Lenovo 3122, 3120, 3128, 3126 User Manual

0 (0)

ThinkCentre

User Guide

Machine Types: 3120, 3122, 3126, and 3128

Note: Before using this information and the product it supports, be sure to read and understand the

ThinkCentre Safety and Warranty Guide and Appendix A “Notices” on page 79.

Second Edition (December 2011)

LIMITED AND RESTRICTED RIGHTS NOTICE: If data or software is delivered pursuant a General Services Administration “GSA” contract, use, reproduction, or disclosure is subject to restrictions set forth in Contract No. GS-35F-05925.

Contents

Important safety information . . . . .		iii
Chapter 1. Product overview . . . . .	.	1
Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	.	1
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	.	4
Software overview . . . . . . . . . . . . .	.	4
Software provided with your Windows
operating system . . . . . . . . . . . .	.	4
Locations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	.	6
Locating connectors, controls, and indicators
on the front of your computer . . . . . . .	.	7
Locating connectors and parts on the rear of
your computer . . . . . . . . . . . . .	.	7
Locating components . . . . . . . . . .		10
Locating parts on the system board . . . .		10
Locating internal drives . . . . . . . . .		11
Chapter 2. Installing or replacing
hardware . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .		13
Handling static-sensitive devices . . . . . . .		13
Installing or replacing hardware . . . . . . . .		13
Installing external options . . . . . . . .		14
Opening the computer cover . . . . . . .		14
Removing and reinstalling the front bezel . .		15
Accessing the system board components and
drives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .		16
Installing or replacing a memory module . . .		17
Installing or replacing a PCI card . . . . . .		18
Installing or replacing the card reader . . . .		21
Replacing the battery . . . . . . . . . .		26
Replacing the hard disk drive . . . . . . .		27
Replacing the optical drive . . . . . . . .		30
Replacing the heat sink and fan assembly . .		33
Replacing the power supply assembly . . .		36
Replacing the microprocessor . . . . . . .		41
Replacing the internal speaker. . . . . . .		44
Replacing the front audio and USB
assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .		49
Replacing the keyboard . . . . . . . . .		51
Replacing the mouse . . . . . . . . . .		51
Completing the parts replacement . . . . .		52
Obtaining device drivers . . . . . . . . . . .		53
Basic security features . . . . . . . . . . .		53
Integrated cable lock . . . . . . . . . .		53
Password protection . . . . . . . . . .		53
Erasing a lost or forgotten password (clearing
CMOS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .		54

Chapter 3. Recovery information . . .	55
Creating and using recovery media . . . . . .	55
Creating recovery media . . . . . . . . .	55
Using recovery media . . . . . . . . . .	56
Performing backup and recovery operations . . .	56
Performing a backup operation . . . . . .	56
Performing a recovery operation . . . . . .	57
Using the Rescue and Recovery workspace . . .	57
Creating and using a rescue medium . . . . . .	58
Creating a rescue medium . . . . . . . .	58
Using a rescue medium . . . . . . . . .	58
Installing or reinstalling device drivers . . . . .	59
Solving recovery problems . . . . . . . . . .	59
Chapter 4. Using the Setup Utility
program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	61
Starting the Setup Utility program . . . . . . .	61
Viewing or changing settings . . . . . . . . .	61
Using passwords. . . . . . . . . . . . . .	61
Password considerations . . . . . . . . .	62
Power-on password . . . . . . . . . . .	62
Administrator password . . . . . . . . .	62
Setting, changing, or deleting a password . .	62
Enabling or disabling a device . . . . . . . .	62
Selecting a startup device . . . . . . . . . .	63
Selecting a temporary startup device . . . .	63
Viewing or changing the startup device
sequence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	63
Exiting the Setup Utility program . . . . . . .	64
Chapter 5. Updating system
programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	65
Using system programs . . . . . . . . . . .	65
Updating (flashing) the BIOS from a disc . . . .	65
Updating (flashing) the BIOS from your operating
system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	66
Recovering from a POST and BIOS update
failure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	66
Chapter 6. Troubleshooting and
diagnostic programs . . . . . . . . .	69
Basic troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . .	69
Diagnostic programs . . . . . . . . . . . .	70
Lenovo Solution Center . . . . . . . . .	70
Lenovo ThinkVantage Toolbox . . . . . . .	71
PC-Doctor for DOS . . . . . . . . . . .	71
Cleaning the mouse . . . . . . . . . . . .	72

Optical mouse . . . . . . . . . . . . .	72
Non-optical mouse . . . . . . . . . . .	72

Chapter 7. Getting information, help,
and service . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	75
Information resources . . . . . . . . . . . .	75
Online Books folder . . . . . . . . . . .	75
Lenovo ThinkVantage Tools . . . . . . . .	75
Lenovo Welcome . . . . . . . . . . . .	76
Access Help . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	76
Safety and warranty . . . . . . . . . . .	76
Lenovo Web site (http://www.lenovo.com) . .	76
Lenovo Support Web site. . . . . . . . .	76
Help and service . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	77
Using the documentation and diagnostic
programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	77

Calling for service. . . . . . . . . . . .	77
Using other services . . . . . . . . . .	78
Purchasing additional services . . . . . .	78

Appendix A. Notices. . . . . . . . . .	79
Television output notice . . . . . . . . . . .	80
European conformance CE mark . . . . . . .	80
Recycling information for Brazil . . . . . . . .	80
Battery recycling information for Taiwan . . . . .	80
Battery recycling information for the European
Union . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	80
Trademarks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	81
Index. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	83

ii ThinkCentre User Guide

Important safety information

CAUTION:

Before using this manual, be sure to read and understand all the related safety information for this product. Refer to the ThinkCentre Safety and Warranty Guide that you received with this product for the latest safety information. Reading and understanding this safety information reduces the risk of personal injury and or damage to your product.

If you no longer have a copy of the ThinkCentre Safety and Warranty Guide, you can obtain a Portable Document Format (PDF) version from the Lenovo® Support Web site at: http://www.lenovo.com/support

iii

iv ThinkCentre User Guide

Chapter 1. Product overview

This chapter provides information about the computer features, specifications, software programs provided by Lenovo, and locations of connectors, components, parts on the system board, and internal drives.

This chapter contains the following topics:

•“Features” on page 1: This section provides information about the computer features.

•“Specifications” on page 4: This section lists the physical specifications for your computer.

•“Software overview” on page 4: This section provides information about the software programs provided with your computer.

•“Locations” on page 6: This section provides information to help you locate your computer connectors, components, parts on the system board, and internal drives.

Features

This section provides information about the computer features.

System information

The following information covers a variety of models. For information about your specific model, use the Setup Utility program. See Chapter 4 “Using the Setup Utility program” on page 61.

Microprocessor

Your computer comes with one of the following microprocessors (internal cache size varies by model type):

•AMD® Athlon™ II microprocessor

•AMD Phenom™ II microprocessor

•AMD Sempron™ microprocessor

Memory module(s)

Your computer supports up to four double data rate 3 dual inline memory modules (DDR3 DIMMs).

Internal drives

•Card reader (available in some models)

•Optical drive: DVD-ROM or DVD-R (optional)

•Serial Advanced Technology Attachment (SATA) hard disk drive

Video subsystem

•Integrated graphics card functioning through a Video Graphics Array (VGA) connector or a Digital Visual Interface (DVI) connector

•Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) Express x16 graphics card slot on the system board for a discrete graphics card

Audio subsystem

•Integrated high-definition (HD) audio

•Headphone connector and microphone connector on the front panel

•Audio line-in connector, audio line-out connector, and microphone connector on the rear panel

•Internal speaker (available in some models)

Connectivity

10/100/1000 Mbps integrated Ethernet controller

System management features

•Ability to store the power-on self-test (POST) hardware test results

•Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI)

•Automatic power-on startup

•Desktop Management Interface (DMI)

•Preboot Execution Environment (PXE)

•System Management (SM) Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) and SM software

•Wake on LAN (WOL)

•Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI) (WMI is the infrastructure for management data and operations on Windows operating systems.)

Input/Output (I/O) features

•9-pin serial port (one standard and one optional)

•25-pin parallel port (optional through your PCI card in some models)

•Ethernet connector

•PS/2 keyboard connector

•PS/2 mouse connector

•Six Universal Serial Bus (USB) 2.0 connectors (two on the front panel and four on the rear panel; there might also be two optional USB connectors on the rear panel)

•Two audio connectors on the front panel (headphone connector and microphone connector)

•Three audio connectors on the rear panel (audio line-in connector, audio line-out connector, and microphone connector)

•VGA monitor connector and DVI monitor connector

For more information, refer to “Locating connectors, controls, and indicators on the front of your computer” on page 7 and “Locating connectors and parts on the rear of your computer” on page 7.

Expansion

•One hard disk drive bay

•One optical drive bay

•One slim card reader drive bay

•One PCI card slot

•One PCI Express x16 graphics card slot

•Two PCI Express x1 card slots

Power supply

Your computer comes with the 240-watt automatic voltage-sensing power supply.

Security features

2 ThinkCentre User Guide

•A power-on password and an administrator password to deter unauthorized use of your computer

•Computrace

•Cover presence switch (also called intrusion switch) (available in some models)

•Enabling or disabling SATA devices

•Enabling or disabling the serial port

•Enabling or disabling USB connectors

•Keyboard with fingerprint reader (shipped with some models)

•Startup sequence control

•Startup without keyboard or mouse

•Support for the addition of an integrated cable lock (Kensington lock. See “Integrated cable lock” on page 53 for more information.)

Preinstalled software programs

Your computer is preinstalled with some software programs to help you work more easily and securely. For more information, see “Software overview” on page 4.

Preinstalled operating system

Your computer is preinstalled with the Microsoft® Windows® 7 operating system.

Operating system(s), certified or tested for compatibility1 (varies by model type)

• Linux®

1.The operating system(s) listed here are being certified or tested for compatibility at the time this publication goes to press. Additional operating systems might be identified by Lenovo as compatible with your computer following the publication of this manual. This list is subject to change. To determine if an operating system has been certified or tested for compatibility, check the Web site of the operating system vendor.

Chapter 1. Product overview 3

Specifications

This section lists the physical specifications for your computer.

Dimensions

Width: 334 mm (13.15 inches)

Height: 97 mm (3.8 inches)

Depth: 369 mm (14.53 inches)

Weight

Maximum configuration as shipped: 7.5 kg (16.53 lb)

Environment

• Air temperature:

Operating: 10°C to 35°C (50°F to 95°F)

Non-operating: -40°C to 60°C (-40°F to 140°F)

Non-operating: -10°C to 60°C (14°F to 140°F) (without package)

• Humidity:

Operating: 20% to 80% (non-condensing)

Non-operating: 20% to 90% (non-condensing)

• Altitude:

Operating: -50 to 10 000 ft (-15.2 to 3 048 m)

Non-operating: -50 to 35 000 ft (-15.2 to 10 668 m)

Electrical input

•Input voltage:

– Low range:

Minimum: 100 V ac

Maximum: 127 V ac

Input frequency range: 50 to 60 Hz

– High range:

Minimum: 200 V ac

Maximum: 240 V ac

Input frequency range: 50 to 60 Hz

Software overview

The computer comes with a preinstalled operating system and several software programs provided by Lenovo.

Software provided with your Windows operating system

This section provides information about the software provided with your Windows operating system.

Software provided by Lenovo

The following software programs are provided by Lenovo to help you improve productivity and reduce the cost associated with maintaining your computer. Software programs provided with your computer might vary depending on your model type and preinstalled operating system.

4 ThinkCentre User Guide

Lenovo ThinkVantage Tools

The Lenovo ThinkVantage® Tools program guides you to a host of information sources and provides easy access to various tools to help you work more easily and securely. For more information, see “Lenovo ThinkVantage Tools” on page 75.

Lenovo Welcome

The Lenovo Welcome program introduces some innovative built-in features of Lenovo to you and guides you through some important setup tasks to help you make the most of your computer.

Product Recovery

The Product Recovery program enables you to restore the contents of the hard disk drive to the factory default settings.

ThinkVantage Rescue and Recovery

The ThinkVantage Rescue and Recovery® program is a one button recovery and restore solution that includes a set of self-recovery tools to help you diagnose computer problems, get help, and recover from system crashes, even if you cannot start the Windows operating system.

Note: If the Enhanced Backup and Restore icon in the Lenovo ThinkVantage Tools program is dimmed, it indicates that you need to install the Rescue and Recovery program manually before enabling its features. To install the Rescue and Recovery program, do the following:

1.Click Start All Programs Lenovo ThinkVantage Tools, and double-click Enhanced Backup and Restore.

2.Follow the instructions on the screen.

3.When the installation process completes, the Enhanced Backup and Restore icon is activated.

Password Manager

The Password Manager program automatically captures and fills in authentication information for Windows applications and Web sites.

Note: If the Password Vault icon in the Lenovo ThinkVantage Tools program is dimmed, it indicates that you need to install the Password Manager program manually before enabling its features. To install the Password Manager program, do the following:

1.Click Start All Programs Lenovo ThinkVantage Tools, and double-click Password Vault.

2.Follow the instructions on the screen.

3.When the installation process completes, the Password Vault icon is activated.

Power Manager

The Power Manager program provides convenient, flexible, and complete power management for your ThinkCentre® computer. By using the Power Manager program, you can adjust your power settings to achieve the best balance between system performance and power saving.

ThinkVantage System Update

The ThinkVantage System Update program helps you keep the software on your computer up-to-date by downloading and installing software packages (ThinkVantage applications, device drivers, BIOS updates, and other third party applications).

Fingerprint Software

The integrated fingerprint reader provided on some keyboards works with the Fingerprint Software program to enable you to enroll your fingerprint and associate it with your Windows password. As a result, fingerprint authentication can replace your password and enable simple and secure user access. A fingerprint reader keyboard is available with certain computers or can be purchased for computers that support this option.

Chapter 1. Product overview 5

Lenovo Solution Center

Note: Depending on the date when your computer was manufactured, your computer is preinstalled with either the Lenovo Solution Center program or the Lenovo ThinkVantage Toolbox program for diagnostic purposes. For additional information about the Lenovo ThinkVantage Toolbox program, see “Lenovo ThinkVantage Toolbox” on page 6.

The Lenovo Solution Center program enables you to troubleshoot and resolve computer problems. It combines diagnostic tests, system information collection, security status, and support information, along with hints and tips for maximum system performance. See “Lenovo Solution Center” on page 70 for detailed information.

Lenovo ThinkVantage Toolbox

Note: Depending on the date when your computer was manufactured, your computer is preinstalled with either the Lenovo Solution Center program or the Lenovo ThinkVantage Toolbox program for diagnostic purposes. For additional information about the Lenovo Solution Center program, see “Lenovo Solution Center” on page 70.

The Lenovo ThinkVantage Toolbox program helps you maintain your computer, improve computing security, diagnose computer problems, get familiar with the innovative technologies provided by Lenovo, and get more information about your computer. For more information, see “Lenovo ThinkVantage Toolbox” on page 71.

Adobe Reader

The Adobe Reader program is a tool used to view, print, and search PDF documents.

See “Online Books folder” on page 75 for more information about accessing and viewing the publications.

Antivirus software

Your computer comes with antivirus software that you can use to detect and eliminate viruses. Lenovo provides a full version of antivirus software on your computer with a free 30-day subscription. After 30 days, you must renew the license to continue receiving the antivirus software updates.

For more information about how to use your antivirus software, refer to the help system of your antivirus software.

Locations

This section provides information to help you locate your computer connectors, components, parts on the system board, and internal drives.

Note: The components in your computer might look slightly different from the illustrations.

6 ThinkCentre User Guide

Locating connectors, controls, and indicators on the front of your computer

Figure 1 “Front connector, control, and indicator locations” on page 7 shows the locations of the connectors, controls, and indicators on the front of your computer.

Figure 1. Front connector, control, and indicator locations

1	Optical drive eject/close button
2	Power switch
3	Hard disk drive activity indicator
4	Power indicator

5	USB connector (USB port 2)
6	Microphone connector
7	Headphone connector
8	USB connector (USB port 1)

Locating connectors and parts on the rear of your computer

Figure 2 “Rear connector and part locations” on page 8 shows the locations of the connectors and parts on the rear of your computer. Some connectors on the rear of your computer are color-coded to help you determine where to connect the cables on your computer.

Chapter 1. Product overview 7

Figure 2. Rear connector and part locations

1	Power cord connector
2	PS/2 keyboard connector
3	DVI monitor connector
4	VGA monitor connector
5	USB connectors (USB ports 3 to 6)
6	Microphone connector
7	Audio line-out connector
8	Audio line-in connector
9	PCI Express x16 graphics card slot

10	PCI Express x1 card slots (2)
11	PCI card slot
12	Optional serial port
13	Cable lock slots (2)
14	Ethernet connector Serial port
15	Integrated cable lock (Kingston lock) slot
16	Cover-release button
17	Serial port
18	PS/2 mouse connector

Connector	Description
Audio line-in connector	Used to receive audio signals from an external audio device, such as a stereo
	system. When you attach an external audio device, a cable is connected between
	the audio line-out connector of the device and the audio line-in connector of
	the computer.
Audio line-out connector	Used to send audio signals from the computer to external devices, such as
	powered stereo speakers (speakers with built-in amplifiers), headphones,
	multimedia keyboards, the audio line-in connector on a stereo system, or other
	external recording devices.
DVI monitor connector	Used to attach a DVI monitor or other devices that use a DVI monitor connector.
Ethernet connector	Used to attach an Ethernet cable for a local area network (LAN).
	Note: To operate the computer within FCC Class B limits, use a Category 5
	Ethernet cable.

8 ThinkCentre User Guide

Connector	Description
Microphone connector	Used to attach a microphone to your computer when you want to record sound or
	if you use speech-recognition software.
PS/2 keyboard connector	Used to attach a keyboard that uses a PS/2 keyboard connector.
PS/2 mouse connector	Used to attach a mouse, a trackball, or other pointing devices that use a PS/2
	mouse connector.
Serial port	Used to attach an external modem, a serial printer, or other devices that use a
	9-pin serial port.
USB connector	Used to attach a device that uses a USB connector, such as a USB keyboard,
	a USB mouse, a USB scanner, or a USB printer. If the USB connectors on your
	computer are not enough for you to connect all your USB devices, you can
	purchase a USB hub, which you can use to connect additional USB devices.
VGA monitor connector	Used to attach a VGA monitor or other devices that use a VGA monitor connector.

Chapter 1. Product overview 9

Lenovo 3122, 3120, 3128, 3126 User Manual

Locating components

Figure 3 “Component locations” on page 10 shows the locations of the various components in your computer. To open the computer cover, see “Opening the computer cover” on page 14.

Figure 3. Component locations

1	Heat sink and fan assembly
2	Power supply assembly
3	Memory module
4	Optical drive
5	Front audio and USB assembly
6	Front bezel

7	System fan assembly
8	Internal speaker (installed in some models)
9	Cover presence switch (Intrusion switch)

10Hard disk drive

11PCI card (installed in some models)

12Heat sink fan duct

Locating parts on the system board

Figure 4 “System board part locations” on page 11 shows the locations of the parts on the system board.

10 ThinkCentre User Guide

Figure 4. System board part locations

1	Microprocessor

2Microprocessor fan connector

3Memory slots (4)

4Thermal sensor connector

524-pin power connector

6Battery

7Clear CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) /Recovery jumper

8SATA connectors (4)

9Front panel connector

10Front USB connector

11Cover presence switch connector (also called intrusion switch connector)

12Front USB connector

13Serial (COM 2) connector

14PCI card slot

15Power fan connector

16Internal speaker connector

17Front audio connector

18	PCI Express x1 card slots (2)
19	PCI Express x16 graphics card slot
20	System fan connector
21	4-pin power connector

Locating internal drives

Internal drives are devices that your computer uses to read and store data. You can add drives to your computer to increase storage capacity and enable your computer to read other types of media. Internal drives are installed in bays. In this manual, the bays are referred to as bay 1, bay 2, and so on. Your computer comes with the following factory-installed drives:

•An optical drive in bay 1

•A 3.5-inch hard disk drive in bay 3

When installing or replacing an internal drive, it is important to note the type and size of the drive that you can install or replace in each bay and correctly connect the cables to the drive installed. Refer to the

Chapter 1. Product overview 11

appropriate section in “Installing or replacing hardware” on page 13 for instructions on how to install or replace internal drives for your computer.

Figure 5 “Drive bay locations” on page 12 shows the locations of the drive bays.

Figure 5. Drive bay locations

Bay 1 - Optical drive bay (with an optical drive installed) Bay 2 - Card reader drive bay

Bay 3 - SATA hard disk drive bay (with a 3.5-inch hard disk drive installed)

12 ThinkCentre User Guide

Chapter 2. Installing or replacing hardware

This chapter provides instructions on how to install or replace hardware for your computer.

This chapter contains the following topics:

•“Handling static-sensitive devices” on page 13

•“Installing or replacing hardware” on page 13

•“Obtaining device drivers” on page 53

•“Basic security features” on page 53

Handling static-sensitive devices

Do not open the static-protective package containing the new part until the defective part has been removed from the computer and you are ready to install the new part. Static electricity, although harmless to you, can seriously damage computer components and parts.

When you handle computer parts and components, take these precautions to avoid static-electricity damage:

•Limit your movement. Movement can cause static electricity to build up around you.

•Always carefully handle the parts and other computer components. Handle PCI cards, memory modules, system boards, and microprocessors by the edges. Never touch exposed circuitry.

•Prevent others from touching the parts and other computer components.

•Before you replace a new part, touch the static-protective package containing the new part to a metal expansion-slot cover or other unpainted metal surface on the computer for at least two seconds. This reduces static electricity from the package and your body.

•Remove the new part from the static-protective package and directly install it in the computer without placing it on any other surface. If it is hard for you to do this in your specific situation, place the static-protective package of the new part on a smooth, level surface, and then place the new part on the static-protective package.

•Do not place the part on the computer cover or other metal surface.

Installing or replacing hardware

This section provides instructions on how to install or replace hardware for your computer. You can expand the capabilities of your computer and maintain your computer by installing or replacing hardware.

Attention:

Do not open your computer or attempt any repair before reading and understanding the “Important safety information” in the ThinkCentre Safety and Warranty Guide that came with your computer. To obtain a copy of the ThinkCentre Safety and Warranty Guide, go to:

http://www.lenovo.com/support

Notes:

1.Use only computer parts provided by Lenovo.

2.When installing or replacing an option, use the appropriate instructions in this section along with the instructions that come with the option.

Installing external options

You can connect external options to your computer, such as external speakers, a printer, or a scanner. For some external options, you must install additional software in addition to making the physical connection. When installing an external option, see “Locating connectors, controls, and indicators on the front of your computer” on page 7 and “Locating connectors and parts on the rear of your computer” on page 7 to identify the required connector. Then, use the instructions that come with the option to help you make the connection and install any software or device drivers that are required for the option.

Opening the computer cover

Attention:

http://www.lenovo.com/support

This section provides instructions on how to open the computer cover.

CAUTION:

Turn off the computer and wait three to five minutes to let the computer cool before opening the computer cover.

To open the computer cover, do the following:

1.Remove any media from the drives and turn off all attached devices and the computer.

2.Disconnect all power cords from electrical outlets.

3.Disconnect the power cords, Input/Output cables, and any other cables that are connected to the computer. See “Locating connectors, controls, and indicators on the front of your computer” on page 7 and “Locating connectors and parts on the rear of your computer” on page 7.

4.Remove any locking device that secures the computer cover, such as an integrated cable lock. See “Integrated cable lock” on page 53.

5.Press the cover-release button on the back of the computer and pivot the computer cover upward.

Figure 6. Opening the computer cover

14 ThinkCentre User Guide

Removing and reinstalling the front bezel

Attention:

http://www.lenovo.com/support

This section provides instructions on how to remove and reinstall the front bezel.

To remove and reinstall the front bezel, do the following:

1.Remove all media from the drives and turn off all attached devices and the computer. Then, disconnect all power cords from electrical outlets and disconnect all cables that are connected to the computer.

2.Open the computer cover. See “Opening the computer cover” on page 14.

3.Remove the front bezel by releasing the three plastic tabs on the top of the front bezel and pivoting the front bezel outward to remove it from the computer.

Figure 7. Removing the front bezel

Chapter 2. Installing or replacing hardware 15

4.To reinstall the front bezel, align the other three plastic tabs on the bottom of the front bezel with the corresponding holes in the chassis, then pivot the front bezel inward until it snaps into position.

Figure 8. Reinstalling the front bezel

What to do next:

•To work with another piece of hardware, go to the appropriate section.

•To complete the installation or replacement, go to “Completing the parts replacement” on page 52.

Accessing the system board components and drives

Attention:

http://www.lenovo.com/support

This section provides instructions on how to access the system board components and drives.

To access the system board components and drives, do the following:

2.Open the computer cover. See “Opening the computer cover” on page 14.

3.Remove the front bezel. See “Removing and reinstalling the front bezel” on page 15.

4.Remove the heat sink fan duct. See “Replacing the heat sink and fan assembly” on page 33.

5.Remove the hard disk drive. See “Replacing the hard disk drive” on page 27.

16 ThinkCentre User Guide

6.Pivot the optical drive bay upward to access the system board components and the cables. See “Replacing the optical drive” on page 30.

Installing or replacing a memory module

Attention:

http://www.lenovo.com/support

This section provides instructions on how to install or replace a memory module.

Your computer has four slots for installing or replacing DDR3 DIMMs that provide up to a maximum of 16 GB system memory. When installing or replacing a memory module, use 1 GB, 2 GB, or 4 GB DDR3 DIMMs

in any combination up to a maximum of 16 GB.

To install or replace a memory module, do the following:

1.Turn off the computer and disconnect all power cords from electrical outlets.

2.Open the computer cover. See “Opening the computer cover” on page 14.

3.Remove the front bezel. See “Removing and reinstalling the front bezel” on page 15.

4.Remove the heat sink fan duct. See “Replacing the heat sink and fan assembly” on page 33.

5.Remove the hard disk drive. See “Replacing the hard disk drive” on page 27.

6.Pivot the optical drive bay upward to gain access to the memory slots. See “Replacing the optical drive” on page 30.

7.Locate the memory slots. See “Locating parts on the system board” on page 10.

8.Remove any parts that might prevent access to the memory slots.

9.Depending on whether you are installing or replacing a memory module, do one of the following:

•If you are replacing an old memory module, open the retaining clips and gently pull the memory module out of the memory slot.

Figure 9. Removing a memory module

Chapter 2. Installing or replacing hardware 17

•If you are installing a memory module, open the retaining clips of the memory slot into which you want to install the memory module.

Figure 10. Opening the retaining clips

10.Position the new memory module over the memory slot. Make sure that the notch 1 on the memory module aligns correctly with the slot key 2 on the system board. Push the memory module straight down into the slot until the retaining clips close.

Figure 11. Installing a memory module

What to do next:

•To work with another piece of hardware, go to the appropriate section.

•To complete the installation or replacement, go to “Completing the parts replacement” on page 52.

Installing or replacing a PCI card

Attention:

http://www.lenovo.com/support

This section provides instructions on how to install or replace a PCI card. Your computer has two standard PCI card slots, one PCI Express x1 card slot, and one PCI Express x16 graphics card slot.

18 ThinkCentre User Guide

To install or replace a PCI card, do the following:

1.Turn off the computer and disconnect all power cords from electrical outlets.

2.Open the computer cover. See “Opening the computer cover” on page 14.

3.Rotate the PCI card retainer to the open position.

4.Depending on whether you are installing or replacing a PCI card, do one of the following:

•If you are installing a PCI card, remove the appropriate metal slot cover.

•If you are replacing an old PCI card, grasp the old card that is currently installed and gently pull it out of the slot.

Figure 12. Removing a PCI card

Notes:

a.The card fits tightly into the card slot. If necessary, alternate moving each side of the card a small amount until it is removed from the card slot.

Chapter 2. Installing or replacing hardware 19

b.If the card is held in place by a retaining latch, press the card retaining latch 1 as shown to disengage the latch. Grasp the card and gently pull it out of the slot.

5.Remove the new PCI card from its static-protective package.

6.Install the new card into the appropriate card slot on the system board and rotate the card retainer to the closed position. See “Locating parts on the system board” on page 10.

Figure 13. Installing the PCI card

What to do next:

•To work with another piece of hardware, go to the appropriate section.

•To complete the installation or replacement, go to “Completing the parts replacement” on page 52.

20 ThinkCentre User Guide

Installing or replacing the card reader

Attention:

http://www.lenovo.com/support

This section provides instructions on how to install or replace the card reader.

Note: The card reader is only available in some models. For new installation, see “Installing the card reader” on page 21. For replacement, see “Replacing the card reader” on page 24.

Installing the card reader

To install the card reader, do the following:

2.Open the computer cover. See “Opening the computer cover” on page 14.

3.Remove the front bezel. See “Removing and reinstalling the front bezel” on page 15.

4.Locate the card reader drive bay. See “Locating internal drives” on page 11.

Note: You might have to remove the metal cover of the card reader drive bay.

5.Install the new card reader into the card reader bracket. Then install the two screws to secure the card reader to the bracket.

Chapter 2. Installing or replacing hardware 21

6.Install the card reader bracket to the chassis. Then push the bracket to the left to align the screw hole in the bracket with the corresponding hole in the chassis.

Figure 14. Installing the card reader

22 ThinkCentre User Guide

7. Install the screw to secure the card reader bracket to the chassis.

Figure 15. Installing the screw that secures the card reader

8.Pivot the optical drive bay upward and connect the card reader cable to one of the USB connectors on the system board. See “Locating parts on the system board” on page 10.

9.Reinstall the front bezel. See “Removing and reinstalling the front bezel” on page 15.

Note: You might have to remove the card reader cover 2 from the front bezel. To remove the card read cover, pivot the two retaining clips 1 that secure the card reader cover outwards and then completely disengage the card reader cover from the front bezel.

Figure 16. Removing the card reader cover

What to do next:

•To work with another piece of hardware, go to the appropriate section.

•To complete the installation or replacement, go to “Completing the parts replacement” on page 52.

Chapter 2. Installing or replacing hardware 23

+ 65 hidden pages