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HP Compaq Business PC Hardware
Reference Guide
Elite 8300 Series Convertible Minitower
Elite 8300 Series Microtower
Elite 8300 Series Small Form Factor
Elite 8300 Series Ultra-Slim Desktop
First Edition (March 2012)
Document part number: 686563–001
About This Book
This guide provides basic information for upgrading HP Compaq Business PCs.
WARNING!Text set off in this manner indicates that failure to follow directions could result in bodily
harm or loss of life.
CAUTION:Text set off in this manner indicates that failure to follow directions could result in
damage to equipment or loss of information.
NOTE:Text set off in this manner provides important supplemental information.
iii
iv About This Book
Table of contents
1 Product Features ............................................................................................................................................ 1
Standard Configuration Features ......................................................................................................... 1
Convertible Minitower (CMT) Front Panel Components ....................................................................... 3
Microtower (MT) Front Panel Components .......................................................................................... 4
Small Form Factor (SFF) Front Panel Components ............................................................................. 5
Ultra-Slim Desktop (USDT) Front Panel Components ......................................................................... 6
Index ................................................................................................................................................................. 169
viii
1Product Features
Standard Configuration Features
Features may vary depending on the model. For a complete listing of the hardware and software
installed in the computer, run the diagnostic utility (included on some computer models only).
Figure 1-1 Convertible Minitower Configuration
NOTE:The HP Compaq Convertible Minitower computer can be easily converted to a desktop. For
more information, see
guide.
Figure 1-2 Microtower Configuration
Changing from a Minitower to a Desktop Configuration on page 45 in this
Standard Configuration Features1
Figure 1-3 Small Form Factor Configuration
NOTE:The Small Form Factor computer can also be used in a tower orientation. For more
information, see
Changing from Desktop to Tower Configuration on page 95 in this guide.
Figure 1-4 Ultra-Slim Desktop Configuration
2Chapter 1 Product Features
Convertible Minitower (CMT) Front Panel Components
Drive configuration may vary by model. Some models have a bezel blank covering one or more drive
bays.
25.25-inch Media Card Reader (optional)6Power On Light
3Dual-State Power Button7Headphone Connector
4Hard Drive Activity Light8USB (Universal Serial Bus) Ports
NOTE: When a device is plugged into the Microphone/Headphone Connector, a dialog box will pop up asking if
you want to use the connector for a microphone Line-In device or a headphone. You can reconfigure the
connector at any time by double-clicking the Realtek HD Audio Manager icon in the Windows taskbar.
NOTE: The Power On Light is normally green when the power is on. If it is flashing red, there is a problem with
the computer and it is displaying a diagnostic code. Refer to the Maintenance and Service Guide to interpret the
code.
Convertible Minitower (CMT) Front Panel Components3
Microtower (MT) Front Panel Components
Drive configuration may vary by model. Some models have a bezel blank covering one or more drive
bays.
Table 1-2 Front Panel Components
15.25-inch Optical Drives53.5-inch Media Card Reader (optional)
2Hard Drive Activity Light6Dual-State Power Button
3Microphone/Headphone Connector7Power On Light
4USB (Universal Serial Bus) 2.0 Ports8Headphone Connector
NOTE: When a device is plugged into the Microphone/Headphone Connector, a dialog box will pop up asking if
you want to use the connector for a microphone Line-In device or a headphone. You can reconfigure the
connector at any time by double-clicking the Realtek HD Audio Manager icon in the Windows taskbar.
NOTE: The Power On Light is normally green when the power is on. If it is flashing red, there is a problem with
the computer and it is displaying a diagnostic code. Refer to the Maintenance and Service Guide to interpret the
code.
4Chapter 1 Product Features
Small Form Factor (SFF) Front Panel Components
Drive configuration may vary by model. Some models have a bezel blank covering one or more drive
bays.
2Dual-State Power Button63.5-inch Media Card Reader (optional)
3Power On Light7Hard Drive Activity Light
4USB (Universal Serial Bus) Ports8Headphone Connector
NOTE: When a device is plugged into the Microphone/Headphone Connector, a dialog box will pop up asking if
you want to use the connector for a microphone Line-In device or a headphone. You can reconfigure the
connector at any time by double-clicking the Realtek HD Audio Manager icon in the Windows taskbar.
NOTE: The Power On Light is normally green when the power is on. If it is flashing red, there is a problem with
the computer and it is displaying a diagnostic code. Refer to the Maintenance and Service Guide to interpret the
code.
Small Form Factor (SFF) Front Panel Components5
Ultra-Slim Desktop (USDT) Front Panel Components
Drive configuration may vary by model. Some models have a bezel blank covering the optical drive
bay.
Figure 1-7 Front Panel Components
Table 1-4 Front Panel Components
1Optical Drive5Microphone/Headphone Connector
2Power On Light6USB (Universal Serial Bus) Ports
3SD Media Card Reader (optional)7Hard Drive Activity Light
4Headphone Connector8Dual-State Power Button
NOTE: When a device is plugged into the Microphone/Headphone Connector, a dialog box will pop up asking if
you want to use the connector for a microphone Line-In device or a headphone. You can reconfigure the
connector at any time by double-clicking the Realtek HD Audio Manager icon in the Windows taskbar.
NOTE: The Power On Light is normally green when the power is on. If it is flashing red, there is a problem with
the computer and it is displaying a diagnostic code. Refer to the Maintenance and Service Guide to interpret the
code.
6Chapter 1 Product Features
Convertible Minitower (CMT) Rear Panel Components
Figure 1-8 Rear Panel Components
Table 1-5 Rear Panel Components
1Power Cord Connector7Line-Out Connector for powered audio
2
3
4
5
6
NOTE: An optional second serial port and an optional parallel port are available from HP.
When a device is plugged into the blue Line-In Audio Connector, a dialog box will pop up asking if you want to use
the connector for a line-in device or a microphone. You can reconfigure the connector at any time by doubleclicking the Realtek HD Audio Manager icon in the Windows taskbar.
The monitor connectors on the system board are inactive when a graphics card is installed in the computer.
If a graphics card is installed into one of the system board slots, the connectors on the graphics card and the
system board may be used at the same time. Some settings may need to be changed in Computer Setup to use
both connectors.
1 Power Cord Connector6Line-Out Connector for powered audio
2
3
4
5
11
NOTE: An optional second serial port and an optional parallel port are available from HP.
When a device is plugged into the blue Line-In Audio Connector, a dialog box will pop up asking if you want to use
the connector for a line-in device or a microphone. You can reconfigure the connector at any time by doubleclicking the Realtek HD Audio Manager icon in the Windows taskbar.
The monitor connectors on the system board are inactive when a graphics card is installed in the computer.
If a graphics card is installed into one of the motherboard slots, the connectors on the graphics card and the
system board may be used at the same time. Some settings may need to be changed in Computer Setup to use
both connectors.
NOTE: An optional second serial port and an optional parallel port are available from HP.
When a device is plugged into the blue Line-In Audio Connector, a dialog box will pop up asking if you want to use
the connector for a line-in device or a microphone. You can reconfigure the connector at any time by doubleclicking the Realtek HD Audio Manager icon in the Windows taskbar.
The monitor connectors on the system board are inactive when a graphics card is installed in the computer.
If a graphics card is installed into one of the motherboard slots, the connectors on the graphics card and the
system board may be used at the same time. Some settings may need to be changed in Computer Setup to use
both connectors.
Line-Out Connector for powered audio
devices (green)
USB 2.0 ports11Line-In Audio Connector (blue)
USB 3.0 ports
Small Form Factor (SFF) Rear Panel Components9
Ultra-Slim Desktop (USDT) Rear Panel Components
Figure 1-11 Rear Panel Components
Table 1-8 Rear Panel Components
1Line-Out Connector for powered audio
2
3
4
5
NOTE: If an MXM graphics card is installed, all three monitor ports are active. The integrated graphics operate
DisplayPort2 (top port). The MXM/ATI drivers operate DisplayPort1 (bottom port) and VGA. If the integrated
graphics are disabled in the BIOS settings, DisplayPort2 (top port) will not be active.
If an MXM graphics card is not installed, all three monitor ports are driven by the integrated graphics. Due to a
limitation with the Intel integrated graphics, when a DisplayPort to DVI or HDMI adapter is installed, the VGA port
will not be active.
When a device is plugged into the blue Line-In Audio Connector, a dialog box will pop up asking if you want to use
the connector for a line-in device or a microphone. You can reconfigure the connector at any time by doubleclicking the Realtek HD Audio Manager icon in the Windows taskbar.
The media card reader is an optional device available on some models only. Refer to the following
illustration and table to identify the media card reader components.
Figure 1-12 Media Card Reader Components
Table 1-9 Media Card Reader Components
No.SlotMedia
1xD
2MicroSD●MicroSD (T-Flash)●MicroSDHC
3Media Card Reader
Activity Light
4SD/MMC+/miniSD●Secure Digital (SD)
5USB●USB (Universal Serial
6CompactFlash I/II●CompactFlash Card
7MS PRO/MS PRO DUO ●Memory Stick (MS)
xD-Picture Card (xD)
●
●MiniSDHC
Secure Digital High
●
Capacity (SDHC)
MiniSD
●
Bus) Port
Type 1
●MagicGate Memory
Stick (MG)
●MagicGate Memory
Duo
MultiMediaCard
●
(MMC)
Reduced Size
●
MultiMediaCard (RS
MMC)
●CompactFlash Card
Type 2
●Memory Stick Select
●Memory Stick Duo
(MS Duo)
●Memory Stick PRO
(MS PRO)
●MultiMediaCard 4.0
(MMC Plus)
Reduced Size
●
MultiMediaCard 4.0
(MMC Mobile)
MMC Micro (adapter
●
required)
●MicroDrive
●Memory Stick PRO
Duo (MS PRO Duo)
Memory Stick PRO-
●
HG Duo
●Memory Stick Micro
(M2) (adapter
required)
Media Card Reader Components11
Keyboard
Figure 1-13 Keyboard Components
Table 1-10 Keyboard Components
1Function KeysPerform special functions depending on the software application being used.
2Editing KeysIncludes the following: Insert, Home, Page Up, Delete, End, and Page Down.
3Status LightsIndicate the status of the computer and keyboard settings (Num Lock, Caps
Lock, and Scroll Lock).
4Numeric KeysWork like a calculator keypad.
5Arrow KeysUsed to navigate through a document or Web site. These keys allow you to
6Ctrl KeysUsed in combination with another key; their effect depends on the application
7
Application Key
8
Windows Logo Keys
9Alt KeysUsed in combination with another key; their effect depends on the application
1
Keys available in select geographic regions.
1
move left, right, up, and down, using the keyboard instead of the mouse.
software you are using.
Used (like the right mouse button) to open pop-up menus in a Microsoft Office
application. May perform other functions in other software applications.
1
Used to open the Start menu in Microsoft Windows. Used in combination with
other keys to perform other functions.
software you are using.
12Chapter 1 Product Features
Using the Windows Logo Key
Use the Windows Logo key in combination with other keys to perform certain functions available in
the Windows operating system. Refer to
Table 1-11 Windows Logo Key Functions
The following Windows Logo Key functions are available in Microsoft Windows XP, Microsoft Windows Vista, and
Microsoft Windows 7.
Windows Logo KeyDisplays or hides the Start menu
Windows Logo Key + dDisplays the Desktop
Windows Logo Key + mMinimizes all open applications
Shift + Windows Logo Key + mUndoes Minimize All
Windows Logo Key + eLaunches My Computer
Windows Logo Key + fLaunches Find Document
Windows Logo Key + Ctrl + fLaunches Find Computer
Windows Logo Key + F1Launches Windows Help
Keyboard on page 12 to identify the Windows Logo key.
Windows Logo Key + lLocks the computer if you are connected to a network domain,
Windows Logo Key + rLaunches the Run dialog box
Windows Logo Key + uLaunches the Utility Manager
Windows Logo Key + TabWindows XP - Cycles through the Taskbar buttons
In addition to the Windows Logo Key functions described above, the following functions are also available in
Microsoft Windows Vista and Windows 7.
Ctrl + Windows Logo Key + TabUse the arrow keys to cycle through programs on the Taskbar
Windows Logo Key + SpacebarBrings all gadgets to the front and select Windows Sidebar
Windows Logo Key + gCycles through Sidebar gadgets
Windows Logo Key + tCycles through programs on the taskbar
Windows Logo Key + uLaunches Ease of Access Center
Windows Logo Key + any number keyLaunches the Quick Launch shortcut that is in the position that
or allows you to switch users if you are not connected to a
network domain
Windows Vista and Windows 7 - Cycles through programs on
the Taskbar using the Windows Flip 3-D
by using Windows Flip 3-D
corresponds to the number (for example, Windows Logo Key + 1
launches the first shortcut in the Quick Launch menu)
In addition to the Windows Logo Key functions described above, the following functions are also available in
Microsoft Windows 7.
Windows Logo Key + Ctrl + bSwitches to the program that displayed a message in the
notification area
Windows Logo Key + pChoose a presentation display mode
Windows Logo Key + up arrowMaximizes the window
Windows Logo Key + left arrowSnaps the window to the left side of the screen
Keyboard13
Table 1-11 Windows Logo Key Functions (continued)
Windows Logo Key + right arrowSnaps the window to the right side of the screen
Windows Logo Key + down arrowMinimizes the window
Windows Logo Key + Shift + up arrowStretches the window to the top and bottom of the screen
Windows Logo Key + Shift + left arrow or right
arrow
Windows Logo Key + + (on numpad)Zooms in
Windows Logo Key + - (on numpad)Zooms out
Serial Number Location
Each computer has a unique serial number and a product ID number that are located on the top
cover of the computer. Keep these numbers available for use when contacting customer service for
assistance.
Figure 1-14 Convertible Minitower Serial Number and Product ID Location
Moves a window from one monitor to another
14Chapter 1 Product Features
Figure 1-15 Microtower Serial Number and Product ID Location
Figure 1-16 Small Form Factor Serial Number and Product ID Location
Serial Number Location15
Figure 1-17 Ultra-Slim Desktop (USDT) Serial Number and Product ID Location
16Chapter 1 Product Features
2Convertible Minitower (CMT) Hardware
Upgrades
Serviceability Features
The computer includes features that make it easy to upgrade and service. No tools are needed for
most of the installation procedures described in this chapter.
Warnings and Cautions
Before performing upgrades be sure to carefully read all of the applicable instructions, cautions, and
warnings in this guide.
WARNING!To reduce the risk of personal injury from electrical shock, hot surfaces, or fire:
Disconnect the power cord from the wall outlet and allow the internal system components to cool
before touching.
Do not plug telecommunications or telephone connectors into the network interface controller (NIC)
receptacles.
Do not disable the power cord grounding plug. The grounding plug is an important safety feature.
Plug the power cord in a grounded (earthed) outlet that is easily accessible at all times.
To reduce the risk of serious injury, read the Safety & Comfort Guide. It describes proper workstation,
setup, posture, and health and work habits for computer users, and provides important electrical and
mechanical safety information. This guide is located on the Web at
WARNING!Energized and moving parts inside.
Disconnect power to the equipment before removing the enclosure.
Replace and secure the enclosure before re-energizing the equipment.
CAUTION:Static electricity can damage the electrical components of the computer or optional
equipment. Before beginning these procedures, ensure that you are discharged of static electricity by
briefly touching a grounded metal object. See
information.
When the computer is plugged into an AC power source, voltage is always applied to the system
board. You must disconnect the power cord from the power source before opening the computer to
prevent damage to internal components.
Electrostatic Discharge on page 166 for more
http://www.hp.com/ergo.
Serviceability Features17
Removing the Computer Access Panel
To access internal components, you must remove the access panel:
1.Remove/disengage any security devices that prohibit opening the computer.
2.Remove all removable media, such as compact discs or USB flash drives, from the computer.
3.Turn off the computer properly through the operating system, then turn off any external devices.
4.Disconnect the power cord from the power outlet and disconnect any external devices.
CAUTION:Regardless of the power-on state, voltage is always present on the system board
as long as the system is plugged into an active AC outlet. You must disconnect the power cord
to avoid damage to the internal components of the computer.
5.Lift up on the access panel handle (1) then lift the access panel off the computer (2).
Slide the lip on the front end of the access panel under the lip on the front of the chassis (1) then
press the back end of the access panel onto the unit so that it locks into place (2).
Figure 2-2 Replacing the Computer Access Panel
Replacing the Computer Access Panel19
Removing the Front Bezel
1.Remove/disengage any security devices that prohibit opening the computer.
2.Remove all removable media, such as compact discs or USB flash drives, from the computer.
3.Turn off the computer properly through the operating system, then turn off any external devices.
4.Disconnect the power cord from the power outlet and disconnect any external devices.
CAUTION:Regardless of the power-on state, voltage is always present on the system board
as long as the system is plugged into an active AC outlet. You must disconnect the power cord
to avoid damage to the internal components of the computer.
5.Remove the computer access panel.
6.Lift up the three tabs on the side of the bezel (1), then rotate the bezel off the chassis (2).
On some models, there are bezel blanks covering the 5.25-inch drive bays that need to be removed
before installing a drive. To remove a bezel blank:
1.Remove the access panel and front bezel.
2.Gently pull the subpanel, with the bezel blanks secured in it, away from the front bezel, then
remove the desired bezel blank.
CAUTION:Hold the subpanel straight when you pull it away from the front bezel. Pulling the
subpanel away at an angle could damage the pins that align it within the front bezel.
Figure 2-4 Removing Bezel Blanks from the Subpanel (Desktop Shown)
NOTE:When replacing the subpanel, ensure that the aligning pins and any remaining bezel blanks
are in their proper orientation. The logo on the subpanel should be located at the bottom of the
subpanel when properly oriented.
Removing Bezel Blanks21
Replacing the Front Bezel
Insert the three hooks on the bottom side of the bezel into the rectangular holes on the chassis (1)
then rotate the top side of the bezel onto the chassis (2) and snap it into place.