choosing options for your computer, see:

“Upgrade Options” in your online NEC Help Center for a list
of supported options

your authorized NECCSD dealer for assistance in determining
which options are best for you

the software box or software documentation for hardware
recommendations.
Getting started
If you are ready to install an upgrade, see these sections in sequence:

“Precautions” for guidelines about handling chips, boards,
system board components, and cables. Follow the
recommendations for your personal safety and to protect your
hardware from damage.

“A look inside” to remove the cover and get acquainted with
the upgrade features inside your system. You'll also find steps
for replacing the cover.

the appropriate section for your upgrade (for example
“System memory,” “Expansion boards,” and “Storage
devices”).
Get started — you'll find easy-to-follow steps ahead!!
Note:
For detailed upgrade information and photo-like
figures in color, view the System Upgrades category in the
online NEC Help Center!

Precautions 3
Precautions
Before you begin your system upgrade, please take a few minutes to
look at the simple guidelines in this section. Follow these guidelines
when you

work inside the system

handle computer parts.

4 Precautions
Working inside the system
Take care when you work inside the system. Avoid electric shock or
personal injury by observing the following warning.
!
WARNING
Before you remove the system cover and work inside the
unit,
turn off all system power and disconnect the system
and its peripherals from their power sources.
Handling computer parts
Static electricity and improper installation procedures can damage
your computer components. Protect your computer components by
following these safety instructions:
 Leave an upgrade option, such as a board or chip, in its anti-
static packaging until you are ready to install it.

Dissipate static electricity before handling any system
components (boards, chips, and so on) by touching a
grounded metal object, such as the system's unpainted metal
chassis.
If possible, use anti-static devices, such as wrist straps and
floor mats.
 Always hold a chip or board by its edges. Avoid touching the
components on the chip or board.

Precautions 5
Connecting/disconnecting cables
Take care when you connect or disconnect cables. A damaged cable
can cause a short in the electrical circuit. Misaligned pins can damage
system components at power-on. Prevent damage by following these
guidelines:

Align cable connector pins carefully before you connect the
cable. Check for instructions that show connector keys or
alignment pins for the correct pin alignment.

Route a cable in the system so it is not pinched by other
components. Check that the cable is out of the path of the
system cover.

When you disconnect a cable, always pull on the cable
connector or strain-relief loop, not on the cable.

A look inside 7
A look inside
See the following sections to:

take off the system unit cover

get a quick look inside your system unit

look at the upgrade features on the system board

replace the system unit cover.

8 A look inside
Taking off the cover
Use the following steps to remove the system unit cover.
!
WARNING
Before you remove the system unit cover, turn off system
power and
unplug the system power cable. Power is
removed only when you unplug the power cable
.
1. Turn off and unplug the system unit.
2. Unplug the keyboard, mouse, monitor, and any other attached
devices (such as a printer) from the back of the system unit.
!
CAUTION
Electrostatic discharge can damage computer components.
Discharge static electricity by touching a metal object
before you remove the system unit cover
.
3. If you have a cover lock, unlock it and remove it from the
system unit.

A look inside 9
4. Remove the three cover screws from the back of the system
unit.
Removing cover screws

10 A look inside
5. Release the cover by pulling it about an inch away from the
front panel.
Note:
The cover fits tightly. You might need to press
the front edge of the cover to release it from the front panel.
Also try pressing your thumbs against the rear panel to
slide the cover one inch away from the front panel.
Releasing the cover
6. Lift the cover up and away from the system unit.

A look inside 11
Taking a quick look inside
Take a quick look at the following figure to become familiar with the
features in your system unit. Some systems ship with a graphics
board, fax/modem/sound board, or Ethernet network board (not
shown), depending on system configuration.
Note:
For a detailed description of these features and
to view them in color, see “System Upgrades” in your NEC
Help Center. Then choose “Looking at Your System.”
Inside your system unit

12 A look inside
Looking at the system board
See the following figure to locate the memory and processor upgrade
sockets on your system board.
System board upgrade sockets

A look inside 13
Replacing the cover
Use the following steps to replace the system unit cover.
!
CAUTION
To prevent damage to the system cables, carefully tuck the
cables out of the path of the cover.
1. With the cover about an inch away from the front of the
system unit, carefully align the top and bottom cover tabs into
the slots and tabs in the system unit frame.
Be sure that the cover tabs on the sides of the cover align
inside the frame of the unit.
Aligning the cover