Technical Overview
Before You Begin
Replacing the Computer Stand
Replacing the Computer Cover
Replacing the Theater Lighting Unit
Replacing Memory Module(s)
Replacing a PCI/PCI Express Card
Replacing Drives
Model DCDO
Replacing the Heat Sink Assembly
Replacing the Processor
Replacing Fans
Replacing the Master Control Board
Replacing the System Board
Replacing the Power Supply
Replacing the Battery
System Setup
Notes, Cautions, and Warnings
NOTE: A NOTE indicates important information that helps you make better use of your computer.
CAUTION: A CAUTION indicates potential damage to hardware or loss of data if instructions are not
followed.
WARNING: A WARNING indicates a potential for property damage, personal injury, or death.
Reproduction of these materials in any manner whatsoever without the written permission of Dell Inc. is strictly forbidden.
Trademarks used in this text: Dell, the DELL logo, and XPS are trademarks of Dell Inc.; Microsoft and Windows, are either trademarks or registered
trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.
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.
November 2008 Rev. A00
Before You Begin: Dell XPS 730/730X Service Manual
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Before You Begin
Dell™ XPS™ 730/730X Service Manual
Technical SpecificationsRecommended ToolsTurning Off Your ComputerSafety Instructions
This chapter 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 Safety Instructions.
You have read the safety information that ships with your computer.
A component can be replaced or—if purchased separately—installed by performing the removal procedure in reverse
order.
Technical Specifications
For information on technical specifications of your computer, see the Quick
Reference Guide that shipped with your computer or see the Dell Support
website at support.dell.com.
Recommended Tools
The procedures in this document may require the following tools:
Small Phillips screwdriver
Small flat-blade screwdriver
Turning Off Your Computer
CAUTION: To avoid losing data, save and close all open files and exit all open programs before you turn off
your computer.
1. Shut down the operating system:
2. Ensure that the computer and all 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 about 4
seconds to turn them off.
Safety Instructions
Use the following safety guidelines to help protect your computer from potential damage and to help to ensure your own
Before You Begin: Dell XPS 730/730X Service Manual
personal safety.
WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your
computer. For additional safety best practices information, see the Regulatory Compliance Homepage at
www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.
CAUTION: 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.
CAUTION: When you disconnect a cable, pull on its connector or on its pull-tab, not on the cable itself.
Some cables have connectors 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.
CAUTION: To avoid damaging the computer, perform the following steps before you begin working inside
the computer.
1. Ensure that the work surface is flat and clean to prevent the computer cover from being scratched.
2. Turn off your computer (see Turning Off Your Computer
CAUTION: To disconnect a network cable, first unplug the cable from your computer and then unplug the
cable from the network device.
3. Disconnect all telephone or network cables from the computer.
4. Disconnect your computer and all attached devices from their electrical outlets.
5. Press and hold the power button while the system is unplugged to ground the system board.
CAUTION: 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 static electricity, which could harm internal components.
Replacing Memory Module(s): Dell XPS 730/730X Service Manual
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Replacing Memory Module(s)
Dell™ XPS™ 730/730X Service Manual
WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your
computer. For additional safety best practices information, see the Regulatory Compliance Homepage at
www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.
1. Follow the procedures in Before You Begin
2. Remove the computer cover (see Replacing the Computer Cover
3. Locate the memory modules on the system board (see System Board Components
4. Press out the securing clip at each end of the memory module connector.
1securing clip2memory module connector
5. Grasp the module and pull it upwards.
If the module is difficult to remove, gently ease the module back and forth to remove it from the connector.
.
).
).
CAUTION: Do not install ECC memory modules.
6. Ensure that you install a single memory module in DIMM connector 0, the connector closest to the processor, before
you install modules in any other connector.
Replacing a PCI/PCI Express Card: Dell XPS 730/730X Service Manual
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Replacing a PCI/PCI Express Card
Dell™ XPS™ 730/730X Service Manual
Removing a PCI Express Graphics Card From a Multi Graphics Card ConfigurationInstalling Graphics Cards for Multi Graphics CardReplacing the PCI and PCI Express Cards
WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your
computer. For additional safety best practices information, see the Regulatory Compliance Homepage at
www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.
NOTE: If a graphics card is installed in each of the PCIe x16 card slots in the multi-graphics configuration, the PCIe x1
Removing a PCI Express Graphics Card From a Multi Graphics
Card Configuration
NOTE: This section deals with dual and triple configurations of PCIe x16 graphics cards only. For removal of any other
type of PCI or PCIe cards, see Replacing the PCI and PCI Express Cards
1. Follow the procedures in Before You Begin
2. Remove the computer cover (see Replacing the Computer Cover
3. Gently securing both graphics cards with one hand, remove the graphics card bridge (if present) with your other hand
by pulling it up and away from the computer. Set it aside.
Repeat if removing two bridges from a triple card configuration.
5. Remove the captive screws on top of the PCI card fan shroud and remove the shroud.
6. Remove the card retention screw(s) on the top of the card retainer at the appropriate card slot and pivot the card
retainer back through the chassis wall.
Replacing a PCI/PCI Express Card: Dell XPS 730/730X Service Manual
7. Press the securing tab (if present) on the system board connector as you grasp the card by its top corners, and then
ease the card straight out of the connector
.
1PCIe x16 card2securing tab
3PCIe x16 card slot
8. Install a filler bracket in the empty card-slot opening. If you are replacing the card, see Installing Graphics Cards for
Multi Graphics Card.
NOTE: Installing filler brackets over empty card-slot openings is necessary to maintain FCC certification of the
computer. The brackets also keep dust and dirt out of your computer.
NOTE: The graphics card bridge (not present in all multi-graphics configurations) is not necessary in a single
graphics card configuration.
CAUTION: 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.
9. Replace the PCI card fan shroud, replace the computer cover (see Replacing the Computer Cover
computer and devices to electrical outlets, and then turn them on.
), reconnect the
Installing Graphics Cards for Multi Graphics Card
NOTE: To upgrade to or downgrade from a dual- or triple-graphics card configuration, you may need additional parts
that can be ordered from Dell.
This section pertains to using dual and triple PCIe graphics cards to take advantage of NVIDIA's SLI (Scalable Link Interface).
For installation of other types of PCI or PCIe cards, see Replacing a PCI/PCI Express Card
Some expansion card slots will not be available for use if a dual-slot graphics card is installed in any of the PCIe x16 card
slots. If you are upgrading from a single-slot graphics card to a dual-slot graphics card, you will need to remove any card
installed in these expansion slots. To remove a PCIe card, see Replacing the PCI and PCI Express Cards
.
.
CAUTION: For information about upgrading your system to use NVIDIA SLI (Scalable Link Interface) multi-
graphics technology, see the Dell support website at support.dell.com.
1. Follow the procedures in Before You Begin
2. Remove the computer cover (see Replacing the Computer Cover
3. Remove the captive screws on top of the PCI card fan shroud and remove the shroud.
4. Remove the filler bracket or existing graphics card to create a card-slot opening.
See the documentation that came with the cards for information on configuring them, making internal connections, or
otherwise customizing them for your computer.
7. Position each card so that it is aligned with the slot and that the securing tab (if present) is aligned with the slot.
NOTE: If the card is full length, insert the card guide into the alignment slot on the fan bracket.
1PCIe x16 card2securing tab
3PCIe x16 card slot
CAUTION: Ensure that you release the securing tab to seat the card. If the card is not installed correctly,