Dell Vostro 3420 (P152G) Manual

Set up your Vostro 3420

NOTE: The images in this document may differ from your computer depending on the configuration you ordered.

1. Connect the power adapter and press the power button.
   NOTE: To conserve battery power, the battery might enter power saving mode. Connect the power adapter and press the power button to turn on the computer.
   

2. Finish operating system setup.
   For Ubuntu:
   Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the setup. For more information about installing and configuring Ubuntu, see the knowledge base articles 000131655 and 000131676 at www.dell.com/support.
   For Windows:
   Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the setup. When setting up, Dell recommends that you:
   • Connect to a network for Windows updates.
     NOTE: If connecting to a secured wireless network, enter the password for the wireless network access when prompted.
   • If connected to the internet, sign-in with or create a Microsoft account. If not connected to the internet, create an offline account.
   • On the Support and Protection screen, enter your contact details.
3. Locate and use Dell apps from the Windows Start menu—Recommended.

Table 1. Locate Dell apps

Resources	Description
	Dell Product Registration Register your computer with Dell.
	Dell Help & Support Access help and support for your computer.
	My Dell Centralized location for key Dell applications, help articles, and other important information about your computer. It also notifies you about the warranty status, recommended accessories, and software updates if available.
	SupportAssist SupportAssist is the smart technology that keeps your computer running at its best by optimizing settings, detecting issues, removing viruses and notifies when you need to make system updates. SupportAssist proactively checks the health of your system's hardware and software. When an issue is detected, the necessary system state information is sent to Dell to begin troubleshooting. SupportAssist is preinstalled on most of the Dell devices running Windows operating system. For more information, see SupportAssist for Home PCs User's Guide on www.dell.com/serviceabilitytools. NOTE: In SupportAssist, click the warranty expiry date to renew or upgrade your warranty.
	Dell Update Updates your computer with critical fixes and latest device drivers as they become available. For more information about using Dell Update, see the knowledge base article 000149088 at www.dell.com/support.
	Dell Digital Delivery Download software applications, which are purchased but not pre-installed on your computer. For more information about using Dell Digital Delivery, see the knowledge base article 000128904 at www.dell.com/support.

Views of Vostro 3420

Right

1. SD-card slot
   Reads from and writes to the SD card. The computer supports the following card types:
   • Secure Digital (SD)
   • Secure Digital High Capacity (SDHC)
   • Secure Digital Extended Capacity (SDXC)
2. USB 2.0 port
   Connect devices such as external storage devices and printers. Provides data transfer speeds up to 480 Mbps.
3. Network port
   Connect an Ethernet (RJ45) cable from a router or a broadband modem for network or Internet access, with a transfer rate of 10/100/1000 Mbps.
4. Headset (headphone and microphone combo) port
   Connect headphones or a headset (headphone and microphone combo).
5. Security-cable slot (wedge-shaped)
   Connect a security cable to prevent unauthorized movement of your computer.

Left

1. Power-adapter port
   Connect a power adapter to provide power to your computer and charge the battery.
2. Power and battery-status light
   Indicates the power state and battery state of the computer.
   Solid white—Power adapter is connected and the battery is charging.
   Solid amber—Battery charge is low or critical.
   Off—Battery is fully charged.
   NOTE: On certain computer models, the power and battery-status light are also used for diagnostics. For more information, see the Troubleshooting section in your computer's Service Manual.
3. HDMI 1.4 port
   Connect to a TV, external display or another HDMI-in enabled device. Provides video and audio output.
4. USB 3.2 Gen 1 port
   Connect devices such as external storage devices and printers. Provides data transfer speeds up to 5 Gbps.
5. USB 3.2 port
   NOTE: The ports may vary based on the system configuration.
   • USB 3.2 Gen 1 (Type-C) port
     Connect devices such as external storage devices, printers, and external displays. Provides data transfer speeds up to 5 Gbps. Supports Power Delivery that enables two-way power supply between devices. Provides up to 15 W power output that enables faster charging.
   • USB 3.2 Gen 1 (Type-C) port with DisplayPort
     Connect devices such as external storage devices, printers, and external displays. Provides data transfer rate of up to 5 Gbps.
     Supports DisplayPort 1.4 and also enables you to connect an external display using a display adapter.
     NOTE: A USB Type-C to DisplayPort adapter (sold separately) is required to connect a DisplayPort device.
   • USB 3.2 Gen 1 port
     Connect devices such as external storage devices and printers. Provides data transfer speeds up to 5 Gbps.

Top

1. Power button with optional fingerprint reader
   Press to turn on the computer if it is turned off, in sleep state, or in hibernate state.
   When the computer is turned on, press the power button to put the computer into sleep state; press and hold the power button for 10 seconds to force shut-down the computer.
   If the power button has a fingerprint reader, place your finger on the power button to log in.
   NOTE: The highlighted area indicates the actual active fingerprint reader area and the image is for illustration purposes

   NOTE: The power-status light on the power button is available only on computers without the fingerprint reader. Computers that are shipped with the fingerprint reader that is integrated on the power button will not have the power-status light on the power button.
   NOTE: To reset the battery, press and hold the power button for 25 seconds.

   
   
2. Touchpad
   Move your finger on the touchpad to move the mouse pointer. Tap to left-click and two fingers tap to right-click.

Display

The maximum operating angle for the display-panel hinge is 135 degrees.

1. Left microphone (optional)
   Provides digital sound input for audio recording and voice calls.
2. Camera
   Enables you to video chat, capture photos, and record videos.
3. Privacy shutter (optional)
   Slide the privacy shutter to cover the camera lens and protect your privacy when the camera is not in use.
4. Camera-status light
   Turns on when the camera is in use.
5. Right microphone
   Provides digital sound input for audio recording and voice calls.
6. LCD panel
   Provides visual output to the user.

Bottom

1. Speakers
   Provide audio output.
2. Service Tag and regulatory labels
   The Service Tag is a unique alphanumeric identifier that enables Dell service technicians to identify the hardware components in your computer and access warranty information. The regulatory label contains regulatory information of your computer.
3. Air vents
   Air vents provide ventilation for your computer. Clogged air vents can cause overheating and can affect your computer's performance and potentially cause hardware issues. Keep the air vents clear of obstructions and clean them regularly to prevent build-up of dust and dirt. For more information about cleaning air vents, search for articles in Knowledge Base Resource at www.dell.com/support.

Service Tag

The service tag is a unique alphanumeric identifier that allows Dell service technicians to identify the hardware components in your computer and access warranty information.

Battery charge and status light

The following table lists the battery charge and status light behavior of your Vostro 3420.

Table 2. Battery charge and status light behavior

• S0 (ON) - System is turned on.
• S4 (Hibernate) - The system consumes the least power compared to all other sleep states. The system is almost at an OFF state, expect for a trickle power. The context data is written to hard drive.
• S5 (OFF) - The system is in a shutdown state.

Specifications of Vostro 3420

Dimensions and weight

The following table lists the height, width, depth, and weight of your Vostro 3420.

Table 3. Dimensions and weight

Description	Values
Height:
Front height	Carbon Black / Titan Grey (Plastic):0.74 in. (18.62 mm) Titan Grey (Aluminium): 0.69 in. (17.52 mm)
Rear height	Carbon Black / Titan Grey (Plastic):0.77 in. (19.48 mm) Titan Grey (Aluminium): 0.73 in. (18.48 mm)
Width	Carbon Black / Titan Grey (Plastic): Width: 12.65 in. (321.27 mm) Titan Grey (Aluminium): Width: 12.65 in. (321.27 mm)
Depth	Carbon Black / Titan Grey (Plastic): 8.67 in. (220.26 mm) Titan Grey (Aluminium): 8.65 in. (219.76 mm)
Weight NOTE: The weight of your computer depends on the configuration ordered and manufacturing variability.	Carbon Black / Titan Grey (Plastic): 3.29 lb (1.49 kg) Titan Grey (Aluminium): 3.29 lb (1.49 kg)

Processor

The following table lists the details of the processors that are supported by your Vostro 3420.

Table 4. Processor

Chipset

The following table lists the details of the chipset supported by your Vostro 3420

Table 5. Chipset

Operating system

Your Vostro 3420 supports the following operating systems:

• Windows 11 Home, 64-bit
• Windows 11 Pro, 64-bit
• Windows 11 Pro National Academic, 64-bit
• Ubuntu 20.04 LTS, 64bit

Memory

The following table lists the memory specifications of your Vostro 3420.

Table 6. Memory specifications

External ports

The following table lists the external ports of your Vostro 3420.

Table 7. External ports

Internal slots

The following table lists the internal slots of your Vostro 3420.

Table 8. Internal slots

Ethernet

The following table lists the wired Ethernet Local Area Network (LAN) specifications of your Vostro 3420.

Table 9. Ethernet specifications

Wireless module

The following table lists the Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) module specifications of your Vostro 3420.

Table 10. Wireless module specifications

Description	Option one	Option two	Option three
Model number	Realtek RTL8821CE	Intel 9462	Intel AX201 (optional)
Transfer rate	Up to 433 Mbps	Up to 433 Mbps	Up to 2400 Mbps
Frequency bands supported	2.40 GHz/5 GHz	2.40 GHz/5.00 GHz	2.40 GHz/5.00 GHz
Wireless standards	Wi-Fi 802.11a/b/g Wi-Fi 4 (Wi-Fi 802.11n) Wi-Fi 5 (Wi-Fi 802.11ac)	Wi-Fi 802.11a/b/g Wi-Fi 4 (Wi-Fi 802.11n) Wi-Fi 5 (Wi-Fi 802.11ac)	Wi-Fi 802.11a/b/g Wi-Fi 4 (Wi-Fi 802.11n) Wi-Fi 5 (Wi-Fi 802.11ac) Wi-Fi 6 (Wi-Fi 802.11ax)
Encryption	64-bit/128-bit WEP AES-CCMP TKIP	64-bit/128-bit WEP AES-CCMP TKIP	64-bit/128-bit WEP AES-CCMP TKIP
Bluetooth wireless card	Bluetooth 5.0	Bluetooth 5.1	Bluetooth 5.2
	NOTE: The version of the Bluetooth wireless card may vary depending on the operating system that is installed on your computer.

Audio

The following table lists the audio specifications of your Vostro 3420.

Table 11. Audio specifications

Storage

This section lists the storage options on your Vostro 3420.

• M.2 2230 Class 35 solid-state drive
• M.2 2280 Class 40 solid-state drive
• M.2 2280 solid-state drive, QLC

Table 12. Storage specifications

Media-card reader

The following table lists the media cards supported by your Vostro 3420.

Table 13. Media-card reader specifications

Description	Values
Media-card type	SD card
Media-cards supported	Secure Digital (SD) Secure Digital High Capacity (SDHC) Secure Digital Extended Capacity (SDXC)
NOTE: The maximum capacity supported by the media-card reader varies depending on the standard of the media card installed in your computer.

Keyboard

The following table lists the keyboard specifications of your Vostro 3420.

Table 14. Keyboard specifications

Description	Values
Keyboard type	Backlit keyboard
Keyboard layout	QWERTY
Number of keys	United States and Canada: 79 keys United Kingdom: 80 keys Japan: 83 keys
Keyboard size	X= 19.05 mm key pitch Y= 18.05 mm key pitch
Keyboard shortcuts	Some keys on your keyboard have two symbols on them. These keys can be used to type alternate characters or to perform secondary functions. To type the alternate character, press Shift and the desired key. To perform secondary functions, press Fn and the desired key. NOTE: You can define the primary behavior of the function keys (F1–F12) changing Function Key Behavior in BIOS setup program.

Camera

The following table lists the camera specifications of your Vostro 3420.

Table 15. Camera specifications

Touchpad

The following table lists the touchpad specifications of your Vostro 3420.

Table 16. Touchpad specifications

Power adapter

The following table lists the power adapter specifications of your Vostro 3420.

Table 17. Power adapter specifications

Description	Values
Type	65 W AC adapter, Barrel type
Connector dimensions:
External diameter	4.50 mm (0.17 in.)
Internal diameter	2.90 mm (0.11 in.)
Power-adapter dimensions:
Height	28 mm ( 1.10 in.)
Width	106 mm (4.17 in.)
Depth	48 mm (1.89 in.)
Power-adapter weight (maximum)	0.3 kg (0.66 lb)
Input voltage	100 VAC x 240 VAC
Input frequency	50 Hz x 60 Hz
Input current (maximum)	1.70 A
Output current (continuous)	3.34 A
Rated output voltage	19.50 VDC
Temperature range:
Operating	0°C to 40°C (32°F to 104°F)
Storage	-40°C to 70°C (-40°F to 158°F)
Operating and storage temperature ranges may differ among components, so operating or storing the device outside these ranges may impact the performance of specific components.

Battery

The following table lists the battery specifications of your Vostro 3420.

Table 18. Battery specifications

Description	Option one	Option two
Battery type	3-cell, 41 Wh "smart" lithium ion	4-cell, 54 Wh "smart" lithium ion
Battery voltage	11.25 VDC	15.00 VDC
Battery weight (maximum)	0.19 Kg (0.41 lb)	0.24 kg (0.54 lbs)
Battery dimensions:
Height	206.40 mm (8.12 in.)	271.90 mm (10.70 in.)
Width	82.00 mm (3.22 in.)	82.00 mm (3.22 in.)
Depth	5.75 mm (0.22 in.)	5.75 mm (0.22 in.)
Temperature range:
Operating	When charging battery: Initiate charging: 0°C to 45°C (32°F to 113°F) Upper limit for charging (maximum): 50°C (122°F) When discharging battery: Normal discharging: 0°C to 60°C (32°F to 140°F) Over temperature protection (maximum): 70°C (158°F) NOTE: The battery does not allow discharge past this temperature.	When charging battery: Initiate charging: 0°C to 45°C (32°F to 113°F) Upper limit for charging (maximum): 50°C (122°F) When discharging battery: Normal discharging: 0°C to 60°C (32°F to 140°F) Over temperature protection (maximum): 70°C (158°F) NOTE: The battery does not allow discharge past this temperature.
Storage	–20°C to 60°C (-4°F to 140°F)	–20°C to 60°C (-4°F to 140°F)
Battery operating time	Varies depending on operating conditions and can significantly reduce under certain power-intensive conditions.	Varies depending on operating conditions and can significantly reduce under certain power-intensive conditions.
Battery charging time (approximate) NOTE: Control the charging time, duration, start and end time, and so on using the Dell Power Manager application. For more information on the Dell Power Manager see, Me and My Dell on www.dell.com.	Standard Charge/Predominately AC User Charge Method: 0°C - 15°C maximum allowable charge time from 0% to 100% RSOC is 4 hours 16°C - 50°C maximum allowable charge time from 0% to 100% RSOC is 3 hours Express Charge Method: 0°C - 15°C maximum allowable charge time from 0% to 100% RSOC is 4 hours 16°C - 45°C normal express charge 46°C - 50°C maximum allowable charge time from 0% to 80% RSOC is 1 hour 46°C - 50°C maximum allowable charge time from 0% to 100% RSOC is 2 hours Express Charge Boost Charge Method (Fast Charge for Initial 35%): 16°C - 45°C target charge time from 0% to 35% RSOC is 20 mins for Accelerated Charge	Standard Charge/Predominately AC User Charge Method: 0°C - 15°C maximum allowable charge time from 0% to 100% RSOC is 4 hours 16°C - 50°C maximum allowable charge time from 0% to 100% RSOC is 3 hours Express Charge Method: 0 - 15°C maximum allowable charge time from 0% to 100% RSOC is 4 hours 16 - 45°C normal express charge 46°C - 50°C maximum allowable charge time from 0% to 80% RSOC is 1 hour 46°C - 50°C maximum allowable charge time from 0% to 100% RSOC is 2 hours
Coin-cell battery	NA	NA
Operating and storage temperature ranges may differ among components, so operating or storing the device outside these ranges may impact the performance of specific components.

ComfortView

Prolonged exposure to blue light from the display may lead to long-term effects such as eye strain, eye fatigue, or damage to the eyes.
Blue light is a color in the light spectrum which has a short wavelength and high energy. Chronic exposure to blue light, particularly from digital sources, may disrupt sleep patterns and cause long-term effects such as eye strain, eye fatigue, or damage to the eyes.
ComfortView mode can be enabled and configured using the Dell CinemaColor application.
ComfortView mode complies with TÜV Rheinland's requirement for low blue light displays.
Low blue light: Dell ComfortView software technology reduces harmful blue light emissions to make extended screen time easy on your eyes.
To reduce the risk of eye strain, it is also recommended that you:

• Position the display at a comfortable viewing distance between 20 and 28 inches (50 and 70 cm) from your eyes.
• Blink frequently to moisten your eyes, wet your eyes with water, or apply suitable eye drops.
• Look away from your display, and gaze at a distant object at 20 ft (609.60 cm) away for at least 20 seconds during each break.
• Take an extended break for 20 minutes every two hours.

Keyboard shortcuts of Vostro 3420

NOTE: Keyboard characters may differ depending on the keyboard language configuration. Keys used for shortcuts remain the same across all language configurations.
Some keys on your keyboard have two symbols on them. These keys can be used to type alternate characters or to perform secondary functions. The symbol shown on the lower part of the key refers to the character that is typed out when the key is pressed. If you press shift and the key, the symbol shown on the upper part of the key is typed out. For example, if you press 2, 2 is typed out; if you press Shift + 2, @ is typed out.
The keys F1-F12 at the top row of the keyboard are function keys for multi-media control, as indicated by the icon at the bottom of the key. Press the function key to invoke the task represented by the icon. For example, pressing F1 mutes the audio (refer to the table below).
However, if the function keys F1-F12 are needed for specific software applications, multi-media functionality can be disabled by pressing Fn + Esc. Subsequently, multi-media control can be invoked by pressing Fn and the respective function key. For example, mute audio by pressing Fn + F1.
NOTE: You can also define the primary behavior of the function keys (F1–F12) by changing Function Key Behavior in BIOS setup program.

Table 25. List of keyboard shortcuts

The Fn key is also used with selected keys on the keyboard to invoke other secondary functions.

Table 26. Secondary behavior

Getting help and contacting Dell

Self-help resources
You can get information and help on Dell products and services using these self-help resources:

Table 27. Self-help resources

Self-help resources	Resource location
Information about Dell products and services	www.dell.com
My Dell app
Tips
Contact Support	In Windows search, type Contact Support, and press Enter.
Online help for operating system	www.dell.com/support/windows www.dell.com/support/linux
Access top solutions, diagnostics, drivers and downloads, and learn more about your computer through videos, manuals and documents.	Your Dell computer is uniquely identified by a Service Tag or Express Service Code. To view relevant support resources for your Dell computer, enter the Service Tag or Express Service Code at www.dell.com/support. For more information on how to find the Service Tag for your computer, see Locate the Service Tag on your computer.
Dell knowledge base articles for a variety of computer concerns	Go to www.dell.com/support. On the menu bar at the top of the Support page, selectSupport > Knowledge Base. In the Search field on the Knowledge Base page, type the keyword, topic, or model number, and then click or tap the search icon to view the related articles.

Contacting Dell
To contact Dell for sales, technical support, or customer service issues, see www.dell.com/contactdell.
NOTE: Availability varies by country/region and product, and some services may not be available in your country/region.
NOTE: If you do not have an active Internet connection, you can find contact information about your purchase invoice, packing slip, bill, or Dell product catalog.

Notes, cautions, and warnings

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

A CAUTION indicates either potential damage to hardware or loss of data and tells you how to avoid the problem.

A WARNING indicates a potential for property damage, personal injury, or death.