Dell Dimension 5150C User Manual

Dell Dimension 5150C Service Manual

Dell™ Dimension™ 5150C Service Manual

Before You Begin
Specifications
Removing and Installing Parts
Replacing the Computer Cover
Removing the Computer Cover
Technical Overview
Troubleshooting
System Setup

Notes, Notices, and Cautions

NOTE: A NOTE indicates important information that helps you make better use of your computer.

NOTICE: A NOTICE indicates either potential damage to hardware or loss of data and tells you how to avoid the

problem.

CAUTION: A CAUTION indicates a potential for property damage, personal injury, or death.

If you purchased a Dell™ n Series computer, any references in this document to Microsoft® Windows® operating systems are
not applicable.

Information in this document is subject to change without notice.
© 2005–2006 Dell Inc. All rights reserved.

Reproduction in any manner whatsoever without the written permission of Dell Inc. is strictly forbidden.
Trademarks used in this text: Dell, the DELL logo, and Dimension are trademarks of Dell Inc.; Intel, Pentium, Intel SpeedStep, and Celeron are

registered trademarks of Intel Corporation; Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
Other trademarks and trade names may be used in this document to refer to either the entities claiming the marks and names or their products.

Dell Inc. disclaims any proprietary interest in trademarks and trade names other than its own.

August 2006 Rev. A02

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Before You Begin: Dell Dimension 5150C Service Manual

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Before You Begin

Dell™ Dimension™ 5150C Service Manual

Getting Started
Recommended Tools
Turning Off Your Computer
Before Working Inside Your Computer

Getting Started

This document provides procedures for removing and installing the components in your computer. Unless otherwise noted,
each procedure assumes that the following conditions exist:

You have performed the steps in "Turning Off Your Computer" and "Before Working Inside Your Computer."
You have read the safety information in your Dell™ Product Information Guide.
A component can be replaced or—if purchased separately—installed by performing the removal procedure in reverse

order.

Recommended Tools

The procedures in this document may require the following tools:

Small flat-blade screwdriver
Phillips #0 and #2 screwdrivers
Phillips #1 screwdriver
Flash BIOS update program floppy disk or CD

Turning Off Your Computer

NOTICE: To avoid losing data, save and close any open files and exit any open programs before you turn off your

computer.

1. Shut down the operating system:
a. Save and close any open files, exit any open programs, click the Start button, and then click Turn Off

Computer.

b. In the Turn off computer window, click Turn off.

The computer turns off after the operating system shutdown process finishes.

2. Ensure that the computer and any attached devices are turned off. If your computer and attached devices did not

automatically turn off when you shut down your operating system, press and hold the power button for 4 seconds.

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Before You Begin: Dell Dimension 5150C Service Manual

Before Working Inside Your Computer

Use the following safety guidelines to help protect your computer from potential damage and to help ensure your own
personal safety.

CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the

Product Information Guide.

CAUTION: Handle components and cards with care. Do not touch the components or contacts on a card.

Hold a card by its edges or by its metal mounting bracket. Hold a component such as a processor by its
edges, not by its pins.

NOTICE: Only a certified service technician should perform repairs on your computer. Damage due to servicing that is

not authorized by Dell is not covered by your warranty.

NOTICE: When you disconnect a cable, pull on its connector or on its strain-relief loop, not on the cable itself. Some

cables have a connector with locking tabs; if you are disconnecting this type of cable, press in on the locking tabs
before you disconnect the cable. As you pull connectors apart, keep them evenly aligned to avoid bending any
connector pins. Also, before you connect a cable, ensure that both connectors are correctly oriented and aligned.

NOTICE: To avoid damaging the computer, perform the following steps before you begin working inside the computer.

1. Follow the steps in "Turning Off Your Computer

NOTICE: To disconnect a network cable, first unplug the cable from your computer and then unplug it from the

network port or device.

2. Disconnect any telephone or network cables from the computer.

3. Disconnect your computer and all attached devices from their electrical outlets, and then press the power button to

ground the system board.

4. Remove the computer stand, if it is attached.

CAUTION: To guard against electrical shock, always unplug your computer from the electrical outlet before

opening the cover.

5. Follow the steps in "Removing the Computer Cover

NOTICE: Before touching anything inside your computer, ground yourself by touching an unpainted metal surface,

such as the metal at the back of the computer. While you work, periodically touch an unpainted metal surface to
dissipate any static electricity that could harm internal components.

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Specifications: Dell Dimension 5150C Service Manual

Back to Contents Page

Specifications

Dell™ Dimension™ 5150C Service Manual

Processor

Processor types Intel® Pentium® 4 5XXX and 6XXX

processors with Hyper-Threading
technology

Pentium D 8XXX dual core processors (no
Hyper-Threading)

Intel Celeron® D processors

Level 1 (L1) cache 16 KB for Pentium 4 5XXX and 6XXX

processors and Celeron D processors
2 x 16 KB for Pentium D 8XXX dual core

processors

Level 2 (L2) cache 1 MB for Pentium 4 5XXX processors

2 MB for Pentium 4 6XXX processors
2 x 1 MB for Pentium D 8XXX processors
128 KB for Celeron D processors
(depending on your computer

configuration) pipelined-burst, eight-way
set associative, write-back SRAM

Memory

Type 400-MHz and 533-MHz DDR2 unbuffered

SDRAM
Memory connectors four
Memory capacities 256-MB, 512-MB, 1-GB, or 2-GB non-ECC
Maximum memory 4 GB

NOTE: See Addressing Memory With 4-

GB Configurations to verify the amount of

memory available to the operating

system.
BIOS address F0000h

Computer Information

Chipset Intel 945G Express
DMA channels eight
Interrupt levels 24
BIOS chip (NVRAM) 4 Mb
NIC integrated network interface capable of

10/100-Mbps communication

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Specifications: Dell Dimension 5150C Service Manual

System clock 800-MHz data rate

Video

Type Intel integrated Graphics Media

Accelerator (GMA) 950

Audio

Type Sigmatel STAC9220

Expansion Bus

Bus type PCI Express x1 and x16
Bus speed PCI Express:

x1 slot bidirectional speed:
500 MB/s

x16 slot bidirectional speed:
8 GB/sec

PCI Express:

connector one x1
connector size 36 pins
connector data width (maximum) one PCI Express lane

PCI Express:

connector one x16
connector size 164 pins
connector data width (maximum) 16 PCI Express lanes

Drives

Externally accessible one slimline 3.5-inch media bay (for

optional floppy drive or optional Media

Card Reader)

one slimline 5.25-inch drive bay
Available devices Serial ATA drive, USB memory devices,

CD drive, DVD drive, DVD+RW drive,

DVD/CD-RW combo drive, DVD+/-RW,

and Media Card Reader
Internally accessible one bay for 1-inch high hard drive

Connectors

External connectors:

IEEE 1394 one 6-pin powered back-panel connector

one 6-pin powered front-panel connector

data transfer speeds: 100Mb/s, 200Mb/s,

and 400Mb/s

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Specifications: Dell Dimension 5150C Service Manual

Video 15-hole D-SUB connector

USB two front-panel and five back-panel USB

Audio five back-panel connectors for line-in,

Network adapter RJ45 connector
Modem RJ11 (MDC 1.5) connector

System board connectors:

IDE drive one 50-pin connector
Serial ATA one 7-pin connector

2.0–compliant connectors

data transfer speeds: 1.5Mb/s, 12Mb/s,

and 480Mb/s

line-out, microphone, surround sound,

and center/Low Frequency Effects (LFE)

channel

back-panel S/PDIF connector

front-panel miniature headphone

connector for line-out

front-panel microphone connector

Fan one 5-pin connector
PCI Express x1 36-pin connector
PCI Express x16 164-pin connector
USB 8-pin header for optional Media Card

Reader (3.5-inch bay device)

MDC one 12-pin connector
Floppy connector one 26-pin connector
Front panel one 40-pin header
Power one 2 x 22connector
Processor power one 2 x 2 connector
IEEE 1394 one 2 x 5 header — always connected by

cable to the front panel; supports front-

panel IEEE1394 port

Controls and Lights

Power control push button
Power light green light — Blinking green in sleep

state; solid green for power-on state.

amber light — Blinking amber indicates a

problem with an installed device; solid

amber indicates an internal power

problem (see "Power Problems" in your

computer Owner's Manual).
Hard-drive access light green
Link integrity light (on integrated network

adapter)

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green light — A good connection exists

between a 10-Mbps network and the

computer.

orange light — A good connection exists

between a 100-Mbps network and the

Specifications: Dell Dimension 5150C Service Manual

computer.

off (no light) — The computer is not

detecting a physical connection to the

network.
Activity light (on integrated network

adapter)
Diagnostic lights four lights on the front panel (see "Dell

Standby power light AUX_PWRLED on the system board
Activity light (optional Media Card Reader) green blinking light

Power

DC power supply:

Wattage 275 W
Heat dissipation 939 BTU/hr

Voltage (see the safety instructions
in the Product Information Guide
for important voltage setting
information)

Backup battery 3-V CR2032 lithium coin cell

yellow blinking light

Diagnostics" for an explanation of the

diagnostic light codes)

NOTE: Heat dissipation is calculated

based upon the power supply wattage

rating.

manual selection power supplies — 90 to

135 V at 50/60 Hz; 180 to 265 V at 50/60

Hz

Physical

Height 31.8 cm (12.5 inches)
Width 9.4 cm (3.7 inches)
Depth 36.8 cm (14.5 inches)
Weight 6.89 kg (15.2 lb)

Environmental

Temperature:

Operating 10° to 35°C (50° to 95°F)

Storage –40° to 65°C (–40° to 149°F)
Relative humidity 20% to 80% (noncondensing)
Maximum vibration:

Operating 0.25 G at 3 to 200 Hz at 0.5 octave/min

Storage 0.5 G at 3 to 200 Hz at 1 octave/min
Maximum shock:

Operating bottom half-sine pulse with a change in

velocity of 50.8 cm/sec (20 inches/sec)

Storage 27-G faired square wave with a velocity

change of 508 cm/sec (200 inches/sec)

Altitude:

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Specifications: Dell Dimension 5150C Service Manual

Operating –15.2 to 3048 m (–50 to 10,000 ft)

Storage –15.2 to 10,668 m (–50 to 35,000 ft)

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Removing and Installing Parts: Dell Dimension 5150C Service Manual

Back to Contents Page

Removing and Installing Parts

Dell™ Dimension™ 5150C Service Manual

Memory
Cards
Hard Drive
CD/DVD Drive
Floppy Drive (Optional)
Media Card Reader
Heat-Sink Assembly
Fan Assembly

Processor
Modem
Power Supply
System Board
Front I/O Panel
Battery
Front Panel

Memory

You can increase your computer memory by installing memory modules on the system board.
Your computer supports DDR2 memory.

NOTE: Buffered memory is not supported on this computer.

DDR2 Memory Overview

DDR2 memory modules should be installed in pairs of matched memory size, speed, and technology. If the DDR2 memory
modules are not installed in matched pairs, the computer will continue to operate, but with a slight reduction in performance.
See the label on the module to determine the module capacity.

NOTE: Always install DDR2 memory modules in the order indicated on the system board.

The recommended memory configurations are:

A pair of matched memory modules installed in DIMM connectors 1 and 2 (white securing clips)

or

A pair of matched memory modules installed in DIMM connectors 1 and 2 and another matched pair installed in DIMM
connectors 3 and 4 (black securing clips)

NOTICE: Do not install ECC memory modules.

NOTE: If you install DDR2 667-MHz memory, the speed is reduced to 533 MHz.

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If you install mixed pairs of DDR2 400-MHz (PC2-3200) and DDR2 533-MHz (PC2-4300) memory, the modules function
at the speed of the slowest module installed.

Be sure to install a single memory module in DIMM connector 1, the connector closest to the processor, before you
install modules in the other connectors.

NOTE: Memory purchased from Dell is covered under your computer warranty.

NOTICE: If you remove your original memory modules from the computer during a memory upgrade, keep them

separate from any new modules that you may have, even if you purchased the new modules from Dell. If possible, do
not pair an original memory module with a new memory module. Otherwise, your computer may not start properly.
You should install your original memory modules in pairs either in DIMM connectors 1 and 2 or DIMM connectors 3 and

4.

Addressing Memory With 4-GB Configurations

Your computer supports a maximum of 4 GB of memory when you use two 2-GB DIMMs. Current operating systems, such as
Microsoft® Windows® XP, can use a maximum of 4 GB of address space; however, the amount of memory available to the
operating system is less than 4 GB. Certain components within the computer require address space in the 4-GB range. Any
address space reserved for these components cannot be used by computer memory.

Installing Memory

CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the

Product Information Guide.

NOTICE: To prevent static damage to components inside your computer, discharge static electricity from your body

before you touch any of your computer's electronic components. You can do so by touching an unpainted metal surface
on the computer chassis.

1. Follow the procedures in Before You Begin

2. Remove the Removing the Computer Cover

3. Remove the CD/DVD drive

4. Remove the optional Media Card Reader

5. Press out the securing clip at each end of the memory module connector.

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, if installed.

.

.

(or optional floppy drive), if installed.

Removing and Installing Parts: Dell Dimension 5150C Service Manual

12. Right-click the My Computer icon and click Properties.

6. Align the notch on the bottom of the module with the crossbar in the connector.

NOTICE: To avoid damage to the memory module, press the module straight down into the connector while you apply

equal force to each end of the module.

7. Insert the module into the connector until the module snaps into position.

If you insert the module correctly, the securing clips snap into the cutouts at each end of the module.

8. Replace the computer cover.

NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable into the network port or device and then plug it into the

computer.

9. Connect your computer and devices to electrical outlets, and turn them on.

10. When a message appears stating that memory size has changed, press <F1> to continue.

11. Log on to your computer.

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13. Click the General tab.

14. To verify that the memory is installed correctly, check the amount of memory (RAM) listed.

Removing Memory

CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the

Product Information Guide.

NOTICE: To prevent static damage to components inside your computer, discharge static electricity from your body

before you touch any of your computer's electronic components. You can do so by touching an unpainted metal surface
on the computer chassis.

1. Follow the procedures in Before You Begin

2. Remove the computer cover

3. Press out the securing clip at each end of the memory module connector.

4. Grasp the module and pull up.

If the module is difficult to remove, ease the module back and forth to remove it from the connector.

.

.

Cards

CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the

Product Information Guide.

NOTICE: To prevent static damage to components inside your computer, discharge static electricity from your body

before you touch any of your computer's electronic components. You can do so by touching an unpainted metal surface
on the computer chassis.

Your Dell™ computer provides the following slots for PCI Express cards:

One PCI Express x16 card slot
One PCI Express x1 card slot

NOTE: The slots for the PCI Express x16 and PCI Express x1 cards are half-height slots.

If you are installing or replacing a PCI Express card, follow the procedures in the next section. If you are removing but not
replacing a card, see "Removing a PCI Express Card

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Removing and Installing Parts: Dell Dimension 5150C Service Manual

If you are replacing a card, remove the current driver for the card from the operating system.

Installing a PCI Express Card

1. Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin."

2. Remove the computer cover

3. Pull up on the release tab on the card retention door from the inside to pivot the door open. Because the door is
captive, it will remain in the open position.

4. If you are installing a new card, remove the filler bracket to create a card-slot opening. Then continue with step 6

5. If you are replacing a card that is already installed in the computer, remove the card.

If necessary, disconnect any cables connected to the card. Grasp the card by its top corners, and ease it out of its
connector.

6. Prepare the card for installation.

See the documentation that came with the card for information on configuring the card, making internal connections, or
otherwise customizing it for your computer.

CAUTION: Some network adapters automatically start the computer when they are connected to a

network. To guard against electrical shock, be sure to unplug your computer from its electrical outlet
before installing any cards.

7. Place the card in the connector and press down firmly. Ensure that the card is fully seated in the slot.

.

.

8. If you are installing the card into the x16 card connector, position the card so the securing slot is aligned with the
securing tab, and pull the securing tab.

9. Place the card in the connector and press down firmly. Ensure that the card is fully seated in the slot.

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10. Before you close the card retention door, ensure that:
The tops of all cards and filler brackets are flush with the alignment bar.
The notch in the top of the card or filler bracket fits around the alignment guide.

11. Close the card retention door by snapping it into place to secure the cards.

NOTICE: Do not route card cables over or behind the cards. Cables routed over the cards can prevent the computer

cover from closing properly or cause damage to the equipment.

12. Connect any cables that should be attached to the card.

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See the documentation that came with the card for information about the card cable connections.

Removing a Hard Drive

NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable into the network port or device and then plug it into the

computer.

13. Replace the computer cover

14. Install any drivers required for the card as described in the card documentation.

, reconnect the computer and devices to electrical outlets, and then turn them on.

Removing a PCI Express Card

1. Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin."

2. Remove the computer cover

3. Pull up on the release tab on the card retention door from the inside to pivot the door open. Because the door is
captive, it will remain in the open position.

4. If necessary, disconnect any cables connected to the card.

5. Pull back the securing tab, grasp the card by its top corners, and then ease it out of its connector.

6. If you are removing the card permanently, install a filler bracket in the empty card-slot opening.

If you need a filler bracket, contact Dell.

NOTE: Installing filler brackets over empty card-slot openings is necessary to maintain FCC certification of the

computer. The brackets keep dust and dirt out of your computer.

.

7. Before you close the card retention door, ensure that:

The tops of all cards and filler brackets are flush with the alignment bar.
The notch in the top of the cards or filler brackets fits around the alignment guide.

8. Close the card retention door by snapping it into place to secure the cards.

9. Replace the computer cover, reconnect the computer and devices to electrical outlets, and then turn them on.

10. Uninstall the driver for that card.

Hard Drive

CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions located in

the Product Information Guide.

CAUTION: To guard against electrical shock, always unplug your computer from the electrical outlet before

removing the cover.

NOTICE: To avoid damage to the drive, do not set it on a hard surface. Instead, set the drive on a surface, such as a

foam pad, that will sufficiently cushion it.

NOTICE: If you are replacing a hard drive that contains data you want to keep, back up your files before you begin

this procedure.

Check the documentation for the drive to verify that it is configured for your computer.

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1. Follow the procedures in Before You Begin.

2. Remove the computer cover

3. Press the blue tabs on either side of the guide bracket toward each other and slide the drive up and out of the
computer.

.

4. Disconnect the power cable and the serial ATA data cable from the drive.

Installing a Hard Drive

1. Remove the old hard drive.

2. Unpack the replacement hard drive, and prepare it for installation.

3. Check the documentation for the drive to verify that it is configured for your computer.

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NOTE: If your replacement hard drive does not have the plastic guide bracket attached, remove the bracket from the

old drive by unsnapping it from the drive. Snap the bracket onto the new drive.

4. Connect the power cable and the serial ATA data cable to the drive.

5. Ensure that all connectors are properly cabled and firmly seated.

6. Slide the drive into place until you feel a click or feel the drive securely installed.

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7. Replace the computer cover.

NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable into the network port or device and then plug it into the

computer.

8. Connect your computer and devices to electrical outlets, and turn them on.

See the documentation that came with the drive for instructions on installing any software required for drive operation.

CD/DVD Drive

CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the

Product Information Guide.

CAUTION: To guard against electrical shock, always unplug your computer from the electrical outlet before

opening the cover.

Removing a CD/DVD Drive

1. Follow the procedures in Before You Begin.

NOTICE: Do not pull the drive out of the computer by the drive cables. Doing so may cause damage to cables and the

cable connectors.

2. Follow the procedures in Removing the Computer Cover

3. Pull up on the drive release latch and slide the drive toward the back of the computer.

4. Carefully, so as not to damage the attached interface cable, lift the drive away from the computer.

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NOTE: The interface cable is held in place by the metal drive bracket and does not need to be removed from the drive.

5. Disconnect the interface cable from the interface cable connector on the system board.

6. Set the drive aside in a secure location.

Installing a CD/DVD Drive

1. Unpack the drive and prepare it for installation.

Check the documentation that accompanied the drive to verify that the drive is configured for your computer. If you are
installing an IDE drive, configure the drive for the cable select setting.

2. Connect the interface cable to the interface cable connector on the system board. See System Board Components

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CAUTION: To guard against electrical shock, always unplug your computer from the electrical outlet before

3. Slide the drive into place until you feel a click or feel the drive securely installed.

4. Check all cable connections, and fold cables out of the way to provide airflow for the fan and cooling vents.

5. Follow the procedures in Replacing the Computer Cover

6. Connect your computer and devices to their electrical outlets, and turn them on.

7. See the documentation that came with the drive for instructions on installing any software required for drive operation.

8. Follow the procedures in Entering System Setup

9. Verify that your computer works correctly by running the Dell Diagnostics

and select the appropriate Drive option.

.

.

Floppy Drive (Optional)

CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions located in

the Product Information Guide.

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