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
Back to Contents Page
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,
Replacing a PCI/PCI Express Card: Dell XPS 730/730X Service Manual
you may damage the system board.
Gently pull the securing tab (if present) and place the card in the connector. Press down firmly and ensure that the card
is fully seated in the slot.
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.
CAUTION: An incorrectly attached graphics power cable may result in degraded graphics performance.
8. Screw in the card retention screw(s) on the top of the card retainer at the appropriate card slot.
9. Repeat for additional graphics cards.
Connect the PCIe supplementary power connectors from the system power supply to each of the graphics cards. See
the documentation for the card for information about the card's cable connections.
10. Install the NVIDIA SLI connector across the two outer graphics cards. Each SLI-ready graphics card has an SLI
connector tab on its upper side. Press firmly on each connector so that it completely covers the connector tab.
11. If present, lower the graphics card bridge that lays over the installed cards and snap it into place.
12. Replace the computer cover (see Replacing the Computer Cover), reconnect the computer and devices to electrical
outlets, and then turn them on.
Replacing the PCI and PCI Express Cards
CAUTION: To avoid electrostatic discharge and damage to internal components, ground yourself by using a
wrist grounding strap or by periodically touching an unpainted metal surface on the computer chassis.
CAUTION: If your computer came with a PCI graphics card installed, removal of the card is not necessary
when installing additional graphics cards; however, the card is required for troubleshooting purposes. If
you remove the card, store it in a safe and secure location.
6. 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 out of the connector.
NOTE: If the card is full length, press the securing tab on the end of the alignment guides on the fan bracket.
1PCIe x16 card2securing tab
3PCIe x16 card slot
7. Install a filler bracket in the empty card-slot opening. If you are replacing the card, see Replacing a PCI/PCI Express
Replacing a PCI/PCI Express Card: Dell XPS 730/730X Service Manual
otherwise customizing it for your computer.
16. Position the card so that it is aligned with the slot and 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,
you may damage the system board.
17. Gently pull the securing tab (if present) and place the card in the connector. Press down firmly and ensure that the
card is fully seated in the slot.
Replacing Drives: Dell XPS 730/730X Service Manual
5. Prepare the new hard drive for installation and check the documentation for the hard drive to verify that the drive is
configured for your computer.
NOTE: If the hard drive you are installing does not have the hard drive bracket attached, use your original hard
drive bracket; snap the bracket onto the new drive.
Replacing Drives: Dell XPS 730/730X Service Manual
1drive release latch2floppy drive
6. If no screws are attached to the new floppy drive, check the inside of the drive panel for shoulder screws. If screws are
present, attach the screws to the new drive.
1floppy drive2shoulder screws (4)
7. Slide the floppy drive into the drive bay until it clicks into place.
Replacing Drives: Dell XPS 730/730X Service Manual
1data cable2power cable
5. Slide the drive release latch towards the base of the computer to release the shoulder screw, and then slide the optical
drive out of the drive bay.
1drive release latch2optical drive
6. To replace the optical drive, prepare the drive for installation and check the documentation that accompanied the drive
to verify that the drive is configured for your computer.
NOTE: If you are installing an IDE drive, configure the drive for the cable select setting.
Replacing Drives: Dell XPS 730/730X Service Manual
1media card reader cable
5. Slide the drive release latch towards the base of the computer to release the shoulder screw, and then slide the media
card reader out of the drive bay.
1drive release latch2media card reader
6. If no screws are attached to the new Media Card Reader, check the inside of the drive panel for shoulder screws. If
screws are present, attach the screws to the new card reader.
Replacing the Heat Sink Assembly: Dell XPS 730/730X Service Manual
Back to Contents Page
Replacing the Heat Sink Assembly
Dell™ XPS™ 730/730X Service Manual
Replacing the Air Cooled Heat Sink AssemblyReplacing the Liquid Cooling Heat Sink Assembly
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: Do not perform the following steps unless you are familiar with hardware removal and
replacement. Performing these steps incorrectly could damage your system board. For technical service,
see the Setup Guide.
Your computer uses one of the following types of processor cooling solutions, air-cooling or H2Ceramic (also called H2C or
Hot-to-Cold) liquid-cooling system.
Replacing the Air Cooled Heat Sink Assembly
1. Follow the procedures in Before You Begin.
2. Remove the computer cover (see Replacing the Computer Cover
WARNING: The processor heat sink can get very hot during normal operation. Be sure that the heat sink
has had sufficient time to cool before you touch it.
3. Loosen the four captive screws that secure the heatsink to the chassis.
4. Gently lift the heat sink assembly out of the chassis. You may have to gently twist the heat sink to fully disengage the
heat sink assembly.
5. Disconnect the fan cable from the rear fan connector on the LED circuit board at the back of the chassis.
Replacing the Heat Sink Assembly: Dell XPS 730/730X Service Manual
1fan power connector2LED circuit board
3captive screws (4)
CAUTION: The processor heat sink is attached to the processor fan shroud. When you remove the
processor fan shroud, lay it upside down or on its side to avoid damaging the heat sink thermal interface.
CAUTION: Ensure that adequate thermal grease is applied to the top of the processor. Thermal grease is
critical for ensuring adequate thermal bonding, which is a requirement for optimal processor operation.
6. To replace the air cooled heat sing assembly, apply thermal grease to the top of the processor as needed.
7. Align the screw holes on the heat sink assembly with the holes on the base of the computer, then tighten the four
screws to secure the assembly.
8. Connect the fan cable to the rear fan connector on the LED circuit board.
9. Replace the computer cover (see Replacing the Computer Cover).
Replacing the Liquid Cooling Heat Sink Assembly
WARNING: The liquid cooling assembly is responsible for cooling the system board chipset in addition to
the CPU. If the liquid cooling assembly is replaced with an assembly other than the original, a cooling
solution must be installed to avoid overheating the chipset. Failure to install a cooling solution, either
third- party or Dell provided, may result in damage to your system and render the system inoperable.
1. Follow the procedures in Before You Begin
2. Remove the computer cover (see Replacing the Computer Cover
WARNING: The processor heat sink can get very hot during normal operation. Be sure that the heat sink
has had sufficient time to cool before you touch it.
3. Observe the following cautions when working with the liquid cooling assembly.
The liquid cooling assembly is not user serviceable or upgradeable. All required service should be done by
qualified service personnel only.
The liquid cooling assembly in your system contains a non-refillable coolant. In the event of a coolant leak, shut
down your system immediately. Unplug your system from the power outlet and contact Dell Technical Support.
In the event of skin contact with the coolant, wash your skin with soap and water. Seek medical attention if
irritation develops.
In the event of eye contact with the coolant, rinse your eyes immediately with water, with your eyelids open, for
15 minutes. Seek medical attention if irritation persists.
.
).
4. Disconnect the liquid cooling cable from the H2C connector on the Master Control Board (see Master Control Board).
CAUTION: The processor heat sink is attached to the liquid cooling assembly. When you remove the liquid
cooling assembly, lay it upside down or on its side to avoid damaging the heatsink thermal interface.
5. Loosen the screws on the liquid cooling assembly, then lift the assembly out of the computer and set it aside.
Replacing the Heat Sink Assembly: Dell XPS 730/730X Service Manual
1liquid cooling assembly2captive screws
CAUTION: Ensure that adequate thermal grease is applied to the top of the processor. Thermal grease is
critical for ensuring adequate thermal bonding, which is a requirement for optimal processor operation.
6. To install the liquid cooling heat sink assembly, apply thermal grease to the top of the processor as needed.
7. Align the screw holes on the liquid cooling assembly with the holes on the base of the computer, then tighten the six
screws to secure the assembly.
8. Connect the liquid cooling cable to the H2C connector on the Master Control Board (see Master Control Board
9. Close the computer cover (see Replacing the Computer Cover
10. Connect your computer and devices to electrical outlets, and turn them on.
Replacing the System Board: Dell XPS 730/730X Service Manual
existing system board to make sure that you have the correct part.
Back to Contents Page
Replacing the System Board
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. Remove any full-length expansion cards (see Replacing the PCI and PCI Express Cards
4. Remove any additional components that may restrict access to the system board.
5. Disconnect all cables from the system board.
CAUTION: If you are replacing the system board, visually compare the replacement system board to the
existing system board to make sure that you have the correct part.
6. Remove the two screws securing the system board assembly to the chassis, then pull on the two tabs to slide the
system board assembly towards the front of the computer.
.
).
).
1screws (2)2system board
3metal tray4tabs
CAUTION: The system board and metal tray are connected and are removed as one piece.
7. Carefully, lift the system board assembly up and out of the computer.
CAUTION: If you are replacing the system board, visually compare the replacement system board to the
Replacing the Power Supply: Dell XPS 730/730X Service Manual
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Replacing the Power Supply
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 on
www.dell.com at the following location: www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.
WARNING: To guard against electrical shock, always unplug your computer from the electrical outlet
before removing the cover.
1. Follow the procedures in Before You Begin
2. Remove the computer cover (see Replacing the Computer Cover
3. Remove all hard drives installed in the interior hard drive bays (see Replacing a Hard Drive
4. Remove the hard drive fan, if applicable (see Replacing the Hard Drive Fan
5. Remove the two screws that attach the forward hard drive bay to the chassis.
6. Remove the forward hard drive bay from the chassis.
.
).
).
).
1screws (4)2hard drive bays
7. Remove the four screws that attach the power supply to the back of the computer chassis.
8. Disconnect the power supply harness from the power supply by depressing the two tabs and pulling the harness away
Replacing the Power Supply: Dell XPS 730/730X Service Manual
from the power supply.
1power supply screws (4)
9. Slide the power supply towards the front of the computer to free it from the securing tabs on the computer chassis.
10. Slide the power supply toward the hard drive bay area, so that it will clear the protruding lip of the chassis and lift the
power supply from the computer.
11. To replace the power supply, slide the new power supply into place, ensuring that the tabs on the rear wall of the
computer chassis latch into place.
12. Replace the four screws that secure the power supply to the back of the computer chassis.
13. Reconnect the power supply harness to the power supply.
14. Replace the two hard drive bays.
15. Replace all hard drives installed in the interior hard drive bays (see Replacing a Hard Drive
16. Replace the hard drive fan, if applicable (see Replacing the Hard Drive Fan
17. Reconnect each of the DC power cables that were previously connected, carefully rerouting them as you found them.
18. Replace the computer cover (see Replacing the Computer Cover
19. Connect your computer and devices to electrical outlets, and then turn them on.
Replacing the Battery: Dell XPS 730/730X Service Manual
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Replacing the Battery
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.
WARNING: A new battery can explode if it is incorrectly installed. Replace the battery only with the same
or equivalent type recommended by the manufacturer. Discard used batteries according to the
manufacturer's instructions.
1. Record all the screens in system setup (see System Setup
2. Follow the procedures in Before You Begin
3. Remove the computer cover (see Replacing the Computer Cover
4. Locate the battery socket (see System Board Components
CAUTION: If you pry the battery out of its socket with a blunt object, be careful not to touch the system
board with the object. Ensure that the object is inserted between the battery and the socket before you
attempt to pry out the battery. Otherwise, you may damage the system board by prying off the socket or
by breaking circuit traces on the system board.
.
) so that you can restore the correct settings in step 10.
).
).
1 battery (positive side) 2 battery release lever
5. Carefully press the battery release lever away from the battery and the battery will pop out.
6. Remove the battery from the system and properly dispose of the battery.
7. Insert the new battery into the socket with the side labeled "+" facing up, then snap the battery into place.
change the system configuration information after you add, change, or remove any hardware in your computer.
set or change a user-selectable option such as the user password.
read the current amount of memory or set the type of hard drive installed.
Before you use System Setup, it is recommended that you write down the system setup screen information for future
reference.
CAUTION: Do not change the settings in system setup unless you are an expert computer user. Certain
changes can cause your computer to work incorrectly.
Entering System Setup
1. Turn on (or restart) your computer.
2. When the DELL logo appears, press <F2> immediately.
NOTE: Keyboard failure may result when a key on the keyboard is held down for extended periods of time. To
avoid possible keyboard failure, press and release <F2> in even intervals until the system setup screen appears.
If you wait too long and the operating system logo appears, continue to wait until you see the Microsoft® Windows®
desktop, then shut down your computer and try again.
System Setup Options—Dell™ XPS™ 730
NOTE: Depending on your computer and installed devices, the items listed in this section may, or may not appear
CPU Type
CPU Speed
Cache L2
Advanced Chipset Features
Integrated Peripherals
CPU Configuration
Displays the SATA 0 drive integrated in
the system.
Displays the SATA 1 drive integrated in
the system.
Displays the BIOS version number and
date, system model name and the service
tag of the computer.
Indicates amount of installed memory,
usable memory, memory speed, memory
channel mode (dual or single), and the
type of memory technology used.
Displays the processor type.
Displays the processor speed.
Displays the processor L2 cache size.
Displays the video memory size.
Allows you to enable or disable these
integrated devices: HD Audio, Onboard
LAN connector, Onboard LAN Boot
ROM, and Side logo. Serial ATA
Configuration can be set to IDE or AHCI
mode.
Allows you to enable or disable the CPU
features that enhance the performance of
the system.
USB ConfigurationAllows you to enable or disable the USB
controller.
Power
ACPI Suspend Type
Auto Power On
AC Recovery
HDD Acoustic Mode
Specifies the ACPI suspend type. The
default is S3.
Allows you to enable or disable an alarm
to turn on the computer automatically.
Specifies the behaviour of the system
after recovering from a power loss.
Power on — The computer
turns on after it recovers
from a power failure.
Power off — The computer
remains powered off.
Last state— The computer
returns the power state it
was in before the power
failure.
Determines the acoustic mode at which
the hard drive operates.
Bypass — Do nothing (needed for older
drives).
Quiet — The hard drive operates at its
most quiet setting.
Performance — The hard drive operates
at its maximum speed.
NOTE: Switching to performance mode
may cause an increase in noise produced
by the drive, but does not affect the
drive's performance.
Sets the boot priority among the available
devices.
Sets the hard drive boot priority. The
items displayed are dynamically updated
according to the hard drives detected.
Sets the optical drive boot priority. The
items displayed are dynamically updated
according to the optical drives detected.
Allows the BIOS to skip certain tests
while booting. This decreases the time
needed to boot the system.
Allows you to set or change the
supervisor password.
Exit
Exit OptionsProvides options to Save Changes and
Exit, Discard Changes and Exit, Load
Optimal Defaults, and Discard
Changes.
System Setup Options—Dell XPS 730X
System Information
Product Name
BIOS Version
Input Service tag
Service Tag
Asset Tag
Memory Installed
Memory Available
Memory Techonology
Memory Speed
CPU ID/ u Code ID
CPU Speed
Current QuickPath Interconnect
(QPI) speed
XPS 730X.
Displays the BIOS version number and
date information.
Allows you to input the service tag.
Displays the service tag of the computer.
Displays the Asset tag of the computer.
Indicates amount of memory installed.
Indicates the amount of usable memory.
Indicates the type of memory technology
used.
Indicates the memory speed.
Displays the processor type.
Displays the processor speed.
Displays the QPI Speed.
Sets the ratio between CPU Core Clock
and the FSB Frequency.
Allows you to change the supervisor
password.
Allows you to change the user password.
You cannot use the user password to
enter the BIOS setup, during POST.
Exit, Discard Changes and Exit, Load
Optimal Defaults, and Discard
Changes.
Boot Sequence
This feature allows you to change the boot sequence for the bootable devices installed on your computer.
Option Settings
Hard Drive — The computer attempts to boot from the primary hard drive. If no operating system is on the drive, the
computer attempts to boot from the next bootable device in the boot sequence.
CD Drive — The computer attempts to boot from the CD drive. If no CD is in the drive, or if the CD has no operating
system, the computer attempts to boot from the next bootable device in the boot sequence.
USB Flash Device — The computer attempts to boot from the USB drive. If no USB is in the drive the computer
attempts to boot from the next bootable device in the boot sequence.
NOTE: To boot to a USB device, the device must be bootable. To ensure that your device is bootable, check the device
documentation.
NOTE: An error message is generated only after the computer attempts to boot from every device in the boot sequence
and no operating system is found.
Changing Boot Sequence for the Current Boot
For example, you can use this feature to boot your computer from the CD drive so that you can run the Dell Diagnostics from
the Driver and Utilities media and then from the hard drive when the diagnostic tests are complete. You can also use this
feature to boot your computer to a USB device such as a memory key, or CD-RW drive.
1. If you are booting to a USB device, connect the USB device to a USB connector.
2. Turn on (or restart) your computer.
3. When the DELL logo appears, press <F12> immediately.
NOTE: Keyboard failure may result when a key on the keyboard is held down for an extended period of time. To
avoid possible keyboard failure, press and release <F12> in even intervals until the Boot Device Menu appears.
If you wait too long and the operating system logo appears, continue to wait until you see the Microsoft Windows
desktop, then shut down your computer and try again.
4. At the Boot Device Menu, use the up- and down- arrow keys or press the appropriate number on the keyboard to
highlight the device that is to be used for the current boot only, and then press <Enter>.
For example, if you are booting to a USB memory key, highlight USB Flash Device and press <Enter>.
NOTE: To boot to a USB device, the device must be bootable. To ensure that your device is bootable, check the device
documentation.
Changing Boot Sequence for Future Boots
1. Enter system setup (see Entering System Setup).
2. Use the arrow keys to highlight the Boot Sequence menu option and press <Enter> to access the menu.
NOTE: Make a note of your current boot sequence in case you want to restore it.
3. Press the up- and down-arrow keys to move through the list of devices.
4. Press the spacebar to enable or disable a device.
5. Press plus (+) or minus (–) to move a selected device up or down the list.
Clearing CMOS Settings
NOTE: This procedure does not clear or reset system and setup passwords.
1. Follow the procedures in Before You Begin
2. Power down the computer and remove the power cord.
3. Power off all external peripherals.
4. Remove the computer cover (see Replacing the Computer Cover
5. Locate the Reset CMOS jumpers on the system board (see System Board Components