Acer Aspire 7230 Service Manual

Aspire 7230/7530/7530G 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 7230/7530/7530G Series service guide.

Date Chapter Updates

II

Copyright

Copyright © 2008 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

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

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

Rear View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

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

Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

Easy-Launch Buttons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

Touch Pad Basics (with fingerprint reader) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

Using the Keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

Lock Keys and embedded numeric keypad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

Windows Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

Hot Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

Special Key . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

Using the System Utilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16

Acer GridVista (dual-display compatible) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16

Hardware Specifications and Configurations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

System Utilities 29

BIOS Setup Utility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29

Navigating the BIOS Utility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29

Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30

Main . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31

Advanced . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32

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

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

Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38

Exit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40

BIOS Flash Utility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41

Remove HDD/BIOS Utility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42

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 SD dummy card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48

Removing the ExpressCard dummy card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49

Removing the Lower Covers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50

Removing the DIMM Modules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51

Removing the MXM Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52

Removing the TV Tuner module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53

Removing the WLAN Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54

Removing the Hard Disk Drive Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56

Removing the Optical Drive Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58

Main Unit Disassembly Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60

Main Unit Disassembly Flowchart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60

VII

Table of Contents

Removing the Switch Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62

Removing the Switch Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .63

Removing the Keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .64

Removing the Modem Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65

Removing the Antenna, MIC and Speaker Cables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .66

Removing the LCD Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .68

Removing the Upper Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .70

Removing the Finger Print Reader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .74

Removing the Touch Pad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .76

Removing the Launch Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .77

Removing the Speaker Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .78

Removing the eKey Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .79

Removing the Bluetooth board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .80

Removing the Subwoofer Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .81

Removing the ExpressCard Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .83

Removing the Mainboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .85

Removing the CPU Fan Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .86

Removing the CPU . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .88

LCD Module Disassembly Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .89

LCD Module Disassembly Flowchart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .89

Removing the LCD Bezel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .90

Removing the Inverter Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .92

Removing the Camera Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .93

Removing the LCD Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .94

Removing the LCD Brackets and FPC Cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .96

LCD Module Reassembly Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .98

Replacing the LCD Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .98

Replacing the LCD Bezel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .101

Main Module Reassembly Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .102

Replacing the CPU . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .102

Replacing the CPU Fan Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .102

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

Replacing the Bluetooth Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .104

Replacing the ExpressCard Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .105

Replacing the Subwoofer Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .106

Replacing the Finger Print Reader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .107

Replacing the eKey Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .109

Replacing the Touch Pad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .110

Replacing the Launch Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .110

Replacing the Finger Print Reader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .111

Replacing the Upper Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .112

Replacing the LCD Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .116

Replacing the Antenna, MIC and Speaker Cables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .117

Replacing the Modem Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .119

Replacing the Keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .120

Replacing the Switch Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .121

Replacing the Switch Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .122

Replacing the ODD Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .123

Replacing the Hard Disk Drive Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .123

Replacing the WLAN Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .125

Replacing the TV Tuner Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .125

Replacing the MXM Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .126

Replacing the DIMM Modules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .126

Replacing the Lower Covers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .127

Replacing the ExpressCard Dummy Tray . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .127

VIII

Table of Contents

Replacing the SD Dummy Tray . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .128

Replacing the Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .128

Troubleshooting 129

Common Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .129

Power On Issue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .130

No Display Issue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .131

Random Loss of BIOS Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .132

LCD Failure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .133

Built-In Keyboard Failure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .133

Touch Pad Failure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .134

Internal Speaker Failure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .134

Internal Microphone Failure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .136

HDD Not Operating Correctly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .137

ODD Failure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .138

USB Failure (Rightside) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .141

Modem Function Failure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .141

Wireless Function Failure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .142

EasyTouch Button Failure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .142

MediaTouch Button Failure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .143

Fingerprint Reader Failure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .143

Thermal Unit Failure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .144

HDTV Switch Failure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .144

External Mouse Failure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .145

Other Failures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .145

Intermittent Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .146

Undetermined Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .146

POST Codes Tables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .147

Chipset POST Codes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .147

Core POST Codes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .149

Jumper and Connector Locations 157

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

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

Clearing Password Check and BIOS Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .159

Clearing Password Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .159

BIOS Recovery by Crisis Disk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .160

FRU (Field Replaceable Unit) List 161

Aspire 7230/7530/7530G Exploded Diagram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .162

Aspire 7230/7530/7530G FRU List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .163

Screw List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .171

Model Definition and Configuration 172

Aspire 7230/7530/7530G Series . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .172

Test Compatible Components 189

Microsoft® Windows® Vista Environment Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .190

Online Support Information 195
Index 197

IX

Table of Contents

X

System Specifications

Features

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

Operating System

• Genuine Windows® Vista™

Platform

• AMD Better By Design program, featuring:

• AMD Turion™ X2 Ultra dual-core processor*

• AMD Turion™ X2 dual-core processor*

• AMD Athlon™ X2 dual-core processor*

• Mobile AMD Sempron™ processor*

• NVIDIA® nForce® MCP77MH

• Acer InviLink™ 802.11b/g

Chapter 1

System Memory

• Dual-Channel DDR2 SDRAM support

• Up to 2 GB of DDR2 667 MHz memory, upgradeable to 4 GB using two soDIMM modules*

TV Tuner

• Digital TV-tuner supporting DVB-T*

Display and graphics

• 17" WXGA+ 1440 x 900

• NVIDIA® GeForce® 9100M G*

• NVIDIA® GeForce® 9400M*

• NVIDIA® GeForce® 9600M GT*

Storage subsystem

• 2.5" hard disk drive

• Optical drive options:

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

• DVD-Super Multi double-layer drive*

• 5-in-1 card reader

Chapter 1 1

Audio

• Dolby®-certified surround sound system with two built-in stereo speakers and one subwoofer*

supporting low-frequency effects

• True5.1-channel surround sound output

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

• Built-in microphone

Dimensions and Weight

• 402 (W) x 297 (D) x 41/43.9 (H) mm (15.83 x 11.69 x 1.61/1.73 inches)

• 3.90 kg (8.59 lbs.) with 2 HDDs and 8-cell battery pack*

• 3.80 kg (8.37 lbs.) with one HDD and 6-cell battery pack*

Privacy control

• Acer Bio-Protection fingerprint solution*

• BIOS user, supervisor, HDD passwords

• Kensington lock slot

Communication

• Acer Video Conference, featuring:

• Integrated Acer Crystal Eye webcam*

• Optional Acer Xpress VoIP phone*

• WLAN: Acer InviLink™ 802.11b/g*

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

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

• Modem: 56K ITU V.92

Power subsystem

• ACPI 3.0

• 71 W 4800 mAh*

• 48.8 W 4400 mAh*

• 3-pin 90 W AC adapter*

• 3-pin 65 W AC adapter*

• Energy Star 4.0

Special keys and controls

• 105/106-key keyboard

• Touchpad pointing device

I/O interface

• Acer EasyPort IV connector*

• ExpressCard™/54 slot

• 5-in-1 card reader (SD/MMC/MS/MS PRO/xD)

2 Chapter 1

• 4 USB 2.0 ports

• HDMI™ port with HDCP support*

• Consumer infrared (CIR) port

• External display (VGA) port

• RF-in jack*

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

• Microphone-in jack

• Line-in jack

• Ethernet (RJ-45) port

• Modem (RJ-11) port

• DC-in jack for AC adapter

Environment

• Temperature:

• Operating: 5 °C to 35 °C

• Non-operating: -20 °C to 65 °C

• Humidity (non-condensing):

• Operating: 20% to 80%

• Non-operating: 20% to 80%

NOTE: Items marked with * denote only selected models. 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

CPU CORE ISL6265A

NB CORE +1.1V

NB RUN +1.1V

DDR II SMDDR_VTERM

1.8VSUS(TPS51116REGR)

SYSTEM POWER
ISL6237

SYSTEM CHARGER
(ISL6251A)

DISCHARGER
/ +1.1V_S5, +1.2V,+2.5V

LVDS

SN74CBTLV3257PWR

CRT

PCB STACK UP

LAYER 1 : TOP
LAYER 2 : SGND1
LAYER 3 : IN1
LAYER 4 : IN2
LAYER 5 : VCC
LAYER 6 : GND

Switch

CRT

TS3DV520RHUR

Switch

DVI-D

INT or EV
selector
Resistor

HDMI CONN.CABLE DOCK

HDMI

DDRII-SODIMM1

DDRII-SODIMM2

MXM
Connector

SATA - HDD

SATA - HDD

ODD(PATA)

Keyboard

CIR

DDRII 667/800 MHz

DDRII 667/800 MHz

PCI-Express 16X

LVDS
CRT
HDMI

SATA0

SATA1

SATA2

14.318MHz

KBC
(WPCE775CA0DG)

Touch
Pad

S1G2 Processor

638P (uPGA)/35W

HT3
LINK

Lion
Sabie

AMD Griffin

NORTH BRIDGE &
SOUTH BRIDGE

MCP77M

27mm X 27mm,
836pin BGA

LPC

SPI
ROM

CABLE DOCK
AUDIO

CPU THERMAL
SENSOR

PCI-E

Mini PCI-E
Card

(Wireless LAN)

USB2.0

USB2.0 Ports Bluetooth CCD

x2

PCI

HDA

Azalia AudioController
RealTek ALC888

Audio
Amplifier

SPIDF/Phone

Speaker

Jack

CPU Fan

X1

Mini PCI-E
Card

(TV TUNER)

USB2.0 x1

MDC 1.5

Line in

Int MIC

X1 X1X1

Express Card

(NEW CARD)

USB2.0 x1
USB2.0 Ports

x2

x1x1

MIC Jack

x1

Card Bus
PCMCIA

O2 Micro
OZ601TN

LAN

BroadCom
PCIE-LAN

BCM5787/5764

(10/100/GigaLAN)

Fingrprinter

Card reader

x1

REALTEK
RTS5158E

RJ45/RJ11

CABLE DOCK

LAN/VGA/DVI/USB/AUDIO

CABLE DOCK USB

x1

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 Web camera for video communication (only for

certain models).

2 Microphone Internal microphone for sound recording.

3 Display screen Also called Liquid-Crystal Display (LCD),

displays computer output.

4 Power button Turns the computer on and off.

5 Easy-launch

buttons

6 Palmrest Comfortable support area for your hands when

7 Status indicators Light-Emitting Diodes (LEDs) that light up to

Chapter 1 5

Buttons for launching frequently used program.

you use the computer.

show the status of the computer's functions
and components.

No. Icon Item Description

8 Click buttons

(left, center* and
right)

9 T ouch Pad T ouch-sensitive pointing device which functions

10 Keyboard For entering data into your computer.
11 Speakers Left and right speakers deliver stereo audio

12 Empowering key Launch Acer Empowering Technology

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).

like a computer mouse.

output.

Closed Front View

No. Icon Item Description

1 CIR receiver Receives signals from a remote control.

2 Unlimited volume

control wheel

3 5-in-1 card

reader

4 Latch Locks and releases the lid

Adjust the volume of the audio-out.

Accepts Secure Digital (SD), MultiMediaCard
(MMC), Memory Stick (MS), Memory Stick
PRO (MS PRO), xD-Picture Card (xD).

6 Chapter 1

Left View

No. Icon Item Description

1 DC-in jack Conn ects to an AC adapter

2 Ethernet (RJ-45)

port

3 Acer EasyPort IV

connector

4 External display

(VGA) port

5

6 USB 2.0 port Connect to USB 2.0 devices (e.g. USB mouse,

7 Headphones/

HDMI

HDMI Connects to a television or display device with

speaker/line-out
jack with S/PDIF
support

Microphone jack Accepts input from external microphones.

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

Connects to an Ethernet 10/100/1000-based
network.

Connects to Acer EasyPort IV (only for certain
models).

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

HDMI input (only for certain models).

USB camera).
Connects to audio line-out devices

(e.g. speakers, headphones).

player, stereo walkman, mp3 player).

Chapter 1 7

Right View

No. Icon Item Description

1 ExpressCard/54

slot

2 USB 2.0 port Connect to USB 2.0 devices (e.g. USB mouse,

3 Optical drive Internal optical drive; accepts CDs or DVDs.
4 Optical disk access

indicator

5 Optical drive eject

button

6 Emergency eject

hole

7 RF-in port Accepts input signals from digital TVtuner

8 Modem (RJ-11)

port

9 Kensington lock

slot

Accepts one ExpressCard/54 module.

USB camera).

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.

devices (only for certain models).
Connects to a phone line.

Connects to a Kensington-compatible computer
security lock.

Rear View

No. Icon Item Description

1 Ventilation slots Enable the computer to stay cool, even after

prolonged use.

8 Chapter 1

Bottom View

No. Icon Item Description

1 Subwoofer Emits low frequency sound output (only for

certain models).

2 Battery bay Houses the computer's battery pack.

3 Battery release

latch

4 Battery lock Locks the battery in position.

5 Hard disk bay-Main Houses the computer's hard disk (secured with

6 Hard disk bay-

Secondary

7 Memory

compartment

8 Ventilation slots

and cooling fan

Releases the battery for removal.

screws).
Houses the computer's hard disk (secured with

screws). Only for certain models.
Houses the computer's main memory.

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

Note: Do not cover or obstruct the opening of the
fan.

Chapter 1 9

Indicators

The computer has several easy-to-read status indicators. The front panel indicators are visible even when the
computer cover is closed.

Icon Function Description

Power Indicates the computer's power status.

Battery Indicates the computer's battery status.

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.

NOTE: 1. Charging: The light shows amber when the battery is charging. 2. Fully charged: The light shows

green when in AC mode.

Easy-Launch Buttons

Located beside the keyboard are application buttons. These buttons are called easy-launch buttons. They are:
WLAN, Internet, email, Bluetooth, Arcade and Acer Empowering Technology.

The mail and Web browser buttons are pre-set to email and Internet programs, but can be reset by users. To
set the Web browser, mail and programmable buttons, run the Acer Launch Manager.

Icon Function Description

Empowering Technology Launch Acer Empowering Technology.

(user-programmable)

Acer Arcade Launch Acer Arcade utility

Wireless communication
button/indicator

Web browser Internet browser (user-Programmable)
Mail Email application (user-Programmable)
Bluetooth communication

button/indicator

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

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

10 Chapter 1

Touch Pad Basics (with fingerprint reader)

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

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

• Press the left (2) and right (4) buttons located beneath the Touch Pad to perform selection and

execution functions. These two buttons are similar to the left and right buttons on a mouse.
Tapping on the Touch Pad 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 Touch Pad (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 Touch Pad to
drag the cursor.

Tap twice (at the same speed

as double-clicking a mouse

button); rest your finger on

the Touch Pad on the second

tap and drag the cursor.
Access

Click once.

context menu

NOTE: When using the Touch Pad, keep it - and your fingers - dry and clean. The Touch Pad is sensitive to

finger movement; hence, the lighter the touch, the better the response. Tapping too hard will not
increase the Touch Pad’s responsiveness.

Chapter 1 11

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.

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.

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

Type numbers in a normal manner.

Hold <Shift> while using cursor­control keys.

embedded keypad.

Hold <Fn> while using cursor­control keys.

Type the letters in a normal
manner.

12 Chapter 1

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 S tart 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 Vista, some shortcuts may not function

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

as described.

Chapter 1 13

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> + <F1> Hotkey help Displays help on hotkeys.

<Fn> + <F2> Acer eSettings

Management

<Fn> + <F3> Acer ePower

Management

<Fn> + <F4> Sleep Puts the computer in Sleep mode.

<Fn> + <F5> Display toggle Switches display output between the display

<Fn> + <F6> Screen blank Turns the display screen backlight off to save

<Fn> + <F7> Touch Pad toggle Turns the internal Touch Pad on and off.

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

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

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

<Fn> + <Home> Play/Pause Play/Pause the current media.
<Fn> + <Pg Up> Stop Stop the current media.
<Fn> + <Pg Dn> Skip Backward Skip to the next track of the current media.
<Fn> + <End> Skip Forward Skip top the previous track of the current media.

Launches Acer eSettings Management in Acer
Empowering Technology .

Launches Acer ePower Management in Acer
Empowering Technology .

screen, external monitor (if connected) and
both.

power. Press any key to return.

14 Chapter 1

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.

Chapter 1 15

Using the System Utilities

Acer Bio-Protection (only for certain models) Acer Bio-Protection Fingerprint Solution is a multi-purpose
fingerprint software package integrated with the Microsoft Windows operating system. Utilizing the uniqueness
of one's fingerprint features, Acer Bio-Protection Fingerprint Solution has incorporated protection against
unauthorized access to your computer with centralized password management with Password Bank, easy
music player launching with Acer MusicLaunch, secure Internet favorites via Acer MyLaunch, and fast
application/website launching and login with Acer FingerLaunch, while Acer ProfileLaunch can launch up to
three applications/websites from a single finger swipe.

Acer Bio-Protection Fingerprint Solution also allows you to navigate through web browsers and documents
using Acer FingerNav. With Acer Bio-Protection Fingerprint Solution, you can now enjoy an extra layer of
protection for your personal computer, as well as the convenience of accessing your daily tasks with a simple
swipe of your finger!

For more information refer to the Acer Bio-Protection help files.

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:

16 Chapter 1

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 17

Hardware Specifications and Configurations

Processor

Item Specification

CPU type AMD CPU S1g2 Processor (Griffin Series - Turion / Sempron);

HT3 (1.2~2.6 GT/s) (Bandwidth: 9.6GB/S to 20.8GB/s)

1.8GHz ~ 2.3GHz CPU
CPU package 638-Pin Lidless Micro PGA package (35mm * 35mm)
Features The AMD Socket S1g2 processor is a superb, high-performance

product for mobile systems. With HyperTransport™ 3 technology
bus and on-chip memory controller

CPU core voltage

CPU Fan True Value Table

Level Fan On Temp. Fan Off Temp. RPM Throttling dB (A)

0 52 48 3100 31
1 60 55 3500 34
2 70 65 4100 37
3 90 80 4500 40

• VCC_CORE0(based on CPU)

• VCC_CORE1(based on CPU)

• CPU_VDDNB (based on CPU)

• VLDT 1.2V_HT

• VDD I/O 1.8VSUS

• CPU Memory Interface SMDDR_VTEM

• Throttling 50%: On =97C; Off=88C

• OS Shut down: 105C

• H/W Shut down: 110C

• Fan default 3.5V

18 Chapter 1

Core Logic

Item Specification

Type NVidia MCP77MH MCP77MH (North Bridge + South Bridge)
Package MCP77M is a 27 × 27 package with 836 balls and a 0.8 mm ball pitch.
Features The NVIDIA nForce® MCP77 family of graphics, media and

communications processors (GMCP) are the notebook industry's first
single-chip solutions providing DirectX 10 shader model 4.0 graphics
features, a dedicated video processor, HDMI,LVDS, dual mode display
Port support and a rich feature set including a second generation PCI
Express interface, industry first HyperTransport 3 with link power
management, native Gigabit Ethernet MAC, Serial ATA and ATA-133
support, high definition audio, USB2.0, PCI, real-time power
management processor, and other standard peripheral functions.

Paired with an AMD Griffin Series -Turion64, Turion64X2,or Mobile
Sempron CPU, all the key features needed for next generation
entertainment, computing, and communications come together in
MCP77. MCP77 also support innovative new hybrid-SLI functionality
that increases performance and typical battery life for notebooks that
also include an NVIDIA GPU.

The MCP77M master feature set includes the following features:

• Single chip for small form factor notebook designs

• Microsoft Windows Vista premium support for all 2008

requirements visual user interface support.

• Integrated GeForce DirectX 10 model 4.0 graphics processor1.

Unified Shader model 4.0 for geometry, vertex and pixel
processor2. NVIDIA® Intellisample™ AA technology

• Next generation NVIDIA® PureVideo™ HD video processor for full

HD content decode and Playback with long battery life or with
lower cost single core CPUs.

• PowerMizer SX (System eXtensions) reduces system power

usage.

• Integrated Display Cache 2.0 allows CPU to spend extended

periods in Alt-vid Deeper Sleepstate without the cost or wasted
power of a local frame buffer.

• Integrated 300 MHz DAC for external desktop displays

• Integrated TMDS interface with HDCP (High-Definition Content

Protection) key support and optional protected audio stream mixing
for HDMI support

• HDCP support without the need for external key ROMs

• Integrated dual channel LVDS interface for up to 1920 × 1200 LCD

displays

• Integrated high definition TV encoder with YPrPb component video

supporto HyperTransport 3.0×16 up and down links to the AMD
Socket S1 g2 CPU with full HT3 link

• Support for PCI Express Base Specification, Gen 2

• Hybrid SLI support for simultaneous support of integrated and

discrete GPUs for longer battery life in premium performance
notebooks.

• PCI Express x16 link interface for external graphics processors

• Up to six PCI Express x1 link interfaces, with dedicated controller

for other peripherals

• AHCI SATA controller with support for four drives at 1.5 Gbps or

3.0 Gbps speeds

• Fast ATA-133 IDE controller

Chapter 1 19

Item Specification

Features (continued)

CPU core voltage

• Fast ATA-133 IDE controller

• NVIDIA® MediaShield™ RAID with support for RAID 0, RAID 1

• IEEE 802.3 NVIDIA MAC for 1000BASE-T/100BASE-T/10BASE-T

Gigabit/Fast Ethernet/Ethernet. RGMII for Gigabit/Fast Ethernet/
Ethernet, aria. MII for Fast Ethernet/Ethernet

• ASF 2.0 support for remote management

• SPI Interface to Serial flash EEPROM

• Able to load SBIOS and boot from SPI EEPROM without the use of

extra LPC-based EEPROM

• TPM 1.2 support

• Dual USB 2.0 EHCI and USB 1.1 OHCI (supports up to twelve

ports)

• PCI 2.3 interface

• Supports up to five PCI devices with dedicated REQ/GNT pairs

• Dual SMBus 2.0 interfaces

• UAA (Universal Audio Architecture) High Definition Audio (HDA)

interface

• Supports up to two external UAA High Definition Audio codecs

for 7.1 channel audio

• Supports 32-bit/192 kHz audio functionality

• LPC bus 1.0 compatible interfa ce

• Integrated programmable clock synthesizer with spread spectrum

support

• Support for Microsoft Vista ReadyDrive feature using commodity

hard-drives and flash devices

• Support for direct input from accelerometer for more responsive

hard disk park control

• ASF 2.0 support for remote manageability

• Separately programmable spread spectrum support for key

interfaces including LVDS, SATA, HT

• AMD CPU power sequencing protection logic

• +NB_CORE for MCP77M CORE Power(+1.0V)

• +1.1V_NB for MCP77M Hyper Transport Power

• +1.1V for Hyper Transport, PCI-E, Sleep mode Core power, SATA

Interface, TV DAC supply

• +1.8V for LVDS digital supply

• +3.3V for PLL, CRTDAC, RGB DAC supply, USB Interface, CPU

Interface

• LAN MAC, Display

Crystal and Oscillator

Item Specification

Features

• 32.768Khz crystal for RTC inside MCP77 and WINBOND

WPC8769LDG

• 25MHZ crystal for MCP77 controller

• 25MHZ crystal for BroadCom Lan controller BCM5764

20 Chapter 1