NEC VERSA VX User manual

NEC Versa Notebook Computer
NEC VERSA®VX
SERVICE AND
REFERENCE MANUAL

First Printing — November 1999
Copyright 1999
NEC Computer Systems Division
6000 Florin-Perkins Road
Sacramento, CA 95828-1037
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 (hereinafter “NEC CSD”) and/or its licensors. NEC CSD 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 NEC CSD 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 NEC CSD.
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
NEC CSD is prohibited.
NEC is a registered trademark of NEC Corporation, used under license.
ENERGY STAR is a U.S. registered mark.
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
Preface ................................................................................................................................................. vii
Abbreviations.........................................................................................................................................ix
1 System Overview
Getting to Know the NEC Versa......................................................................................................... 1-2
Around the Front of the System.......................................................................................................... 1-3
LCD Panel..................................................................................................................................... 1-3
Control Panel................................................................................................................................. 1-4
Status Icons........................................................................................................................ 1-5
Keyboard Panel and Base Unit...................................................................................................... 1-5
Around the Back of the System........................................................................................................... 1-9
Around the Left Side of the System.................................................................................................. 1-10
Around the Right Side of the System................................................................................................ 1-10
Around the Bottom of the System..................................................................................................... 1-11
Internal Components......................................................................................................................... 1-11
Battery Pack ................................................................................................................................ 1-11
Diskette Drive ............................................................................................................................. 1-12
CD-ROM/DVD-ROM Drive....................................................................................................... 1-12
Hard Disk Drive.......................................................................................................................... 1-12
CMOS Battery............................................................................................................................. 1-12
ChipSet.............................................................................................................................................. 1-12
2 System Configuration and Setup
Power Sources for Your NEC Versa................................................................................................... 2-2
Using the AC Adapter................................................................................................................... 2-2
Connecting the AC Adapter .......................................................................................................... 2-3
Powering the System On and Off..................................................................................................2-3
Using the Battery........................................................................................................................... 2-3
Low Battery Power........................................................................................................................ 2-4
Returning the Battery to its Normal State .....................................................................................2-4
Extending Battery Life.................................................................................................................. 2-4
Battery Handling........................................................................................................................... 2-4
Replacing the Battery.................................................................................................................... 2-5
Charging the Battery ..................................................................................................................... 2-6
Battery Precautions ....................................................................................................................... 2-7
Precautions for Recharging the Battery......................................................................................... 2-7
System Batteries............................................................................................................................ 2-7
CMOS Battery ................................................................................................................... 2-8
BIOS Setup ......................................................................................................................................... 2-8
BIOS Setup Main Menu................................................................................................................ 2-8
Looking at Screens........................................................................................................................ 2-9
Using Keys.................................................................................................................................... 2-9
Checking/Setting System Parameters.......................................................................................... 2-10
Resetting System Parameters ...................................................................................................... 2-10
Standard CMOS Setup................................................................................................................ 2-10
Advanced CMOS Setup.............................................................................................................. 2-11
System Security Setup................................................................................................................. 2-12
Password Protection.................................................................................................................... 2-12
Establishing Passwords ............................................................................................................... 2-12
Hard Disk Drive Passwords ........................................................................................................ 2-13
Establishing Hard Disk Drive Passwords ........................................................................ 2-13
Changing Hard Disk Drive Passwords............................................................................. 2-13
Using Hard Disk Drive Password Protection...................................................................2-13
Moving the Hard Disk Drive ...........................................................................................2-14

iv Contents
Power Management Setup...........................................................................................................2-14
Boot Device Setup.......................................................................................................................2-16
Peripheral Setup...........................................................................................................................2-17
Other BIOS Setup Options..........................................................................................................2-17
Updating the BIOS............................................................................................................................2-18
Obtaining the BIOS Update.........................................................................................................2-18
Preparing the BIOS Update Diskette...........................................................................................2-19
Performing the BIOS Update.......................................................................................................2-19
NEC Utilities.....................................................................................................................................2-20
NEC Customize Utility................................................................................................................2-20
Using the NEC Customize Utility....................................................................................2-20
HDPREPEZ Utility......................................................................................................................2-21
Using the HDPREPEZ Utility..........................................................................................2-21
Application and Driver CD ...............................................................................................................2-21
Launching the Application and Driver CD..................................................................................2-21
Windows 98 and Windows 95 Environments..................................................................2-21
Windows NT Environment ..............................................................................................2-21
Installing the Software .....................................................................................................2-22
3 Disassembly and Reassembly
Required Tools and Equipment...........................................................................................................3-2
Disassembly ........................................................................................................................................3-2
Battery...........................................................................................................................................3-2
Memory Module and Switch Settings ...........................................................................................3-3
Switch Settings..............................................................................................................................3-4
Hard Disk Drive.............................................................................................................................3-5
LED/Button Assembly ..................................................................................................................3-6
LCD Panel.....................................................................................................................................3-7
Keyboard and Heat Plate...............................................................................................................3-9
Top Cover....................................................................................................................................3-10
VersaGlide...................................................................................................................................3-13
CD-ROM Drive...........................................................................................................................3-14
Audio Board ................................................................................................................................3-15
DC/DC Board..............................................................................................................................3-16
I/O Board.....................................................................................................................................3-17
CMOS Battery.............................................................................................................................3-18
Microphone..................................................................................................................................3-18
Diskette Drive..............................................................................................................................3-19
Speakers.......................................................................................................................................3-20
Kensington Lock Latch ...............................................................................................................3-20
Main Board..................................................................................................................................3-21
Celeron/Pentium II Removal.......................................................................................................3-21
Pentium III Removal ...................................................................................................................3-23
PC Card Assembly.......................................................................................................................3-24
Reassembly........................................................................................................................................3-24
4 System Board Layout
Audio Board........................................................................................................................................4-2
DC/DC Board......................................................................................................................................4-2
I/O Board.............................................................................................................................................4-3
Main Board..........................................................................................................................................4-3
5 Illustrated Parts Breakdown
Illustrated Parts Breakdown ................................................................................................................5-2
Parts List..............................................................................................................................................5-3

Contents v
6 Preventive Maintenance
Cleaning the Notebook Exterior.......................................................................................................... 6-2
Cleaning the Notebook Interior........................................................................................................... 6-2
Protecting the Disk Drive.................................................................................................................... 6-2
Handling the Battery Pack .................................................................................................................. 6-3
Maintaining the LCD Quality ............................................................................................................. 6-3
7 Troubleshooting
Quick Troubleshooting ....................................................................................................................... 7-2
Helpful Questions ............................................................................................................................... 7-5
8 Getting Services and Support
Services and Support Contact Information ......................................................................................... 8-2
NEC CSD Web Site............................................................................................................................ 8-2
NEC CSD FTP Site............................................................................................................................. 8-3
Email/Fax to Support Services............................................................................................................ 8-3
NEC CSD Bulletin Board................................................................................................................... 8-3
NEC CSD Support Services................................................................................................................ 8-4
NEC CSD Customer Assistance Center..............................................................................................8-5
9 Specifications
System Components............................................................................................................................ 9-2
Connector Locations........................................................................................................................... 9-6
Memory Map ...................................................................................................................................... 9-7
Interrupt Controllers............................................................................................................................ 9-8
Glossary
Index

Preface vii
Preface
This service and reference manual contains the technical information necessary to set up and
maintain the NEC Versa ® VX notebook computer.
The manual also provides hardware and interface information for users who need an overview of
the system design. The manual is written for NEC-trained customer engineers, system analysts,
service center personnel, and dealers.
The manual is organized as follows:
Chapter 1, System Overview, provides an overview of the hardware and interface components.
Chapter 2,System Configuration and Setup, provides information on setup and how to operate
the notebook.
Chapter 3,Disassembly and Reassembly, provides detailed instructions on how to disassembly
the notebook.
Chapter 4,System Board Layout, shows the system boards and the board connectors.
Chapter 5, Illustrated Parts Breakdown, shows the Illustrated Parts Breakdown (IPB) and
corresponding part numbers.
Chapter 6, Preventive Maintenance, lists general notebook preventive maintenance procedures.
Chapter 7, Troubleshooting, lists troubleshooting procedures as well as helpful servicing hints.
Chapter 8, Getting Services and Support, provides information as to how to contact NEC CSD
for service information, technical support, and product information.
Chapter 9, Specifications, lists physical specifications, connector locations, memory map and
interrupt controllers.
A Glossary and an Index are included for convenience.

ix
Aampere
AC alternating current
AGP Advanced Graphics Port
AT advanced technology
(IBM PC)
BBS Bulletin Board Service
BCD binary-coded decimal
BCU BIOS Customized Utility
BIOS basic input/output system
bit binary digit
BUU BIOS Upgrade Utility
bpi bits per inch
bps bits per second
C capacitance
C centigrade
Cache high-speed buffer storage
CAM constantly addressable
memory
CAS column address strobe
CD-ROM compact disk-ROM
CG character generator
CGA Color Graphics Adapter
CGB Color Graphics Board
CH channel
clk clock
cm centimeter
CMOS complementary metal oxide
semiconductor
COM communication
CONT contrast
CPGA ceramic pin grid array
CPU central processing unit
DAC digital-to-analog converter
DACK DMA acknowledge
DC direct current
DIP dual in-line package
DLAB Divisor Latch Address bit
DMA direct memory access
DMAC DMA controller
DOS disk operating system
DRAM dynamic RAM
DVD digital video disk
ECC error checking and correction
ECP enhanced capabilities port
EDO extended data output
EGA Enhanced Graphics Adapter
EPP enhanced parallel port
EPROM erasable and programmable
ROM
EVGA Enhanced Video Graphics
Array
F Fahrenheit
FAX facsimile transmission
FCC Federal Communications
Commission
FG frame ground
FM frequency modulation
FP fast page
FRU field-replaceable unit
GB gigabyte
GND ground
HEX hexadecimal
Hz hertz
IC integrated circuit
ID identification
IDE intelligent device electronics
IDTR interrupt descriptor table
register
in. inch
INTA interrupt acknowledge
IPB illustrated parts breakdown
IR infrared
IRR Interrupt Request register
ISA Industry Standard Architecture
ISR In Service register
I/O input/output
IPC integrated peripheral
controller
ips inches per second
IRQ interrupt request
K kilo (1024)
k kilo (1000)
KB kilobyte
kg kilogram
kHz kilohertz
Abbreviations

x
lb pound
LED light-emitting diode
LCD liquid crystal display
LSB least-significant bit
LSI large-scale integration
Mmega
mA milliamps
max maximum
MB megabyte
MDA Monochrome Display Adapter
MFM modified frequency modulation
MHz megahertz
mm millimeter
ms millisecond
MSB most-significant bit
NASC National Authorized Service
Center
NC not connected
NMI Non-maskable Interrupt
ns nanosecond
NSRC National Service Response
Center
PAL programmable array logic
PCB printed circuit board
PCI Peripheral Component
Interconnect
PDA personal digital assistant
PFP plastic flat package
PIO parallel input/output
pixel picture element
PLCC plastic leaded chip carrier
PLL phase lock loop
p-p peak-to-peak
PPI programmable peripheral
interface
PROM programmable ROM
QFP quad flat pack
RAM random-access memory
RAMDAC RAM digital-to-analog
converter
RAS row address strobe
RGB red green blue
RGBI red green blue intensity
ROM read-only memory
rpm revolutions per minute
R read
RTC real-time clock
R/W read/write
Sslave
SCSI Small Computer System
Interface
SDRAM synchronous dynamic
random-access memory
SG signal ground
SIMM single inline memory module
SPM standard page mode
SRS Sound Retrieval System
SVGA Super Video Graphics Array
SW switch
TFT thin film transistor
TSC Technical Support Center
TTL transistor/transistor logic
tpi tracks per inch
USB universal serial bus
Vvolt
Vac volts, alternating current
Vdc volts, direct current
VESA video electronics standards
association
VFC VESA-compliant feature
connector
VGA Video Graphics Array
VRAM video RAM
Wwatt
W write
XGA Extended Graphics Array

1
System Overview
!Getting to Know the NEC Versa
!Around the Front of the System
!Around the Back of the System
!Around the Left Side of the System
!Around the Right Side of the System
!Around the Bottom of the System
!Internal Components
!Chipset

1-2 System Overview
Getting to Know the NEC Versa
The NEC Versa VX notebook computer offers you a portable system filled with exciting
resources for home, business or travel. Standard features include a powerful Intel®Celeron™,
Pentium®II or Pentium III microprocessor that works together with the latest Peripheral
Component Interconnect (PCI) architecture.
In addition, your system provides a high-performance hard disk drive, diskette drive, and PC
card support. Most models are equipped with a 24X CD-ROM drive, or a DVD-ROM drive. and
a V.90-compliant 56 kilobits per second (Kbps) modem. As a multimedia system, your NEC
Versa VX provides the tools needed to create and present impressive images using video clips
and sound.
NEC Versa VX notebook computer
To get comfortable with the notebook, read the following sections and take a tour around the
system!

System Overview 1-3
Around the Front of the System
The NEC Versa is compact with features on every side. First, look at the front of the system.
The following sections describe front features, beginning with the liquid crystal display (LCD)
panel.
LCD Panel
The NEC Versa VX comes with a color LCD panel that you can adjust for a comfortable
viewing position. The LCD panel can be a 12.1-inch Super Video Graphics Array (SVGA) color
display, or a 13.3/14.1-inch Extended Graphics Array (XGA).
!Power and Battery Charging Status LEDs — (identified by icons) are located just under
the front of the LCD panel. The status LEDs are duplicated on the back of the LCD
panel to allow viewing when the panel is closed.
Power and Battery Charging LEDs
A– Power LED B– Battery Charging LED
Power LED — lets you know that power to the system is turned on. This LED is
positioned so that you see the power state whether the LCD panel is opened or
closed.
– Lights green when the system is powered on using the AC adapter, battery, or
auto adapter.
– Lights green when on and has normal battery power. Lights yellow when on and
low (8% to 4%) battery power. Lights amber when in Suspend mode and very
low (3% or less) battery power.
Battery Charging LED — lights to indicate battery charging status.
– Lights amber to indicate the battery is charging.
– Blinks amber to indicate an error.
– Lights off to indicate the battery is fully charged.

1-4 System Overview
Control Panel
The NEC Versa VX control panel provides the features shown in the following figure. The
control panel features are described after the figure.
Control panel
A– CD Control Buttons or Password Buttons D– Internet Button
B– Status LEDs E– Power Button
C– Email Button
!CD Control Buttons — use to control the CD-ROM drive (stop, reverse, play/pause, and
fast forward). Available on some systems.
!Password Buttons — set a password or personal identification number for security.
Available on some systems.
!Status LEDs — keep you informed of your NEC Versa VX’s current operating status.
Descriptions of the status icons appear in the following section.
!Email Button — press to access your email software.
!Internet Button — press to access the Internet.
!Power Button — press the Power button either to power on or power off the system.
Note If you are unable to power off the system, use the power override. Press the Power
button and hold it in place until the system powers off.

System Overview 1-5
Status Icons
The NEC Versa VX system uses status lights marked with icons to communicate system status.
See the following figure and list for each icon’s meaning.
Status LED icons
A– Hard Drive Access D– Scroll Lock
B– Diskette Drive Access E– Num Lock
C– Caps Lock Lock
!Hard Drive Access — lights when the NEC Versa VX accesses the hard disk drive,
CD-ROM drive or DVD-ROM drive.
!Diskette Drive Access — lights when the NEC Versa VX writes data to or retrieves data
from the diskette drive.
!Caps Lock — lights when caps lock is in effect.
!Scroll Lock — lights when scroll lock is in effect.
!Num Lock — lights when Num Lock mode is active.
Keyboard Panel and Base Unit
The NEC Versa VX keyboard panel and base unit contain the following features. The keyboard
panel and base unit features are described after the figure.
Keyboard panel
A– Keyboard B– NEC VersaGlide

1-6 System Overview
Base unit
A– Speakers D– Audio Ports
B– IR Port E– Volume Control
C– Microphone
!Keyboard — standard QWERTY-key layout. (Models shipped outside of the U.S. are
equipped with country-specific keyboard layouts.) The keyboard is equipped with many
features. These include:
Function keys
Windows keys
Cursor control keys
Typewriter keys
Numeric keypad
Control keys.
Key features and operations are described after the figure.
Keyboard
A– Function Keys D– Windows Shortcut Key
B– Control Keys E– Cursor Control Keys
C– Windows Start Menu Key
!Function Keys — Twelve function keys, F1 through F12, are available on the NEC
Versa VX keyboard. These keys work together with the Fn key to activate special
functions. Eight keys (printed in blue) are preprogrammed with dual functions.

System Overview 1-7
Function keys are application-driven. See the specific application’s user guide for
information about how each function key works within the application you are using.
The following function key combinations are pre-programmed for the NEC Versa VX.
Fn-Left Ctrl — Simulates pressing the right control key to support IBM 327X
connections.
Fn-F3 —Toggles the video mode between LCD only, CRT only, Simultaneous mode,
and TV out.
Fn-F4 — Sets standby power management mode on, in Windows 95.
In Windows 95, press any key to resume from Standby mode.
No function when Windows 98 configured for Advanced Configuration and Power
Interface (ACPI). In Windows 98, Standby is equivalent to Windows 95 Suspend
mode. To resume from Windows 98 Standby mode, press the Power button.
Fn-F6 —Toggles the system beep off and on.
Fn-F7 — Toggles between various power management levels in Windows 95. Beeps
indicate the level chosen as follows:
1 beep Off
2 beeps Custom
3 beeps Highest Performance
4 beeps Longest Life
No function when Windows 98 configured for Advanced Configuration and Power
Interface (ACPI).
Fn-F8 — Increases the LCD’s brightness (eight settings). Applies to XGA LCD panels
only.
Fn-F9 — Reduces the LCD’s brightness (eight settings). Applies to XGA LCD panels
only.
Fn-F10 — Provides zoom in/out control.
Fn-F12 — Toggles the scroll lock feature.
Fn-Power — Initiates a save-to-file on demand, only in Windows 95, when the BIOS
Suspend option is set to “STF.” Saves your working environment to a reserved area on
the hard drive.
Fn-ESC — Initiates a Save-to-Ram, only in Windows 95, when the BIOS System
Switch is set to “Sleep.” Saves your working environment to memory.
Windows keys — Use the following two keys to facilitate your work.
Shortcut/Application key – provides quick access to shortcut menus. (This key acts
like a right mouse button.)
Floating Window key – displays the Start menu.
!Cursor Control keys — Cursor control keys let you position the cursor on the screen
where you want. On the screen, the cursor is a blinking underline, block, or vertical bar
depending on the application. The cursor indicates where the next text typed is inserted.

1-8 System Overview
!Typewriter keys — Typewriter keys (also called alphanumeric keys) are used to enter
text and characters. Keys with blue print on them behave differently when combined
with control keys or the Fn key.
!Numeric Keypad — Pressing Num Lock on the keyboard activates the numeric keypad
numbers and functions printed in blue on top of the keys.
The keypad lets you type numbers and mathematical operands (+, –) as you would on a
calculator. The keypad is ideal for entering long lists of numbers.
When you press Num Lock again, the keys revert to their normal functions as typewriter
keys.
!Control keys — Ctrl, Alt, Fn, and Shift are controls used in conjunction with other keys
to change their functions. To use control keys, press and hold the control key while
pressing another key. For example, “Press Ctrl c” means to hold down the Ctrl key and
type the letter c. Key combinations work specific to the application you are running.
!NEC VersaGlide — works like a standard computer mouse. Simply move your fingertip
over the VersaGlide to control the position of the cursor. Use the selection buttons
below the VersaGlide to select menu items.
!Speakers — provides stereo sound for your multimedia presentations or listening
pleasure.
!IR Port — allows you to transfer files between you NEC Versa and an IR-equipped
desktop or notebook computer.
!Microphone — allows you to record monophonic sound directly into your notebook
computer.
!Audio Ports
Microphone — Allows you to connect an external microphone for monophonic
recording or amplification through the unit. Plugging in an external microphone
disables the built-in microphone.
Line In — Lets you use another audio system, like a home stereo, as an input
source. Use a cable to connect to the Line-Out port on the other audio system to
record or play.
Headphones — Lets you plug in stereo headphones or powered speakers.
!Volume Control — Allows you to control the speaker volume through the thumb wheel.

System Overview 1-9
Around the Back of the System
You’ll find system ports for connecting your NEC Versa VX to optional devices (like a printer
or external monitor) on the back of your NEC Versa VX. The ports are described after the
figure.
Back system features
A– Port Replicator Notches F– VGA Port
B– PS/2 Port G– Serial Port
C– AC Power Port H– USB Ports
D– Parallel Port I– Modem/LAN Port
E– Expansion Port
!Port Replicator Notches — Use these notches to secure the Port Replicator to the back
of the system. (There are two Port Replicator notches located at the both ends of the rear
side of the system.)
!PS/2 Port — Use the standard PS/2 port to connect an external PS/2-style mouse,
PS/2-style keyboard, or PS/2 style Numeric Keypad to the system. With an optional
Y-adapter cable, you can connect up to two of these devices at the same time.
!AC Power Port — Lets you attach the NEC Versa VX to the AC power source using the
AC adapter that comes with your system. Keep the system connected to AC power
whenever possible to keep the battery pack and internal CMOS battery charged.
!Parallel Port — Use this port to connect a parallel printer or other parallel device. The
parallel port default supports the Enhanced Capabilities Port (ECP) standard. The port
also supports bidirectional and output only protocols.
!Expansion Port — Use this port to connect the Port Replicator.
!VGA Port — Use this 15-pin port to attach an external monitor to your NEC Versa VX.
!Serial Port — Use this port to connect a serial printer or other serial device.
!USB Ports — Each Universal Serial Bus (USB) port allows you to connect up to 127
USB-equipped peripheral devices (for example, printers, monitors, scanners) to your
NEC Versa VX.
!Modem/LAN Port — NEC includes a 56K fax/data modem or mini-PCI LAN.

1-10 System Overview
Around the Left Side of the System
The left side of your NEC Versa VX provides the features shown in the following figure. The
left side features are described after the figure.
Left side features
A– Kensington Lock Latch C– Diskette Drive
B– CD-ROM Drive D– Hard Disk Drive
!Kensington Lock Latch — This latch allows you to attach a Kensington security lock or
other compatible lock to secure the notebook from theft.
!CD-ROM Drive — Allows you to load and start programs from a compact disc (CD)
and play audio CDs.
!Diskette Drive — A 3.5-inch, 1.44-MB diskette drive comes installed in the NEC Versa.
!Hard Disk Drive — An internal hard disk drive comes installed in the NEC Versa. The
disk drive is upgradeable.
Around the Right Side of the System
The right side of the NEC Versa VX offers the features shown in the following figure. The right
side features are described after the figure.
Right side features
A– Battery Bay C– PC Card Slots
B– Fan D– TV Out
!Battery Bay — Depending upon the model, the battery bay contains a rechargeable
Nickel-Metal-Hydride (NiMH) or Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion) battery pack.
!Fan — Allows your system to cool properly and maintain a safe operating environment.
Do not block the fan while the NEC Versa VX is in use.

System Overview 1-11
!PC Card Slots — Two PC card slots allow you to insert two Type II PC cards or one
Type III PC card in the bottom slot. Card BUS cards are supported and Zoom Video is
supported in the top slot.
!TV Out — Allows you to connect to a television.
Around the Bottom of the System
The bottom of the NEC Versa VX offers the following features. The features are described after
the figure.
Bottom features
A– Battery Bay C– Memory Module Bay Cover
B– Battery Release Latch D– Tilt Foot
!Battery Bay — Equipped with a rechargeable Nickel-Metal-Hydride (NiMH) or
(depending on the model) Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion) battery.
!Battery Release Latch — Slide the latch to the other end and hold it. While holding the
latch, slide the battery bay outwards to remove the battery.
!Memory Module Bay Cover — Remove the screw to find two SO-DIMM slots. One is
inserted with SDRAM memory board configured by the factory. The other is empty for
upgrade use.
!Tilt Foot — Adjust to provide flexible keyboard angle.
Internal Components
Review the following sections for a description of the system’s internal hardware.
Battery Pack
The Nickel Metal-Hydride or Lithium-Ion battery is the main power source in your NEC Versa
VX computer. Chapter 9 lists battery specifications. The battery pack installs in the
compartment on the bottom of the NEC Versa.

1-12 System Overview
Diskette Drive
The NEC Versa VX ships with a 3.5-inch, 1.44 MB diskette drive.
CD-ROM/DVD-ROM Drive
A 24X CD-ROM drive or a DVD-ROM drive comes installed in the NEC Versa VX system.
Hard Disk Drive
A standard 2.5-inch, 9.5 mm hard disk drive ships with the system.
CMOS Battery
This lithium battery (3 Volts, 30 mAH capacity) provides battery backup and prevents data loss
in the system’s complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) RAM. This memory area
contains information on the system’s configuration, for example date, time, drives, and memory.
The CMOS battery charges when your NEC Versa is connected to AC power. The CMOS
battery may discharge completely if the NEC Versa notebook remains unused for approximately
two months.
ChipSet
The following table provides information on the system chipset.
System Chipset
Chip Manufacturer Description
Intel Celeron 400, 433, or 466
Intel Pentium II 366
Intel Pentium III 450 or 500
Intel 366, 400, 433, 466, 450,
or 500 MHz CPU
82440MX Intel System Controller
FDC37N869 Standard Microsystems Super I/O
Mobility-M Ati Video
YMF752-S Yamaha Audio
M38813E4 Mitsubishi Keyboard Controller
PCI1225 Texas Instruments PCI CardBus Controller