Acer ASPIRE 4252, ASPIRE 4552, ASPIRE 4552G User Manual

Acer Aspire 4252/4552/4552G

Service Guide

Service guide files and updates are available on the ACER/CSD web; for more information, please refer to http://csd.acer.com.tw

PRINTED IN TAIWAN

Revision History

Please refer to the table below for the updates made on this service guides.

Date	Chapter	Updates

II

Copyright

Copyright © 2010 by Acer Incorporated. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system, or translated into any language or computer language, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, magnetic, optical, chemical, manual or otherwise, without the prior written permission of Acer Incorporated.

Disclaimer

The information in this guide is subject to change without notice.

Acer Incorporated makes no representations or warranties, either expressed or implied, with respect to the contents hereof and specifically disclaims any warranties of merchantability or fitness for any particular purpose. Any Acer Incorporated software described in this manual is sold or licensed "as is". Should the programs prove defective following their purchase, the buyer (and not Acer Incorporated, its distributor, or its dealer) assumes the entire cost of all necessary servicing, repair, and any incidental or consequential damages resulting from any defect in the software.

Acer is a registered trademark of Acer Corporation. Intel is a registered trademark of Intel Corporation.

Other brand and product names are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective holders.

III

Conventions

The following conventions are used in this manual:

SCREEN MESSAGES	Denotes actual messages that appear
	on screen.
NOTE	Gives bits and pieces of additional
	information related to the current
	topic.
WARNING	Alerts you to any damage that might
	result from doing or not doing specific
	actions.
CAUTION	Gives precautionary measures to
	avoid possible hardware or software
	problems.
IMPORTANT	Reminds you to do specific actions
	relevant to the accomplishment of
	procedures.

NOTE: This symbol where placed in the Service Guide designates a component that should be recycled according to the local regulations.

IV

Preface

Before using this information and the product it supports, please read the following general information.

1.This Service Guide provides you with all technical information relating to the BASIC CONFIGURATION decided for Acer's "global" product offering. To better fit local market requirements and enhance product competitiveness, your regional office MAY have decided to extend the functionality of a machine (e.g. add-on card, modem, or extra memory capability). These LOCALIZED FEATURES will NOT be covered in this generic service guide. In such cases, please contact your regional offices or the responsible personnel/channel to provide you with further technical details.

2.Please note WHEN ORDERING FRU PARTS, that you should check the most up-to-date information available on your regional web or channel. If, for whatever reason, a part number change is made, it will not be noted in the printed Service Guide. For ACER-AUTHORIZED SERVICE PROVIDERS, your Acer office may have a DIFFERENT part number code to those given in the FRU list of this printed Service Guide. You MUST use the list provided by your regional Acer office to order FRU parts for repair and service of customer machines.

V

VI

Table of Contents

System Specifications

1

Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 System Block Diagram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 Your Acer Notebook tour . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 Top View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 Closed Front View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Rear view . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 Left View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 Right View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 Base View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 Touchpad Basics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 Using the Keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 Lock Keys and embedded numeric keypad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 Windows Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 Hot Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

Hardware Specifications and Configurations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16

System Utilities

31

BIOS Setup Utility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31

Navigating the BIOS Utility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31

Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32

Main . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33

Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34

Boot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37

Exit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38

BIOS Flash Utility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39

BIOS Flash Utility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40

DOS Flash Utility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40

WinFlash Utility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40

Remove HDD/BIOS Password Utilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41

Removing BIOS Passwords: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42

Cleaning BIOS Passwords . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43

Miscellaneous Utilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44

Machine Disassembly and Replacement	47
Disassembly Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	.47
Pre-disassembly Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	.48
Disassembly Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	49
External Modules Disassembly Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	50
External Modules Disassembly Flowchart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	50
Removing the Battery Pack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	51
Removing the SD Dummy Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	52
Removing the Keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	53
Removing the ODD Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	55
Main Unit Disassembly Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	57
Main Unit Disassembly Flowchart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	57
Removing the Lower Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	58
Component Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	59
Removing the DIMM Modules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	60
Removing the WLAN Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	61
Removing the USB Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	62
Removing the RTC Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	64

VII

Table of Contents
Removing the Bluetooth Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. .65
Removing the HDD Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. .66
Removing the LCD Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. .68
Removing the Thermal Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. .70
Removing the CPU . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. .72
Removing the Mainboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. .73
LCD Module Disassembly Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. .75
LCD Module Disassembly Flowchart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. .75
Removing the LCD Bezel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. .76
Removing the Camera Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. .78
Removing the LCD Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. .79
Remove the LCD Hinges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. .80
Removing the LVDS Cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. .81
Removing the WLAN Antennas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. .82
LCD Module Assembly Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. .83
Replacing the WLAN Antennas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. .83
Replacing the LVDS Cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. .84
Replacing the LCD Hinges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. .85
Removing the LCD Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. .86
Replacing the Camera Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. .88
Replacing the LCD Bezel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. .89
Main Unit Assembly Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. .92
Replacing the Mainboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. .92
Replacing the CPU . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. .94
Replacing the Thermal Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. .95
Replacing the LCD Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. .97
Replacing the Bluetooth Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. .99
Replacing the HDD Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	.100
Removing the RTC Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	.103
Replacing the USB Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	104
Replacing the WLAN Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	105
Replacing the DIMM Modules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	107
Replacing the Lower Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	108
External Module Assembly Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	109
Replacing the ODD Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	109
Replacing the Keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	110
Replacing the SD dummy card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	112
Replacing the Battery Pack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	112
Troubleshooting	113

Common Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .113

Power On Issue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .114

No Display Issue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .115

Random Loss of BIOS Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .116

LCD Failure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .117

Built-In Keyboard Failure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .117

Touchpad Failure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .118

Internal Speaker Failure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .118

HDD Not Operating Correctly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .120

ODD Failure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .121

Wireless Function Failure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .124

Thermal Unit Failure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .124

External Mouse Failure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .125

Other Failures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .125

Intermittent Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .126

VIII

Table of Contents

Undetermined Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .126

Post Codes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .127

Jumper and Connector Locations	131
Top View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	.131
Bottom View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	.132
Clearing Password Check and BIOS Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	.133
Clearing Password Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	.133
BIOS Recovery by Crisis Disk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	.134
FRU (Field Replaceable Unit) List	135

Acer Aspire 4252/4552/4552G Exploded Diagrams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .136

LCD Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .136

Acer Aspire 4252/4552/4552G FRU List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .138

Screw List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .138

Model Definition and Configuration	140
Aspire 4252 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	.140
Aspire 4552 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	.142
Aspire 4552G . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	.148
Test Compatible Components	157
Online Support Information	161
Index	163

IX

Table of Contents

X

Chapter 1

System Specifications

Features

Below is a brief summary of the computer’s many features:

NOTE: Items denoted with an (*) are only available for selected models.

Operating system

•Genuine Windows® 7 Home Premium 64-bit

•Genuine Windows® 7 Home Basic 64-bit

CPU and chipset

Aspire 4552 and 4552G

•AMD Phenom™ II quad-core mobile processor N950 (2 MB L2 cache, 2.10 GHz, DDR3 1333 MHz, 35 W)

•AMD Phenom™ II triple-core mobile processor N850 (1.5 MB L2 cache, 2.20 GHz, DDR3 1333 MHz, 35 W)

•AMD Phenom™ II dual-core mobile processor N620/N640 (2 MB L2 cache, 2.80/2.90 GHz, DDR3 1333 MHz, 35 W)

•AMD Turion™ II dual-core mobile processor P540 (2 MB L2 cache, 2.40 GHz, DDR3 1066 MHz, 25 W)

•AMD Athlon™ II dual-core processor P320/P340 (1 MB L2 cache, 2.10/2.20 GHz, DDR3 1066 MHz, 25 W), N350 (1 MB L2 cache, 2.40 GHz, DDR3 1066 MHz, 35 W)

•AMD M880G Chipset

Aspire 4252

•AMD V Series processor V140 (512 KB L2 cache, 2.30 GHz, DDR3 1066 MHz, 25 W)

•AMD M880G Chipset

System memory

•Dual-channel DDR3 SDRAM support:

• Up to 4 GB of DDR3 system memory, upgradable to 8 GB using two soDIMM modules

Display

•14" HD 1366 x 768 pixel resolution, high-brightness (200-nit) Acer CineCrystal™ LED-backlit TFT LCD

•Mercury free, environment friendly

•16:9 aspect ratio

Chapter 1

1

Graphics

Aspire 4252 and 2552

•ATI Radeon™ HD 4250 Graphics with 256 MB of dedicated system memory, supporting Unified Video Decoder 2 (UVD2), OpenGL® 2.0, OpenEXR High Dynamic-Range (HDR) technology, Shader Model 4.1, Microsoft® DirectX® 10.1

Aspire 4552G

•ATI Mobility Radeon™ HD 5470 with up to 3579 MB of HyperMemory™ (512 MB of dedicated DDR3 VRAM, up to 3067 MB of shared system memory), supporting Unified Video Decoder (UVD), OpenEXR High Dynamic-Range (HDR) technology, Shader Model 5.0, Microsoft® DirectX® 11, OpenGL® 3.1, OpenCL™ 1.1

•Dual independent display support

•16.7 million colors

•External resolution / refresh rate:

•VGA port up to 2048 x 1536: 85 Hz

•HDMI™ port up to 1920 x 1080: 60 Hz

•MPEG-2/DVD decoding

•VC-1 and H.264 (AVC) decoding

•HDMI™ (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) with HDCP (High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection) support

Audio

•Built-in speaker

•High-definition audio support

•Built-in microphone

•MS-Sound compatible

Storage

•Hard disk drive

•160/250/320/500/640/750 GB or larger

•Multi-in-1 card reader, supporting:

•Secure Digital™ (SD) Card and MultiMediaCard™ (MMC)

Webcam

•Acer Video Conference, featuring:

• Acer Crystal Eye 1.3 MP webcam, 1280 x 1024 resolution

2

Chapter 1

Wireless and networking

•WLAN:

•Acer InviLink™ Nplify™ 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi CERTIFIED™

•Acer InviLink™ 802.11b/g Wi-Fi CERTIFIED™802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi CERTIFIED™

•Supporting Acer SignalUp™ wireless technology

•WPAN:

•Bluetooth® 3.0+HS

•Bluetooth® 2.1+EDR

•LAN: Gigabit Ethernet, Wake-on-LAN ready

Privacy control

•BIOS user, supervisor, HDD passwords

•Kensington lock slot

Dimensions and weight

•Dimensions

•341 (W) x 264.5 (D) x 26.7/33.5 (H) mm (13.43 x 10.41 x 1.05/1.32 inches)

•Weight

•2.5 kg (5.51 lbs.) with 6-cell battery pack

Power adapter and battery

•ACPI 3.0 CPU power management standard: supports Standby and Hibernation power-saving modes

Power adapter

Aspire 4252 and 4552

•3-pin 65 W AC adapter:·

•·108 (W) x 46 (D) x 29.5 (H) mm (4.25 x 1.81 x 1.16 inches)

•·225 g (0.49 lbs.) with 180 cm DC cable

Aspire 4552G

•3-pin 65 W AC adapter:·

•133 (W) x 59 (D) x 31 (H) mm (5.23 x 2.32 x 1.22 inches)

•390 g (0.86 lbs.) with 180 cm DC cable

Battery

•48 Wh 4400 mAh 6-cell Li-ion standard battery pack

•Battery life: 3 hours

•ENERGY STAR®

Aspire 4552G Only

•Acer QuicCharge™ technology:

•80% charge in 1 hour

•2-hour rapid charge system-off

Chapter 1

3

Input and control

•Keyboard

•86-/87-/91-key Acer FineTip keyboard with international language support

•Touchpad

•Multi-gesture touchpad, supporting two-finger scroll, pinch, rotate, flip

•Media keys

•Media control keys (printed on keyboard): play/pause, stop, previous, next, volume up, volume down

I/O interface

•2-in-1 card reader (SD™, MMC)

•Three USB 2.0 ports

•HDMI™ port with HDCP support

•External display (VGA) port

•Headphone/speaker/line-out jack

•Microphone-in jack

•Ethernet (RJ-45) port

•DC-in jack for AC adapter

Software

•Productivity

•Acer Backup Manager

•Acer ePower Management

•Acer eRecovery Management

•Adobe® Flash® Player 10.1

•Adobe® Reader® 9.1

•eSobi™

•Microsoft® Office 2010 preloaded (purchase a product key to activate)

•Microsoft® Office Starter 2010

•Norton™ Online Backup

•Security

•McAfee® Internet Security Suite Trial

•MyWinLocker®

•Multimedia

•Cyberlink® PowerDVD™

•NTI Media Maker™

•Gaming

•Oberon GameZone

•WildTangent®

•Communication and ISP

4

Chapter 1

•Acer Crystal Eye

•Microsoft® Silverlight™

•Skype™

•Windows Live™ Essentials — Wave 3.2 (Mail, Photo Gallery, Live ™ Messenger, Movie Maker, Writer)

•Web links and utilities

•Acer Accessory Store

•Acer Identity Card

•Acer Registration

•Acer Updater

•eBay® shortcut 2009

•Netflix shortcut

Optional Items

•1/2/4 GB DDR3 soDIMM module

•6-cell Li-ion battery pack

•3-pin 90 W AC adapter

Warranty

•One-year International Travelers Warranty (ITW)

Environment

•Temperature:

•Operating: 41 °F to 95 °F (5 °C to 35 °C)

•Non-operating: -4 °F to -149 °F (20 °C to 65 °C)

•Humidity (non-condensing):

•Operating: 20% to 80%

•Non-operating: 20% to 80%

NOTE: The specifications listed above are for reference only. The exact configuration of the PC depends on the model purchased.

Chapter 1

5

System Block Diagram

				DDR3SODIMM1					DDR3 channel A
				DDR3SODIMM2					DDR3 channel B
					CPU SideBand TemperatureSense I2C
									PCI-Expresss
				P0					P2
			LAN				Mini PCI-E
			BROADCOM				Card
			PCIE-LAN
			BCM57780				(Wireless LAN)
			(10/100/1000)
25MHz
			RJ45				SATA0 150MB
			SATA - HDD
							3 Gb/s
							SATA1 150MB
			SATA - ODD
							3 Gb/s
											No PCI I/F

AMD Champlain	CPU THERMAL	PWM FAN SCH.		CPU (PROCHOT)
S1G4 Processor	SENSOR			E.C. (CPUFAN#)
	(Reserve Only)				25MHz	32.768KHz
35mm X 35mm
638P (PGA) 35W	CPU_CLK				From SB
	NBGFX_CLK
	NBGPP_CLK				CLK GEN
					SB820M
	SBLINK_CLK
HT3
1.8GHz		ATI	EXT HDMI		HDMI
	PCI-Express 16X	Park XT	EXT CRT
NORTH BRIDGE	128-bit M2 Pkg				CRT
	29mm X 29mm		EXT LVDS
RS880M GFX Engine: 500MHz					LVDS

	A11
				VRAM DDR3
				64MX16X4,64 bit
	21mm X 21mm, 528pin BGA			800MHz
	TDP: 13W			INT HDMI
				INT CRT
	0.95 ~ 1.1V
				INT LVDS
	A-LINK

CLK_PCI_775

PCLK_DEBUG

SOUTH BRIDGE

SB820M

A12

P0

P9

P13

FFC

USB2.0 Port

Blue Tooth

Web-Camera

23mm X 23mm, 605pin BGA

on board x1

USB BOARD

P4

P10

USB2.0 Ports x3

Mini Card

CardReader

TDP: 4.9W

PCLK_DEBUG

WLAN & Debug

AU6347

CLK_PCI_775

LPC

Azalia

12MHz

Winbond KBC

Audio CODEC

CPU SideBand TemperatureSense I2C

NPCE781L

RTL ALC272X

Keyboard

SPI ROM

Digital MIC

AUDIO CONN

Speaker CN

TouchPad

(H.P./ MIC)

6

Chapter 1

Your Acer Notebook tour

Top View

1

2

10

3

4

			5		9
			6
			7		8
#		Icon		Item	Description
	1			Acer Crystal Eye	Web camera for video communication. (only for certain
				webcam	models)
	2			Display screen	Also called Liquid-Crystal Display (LCD), displays computer
					output (configuration may vary by model).
	3			Power button	Turns the computer on and off.
	4			Keyboard	For entering data into your computer
	5			Touchpad	Touch-sensitive pointing device which functions like a
					computer mouse.
	6			Click buttons	The left and right buttons function like the left and right
				(left, and right)	mouse buttons.
	7			Microphone	Internal microphone for sound recording.

Chapter 1

7

#		Icon	Item	Description
	8		Power indicator	Indicates the computer's power status.
			Battery indicator	Indicates the computer's battery status.
				1. Charging: The light shows amber when the battery is
				charging.
				2. Fully charged: The light shows blue when in AC mode.
			HDD indicator	Indicates when the hard disk drive is active.
			Communication	Indicates the computer’s wireless connectivity device status.
			indicator
	9		Palmrest	Comfortable support area for your hands when you use the
				computer.
	10		Speaker	Delivers audio output.

Closed Front View

	1	2
No.	Icon	Item	Description
1		Microphone jack	Accepts inputs from external microphones.
		Headphone/	Connects to audio line-out devices (e.g.,
		speaker/line-out	speakers, headphones).
		jack
2		2-in-1 card reader	Accepts Secure Digital (SD), MultiMediaCard
			(MMC).
			Note: Push to remove/install the card. Only one
			card can operate at any given time.

Rear view

			1
No.	Icon	Item	Description
1		Battery bay	Houses the computer's battery pack.

8

Chapter 1

Left View

	1	2	3	4	5	6	7
No.	Icon	Item					Description
1		Kensington lock slot		Connects to a Kensington-compatible computer
				security lock.
				Note: Wrap the computer security lock cable
				around an immovable object such as a table or
				handle of a locked drawer. Insert the lock into the
				notch and turn the key to secure the lock. Some
				keyless models are also available.
2		DC-in jack		Connects to an AC adapter.
3		Ventilation slots		Enable the computer to stay cool,
				even after prolonged use.
4		External display		Connects to a display device (e.g., external
		(VGA) port		monitor, LCD projector).
5		Ethernet (RJ-45) port		Connects to an Ethernet 10/100/1000-based
				network.
6		HDMI port		Supports high-definition digital video
				connections.
7		USB 2.0 port		Connects to USB 2.0 devices (e.g., USB mouse,
				USB camera).

Right View

	1		2	3 4 5
No.	Icon		Item	Description
1		USB 2.0 ports		Connect to USB 2.0 devices
				(e.g., USB mouse, USB camera).
2		Optical drivez		Internal optical drive; accepts CDs or
				DVDs.
3		Optical disk access		Lights up when the optical drive is
		indicator		active.
4		Optical drive eject		Ejects the optical disk from the drive .
		button

Chapter 1

9

No.	Icon	Item	Description
5		Emergency eject	Ejects the optical drive tray when the
		hole	computer is turned off.
			Note: Insert a paper clip to the
			emergency eject hole to eject the
			optical drive tray when the computer
			is off.

Base View

1

2

4

3

No.	Icon	Item	Description
1		Battery bay	Houses the computer's battery pack.
2		Battery lock	Locks the battery in position.
3		Ventilation slots	Enable the computer to stay cool, even after
			prolonged use.
4		Battery release	Releases the battery for removal.
		latch

10

Chapter 1

Indicators

The computer has several easy-to-read status indicators.

Icon	Function	Description
	Power	Indicates the computer's power status.
	Battery	Indicates the computer's battery status.
		NOTE: 1. Charging: The light shows amber when
		the battery is charging. 2. Fully charged: The light
		shows green when in AC mode.
	HDD	Indicates when the hard disk drive is active.
	Communication indicator	Indicates the computer’s wireless connectivity
		device status.

Chapter 1

11

Touchpad Basics

The following items show you how to use the Touchpad:

•Move your finger across the Touchpad (1) to move the cursor.

•Press the left (2) and right (3) buttons located beneath the Touchpad to perform selection and execution functions. These two buttons are similar to the left and right buttons on a mouse. Tapping on the Touchpad is the same as clicking the left button.

Function	Left Button (2)	Right Button (3)	Main Touchpad (1)
Execute	Quickly click twice.		Tap twice (at the same speed
			as double-clicking a mouse
			button).
Select	Click once.		Tap once.
Drag	Click and hold, then use		Tap twice (at the same speed
	finger on the Touchpad to		as double-clicking a mouse
	drag the cursor.		button); rest your finger on
			the Touchpad on the second
			tap and drag the cursor.
Access		Click once.
context menu

NOTE: When using the Touchpad, keep it - and your fingers - dry and clean. The Touchpad is sensitive to finger movement; hence, the lighter the touch, the better the response. Tapping too hard will not increase the Touchpad’s responsiveness.

12

Chapter 1

Using the Keyboard

The keyboard has full-sized keys and an embedded numeric keypad, separate cursor, lock, Windows, function and special keys.

Lock Keys and embedded numeric keypad

The keyboard has two lock keys which you can toggle on and off.

Lock key	Description
Caps Lock	When Caps Lock is on, all alphabetic characters typed are in uppercase.
Num Lock	When Num Lock is on, the embedded keypad is in numeric mode.
<Fn> + <F11>
Scroll Lock	When Scroll Lock is on, the screen moves one line up or down when you press
<Fn> + <F12>	the up or down arrow keys respectively. Scroll Lock does not work with some
	applications.

Chapter 1

13

Windows Keys

The keyboard has two keys that perform Windows-specific functions.

Key	Description
Windows key	Pressed alone, this key has the same effect as clicking on the Windows Start button;
	it launches the Start menu. It can also be used with other keys to provide a variety of
	functions:
	< >: Open or close the Start menu
	< > + <D>: Display the desktop
	< > + <E>: Open Windows Explore
	< > + <F>: Search for a file or folder
	< > + <G>: Cycle through Sidebar gadgets
	< > + <L>: Lock your computer (if you are connected to a network domain), or
	switch users (if you're not connected to a network domain)
	< > + <M>: Minimizes all windows
	< > + <R>: Open the Run dialog box
	< > + <T>: Cycle through programs on the taskbar
	< > + <U>: Open Ease of Access Center
	< > + <X>: Open Windows Mobility Center
	< > + <BREAK>: Display the System Properties dialog box
	< > + <SHIFT+M>: Restore minimized windows to the desktop
	< > + <TAB>: Cycle through programs on the taskbar
	< > + <SPACEBAR>: Bring all gadgets to the front and select Windows Sidebar
	<CTRL> + < > + <F>: Search for computers (if you are on a network)
	<CTRL> + < > + <TAB>: Use the arrow keys to cycle through programs on the
	taskbar

Note: Depending on your edition of Windows, some shortcuts may not function as described.

14

Chapter 1

Hot Keys

The computer employs hotkeys or key combinations to access most of the computer’s controls like screen brightness, volume output and the BIOS utility.

To activate hot keys, press and hold the <Fn> key before pressing the other key in the hotkey combination.

Hotkey	Icon	Function	Description
<Fn> + <F3>		Communication key	Enables / disables the computer's
			communication devices. (Communication
			devices may vary by configuration.)
<Fn> + <F4>		Sleep	Puts the computer in Sleep mode.
<Fn> + <F5>		Display toggle	Switches display output between the display
			screen, external monitor (if connected) and
			both.
<Fn> + <F6>		Display Off	Turns the display screen backlight off to save
			power. Press any key to return.
<Fn> + <F7>		Touchpad toggle	Turns the internal Touchpad on and off.
<Fn> + <F8>		Speaker toggle	Turns the speakers on and off.
<Fn> + <Z>		Brightness up	Increases the screen brightness.
<Fn> + <Y>		Brightness down	Decreases the screen brightness.
<Fn> + <U>		Volume up	Increases the sound volume.
<Fn> + <V>		Volume down	Decreases the sound volume.
<Fn> + <Home>		Play/Pause	Play or pause a selected media file.
<Fn> +<Pg Up>		Stop	Stop playing the selected media file.
<Fn> +<Pg Dn>		Previous	Return to the previous media file.
<Fn> + <End>		Next	Jump to the next media file.

Chapter 1

15

Hardware Specifications and Configurations

Processor

Item							Specification
CPU			AMD Family 10h Champlain Processor S1g4 Package
Type			35W CPU
CPU Package			528-FCBGA package, 21mmx21mm - S1g3
Power			1.1V
On-die Cache			1MB L2 cache
Front Side Bus			667/800/1066 MHz
Processor Specifications (Aspire 4552/5442G)
Item	CPU			Cores	Bus	Mfg	Cache	Package	Core	Acer P/N
	Speed
					Speed	Tech	Size		Voltage
	(Ghz)
AAP320	2.1			2	3600	45 nm	1M	638-pin	25W	KC.AP002.320
					MHz			micro-
								PGA
APN830	2.1			3	3600	45 nm	1.5M	638-pin	35W	KC.PN002.830
					MHz			micro-
								PGA
APN930	2.0			4	3600	45 nm	2M	638-pin	35W	KC.PN002.930
					MHz			micro-
								PGA
AAN350	2.4			2	3200	45 nm	1M	638-pin	35W	KC.AN002.350
					MHz			micro-
								PGA
AAP340	2.2			2	3200	45 nm	1M	638-pin	25W	KC.AP002.340
					MHz			micro-
								PGA
APN850	2.2			3	3600	45 nm	1.5M	638-pin	35W	KC.PN002.850
					MHz			micro-
								PGA
APN950	2.1			4	3600	45 nm	2M	638-pin	35W	KC.PN002.950
					MHz			micro-
								PGA
APP840	1.9			3	3600	45 nm	1.5M	638-pin	25W	KC.PP002.840
					MHz			micro-
								PGA
APP940	1.7			4	3600	45 nm	2M	638-pin	25W	KC.PP002.940
					MHz			micro-
								PGA
ATP540	2.4			2	3600	45 nm	2M	638-pin	25W	KC.TP002.540
					MHz			micro-
								PGA
Processor Specifications (Aspire 4252)
Item	CPU			Cores	Bus	Mfg	Cache	Package	Core	Acer P/N
	Speed
					Speed	Tech	Size		Voltage
	(Ghz)
AMD	2.3			1	3200	45 nm	512K	638-pin	25W	KC.V0002.140
V140					MHz			micro-
								PGA

16

Chapter 1

North Bridge Chipset

Item			Specification
Chipset		RS880M
Package		• Single chip solution in 55nm, 1.1V low power CMOS technology.
		•	528-FCBGA package, 21mmx21mm.
Features		•	CPU HyperTransport™ Interface
		• Caspian-series processors.
		•	ATI HyperMemory
		•	PCI ExpressR Interface
		• A-Link Express II Interface
		• Northbridge-Southbridge messaging functionalities
		•	2D Acceleration
		•	3D Acceleration
		•	Motion Video Acceleration
		•	Multiple Display
		•	System Clocks
		• PC Design Guide Compliance
Southbridge Chipset
Item			Feature
Chipset	SB820M
Package	SB820M 23 mm x 23 mm x 0.8 mm Pitch 605-FCBGA
Features	•	Processor Interface
	• A-Link Express II interface to Northbridges
	•	PCI ExpressR Controller
	• PCI Host Bus Controller
	•	USB Controllers
	• Supports port disable with individual control
	•	SMBus Controller
	•	Interrupt Controller
	•	DMA Controller
	• LPC host bus Controller
	•	SATA Controller
	•	IDE emulation mode
	•	AMD RAID Support
	•	AHCI Support
	•	High Definition Audio
	• Supports up to 4 codecs
	• Gigabit Ethernet Media Access
	•	Controller (GbE MAC)
	•	Timers
	• Real Time Clock (RTC)
	•	Power Management
	•	Consumer IR
	•	Hardware Monitoring
	•	Integrated Clock Function

Chapter 1

17

CPU Fan True Value Table (CPU)

Fan On (Celsius)		Fan Off (Celsius)			RPM
45	42			2350
50	48			2800
58	56			3100
63	61			3500
82	80			3850
92	85			max (5V)
Throttling 50%: On= 95°C; OFF=90°C
OS shut down at 105°C; H/W shut down at 105°C
CPU Fan True Value Table (GPU)
Fan On (Celsius)		Fan Off (Celsius)			RPM
45	42			2350
50	48			2800
58	56			3100
63	61			3500
82	80			3850
92	85			max (5V)
Throttling 50%: On= 85°C; OFF=80°C
OS shut down at 90°C; H/W shut down at 90°C
System Memory
Item				Specification
Memory controller			RS880M
Memory size			0MB (no on-board memory)
DIMM socket number			2 sockets
Supports memory size per socket			8 GB
Supports maximum memory size			8GB maximum per one DIMM
Supports DIMM type			JEDEC 204-pin DDR3-800/1066 SODIMM for PC3-10600/ PC3-
			8500/ PC3-6400
Supports DIMM speed			1.87ns @ CL = 7 (DDR3-1066)
			1.87ns @ CL = 8 (DDR3-1066)
			2.5ns @ CL = 5 (DDR3-800)
			2.5ns @ CL = 6 (DDR3-800)
Supports DIMM voltage			1.5V +/- 0.075V
Supports DIMM package			204-pin SODIMM, 67.75”x 30.15”x 3.8”(Max)
Memory module combinations			You can install memory modules in any combinations as long as
			they match the above specifications.

18

Chapter 1

System Board Major Chips

Item			Specification
Northbridge			RS880M
Southbridge			SB820M
VGA			AMD Park XT
LAN			BCM57780
USB 2.0			SB820M
Super I/O controller			SB820M
Bluetooth			SB820M
Wireless			SB820M
PCMCIA			N/A
Audio codec			ALC271
Card reader			AU6437
BIOS
Item			Specification
BIOS vendor		Phoenix
BIOS Version		v4.0
BIOS ROM type		W25X16A
BIOS ROM size		4MB
Features		•	Flash ROM 4MB
		•	Support ISIPP
		•	Support Acer UI
		• Support multi-boot
		• Suspend to RAM (S3)/Disk (S4)
		• Various hot-keys for system control
		• Support SMBIOS 2.3, PCI2.2.
		• Refer to Acer BIOS specification.
		• DMI utility for BIOS serial number configurable/asset tag
		•	Support PXE
		•	Support Y2K solution
		•	Support WinFlash
		• Wake on LAN from S3
		• Wake on LAN form S4 in AC mode
		•	System information

Chapter 1

19

Memory Combinations

Slot 1					Slot 2		Total Memory
0MB		1024MB					1024MB
0MB		2048MB					2048MB
0MB		4096MB					4096MB
1024MB		0MB					1024MB
1024MB		512MB					1536MB
1024MB		1024MB					2048MB
1024MB		2048MB					3072MB
2048MB		0MB					2048MB
2048MB		512MB					2560MB
2048MB		1024MB					3072MB
2048MB		2048MB					4096MB
2048MB		4096MB					6144MB
4096MB		4096MB					8192MB
Wireless Module 802.11b/g/Draft-N
Item					Specification
Manufacturer	Foxconn							Liteon
Model	43225				HB95	HB97		HB97
Supported Standards	IEEE 802.11b/g/n				IEEE 802.11b/g	IEEE 802.11b/11g		IEEE 802.11b/g/n
LAN Interface
Item						Specification
Part Name					BCM57780
Package					64pin QFN
Features					Supports 10/100/1000 Mb/s
Interface					PCI-Express
3G Module (Not available with this model)
Item						Specification
Manufacturer
Model
Card Type
Throughput
Supported Services
Speaker
Item						Specification
Vendor					Vansonic Enterprise Co., Ltd.
Module No.					PB2814KN04-9LB
Power Rating					Normal 1 W, Maximum 1.5 W
Output Sound Pressure Level					82 ± 3 db
Response F0
Distortion					5% MAX

20

Chapter 1