Acer Aspire 8940 Service Manual

Aspire 8940 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 8940 service guides.

Date Chapter Updates

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.

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.

Table of Contents

System Specifications 1

Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1

System Block Diagram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

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

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

Closed Front View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

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

Left View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

Right View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

Bottom View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

TouchPad Basics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

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

Key Types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

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

System Hotkeys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

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

Acer GridVista (dual-display compatible) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .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 Utilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39

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

WinFlash Utility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42

Remove HDD/BIOS Password Utilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43

Machine Disassembly and Replacement 49

Disassembly Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49

General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50

Pre-disassembly Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50

Disassembly Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50

External Module Disassembly Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51

External Modules Disassembly Flowchart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51

Removing the Battery Pack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52

Removing the Express Dummy Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53

Removing the SD Dummy Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54

Removing the Lower Door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55

Removing the Optical Drive Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56

Removing the Primary Hard Disk Drive Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58

Removing the Secondary Hard Disk Drive Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60

Removing the DIMM Modules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62

Removing the TV Tuner Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .63

Removing the WLAN Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65

Main Unit Disassembly Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67

Upper Cover Disassembly Flowchart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67

Lower Cover Disassembly Flowchart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .68

Removing the Keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .69

Removing the Switch Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .71

VII

Table of Contents

Removing the Power Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .73

Removing the LCD Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .74

Removing the Upper Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .77

Removing the Launch Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .81

Removing the Volume Control Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .82

Removing the Power Saving Board FFC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .84

Removing the Media Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .85

Removing the TouchPad Lock Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .87

Removing the Finger Print Reader Bracket . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .89

Removing the TouchPad Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .90

Removing the RTC Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .93

Removing the Bluetooth Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .94

Removing the USB Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .96

Removing the Power Saving Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .98

Removing the Mainboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .99

Removing the Kensington Lock Bracket . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .101

Removing the TV Tuner Antenna . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .102

Removing the Subwoofer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .103

Removing the Hinge Supports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .105

Removing the Speaker Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .106

Removing the Thermal Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .107

Removing the Graphics Card Heatsink . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .108

Removing the Graphics Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .109

Removing the CPU . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .110

LCD Module Disassembly Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .111

Standard Bezel LCD Module Disassembly Flowchart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .111

Removing the Standard LCD Bezel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .112

Removing the LCD Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .115

Removing the Camera Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .117

Removing the LCD Brackets and FPC Cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .118

Flush Bezel LCD Module Disassembly Flowchart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .120

Removing the Flush LCD Bezel Cap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .121

Removing the Flush LCD Bezel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .123

Removing the LCD Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .125

Removing the Camera Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .127

Removing the LCD Brackets and FPC Cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .128

LCD Module Reassembly Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .130

Standard Bezel LCD Module Reassembly—LCD Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .130

Replacing the LCD Bezel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .134

Flush Bezel LCD Module Reassembly—LCD Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .136

Replacing the LCD Bezel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .140

Replacing the Flush LCD Bezel Cap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .142

Main Module Reassembly Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .144

Replacing the CPU . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .144

Replacing the Graphics Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .145

Replacing the Graphics Card Heatsink . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .146

Replacing the Thermal Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .147

Replacing the Speaker Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .148

Replacing the Hinge Supports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .149

Replacing the Subwoofer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .150

Removing the TV Tuner Antenna . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .152

Removing the Kensington Lock Bracket . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .153

Replacing the Mainboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .153

Removing the Mainboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .154

Replacing the Power Saving Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .155

VIII

Table of Contents

Replacing the USB Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .156

Replacing the Bluetooth Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .158

Replacing the RTC Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .160

Replacing the TouchPad Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .161

Replacing the Finger Print Reader Bracket . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .164

Replacing the TouchPad Lock Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .165

Replacing the Media Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .167

Replacing the Power Saving Board FFC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .168

Replacing the Volume Control Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .169

Replacing the Launch Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .171

Replacing the Upper Case . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .172

Replacing the LCD Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .175

Replacing the Power Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .179

Removing the Switch Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .180

Replacing the Keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .182

External Module Reassembly Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .184

Replacing the WLAN Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .184

Replacing the TV Tuner Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .185

Replacing the DIMM Modules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .186

Replacing the Hard Disk Drive Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .186

Replacing the ODD Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .187

Replacing the Lower Covers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .187

Replacing the SD Dummy Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .189

Replacing the Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .189

Troubleshooting 191

Common Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .191

Power On Issue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .192

No Display Issue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .193

Random Loss of BIOS Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .194

LCD Failure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .195

Built-In Keyboard Failure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .196

TouchPad Failure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .197

Internal Speaker Failure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .198

Internal Microphone Failure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .199

HDD Not Operating Correctly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .200

USB (Right Up/Down Side) Failure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .201

Other Failures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .201

Intermittent Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .201

Undetermined Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .202

Post Codes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .203

Chipset POST Codes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .203

Jumper and Connector Locations 207

Top View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .207

Bottom View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .208

Clearing Password Check and BIOS Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .209

Clearing Password Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .209

BIOS Recovery by Crisis Disk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .210

FRU (Field Replaceable Unit) List 211

Aspire 8940 Exploded Diagrams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .212

Main Chassis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .212

LCD Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .213

Aspire 8940 FRU List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .214

Table of Contents

Screw List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .222

Model Definition and Configuration 224

Aspire 8940 Series . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .224

Test Compatible Components 239

Microsoft® Windows® 7 Environment Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .240

Online Support Information 265 Index 267

System Specifications

Features

Below is a brief summary of the computer’s many features: NOTE: Items marked with * denote only selected models.

Operating System

• Genuine Windows 7®

Platform

• Intel® Core™ i7 processor technology, featuring:

• Mobile Intel® PM55 Express Chipset

System Memory

• Dual-Channel SDRAM support

• Up to 4 GB of DDR3 1066 MHz memory, upgradeable to 8 GB using two soDIMM modules

Chapter 1

Display

• 18.4” TFT LCD

• Resolution: 1920 x 1080 Full HD

• 16:9 aspect ratio

Graphics

• NVIDIA® GeForce® GTS 250M*

• NVIDIA® GeForce® GT 240M*

Storage subsystem

• 2.5" hard disk drive

• Optical drive options:

• Blu-ray Disc™ Writer/DVD-Super Multi doublelayer drive

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

• DVD-Super Multi double-layer drive*

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

Audio

• Dolby®-optimized surround sound system with five built-in stereo speakers and one subwoofer supporting low frequency effects

• True5.1-channel surround sound output

Chapter 1 1

• High-definition audio support

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

• MS-Sound compatible

• Acer Purezone technology with two built-in stereo microphone

Dimensions and Weight

• 440 (W) x 295 (D) x 31/43.8 (H) mm (17.34 x 11.62 x 1.22/1.73 inches)

• 4.6 kg (10.1 lbs.) with 8-cell battery

Communication

• Acer Video Conference, featuring:

• Integrated Acer Crystal Eye webcam*

• Acer PureZone technology*

• 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, and HDD password control

• Kensington Lock (7.5mm)

Power subsystem

•ACPI 3.0

• 71 W 4800 mAh battery

• 3-pin 120 W AC adapter

• ENERGY STAR®*

Special keys and controls

• 103-/104-/107-key keyboard

• Touchpad pointing device

I/O interface

• ExpressCard®/54 slot

• Acer Bio-Protection fingerprint reader*

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

• USB 2.0 jacks

• IEEE 1394 port

• HDMI™ port with HDCP support

• DISPLAY port

• eSATA port

• External display (VGA 15-pins) port

2 Chapter 1

• Consumer infrared (CIR) port

• RF-in jack*

• 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

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.

Chapter 1 3

System Block Diagram

eSATA Conn.

USB 10

USB Port x 4

USB 0,6, 11, 12

Bluetooth

USB 4

CCD

USB 9

FingerPrint

USB 2

Front Stereo A (G1453L/ 2W+2W)

P24

Front

Speaker

P24

P28

P29

Center Mono Amp (G1442/ 2W)

P23

Center Speaker

P24

CLOCK GENERATOR

SELGO: SLG8SP585V

eSATA Buffer

(TI SN75LVCP412)

Rear Audio Amp & Head phone

AN1

2947A

Spea

DDR III

P28

ker

P24

SO-DIMM 0 SO-DIMM 1

P23,P24

X'TAL

14.318MHz

P14, 15

HDD (SATA) *2

ODD (SATA)

Audio CODEC (ALC889X)

Sub-Amplifier (MAX9737)

S/PDIF

SUBWOOFER

P24

Dual Channel DDR3

800/ 1066 MHz

P22

SATA0

SATA3

SATA1

P22

SATA2

USB 2.0

Azalia

P23

P24

Line in

P24

Auburndale (UMA+VGA) Clarksfield (VGA)

EM MEMOR

DDR SYST

FDI

SATA

Ibex Peak_M

USB

IHDA

SPI

SPI ROM

MIC

Jack

Int

P24

P18, P24

intel

rPGA 989

P4.5.6.7

intel

PCH

P8.9.10.11.12.13

SPI ROM

Touch Pad

. D-MIC

K/B COON.

PCI-E X16

DMI

X4 DMI interface

DMI

Graphics Interfaces

PCI-E X1

RTC P9

LPC

EC (WPC775C)

NVRAM

P30

P29

PCIE

PCI-Express

X'TAL 32.768KHz

P30

X'TAL

32.768KHz

MMB

CIR

MXM 3.0

PCIE-1

IEEE1394 & Media Cardreader

JMB380-QGAZ0B

IEEE1394a connector

P27

P30

Fan Driver

(PW

P17

P26

M Type)

P29

DISPLAY PORT HDMI CRT LVDS

P26

Card Reader Connector

+1.05V

DDR PWR

THERMAL PROTECTION

1.8VPW DISCHARGER

POWER TREE

LVDS & CRT Switch

P26

UP61111AQDD

TPS5116

P18

PCIE-3

Broadcom

Giga-LAN

(BCM5784)

Transformer

RJ45

PCIE-2

PCIE-4&6

CHARGER

P36

3/5V SYS PWR

P37

CPU CORE PWR

P42

VAXG

P38

+VTT

P39

UP61111AQDD

DISPLAY PORT

HDMI

CRT

LVDS

X'TAL 25MHz

P20

ISL88731

ISL6237

ISL62882

ISL62881

USB7

New Card

USB 7

Mini Card

WLAN / TV

USB 12 & 13

USB12 & 13

P31

P32

P33

P34

P35

P19

P18

P25

P21

4 Chapter 1

Your Acer Notebook tour

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

Front View

1 2

Icon Item Description

1 Acer Crystal Eye

webcam

2 Microphone Internal microphone for sound recording.

Web camera for video communication.

14 13

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

computer output (Configuration may vary by models).

4 Power button Turns the computer on and off.

Chapter 1 5

Icon Item Description

5 Backup key Launches Acer Backup Management for three-step

data backup.

Bluetooth communication button/indicator

Wireless LAN communication

Enables/disables the Bluetooth function. Indicates the status of Bluetooth communication (only for certain models)

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

button/indicator 6 Keyboard For entering data into your computer. 7 Touchpad Touch-sensitive pointing device which functions like a

computer mouse.

8 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.

Power

Battery

†

Indicates the computer's power status.

Indicates the computer's battery status.

• Charging: The light shows amber when the battery is charging.

• Fully charged: The light shows blue when in AC mode.

9 Click buttons (left,

center* and right)

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).

10 Palmrest Comfortable support area for your hands when you

use the computer.

11 Touchpad toggle Turns the internal touchpad on and off.

12 Acer MediaTouch Touch sensitive controls for Acer Arcade, volume (up/

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

13 Acer PowerSmart key 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.

*The front panel indicators are visible even when the computer cover is closed up. †The front panel indicators are visible even when the computer cover is closed up.

6 Chapter 1

Closed Front View

# Icon Item Description

1 Multi-in-1 card

reader

2 CIR receiver Receives signals from a remote control.

3 Speakers Dolby 5.1 speakers deliver stereo audio output.

Accepts Secure Digital (SD), MultiMediaCard (MMC), 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.

Rear View

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.

Chapter 1 7

Left View

12 3 4 5 678 9 10

# Icon Item Description

1 DC-in jack Connects to an AC adapter.

2 Ethernet (RJ-45)

port

3 External display

(VGA) port

4 DISPLAY DISPLAY port Supports high definition digital video connections. 5 HDMI HDMI port Supports high definition digital video connections. 6 eSATA e SATA port Connects to eSATA devices (only for certain models). 7 USB 2.0 port Connects to USB 2.0 devices (e.g., USB mouse, USB

8 4-pin IEEE 1394

port

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

Microphone-in jack Accepts inputs from external microphones.

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

Expresscard / 54

ExpressCard/54 slot

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

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

camera). Connects to IEEE 1394 devices.

stereo walkman, mp3 player)

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

Accepts one ExpressCard/54 module.

8 Chapter 1

Right View

12345678

Icon Item Description

1 USB 2.0 port Connects to USB 2.0 devices (e.g., USB mouse,

USB camera). 2 Optical drive Internal optical drive; accepts CDs or DVDs. 3 Optical disk access

indicator

4 Optical drive eject

button

5 Emergency eject hole Ejects the optical drive tray whe n the computer is

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

7 RF-in port Accepts input signals from digital TV tuner devices.

8 Kensington lock slot Connects to a Kensington-compatible computer

Lights up when the optical drive is active.

Ejects the optical disk from the drive.

turned off.

Note: Insert a paper clip to the emergency eject hole

to eject the optical drive tray when the computer is

off.

USB camera).

(only for certain models)

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.

Chapter 1 9

Bottom View

2 3

Icon Item Description

1 Battery bay Houses the computer's battery pack.

2 Battery release latch Releases the battery for removal.

3 Battery lock Locks the battery in position.

4 Hard drive bay-

Secondary

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

6 Memory compartment Houses the computer’s main memory 7 Ventilation slots and

cooling fan

10 Chapter 1

Houses the computer’s hard disk (secured with screws) (for certain models only).

with screws).

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

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

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 (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 T ouchPad, 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.

Chapter 1 11

Using the Keyboard

Y our notebook features a full-size keyboard that functions the same as a desktop computer keyboard. Many of the keys have been assigned alternate functions, including shortcut keys for Windows, function keys for specific system operations, and the Num Lock keys for the numeric keypad.

Key Types

The keyboard has several different types of keys. Some keys perform specific actions when pressed alone and other actions when pressed in combination with another key.

Icon Key Type Description

Function keys Press these keys labeled F1 to F12 to perform actions in

programs. For example, pressing F1 may open help. Each program uses different function keys for different purposes. See the program documentation to find out more about the function key actions.

System keys Press these colored keys in combination with the Fn key to

perform specific actions. See “System Hotkeys” on page 14.

Navigation keys Press these keys to move the cursor to the beginning of a line,

to the end of a line, up the page, down the page, to the beginning of a document, or to the end of a document.

Fn key Press the Fn key in combination with a colored system key to

perform a specific action.

Windows key Press this key to open the Windows Start menu. This key

can also be used in combination with other keys to open utilities. See “Windows Keys” on page 13.

Application key Press this key for quick access to shortcut menus and help

assistants in Windows.

Arrow keys Press these keys to move the cursor up, down, right, or left.

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 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

<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

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

taskbar by using Windows Flip 3-D

described.

Chapter 1 13

System Hotkeys

The computer employs hotkeys or key combinations to access most of the computer’s controls like screen brightness, Bluetooth and WiFi.

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

Hotkey Icon Function Remarks

Fn + F2 System property Starts System Property for displaying system

information.

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.

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 Intel® Core™ i7 processor Type 1.6GHz ~ 1.73GHz CPU Core Logic • Mobile Intel® PM55 Express Chipset

• REALTEK ALC889X for High Definition Audio Codec CPU Package 37.5 x 37.5 mm rPGA package (rPGA988A) Power Vcca 1.5V, Vccp 1.05V On-die Cache 8MB or 256KMB L2 cache Front Side Bus 667/800/1066 MHz Thermal IC Digital thermal sensor (DTS)

Processor Specifications

Item

Ci7720QM 1.6 GHz 4 6 MB LGA1333 45 KC.72001.QMP Ci7820QM 1.73 GHz 4 8 MB LGA1333 45 KC.82001.QMP

CPU

Speed

Cores

Bus

Speed

Mfg

Tech

Cache

Size

Package

CPU Fan True Value Table

Fan On Temp (°C) Fan Speed (rpm) SPL Spec (dBA)

45 2350 31 55 2600 34 75 3150 38 95 3500 40

Thermal

Design

Power (W)

Acer P/N

• Throttling 50%: On=105°C, Off=85°C

• OS Shutdown: 110°C

• H/W Shutdown: 110°C

Northbridge

Item Specification

Chipset NB Chipset Intel CS BD82PM55 MM#903212 Package 1333-pin

16 Chapter 1

VGA Subsystem

Item Specification

Chipset NVIDIA N10EGE 40nm 29mm*29mm GB1-128 package Vendor NVIDIA Package BGA-969pin Features • GPU Product Name: Nvidia N10E-GE

• ASIC: BGA-969pin

• VGA BUS Slot: MXM slot

• MXM Type: MXM 3.0

• Vorce: 1.50V

• Engine Clock: 535MHz

• Memory Clock: 790MHz

• Memory Type: gDDR3

• Memory Amount: 1024M(64MBx16bit)

• Memory Interface: 128bit

•LVDS: Y

•TMDS: Y

•TV: N

•DP: Y

•CRT: Y

Standard Supported VGA Resolution

Resolution Color Depth Refresh Rate

640 x 480 8, 16 60 70 72 75 85 100 120 800 x 600 8, 16 60 70 72 75 85 100 120 1024 x 768 8, 16 60 70 72 75 85 100 120 1152 x 864 8, 16 60 70 72 75 85 100 120 1280 x 720 8, 16 60 1280 x 768 8, 16 60 70 72 75 85 100 120 140 144 150 1280 x 800 8, 16 60 70 72 75 85 100 120 140 144 150 1280 x 960 8, 16 60 70 72 75 85 100 120 1280 x 1024 8, 16 60 70 72 75 85 100 120 1360 x 768 8, 16 60 70 72 75 85 100 120 140 144 150 1400 x 1050 8, 16 60 70 72 75 85 100 1600 x 1024 8, 16 60 70 72 75 85 100 1600 x 1200 8, 16 60 70 72 75 85 100 1920 x 1200 8, 16 60 70 72 75 85 1920 x 1440 8, 16 60 70 72 75 85 2048 x 1536 8, 16 60 70 72 75 85 640 x 480 32,64 60 70 72 75 85 100 120 800 x 600 32,64 60 70 72 75 85 100 120 1024 x 768 32,64 60 70 72 75 85 100 120 140 144 150 170 200 1152 x 864 32,64 60 70 72 75 85 100 120 140 144 150 170 1280 x 720 32,64 60 1280 x 768 32,64 60 70 72 75 85 100 120 140 144 150 1280 x 800 32,64 60 70 72 75 85 100 120 140 144 150

Chapter 1 17

Resolution Color Depth Refresh Rate

1280 x 960 32,64 60 70 72 75 85 100 120 140 144 150 1280 x 1024 32,64 60 70 72 75 85 100 120 140 144 150 1360 x 768 32,64 60 70 72 75 85 100 120 140 144 150 1400 x 1050 32,64 60 70 72 75 85 1600 x 1024 32,64 60 70 72 75 85 1600 x 1200 32,64 60 70 72 75 85 100 1920 x 1200 32,64 60 70 72 75 85 1920 x 1440 32,64 60 70 72 75 85 2048 x 1536 32,64 60 70 72 75 85

BIOS

Item Specification

BIOS vendor Insyde H20 BIOS Version V0.07 BIOS ROM type Flash ROM W25x16 Package 8-pin SOIC Features • Flash ROM 1MB

• Support ISIPP

• Support Acer UI

• Support multi-boot

• Suspend to RAM (S3)/Disk (S4)

• Various hot-keys for system control

• Support SMBUS 2.0, PCI2.3

• ACPI 2.0 compliance with Intel Speed Step Support C1, C2, C3, C4,C6 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® Core™ i7 processor with Mobile Intel® PM55 Express

Chipset Memory size 4GB DIMM socket number 2 Supports memory size per socket 2GB Supports maximum memory size Up to 8GB using two soDIMM modules Supports DIMM type DDRIII Supports DIMM Speed 667/800/1066 MHz Supports DIMM voltage 1.5V Cache 8MB

18 Chapter 1

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.

VGA controller

Item Specification

VGA Chipset NVIDIA N10EGE Package MXM3.0 module Features • DDRIII

• Data width 128bits

• 1024M(64MBx16bit)

• Memory Clock 790MHz

Interface PCIe v1.1 bus

LAN Interface

Item Specification

LAN Chipset Broadcom BCM5784MKMLG for 10/100/1000LAN Package 68-pin QFN LAN connector type RJ11 Features • Integrated 10/100/1000BASE-T transceiver.

• Automatic MDI crossover function.

• PCIe v1.1 compliant.

• 10/100/1000BASE-T full-duplex/half-duplex MAC.

• Wake on LAN (WOL) support meeting the ACPI requirements.

• Statistics for SNMP MIB II, Ethe rnet-like MIB, and Ethernet MIB (IEEE 802.3z, Clause 30).

• Self-boot feature, utilizing smaller EEPROM size.

• Serial flash memory support.

• Hot plug support.

• PCI Express CLKREQ support.

• Energy Detect/Cable Sense.

Chapter 1 19

Item Specification

Features • Integrated 10/100/1000BASE-T transceiver

• Automatic MDI crossover function

• PCIe v1.1 compliant

• 10/100/1000BASE-T full-duplex/half-duplex MAC

• Receive side scaling (RSS) for multicore processors

• Complies with IEEE 802.3, 802.3u, 802.3ab, and 802.1p

• IPv4 and IPv6 large send offload and checksum offload (LSO/TCO)

• Wake on LAN (WOL) support meeting the ACPI requirements

• Statistics for SNMP MIB II, Ethe rnet-like MIB, and Ethernet MIB (IEEE 802.3z, Clause 30)

• Self-boot feature, utilizing smaller EEPROM size

• Serial flash memory support

• PCI Express CLKREQ support

• Energy Detect/Cable Sense

• Super Low Power Mode, for ultra-low power consumption

Interface PCIe v1.1 bus

Wireless Module 802.11b/g

Item Specification

Manufacturer Intel WiFi Link 5000 series Model Intel® WiFi Link 5100 and Intel® WiFi Link 5300 (Intel®

WiFi Link 5300/5100) integrated Wi-Fi

Frequency Range Automatic switching between the two band 2.4GHz and

5.0GHz

Interface mini PCI Express card

Bluetooth

Item Specification

Model FoxConn T60H928.33 Operating Frequency 2.402GHz ~ 2.480GHz Channel Numbers 79 channels with 1MHz BW Transmitter Output Power -6~4dBm output power for BT class 2 operation Receiver Sensitivity -75dBm, BER<0.1% Maximum Receiver Signal -10dBm Operating Voltage 3.3V+/-0.3V Interface USB

Modem

Item Specification

Model Liteon D-1156U#/A9B Interface Two-chip USB 2.0 Package SV92U2 host interface in a 48-pi n TQ FP Power supply USB supply voltage 5.0V±0.5V

20 Chapter 1

+ 250 hidden pages