Acer Aspire 5940G Service Manual

Aspire 5940G Series

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 Aspire 5940G Series service guide.

Date Chapter Updates

II

Copyright

Copyright © 2009 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.
Pentium and Pentium II/III are trademarks 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.

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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

Your Acer Notebook tour . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

Front View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

Closed Front View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

Rear View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

Left View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

Right View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

Bottom View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

TouchPad Basics (with fingerprint reader) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

Using the Keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

Lock Keys and embedded numeric keypad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

Windows Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

Hot Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

Special Key . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

Using the System Utilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

Acer GridVista (dual-display compatible) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

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

System Utilities 23

BIOS Setup Utility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23

Navigating the BIOS Utility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23

Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24

Main . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25

Advanced . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26

Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28

Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31

Boot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33

Exit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34

BIOS Flash Utilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35

DOS Flash Utility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36

WinFlash Utility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38

Remove HDD/BIOS Password Utilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39

Machine Disassembly and Replacement 45

Disassembly Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45

General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46

Pre-disassembly Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46

Disassembly Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46

External Module Disassembly Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47

External Modules Disassembly Flowchart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47

Removing the Battery Pack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48

Removing the Express Dummy Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49

Removing the SD Dummy Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50

Removing the Lower Covers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51

Removing the Optical Drive Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52

Removing the Hard Disk Drive Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54

Removing the DIMM Modules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56

Removing the WLAN Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57

Main Unit Disassembly Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .59

Upper Cover Disassembly Flowchart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .59

Lower Cover Disassembly Flowchart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60

Removing the Keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61

VII

Table of Contents

Removing the Upper Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .63

Removing the Media Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .66

Removing the Launch Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .68

Removing the Speaker Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .70

Removing the Power Saving Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .72

Removing the Volume Control Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .74

Removing the MIC Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .75

Removing the Button Board and Finger Print Reader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .76

Removing the TouchPad Bracket . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .79

Removing the LCD Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .81

Removing the Saddles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .87

Removing the USB Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .89

Removing the Subwoofer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .90

Removing the Bluetooth Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .91

Removing the Card Reader Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .93

Removing the Hinge Wells . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .94

Removing the Mainboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .95

Removing the RTC Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .96

Removing the VGA/MXM Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .97

Removing the Thermal Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .98

Removing the CPU . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .100

Main Module Reassembly Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .101

Replacing the CPU . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .101

Replacing the Thermal Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .102

Replacing the VGA/MXM Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .103

Replacing the Mainboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .104

Replacing the Hinge Wells . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .105

Replacing the Card Reader Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .105

Replacing the Bluetooth Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .106

Replacing the Subwoofer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .107

Replacing the USB Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .107

Replacing the Saddles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .108

Replacing the LCD Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .109

Replacing the TouchPad Bracket . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .110

Replacing the Button Board and Finger Print Reader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .112

Replacing the MIC Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .115

Replacing the Volume Control Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .116

Replacing the Power Saving Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .117

Replacing the Speaker Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .119

Replacing the Launch Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .121

Replacing the Media Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .123

Replacing the Upper Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .124

Replacing the Keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .128

Replacing the WLAN Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .129

Replacing the DIMM Modules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .131

Replacing the Hard Disk Drive Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .131

Replacing the ODD Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .132

Replacing the Lower Covers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .133

Replacing the SD Dummy Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .133

Replacing the PCI Express Dummy Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .134

Replacing the Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .134

Troubleshooting 135

Common Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .135

Power On Issue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .136

VIII

Table of Contents

No Display Issue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .137

Random Loss of BIOS Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .138

LCD Failure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .139

Built-In Keyboard Failure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .139

TouchPad Failure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .140

Internal Speaker Failure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .140

Internal Microphone Failure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .142

HDD Not Operating Correctly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .143

ODD Failure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .144

Modem Function Failure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .147

Wireless Function Failure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .147

Thermal Unit Failure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .148

External Mouse Failure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .148

Other Failures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .149

Intermittent Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .150

Undetermined Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .150

Post Codes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .151

Chipset POST Codes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .151

Jumper and Connector Locations 157

Top View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .157

Bottom View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .158

LS-5011P LCD Backlight Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .159

LS-5012P Launch Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .160

LS-5013P Media Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .161

LS-5014P VR Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .162

LS-5015P Finger printer Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .163

LS-5016P USB Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .164

LS-5017P IO Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .165

LS-5018P POWER SAVING Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .166

LS-5019P Touch pad button Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .167

Clearing Password Check and BIOS Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .168

Clearing Password Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .168

BIOS Recovery by Crisis Disk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .169

FRU (Field Replaceable Unit) List 171

Aspire 5940G Series Exploded Diagrams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .172

Main Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .172

Base Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .173

Aspire 5940G Series FRU List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .174

Screw List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .180

Model Definition and Configuration 182

Aspire 5940G Series . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .182

Test Compatible Components 205

Microsoft® Windows® 7 Environment Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .206

Online Support Information 219
Index 221

IX

Table of Contents

X

System Specifications

Features

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

Operating System

• Genuine Windows® 7™

Platform

• Intel® Mobile Calpella processor technology, featuring:

• Intel® Ibex Peak-M (PM55)

• Broadcom BCM57780A1KMLG for Giga LAN

System Memory

• Dual-Channel SDRAM support

• Up to 2 GB of DDR3 1066 MHz memory, upgradeable to 4 GB per slot, 8 GB total

Chapter 1

Display and graphics

• 16:9 aspect ratio

• 15.6" HD 1366 x 768*

• 15.6" Full HD 1920 x 1080*

• ATI Mobility™ Radeon HD 4570*

• NVIDIA® GeForce® GT 130M*

TV Tuner

• Digital TV-tuner supporting DVB-T*

Storage subsystem

• 2.5" hard disk drive

• Super Multi/BD Combo/BD Writer

• Optical drive options:

• Blu-ray Disc™ /DVD-Super Multi double-layer drive*

• 5-in-1 card reader

Audio

• Dolby® -optimized surround sound system with two built-in stereo speakers

• True5.1-channel surround sound output

• High-definition audio support

Chapter 1 1

• S/PDIF (Sony/Philips Digital Interface) support for digital speakers

• Acer PureZone technology with two built-in stereo microphones

• MS-Sound compatible

Dimensions and Weight

• 382 (W) x 274 (D) x 26/39.5 (H) mm (15.0 x 10.8 x 1.0/1.6 inches)

• 3.0 kg (6.6 lbs.) with 6-cell battery

Communication

• Acer Video Conference, featuring:

• Integrated Acer Crystal Eye webcam*

• Optional Acer Xpress VoIP phone*

• Wi-Fi/WiMAX: Intel® Wireless WiFi Link 5150/5350*

• WLAN: Intel® Wireless WiFi Link 5100/5300*

• WPAN: Bluetooth® 2.0+Enhanced Data Rate (EDR)*

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

Privacy control

• Acer Bio-Protection fingerprint solution*

• BIOS user, supervisor, HDD passwords

• Kensington lock slot

Power subsystem

•ACPI 3.0

• 48.8 W 4400 mAh

• 3-pin 90 W AC adapter

• ENERGY STAR®

Special keys and controls

• 86-/87-/91-key keyboard

• Touchpad pointing device

I/O interface

• Acer Bio-Protection fingerprint reader*

• ExpressCard®/54 slot

• 5-in-1 card reader (MS,MS Pro, SD, MMC, XD)

• USB 2.0 port

• HDMI™ port with HDCP support

• External display (VGA) port

• Consumer infrared (CIR) port

• RF-in jack*

• eSATA port

2 Chapter 1

• Headphones/speaker/line-out jack with S/PDIF support

• Microphone-in jack

• Line-in jack

• Ethernet (RJ-45) port

• DC-in jack for AC adapter

• PCI-Express Card slot

• Kensington Lock

• MIR for Remote Control

Environment

• Temperature:

• Operating: 0°C to 40 °C

• Non-operating: -20 °C to 65 °C

• Humidity (non-condensing):

• Operating: 0% to 80%

• Non-operating: 20% to 80%

NOTE: Items marked with * denote only selected models.
NOTE: The specifications listed above are for reference only. The exact configuration of your PC depends on

the model purchased.

Chapter 1 3

System Block Diagram

Fan Control

page 43

PCI-E 2.0x16 5GT/s PER LANE

100MHz

PEG(DIS)

LVDS(DIS)

CRT(DIS)

CRT SW.

CRT Conn.

page 31

page 31

PCI-Express x 8 (ABD PCIE1 2.5GT/S CKD PCIE1/2 2. 5/5GT/S)

port 3

NEW CARD

page 36

Sub-board

LS-5511P

Switch/B

page 39

LS-5512P

MEADIA/B

page39

LS-5513P

USB/B

page 37

LS-5514P

Card Reader/B

page 33

LS-5515P

TP BTN/B

page 39

LS-5516P

PWR SAVING/B

page 39

port 2,4 port 1

MINI Card x2

WLAN, TV

page 33

LS-5011P

Cap Sensor/B

page 39

LS-5014P

Volumn/B

page 39

LS-5015P

FP/B

page39

LVDS Conn.

LVDS SW

HDMI(DIS)

HDMI Conn.

page 32

1394
Conn.

RTC CKT.

Power On/O CKT.

DC/DC Interface CKT.

Power Circuit DC/DC

HDMI SW
& Level shift

CardReader

JMB380

page 33

page 36

page 40

page 44,45

page 46~58

ATI
M96/M92XT

page
23,24,25,26,27,28,29

page 32

port 5

5 in 1 socket

page 30

page 30

LAN(GbE)

BCM57780

LVDS(UMA)

CRT(UMA)

HDMI(UMA)

page 34

RJ45

page 35

Touch Pad

EC I/O Buer

133MHz

100MHz

(UMA)

100MHz

2.7GT/s

page 39

page 39

Intel

Auburndale / Clarkseld
(UMA/DIS) (DIS)

Processor

rPGA988A

page 4,5,6,7,8,9

DMI x4FDI x8

100MHz

1GB/s x4

Intel

Ibex Peak-M

PCH

page 13,14,15,16,17
18,19,20,21

Daul CH NAND interface

LPC BUS

33MHz

ENE KB926

page 38

Int.KBD

page 39

BIOS ROM

page 39

Memory BUS(DDRIII)

Dual Channel

1.5V DDRIII 800/1066/1333

6.4G/8.5G/10.6G

100M/133M/166M(CFD)

USB conn x2

USB port 0,1
USB port 8 HS USB
USB Port 2 (eSATA)

3.3V 48MHz

USBx14

3.3V 24MHz

HD Audio

SATA x 6 (GEN1 1.5GT/S ,GEN2 3GT/S)

SPI

SPI ROM x2

page 13

SATA HDD
Conn.

page 33

port 0

Braidwoood

204pin DDRIII-SO-DIMM X2

BANK 0, 1, 2, 3

CMOS Camera

Bluetooth
Conn

page 36page 37 page 30

100MHz

port 1

SATA ODD
Conn.

page 33

page 22

PCH XDP

page 21

USB port 3USB port 10

eSATA
Conn.

page 37

CPU XDP

133MHz

page 10,11

port 4

Int. Speaker

page 5

Clock Generator

IDT: 9LRS3199AKLFT
SILEGO: SLG8SP587

133/120/100/96/14.318MHZ to PCH

48MHZ to CardReader

page 41

HDA Codec

ALC669X

page 41

Audio AMP

TPA6017

page 42

page 12

Phone Jack x 3
+SubWoofer

page 42

4 Chapter 1

Your Acer Notebook tour

After knowing your computer features, let us show you around your new computer.

Front View

No. Icon Item Description

1 Acer Crystal Eye

webcam

2 Display screen

3 Power button Turns the computer on and off.

4 Keyboard For entering data into your computer.

5 Backup key Launches Acer Backup Management for three-step

Bluetooth
communication
button/indicator

Wireless LAN
communication
button/indicator

6 TouchPad Touch-sensitive pointing device which functions like

Chapter 1 5

Web camera for video communication.

Also called Liquid-Crystal Display (LCD), displays
computer output (configuration may vary by models).

data backup.

Enables/disables the Bluetooth function.
Indicates the status of Bluetooth communication

(only certain models).

Enables/disables the wireless LAN function.
Indicates the status of wireless LAN
communication.

a computer mouse.

No. Icon Item Description

7 HDD Indicates when the hard disk drive is active.

Num Lock Lights up when Num Lock is activated.

Caps Lock Lights up when Caps Lock is activated.

1

Power

1

Battery

8 Click buttons

(left, center* and
right)

9 Microphone Internal microphone for sound recording.

10 Palmrest Comfortable support area for your hands when you

11 TouchPad toggle Turns the internal TouchPad on and off.

12 Acer MediaTouch Touch sensitive controls for Acer Arcade, volume

13 Acer PowerSmart

key

Indicates the computer's power status.

Indicates the computer's battery status.

1. Charging: The light shows amber when the

battery is charging.

2. Fully charged: The light shows green when in AC

mode.

The left and right buttons function like the left and
right mouse buttons.
*The center button serves as Acer Bio-Protection
fingerprint reader supporting Acer FingerNav 4-way
control function (only for certain models).

use the computer.

(up/down) and media (play/pause, stop, previous,
next); with mute and hold keys.

Puts your computer into power-saving mode.

14 Speakers Left and right speakers deliver stereo audio output.

15 Screen blank Turns the display screen backlight off to save

power. Press any key to return.

NOTE:

1

The Power and Battery indicators are visible even when the computer cover is closed

Closed Front View

No. Icon Item Description

1 CIR receiver Receives signals from a remote control.

6 Chapter 1

Rear View

No. Item Description

1 Tuba The dedicated Tuba CineBass subwoofer pumps out

earthshaking movie-house audio.

2 Ventilation slots Enable the computer to stay cool, even after prolonged use.

Left View

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 Ethernet (RJ-45)

port

4 External display

(VGA) port

5

6

7 USB 2.0 ports Connect to USB 2.0 devices (e.g. USB mouse, USB

8 Line-in jack Accepts audio line-in devices (e.g., audio CD

9 ExpressCard/54

HDMI

eSATA

HDMI port Supports high definition digital video connections

eSATA port Connects to eSATA devices.

Microphone jack Accepts input from external microphones.

Headphones/
speaker/line-out
jack with S/PDIF
support

slot

Connects to an Ethernet 10/100-based network.

Connects to a display device
(e.g. external monitor, LCD projector).

(only for certain models).

camera).

player, stereo walkman, mp3 player)

Connects to audio line-out devices (e.g., speakers,
headphones).

Accepts one ExpressCard/54 module.

Chapter 1 7

Right View

No. Icon Item Description

1 6-in-1 Card Reader Accepts Secure Digital (SD), MultiMediaCard (MMC),

MultiMediaCard Plus (MMCPlus), Memory Stick (MS),
Memory Stick PRO (MS PRO), xD-Picture Card (xD).

Note: Push to remove/install the card. Only one card

can operate at any given time.

2

3 Optical drive Internal optical drive; accepts CDs or DVDs.

4 Optical disk access

5 Optical drive eject

6 Emergency eject

7 USB 2.0 ports Connects to USB 2.0 devices (e.g., USB mouse, USB

8 RF-in port Accepts input signals from digital TVtuner devices

1394

4-pin IEEE 1394
port

indicator

button

hole

Connects to IEEE 1394 devices.

Lights up when the optical drive is active.

Ejects the optical disk from the drive.

Ejects the optical drive tray when the computer is
turned off.

Note: Insert a paper clip into the emergency eject

hole to eject the optical drive tray when the computer
is off.

camera).

(only for certain models).

8 Chapter 1

Bottom View

No. Icon Item Description

1 Battery bay Houses the computer's battery pack.

2 Battery release

latch

3 Hard disk bay Houses the computer's hard disk (secured with

4 Memory

compartment

5 Battery lock Locks the battery in position.

6 Ventilation slots

and cooling fan

Releases the battery for removal.

screws).

Houses the computer's main memory.

Enable the computer to stay cool, even after
prolonged use.

Note: Do not cover or obstruct the fan opening.

Chapter 1 9

TouchPad Basics (with fingerprint reader)

The following items show you how to use the TouchPad with Acer Bio-Protection fingerprint reader:

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

• Press the left (2) and right (4) 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.

• Use Acer Bio-Protection fingerprint reader (3) supporting Acer FingerNav 4-way control function
(only for certain models) or the 4-way scroll (3) button (only for certain models) to scroll up or down
and move left or right a page. This fingerprint reader or button mimics your cursor pressing on the
right scroll bar of Windows applications.

Function Left Button (2) Right Button (4) 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

finger on the touchpad to
drag the cursor

Access
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.

Click once

Tap twice (at the same speed
as double-clicking a mouse
button); rest your finger on
the touchpad on the second
tap and drag the cursor

10 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 three 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

<Fn> + <F11>

Scroll Lock <Fn> +
<F12>

The embedded numeric keypad functions like a desktop numeric keypad. It is indicated by small characters
located on the upper right corner of the keycaps. To simplify the keyboard legend, cursor-control key symbols
are not printed on the keys.

Desired access Num Lock on Num Lock off

Number keys on
embedded keypad

Cursor-control keys on
embedded keypad

Main keyboard keys Hold <Fn> while typing letters on

When Num Lock is on, the embedded keypad is in numeric mode. The keys
function as a calculator (complete with the arithmetic operators +, -, *, and /). Use
this mode when you need to do a lot of numeric data entry. A better solution
would be to connect an external keypad.

When Scroll Lock is on, the screen moves one line up or down when you press
the up or down arrow keys respectively. Scroll Lock does not work with some
applications.

Type numbers in a normal manner.

Hold <Shift> while using cursor-

control keys.

embedded keypad.

Hold <Fn> while using cursor-

control keys.

Type the letters in a normal
manner.

Chapter 1 11

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 by using Windows Flip 3-D
<> + <SPACEBAR>: Bring all gadgets to the front and select Windows Sidebar

Application
key

<CTRL> +
<CTRL> + <> + <TAB>: Use the arrow keys to cycle through programs on the

Note: Depending on your edition of Windows 7, some shortcuts may not function as

This key has the same effect as clicking the right mouse button; it opens the
application's context menu.

<> + <F>: Search for computers (if you are on a network)

taskbar by using Windows Flip 3-D

described.

12 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> + <F2>

<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> Screen blank Turns the display screen backlight off to save

power. Press any key to return.

<Fn> + <F8> Speaker toggle Turns the speakers on and off.

<Fn> + <F9> Keyboard backlight

toggle

<Fn> + < > Brightness up Increases the screen brightness.

<Fn> + < > Brightness down Decreases the screen brightness.

Turns the keyboard backlight on or off.

Chapter 1 13

Special Key

You can locate the Euro symbol and the US dollar sign at the upper-center and/or bottom-right of your
keyboard.

The Euro symbol

1. Open a text editor or word processor.

2. Hold <Alt Gr> and then press the <5> key at the upper-center of the keyboard.
NOTE: Note: Some fonts and software do not support the Euro symbol. Please refer to www.microsoft.com/

typography/faq/faq12.htm for more information.

The US dollar sign

1. Open a text editor or word processor.

2. Hold <Shift> and then press the <4> key at the upper-center of the keyboard.
NOTE: This function varies by the operating system version.

14 Chapter 1

Using the System Utilities

Acer GridVista (dual-display compatible)

NOTE: This feature is only available on certain models.

To enable the dual monitor feature of the notebook, first ensure that the second monitor is connected, then

select Start, Control Panel, Display and click on Settings. Select the secondary monitor (2) icon in the
display box and then click the check box Extend my windows desktop onto this monitor. Finally, click
Apply to confirm the new settings and click OK to complete the process.

Acer GridVista is a handy utility that offers four pre-defined display settings so you can view multiple windows

on the same screen. To access this function, please go to Start´ All Programs and click on Acer GridVista.

You may choose any one of the four display settings indicated below:

Double (vertical), Triple (primary at left), Triple (primary at right), or Quad Acer Gridvista is dual-display
compatible, allowing two displays to be partitioned independently.

Acer Gridvista is dual-display compatible, allowing two displays to be partitioned independently.

AcerGridVista is simple to set up:

1. Run Acer GridVista and select your preferred screen configuration for each display from the task bar.

2. Drag and drop each window into the appropriate grid.

3. Enjoy the convenience of a well-organized desktop.

NOTE: Please ensure that the resolution setting of the second monitor is set to the manufacturer's

recommended value.

Chapter 1 15

Hardware Specifications and Configurations

Processor

Item Specification

CPU type Intel Mobile Calpella

Core Logic Intel Ibex Peak-M (PM55)

CPU Package rPGA988A

CPU Core Voltage See Processor Specifications below

L2 cache 256K

Processor Specifications

Processor

Ci7720QM 1.6 GHz 1333 6 MB 45 W KC.72001.QMP

Ci7820QM 1.73 GHz 1333 8 MB 45 W KC.82001.QMP

CPU Fan True Value Table

CPU

Temperature

50 2800 28

60 3100 31

70 3400 34

80 3800 37

85 4200 40

Clarksfield

• Throttling 50%: On=95°C Off: 86°C

• OS shut down at 100°C; H/W shut down at 92°C

Auburndale

• Throttling 50%: On=100°C Off: 86°C

• OS shut down at 100°C; H/W shut down at 92°C

DOS Mode

• Throttling 50%: On=95°C Off: 86°C

• OS shut down at 100°C; H/W shut down at 92°C

BIOS

Item Specification

BIOS vendor InsydeH20

BIOS Version V0.06

BIOS ROM type Flash

BIOS ROM size 2MB

CPU

Speed

Cores

Fan Speed

(rpm)

Bus

Speed

SPL Spec (dBA)

Mfg.

Tech.

Cache

Size

Power Acer P/N

16 Chapter 1

Item Specification

Features • Support ISIPP

• Support Acer UI

• Support multi-boot

• Suspend to RAM (S3)/Disk (S4)

• Various hot-keys for system control

• Support SMBIOS 2.3, PCI2.3

• ACPI 2.0 compliance with Intel Speed Step Support C1, C2, C3, C4 and
S3, S4 for mobile CPU

• DMI utility for BIOS serial number configurable/asset tag

• Support PXE

• Support Y2K solution

• Support Win Flash Wake on LAN from S3

• Wake on LAN form S4 in AC mode

• System information

System Memory

Item Specification

Memory controller Intel Ibex Peak-M (PM55)

Memory size 4GB

DIMM socket number 2

Supports memory size per socket 4GB

Supports maximum memory size 8GB

Supports DIMM type DDRIII

Supports DIMM Speed 800/1066MHz

Supports DIMM voltage 1.5V

Memory Combinations

Slot 1 Slot 2 Total Memory

0MB 512MB 512MB

0MB 1024MB 1024MB

0MB 2048MB 2048MB

512MB 512MB 1024MB

512MB 1024MB 1536MB

512MB 2048MB 2560MB

1024MB 0MB 1024MB

1024MB 512MB 1536MB

1024MB 1024MB 2048MB

1024MB 2048MB 3072MB

2048MB 0MB 2048MB

2048MB 512MB 2560MB

2048MB 1024MB 3072MB

2048MB 2048MB 4096MB

NOTE: Above table lists some system memory configurations. You may combine DIMMs with various

capacities to form other combinations. On above table, the configuration of slot 1 and slot 2 could be
reversed.

Chapter 1 17

LAN Interface

Item Specification

LAN Chipset Broadcom BCM57780A1KMLG for Giga LAN

Supports LAN protocol 10/100/1000 Mbps

LAN connector type RJ45

LAN connector location Left side

Wireless Module 802.11b/g

Item Specification

Chipset Intel WLAN Shirley Peak

Data throughput Protocol Typical Throughput

802.11a

802.11b

802.11g

802.11n

Protocols Data transmit/receive:

• IEEE WLAN Standard IEEE 802.11a/b/g/Draft-N1, 802.11d, 802.11e, 802.11i,

802.11h

• Wi-Fi Alliance Wi-Fi Certified* for 802.11 a, 802.11 b, 802.11 g, WMM*, WPA*,
and WPA2*

• (Wi-Fi Alliance Draft-N1 and 802.11n certifications expected when available)

Security

• Authentication WPA7 and WPA27, 802.1X, LEAP, EAP-TLS, PEAP-TLS, and
PEAP-MSCHAPv2*

• Protocols Encryption CKIP, TKIP, 64-bit and 128-bit WEP (for 802.11a/b/g),
AES-CCMP (for 802.11a/b/g/Draft-N)

Interface Connector interface Mini Card form factor, based on PCIe electrical interface

Microsoft WHQL YES

23 MBit/s

4.3 MBit/s
19 MBit/s
130 MBit/s

18 Chapter 1

Hard Disk Drive Interface

Item Specification

Vendor & Model
Name

Capacity (GB) 320, 160 250, 500 320, 250,

Segate
ST9320320AS
ST9160310AS

Seagate
ST9250315AS
ST9500325AS

Toshiba
MK3255GSX
MK2555GSX
MK1655GSX

160

HGST
HTS545050
HTS545032
HTS545025
HTS543216

WD
WD5000BEVT
WD3200BEVT
WD2500BEVT
WD1600BEVT

500, 320, 250,
160

Bytes per sector 512 512 512 512 512

Data heads 4, 2 4, 2, 2 4, 4, 3, 2, 2

Drive Format

Disks 2 or 1, 1 2, 1, 1 2, 2, 2, 1, 1

Spindle speed

5400 5400 5400 5400 5400

(RPM)

Performance Specifications

Buffer size 8 MB 8 MB 8 MB

Interface SATA SATA SATA

Internal transfer
rate (Mbits/sec,

352 395~952 typ. 850 Mbits/s

maximum

max)

I/O data transfer

150 300 300 maximum

rate
(Mbytes/sec

max)

DC Power Requirements

Voltage

5V ±5% 5V ±5% 5V ±5% 5V ±5% 5V ±5%

tolerance

Blueray Combo Module

Item Specification

Vendor & model

PLDS DS-4E1S LF, Pioneer BDC-TD01RS LF, HLDS CT10 LF

name

Performance

With CD Diskette With DVD Diskette

Specification

Transfer rate (MB/
sec)

Sustained:

3.5

Buffer Memory 2 MB

Interface SATA

Sustained:
10

Chapter 1 19

Item Specification

Applicable disc
formats

CD-DA, CD-TEXT, CD ROM Mode-1, CD-ROM/XA Mode-2 Form-1 and Form-2,
CD-I Ready, Video-CD (MPEG-1), Photo-CD, Enhance CD, CD extra, I-Trax CD
and UDF

DVD-ROM, DVD-Video, DVD-Audio, DVD-R single/multi border(s)
DVD+R single/multi session(s)
DVD-RW
DVD+RW
DVD-RAM
BD-ROM ver2.0, UDF2.5
BD-R ver1.0 and ver2.0, UDF2.5
BD-RE ver2.0 and ver3.0, UDF2.5
BD-hybrid (only BD part)

Loading mechanism Manual load/ Plunger system

Power Requirement

Input Voltage DC 5 V +/- 5%

20 Chapter 1