Dell NT499 User Manual

Dell Precision™ Workstation T3400

User’s Guide

Model DCTA

w w w . d e l l . c o m | s u p p o r t . d e l l . c o m

Notes, Notices, and Cautions

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

NOTICE: A NOTICE indicates a potential for 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.

____________________

Information in this document is subject to change without notice. © 2007 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, Dell Precision, and Dell OpenManage are trademarks of Dell Inc.; Intel and Pentium are registered trademarks of Intel Corporation; Microsoft, Windows, and Vista are either trademarks or registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. Computrace and Absolute are registered trademarks of Absolute Software 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.

Model DCTA

July 2007

P/N NT499

Rev. A00

Contents

1Finding Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

2About Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Front View (Tower Orientation) . . . . . . . . . . . . .	21
Back View (Tower Orientation) . . . . . . . . . . . . .	24
Front View (Desktop Orientation) . . . . . . . . . . . .	25
Back View (Desktop Orientation) . . . . . . . . . . . .	28
Back Panel Connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	29
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	31

3 Advanced Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

LegacySelect Technology Control . . . . . . . . . . .	39
Manageability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	39
Dell OpenManage™ IT Assistant . . . . . . . . .	39
Dell OpenManage Client Instrumentation . . . . .	40
Power Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	40

4 About RAID Configurations . . . . . . . . . . . 43

Using RAID with Hard Drive Passwords . . . . . . . . 43

Contents 3

RAID Level 0 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	44
RAID Level 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	44
RAID Level 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	45
RAID Level 10 (1+0) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	46
Configuring Your Computer for RAID . . . . . . . . . .	47
Setting Your Computer to RAID-Enabled
Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	48
Configuring Your Computer for RAID Using
the Intel® RAID Option ROM Utility . . . . . . . .	48
Configuring Your Computer for RAID Using
the Intel Matrix Storage Manager . . . . . . . . .	52
Migrating to a RAID Level 0 Configuration . . . . .	56
Migrating to a RAID Level 1 Configuration . . . . .	57
Migrating to a RAID Level 5 Configuration . . . . .	57
Migrating to a RAID Level 10 Configuration . . . .	58
Creating a Spare Hard Drive . . . . . . . . . . . .	59
Rebuilding a Degraded RAID Level 1
Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	60

5 Setting Up Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . 61

Changing Between Tower and Desktop

Orientations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	61
Switching From Tower to Desktop
Orientation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	61
Switching From Desktop to Tower
Orientation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	62
Installing Your Computer in an Enclosure . . . . . . .	62
Transferring Information to a New Computer . . . . . .	65
Microsoft® Windows® XP . . . . . . . . . . . . .	65
Microsoft Windows Vista™ . . . . . . . . . . . .	68

4 Contents

Power Protection Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	68
Surge Protectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	69
Line Conditioners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	69
Uninterruptible Power Supplies . . . . . . . . . .	69

6 Securing Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . .	71
Chassis Intrusion Detection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	71
Security Cable Lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	71
Smart Cards and Fingerprint Readers . . . . . . . . .	72
Passwords . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	72
About Passwords . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	73
Using a Primary (System) Password . . . . . . . .	74
Using an Administrator Password . . . . . . . . .	74
Using a Hard Drive Password . . . . . . . . . . .	75
Trusted Platform Module (TPM) . . . . . . . . . . . . .	76
Turning On and Activating TPM . . . . . . . . . .	76
Security Management Software . . . . . . . . . . . .	77
Computer Tracking Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	77
If Your Computer Is Lost or Stolen . . . . . . . . . . .	78

7 Cleaning Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . .	79
Computer, Keyboard, and Monitor . . . . . . . . . . .	79
Mouse (Non-Optical) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	79
Floppy Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	80
CDs and DVDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	80
Contents			5

8 System Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	81
Entering System Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	81
System Setup Screens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	81
System Setup Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	82
Boot Sequence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	92
Changing Boot Sequence for the Current
Boot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	93
Changing Boot Sequence for Future Boots . . . .	94
9 Clearing Passwords and CMOS
Settings	95
Clearing Passwords . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	95
Clearing CMOS Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	96
Flashing the BIOS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	97
10 Troubleshooting Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	99
Power Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	99
Diagnostic Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	100
Diagnostic Light Codes During POST . . . . . . .	100
Beep Codes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	104
System Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	105
Hardware Troubleshooter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	107
Dell Diagnostics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	107
When to Use the Dell Diagnostics . . . . . . . . .	108

6 Contents

Starting the Dell Diagnostics From Your

Hard Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108

Dell Diagnostics Main Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . 110

11 Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113

Battery Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	113
Drive Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	113
Optical drive problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	114
Problems writing to an optical drive . . . . . . . . . .	114
E-Mail, Modem, and Internet Problems . . . . . . . .	115
Error Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	117
IEEE 1394 Device Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	118
Keyboard Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	118
Lockups and Software Problems . . . . . . . . . . . .	119
The computer does not start up . . . . . . . . . .	119
The computer stops responding . . . . . . . . . .	119
A program stops responding . . . . . . . . . . . .	119
A program crashes repeatedly . . . . . . . . . .	119
A program is designed for an earlier
Windows operating system . . . . . . . . . . . .	120
A solid blue screen appears . . . . . . . . . . . .	120
Other software problems . . . . . . . . . . . . .	120
Memory Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	121
Mouse Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	121
Network Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	122

Contents 7

	Power Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	123
	Printer Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	124
	Scanner Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	125
	Sound and Speaker Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	125
	No sound from speakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	125
	No sound from headphones . . . . . . . . . . . .	126
	Video and Monitor Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	126
	The screen is blank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	127
	The screen is difficult to read . . . . . . . . . . .	127
	3D image quality is poor . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	129
	Only part of the screen is readable . . . . . . . .	129
12	Reinstalling Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	131
	Drivers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	131
	What Is a Driver? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	131
	Identifying Drivers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	131
	Reinstalling Drivers and Utilities . . . . . . . . . .	132
	Restoring Your Operating System . . . . . . . . . . . .	136
	Using Microsoft Windows System Restore . . . .	136
	Using Dell PC Restore and Dell Factory
	Image Restore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	138
	Using the Operating System Media . . . . . . . .	141
13	Adding and Replacing Parts . . . . . . . . .	143
	Before You Begin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	143
	Recommended Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	143
	Turning Off Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . .	143
	Before Working Inside Your Computer . . . . . . .	144

8 Contents

Removing the Computer Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . .	145
Inside View of Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . .	146
System Board Components . . . . . . . . . . . .	148
Power Supply DC Connector Pin Assignments . .	149
Removing the Front Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	154
Chassis Intrusion Switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	155
Removing the Chassis Intrusion Switch . . . . . .	155
Replacing the Chassis Intrusion Switch . . . . . .	156
Resetting the Chassis Intrusion Detector . . . . .	157
Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	157
Memory Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	157
Removing a Memory Module . . . . . . . . . . .	160
Installing a Memory Module . . . . . . . . . . . .	160
Cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	162
PCI Cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	163
PCI Express Cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	175
Drives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	185
Tower Computer Drive Configurations . . . . . . .	185
Desktop Computer Drive Configurations . . . . . .	187
About Metal Shields (Present in Some Drive
Configurations) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	188
General Installation Guidelines . . . . . . . . . .	189
Hard Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	191
Removing a Hard Drive (Tower or Desktop
Computer) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	191
Installing a Hard Drive or Adding a Second
Optional Hard Drive (Tower or Desktop
Computer) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	194
Removing an Optional Third Hard Drive
(Tower Computer) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	197

Contents 9

Installing an Optional Third Hard Drive
(Tower Computer) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	199
Removing an Optional Fourth SATA Hard Drive
(Tower Computer) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	201
Installing an Optional Fourth Hard Drive
(Tower Computer) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	202
Removing an Optional Third Hard Drive
(Desktop Computer) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	203
Installing an Optional Third Hard Drive
(Desktop Computer) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	206
Installing an Additional Fan . . . . . . . . . . . .	210
Drive Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	212
Removing the Drive Panel (Tower Computer) . . .	213
Replacing the Drive Panel (Tower Computer) . . .	214
Removing the Drive Panel (Desktop Computer) . .	215
Replacing the Drive Panel (Desktop Computer) . .	216
Removing a Drive-Panel Insert . . . . . . . . . . .	218
Installing a Drive-Panel Insert . . . . . . . . . . .	218
Floppy Drive or Media Card Reader . . . . . . . . . . .	219
Removing a Floppy Drive or Media Card
Reader (Tower Computer) . . . . . . . . . . . . .	220
Installing a Floppy Drive or Media Card
Reader (Tower Computer) . . . . . . . . . . . . .	222
Removing a Floppy Drive or a Media Card
Reader (Desktop Computer) . . . . . . . . . . . .	226
Installing a Floppy Drive or Media Card
Reader (Desktop Computer) . . . . . . . . . . . .	228
Optical Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	231
Removing an Optical Drive (Tower Computer) . . . 231
Installing an Optical Drive (Tower Computer) . . .	233
Removing an Optical Drive (Desktop Computer) . . 236
Installing an Optical Drive (Desktop Computer) . .	237
Installing the Optional Speaker . . . . . . . . . . . . .	240

10 Contents

Processor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	243
Removing the Processor . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	243
Replacing the Processor . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	245
Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	248
About the Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	249
Removing the Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	249
Replacing the Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	251
I/O Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	251
I/O-Panel Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	252
Removing the I/O Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	252
Replacing the I/O Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	255
Power Supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	256
Removing the Power Supply . . . . . . . . . . . .	256
Replacing the Power Supply . . . . . . . . . . . .	257
System Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	258
Removing the System Board . . . . . . . . . . . .	258
Replacing the System Board . . . . . . . . . . . .	260
Replacing the Front Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	261
Replacing the Computer Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . .	262
14 Getting Help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	263
Obtaining Assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	263
Technical Support and Customer Service . . . . .	264
DellConnect . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	264
Online Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	264
AutoTech Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	265
Automated Order-Status Service . . . . . . . . .	265

Contents 11

Problems With Your Order . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	265
Product Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	266
Returning Items for Warranty Repair or Credit . . . . .	266
Before You Call . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	267
Contacting Dell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	269
15 Appendix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	271
FCC Notice (U.S. Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	271
FCC Class B . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	271
Macrovision Product Notice . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	272
Glossary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	273

12 Contents

Contents 13

14 Contents

Finding Information

NOTE: Some features or media may be optional and may not ship with your computer. Some features or media may not be available in certain countries.

NOTE: Additional information may ship with your computer.

	What Are You Looking For?	Find It Here
	• A diagnostic program for my computer	Drivers and Utilities Disc
	• Drivers for my computer	NOTE: The Drivers and Utilities disc may
	• Desktop System Software (DSS)	be optional and may not ship with your
		computer.
		Documentation and drivers are already
		installed on your computer. You can use
		the Drivers and Utilities disc to reinstall
		drivers (see "Reinstalling Drivers and
		Utilities" on page 132), or to run the Dell
		Diagnostics (see "Dell Diagnostics" on
		page 107).
		Readme files may be included on your
		disc to provide last-minute updates about
		technical changes to your computer or
		advanced technical-reference material for
		technicians or experienced users.

Drivers and documentation updates can be found at support.dell.com.

Finding Information		15

What Are You Looking For?	Find It Here
• How to set up my computer	Quick Reference Guide

•How to care for my computer

•Basic troubleshooting information

•How to run the Dell Diagnostics

•Tools and utilities

•How to open my computer

	NOTE: This document is available as a PDF
	at support.dell.com.
• Warranty information	Dell™ Product Information Guide

•Terms and Conditions (U.S. only)

•Safety instructions

•Regulatory information

•Ergonomics information

•End User License Agreement

• How to remove and replace parts	Dell Precision™ User’s Guide
• Specifications	Microsoft Windows XP and Windows
• How to configure system settings	Vista™ Help and Support Center
		Click Start→ Help and Support→
• How to troubleshoot and solve problems	1
		Dell User and System Guides→
		System Guides.
	2	Click the User’s Guide for your
		computer.

16	Finding Information

What Are You Looking For?	Find It Here
• Service Tag and Express Service Code	Service Tag and Microsoft Windows
• Microsoft® Windows® Product Key	Product Key
	These labels are located on your
	computer.
	• Use the Service Tag to identify your
	computer when you use
	support.dell.com or contact support.
	• Enter the Express Service Code to
	direct your call when contacting
	support.

NOTE: As an increased security measure, the newly designed Microsoft Windows license label incorporates a missing portion, or hole, to discourage removal of the label.

Finding Information		17

	What Are You Looking For?	Find It Here
	• Solutions — Troubleshooting hints and	Dell Support Website — support.dell.com
	tips, articles from technicians, online	NOTE: Select your region or business
	courses, and frequently asked questions
		segment to view the appropriate support
	• Community — Online discussion with	site.
	other Dell customers

•Upgrades — Upgrade information for components, such as the memory, hard drive, and operating system

•Customer Care — Contact information, service call and order status, and warranty and repair information

•Service and support — Service call status, support history, service contract, and online discussions with support

•Dell Technical Update Service — Proactive e-mail notification of software and hardware updates for your computer

•Reference — Computer documentation, details on my computer configuration, product specifications, and white papers

•Downloads — Certified drivers, patches, and software updates

	• Desktop System Software (DSS)— If	To download Desktop System Software:
	you reinstall the operating system for	1 Go to support.dell.com, select your
	your computer, you should also reinstall	country/region, and then click Drivers
	the DSS utility. DSS automatically	& Downloads.
	detects your computer and operating	2 Click Select Model or Enter a Tag,
	system and installs the updates
		make the appropriate selections or enter
	appropriate for your configuration,
		the appropriate information for your
	providing critical updates for your
		computer, and then click Confirm.
	operating system and support for
		3 Scroll down to System and
	processors, optical drives, USB devices,
		Configuration Utilities→ Desktop
	etc. DSS is necessary for correct
		System Software, and then click
	operation of your Dell computer.
		Download Now.
		NOTE: The support.dell.com user interface
		may vary depending on your selections.

18	Finding Information

	What Are You Looking For?	Find It Here
	• How to use Windows XP	Windows Help and Support Center
	• How to use Windows Vista	1	Click Start→ Help and Support.
	• How to work with programs and files	2	Type a word or phrase that describes
			your problem and click the arrow icon.
	• How to personalize my desktop
		3	Click the topic that describes your
			problem.
		4	Follow the instructions on the screen.
	• How to reinstall my operating system	Operating System Media
		The operating system is already installed

on your computer. To reinstall your operating system, use the Operating System reinstallation media that came with your computer (see "Restoring Your Operating System" on page 136).

After you reinstall your operating system, use the optional Drivers and Utilities disc to reinstall drivers for the devices that came with your computer

Your operating system product key label is located on your computer.

NOTE: The color of your operating system installation media varies according to the operating system you ordered.

Finding Information		19

	What Are You Looking For?	Find It Here
	• How to use Linux	Dell Supported Linux Sites
	• E-mail discussions with users of Dell	• linux.dell.com
	Precision products and the Linux	• lists.us.dell.com/mailman/listinfo/linux-
	operating system
		precision

•Additional information regarding Linux and my Dell Precision computer

20	Finding Information

About Your Computer

Front View (Tower Orientation)

	1
14	2
13
	3
	4
12	5

11	6
10

7

9

8

1	upper 5.25-inch drive	Supports an optical drive.
	bay
2	lower 5.25-inch drive	Supports an optical drive or an additional hard drive
	bay	(SATA only).
3	upper 3.5-inch drive	Supports a floppy drive, a Media Card Reader, or an
	bay	additional hard drive (SATA or SAS).

About Your Computer		21

4	lower 3.5-inch drive	Supports a floppy drive or a Media Card Reader.
	bay
5	hard drive activity	The hard drive activity light is on when the computer
	light	reads data from or writes data to the hard drive. The
		light may also be on when a device such as an optical
		drive is in operation.
6	IEEE 1394 connector	Use the optional IEEE 1394 connector for high-speed
	(optional)	data devices such as digital video cameras and external
		storage devices.
7	USB 2.0 connectors	Use the front USB connectors for devices that you
	(2)	connect occasionally, such as flash memory keys or
		cameras, or for bootable USB devices (see "System
		Setup" on page 81 for more information on booting to
		a USB device).
		NOTE: It is recommended that you use the back USB
		connectors for devices that typically remain connected,
		such as printers and keyboards.
8	Dell badge (rotatable)	Use the plastic handle on the back of the Dell badge to
		rotate the badge for tower-to-desktop or desktop-to-
		tower conversion.
9	power button	Press to turn on the computer.
		NOTICE: To avoid losing data, do not use the
		power button to turn off the computer. Instead,
		perform an operating system shutdown.

NOTICE: If your operating system has ACPI enabled, when you press the power button the computer will perform an operating system shutdown.

NOTE: The power button can also be used to wake the system or to place it into a power-saving state (see "Power Management" on page 40 for more information).

22	About Your Computer

10	power light	The power light illuminates and blinks or remains solid
		to indicate different states:
		• No light — The computer is turned off (S4, S5, or
		mechanical OFF).
		• Steady green — The computer is in a normal
		operating state.
		• Blinking green — The computer is in a power-
		saving state (S1 or S3).
		• Blinking or solid amber — See "Power Problems" on
		page 123.
		To exit from a power-saving state, press the power
		button or use the keyboard or mouse if it is configured
		as a wake device in the Windows Device Manager. For
		more information about sleep states and exiting from a
		power-saving state, see "Power Management" on
		page 40.
		For a description of diagnostic light codes for
		troubleshooting problems with your computer, see
		"Diagnostic Lights" on page 100.
11	microphone	Use the microphone connector to attach a personal
	connector	computer microphone for voice or musical input into a
		sound or telephony program.
12	headphone connector	Use the headphone connector to attach headphones.
13	diagnostic lights (4)	Use the diagnostic lights to help you troubleshoot a
		problem with your computer (see "Diagnostic Lights"
		on page 100).
14	network link light	The network link light is on when a good connection
		exists between a 10-Mbps, 100-Mbps, or 1000-Mbps
		(1-Gbps) network and the computer.

About Your Computer		23

Back View (Tower Orientation)

1

2

3

4

1	power connector	Insert the power cable.
2	voltage selection	See the safety instructions in the Product Information
	switch	Guide for more information.
		NOTE: The voltage selection switch is available on the 375-W
		PSU only.
3	back panel	Plug serial, USB, and other devices into the appropriate
	connectors	connector.

24	About Your Computer

4 card slots	Access connectors for any installed PCI or PCI Express
	cards.
	NOTE: The upper five connector slots support full-length
	cards; the connector slot at the bottom supports a half-length
	card.
	NOTE: Check the documentation for cards to ensure that you
	can accommodate them in your configuration. Some cards
	that require more physical space and power (such as PCI
	Express graphics cards) may restrict the use of other cards.

Front View (Desktop Orientation)

1		2		3			4						5		6	7

	12	11	10	9	8
1	upper 5.25-inch drive	Supports an optical drive.
	bay
2	lower 5.25-inch drive	Supports an optical drive or an additional hard drive
	bay	(SATA only).
3	3.5-inch drive bay	Supports a floppy drive or a Media Card Reader.
4	hard drive activity	The hard drive activity light is on when the computer
	light	reads data from or writes data to the hard drive. The
		light may also be on when a device such as an optical
		drive is in operation.

About Your Computer		25

5	IEEE 1394 connector	Use the optional IEEE 1394 connector for high-speed
	(optional)	data devices such as digital video cameras and external
		storage devices.
6	USB 2.0 connectors	Use the front USB connectors for devices that you
	(2)	connect occasionally, such as flash memory keys or
		cameras, or for bootable USB devices (see "System
		Setup" on page 81 for more information on booting to
		a USB device).
		NOTE: It is recommended that you use the back USB
		connectors for devices that typically remain connected,
		such as printers and keyboards.
7	power button	Press to turn on the computer.
		NOTICE: To avoid losing data, do not use the

power button to turn off the computer. Instead, perform an operating system shutdown.

NOTICE: If your operating system has ACPI enabled, when you press the power button the computer will perform an operating system shutdown.

NOTE: The power button can also be used to wake the system or to place it into a power-saving state. See "Power Management" on page 40 for more information.

26	About Your Computer

8	power light	The power light illuminates and blinks or remains solid
		to indicate different states:
		• No light — The computer is turned off (S4, S5, or
		mechanical OFF).
		• Steady green — The computer is in a normal
		operating state.
		• Blinking green — The computer is in a power-
		saving state (S1 or S3).
		• Blinking or solid amber — See "Power Problems" on
		page 123.
		To exit from a power-saving state, press the power
		button or use the keyboard or mouse if it is configured
		as a wake device in the Windows Device Manager. For
		more information about sleep states and exiting from a
		power-saving state, see "Power Management" on
		page 40.
		For a description of diagnostic light codes for
		troubleshooting problems with your computer, see
		"Diagnostic Lights" on page 100.
9	diagnostic lights (4)	Use the diagnostic lights to help you troubleshoot a
		problem with your computer (see "Diagnostic Lights"
		on page 100).
10	microphone	Use the microphone connector to attach a personal
	connector	computer microphone for voice or musical input into a
		sound or telephony program.
11	headphone connector	Use the headphone connector to attach headphones.
12	network link light	The network link light is on when a good connection
		exists between a 10-Mbps, 100-Mbps, or 1000-Mbps
		(or 1-Gbps) network and the computer.

About Your Computer		27

Back View (Desktop Orientation)

1

2

3

		4
1	card slots	Access connectors for any installed PCI or PCI Express
		cards.
		NOTE: Check the documentation for cards to ensure that
		you can accommodate them in your configuration. Some
		cards that require more physical space and power (such
		as PCI Express graphics cards) may restrict the use of
		other cards.
2	power connector	Insert the power cable.
3	voltage selection	See the safety instructions in the Product Information
	switch	Guide for more information.
		NOTE: The voltage selection switch is available on the
		375-W PSU only.
4	back panel connectors	Plug serial, USB, and other devices into the
		appropriate connector.

28	About Your Computer

Back Panel Connectors

	1	2	3	4	5
					6
					7
	11	10	9	8
1	mouse connector	Plug a PS/2 mouse into the green mouse connector. Turn off
		the computer and any attached devices before you connect a
		mouse to the computer. If you have a USB mouse, plug it
		into a USB connector.
2	parallel	Connect a parallel device, such as a printer, to the parallel
	connector	connector. If you have a USB printer, plug it into a USB
		connector.
		NOTE: The integrated parallel connector is automatically
		disabled if the computer detects an installed card containing a
		parallel connector configured to the same address. For more
		information, see "System Setup Options" on page 82.
3	link integrity	• Green — A good connection exists between a 10-Mbps
	light	network and the computer.

•Orange — A good connection exists between a 100-Mbps network and the computer.

•Yellow — A good connection exists between a 1000-Mbps (or 1-Gbps) network and the computer.

•Off — The computer is not detecting a physical connection to the network.

About Your Computer		29

4	network adapter	To attach your computer to a network or broadband device,
	connector	connect one end of a network cable to either a network jack
		or your network or broadband device. Connect the other
		end of the network cable to the network adapter connector
		on your computer. A click indicates that the network cable
		has been securely attached.
		NOTICE: Do not plug a telephone cable into the network
		connector.
		On computers with an additional network connector card,
		use the connectors on the card and on the back of the
		computer when setting up multiple network connections
		(such as a separate intraand extranet).
		It is recommended that you use Category 5 wiring and
		connectors for your network. If you must use Category 3
		wiring, force the network speed to 10 Mbps to ensure
		reliable operation.
5	network activity	The network activity light is on (flashing) when the
	light	computer is transmitting or receiving network data. A high
		volume of network traffic may make this light appear to be
		in a steady on state.
6	line-out	Use the green line-out connector to attach headphones and
	connector	most speakers with integrated amplifiers.
		On computers with a sound card, use the connector on the
		card.
7	line-in connector	Use the blue line-in connector to attach a record/playback
		device such as a microphone, cassette player, CD player, or
		VCR.
		On computers with a sound card, use the connector on the
		card.
8	Rear Dual USB	Use the back USB connectors for devices that typically
	2.0 connectors	remain connected, such as printers and keyboards.
	(2)	NOTE: It is recommended that you use the front USB

connectors for devices that you connect occasionally, such as flash memory keys or cameras, or for bootable USB devices.

30	About Your Computer