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Other trademarks and trade names may be used in this manual 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.
CHAPTER 1: BEFORE YOU BEGIN This manual provides procedures for removing and installing the components CHAPTER 1: BEFORE YOU BEGIN in your computer. Unless otherwise noted, each procedure assumes that the CHAPTER 1: BEFORE YOU BEGIN following conditions exist: • You have performed the steps in “Turning Off Your Computer”...
CHAPTER 1: BEFORE YOU BEGIN Recommended Tools Turning Off Your Computer The procedures in this document may require the following tools: CAUTION: To avoid losing data, save and close all open files and exit all open programs before you turn off your computer. •...
CAUTION: Only a certified service technician should perform repairs on CAUTION: To disconnect a network cable, first unplug the cable from your computer. Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell™ your computer and then unplug the cable from the network device.
CHAPTER 2: TECHNICAL OVERVIEW Technical Overview 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.
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WARNING: Do not operate your equipment with any cover(s) (including side panels, bezels, filler brackets, front-panel inserts, etc.) removed. 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.
CHAPTER 3: CHASSIS Removing the Left Side-Panel Follow the instructions in “Before You Begin” on page NOTE: Ensure that any attached security cable is removed before attempting to lift the release panel. Lift the release panel and open the left side-panel as far as possible. NOTE: Theater lighting turns on automatically when the side panel is opened.
CHAPTER 3: CHASSIS Removing the Right Side-Panel Follow the instructions in “Before You Begin” on page NOTE: Ensure that any attached security cable is removed before attempting to lift the release panel. Lift the release panel and open the right side-panel as far as possible. NOTE: Theater lighting turns on automatically when the side panel is opened.
CHAPTER 3: CHASSIS Removing the Left Bottom-Panel Follow the instructions in “Before You Begin” on page Remove the left side-panel (see “Removing the Left Side-Panel” on page 15). Disconnect the left bottom-panel cable from the SIDE_LEFT connector on the master I/O board. Press out to release the left bottom-panel clamps that secure the left bottom-panel to the chassis.
CHAPTER 3: CHASSIS Removing the Right Bottom-Panel Follow the instructions in “Before You Begin” on page Remove the right side-panel (see “Removing the Right Side-Panel” on page 16). Disconnect the right bottom-panel cable from the SIDE_RIGHT connector on the master I/O board. Remove the hard-drive fans (see “Removing the Hard-Drive Fan(s)”...
CHAPTER 3: CHASSIS Removing the Chassis-Intrusion Switch Follow the instructions in “Before You Begin” on page Remove the left side-panel (see “Removing the Left Side-Panel” on page 15). Disconnect the chassis-intrusion switch cable from the master I/O board connector. Slide the chassis-intrusion switch towards the top of the computer and then pull it away.
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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: To avoid electrostatic discharge, ground yourself by using a wrist grounding strap or by periodically touching an unpainted metal surface (such as a connector on the back of the computer).
CHAPTER 4: SHROUDS Removing the PCI Shroud Follow the instructions in “Before You Begin” on page Lift the release panel and open the left side-panel Press the PCI-shroud button to release the PCI shroud and then rotate the PCI shroud away from the computer. To remove the PCI-shroud completely from the chassis: Remove the PCI-shroud clamp screw and lift the PCI-shroud clamp out of the chassis.
CHAPTER 4: SHROUDS Removing the Drive-Bay Shroud Follow the instructions in “Before You Begin” on page Remove the left side-panel (see “Removing the Left Side-Panel” on page 15). Remove the PCI shroud (see “Removing the PCI Shroud“ on page 22). Disconnect the drive-bay shroud cables from the master I/O board connectors.
Comprehensive Specifications at support.dell.com for information on the memory supported by your computer. Install only memory modules that are supported by your computer. NOTE: Memory modules purchased from Dell or Alienware are covered under your computer warranty. Your computer has three internally-accessible DDR3 DIMM sockets.
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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: To avoid electrostatic discharge, ground yourself by using a wrist grounding strap or by periodically touching an unpainted metal surface (such as a connector on the back of the computer).
CHAPTER 5: MEMORY MODULE(S) Removing Memory Module(s) Follow the instructions in “Before You Begin” on page Lift the release panel and open the left side-panel. Locate the memory-module connectors on the system board (see “System Board Connectors“ on page 11). CAUTION: The memory module(s) may become very hot during normal operation.
CHAPTER 5: MEMORY MODULE(S) Replacing Memory Module(s) Follow the instructions in “Before You Begin” on page Align the notch on the bottom of the memory module with the tab on the memory-module connector. CAUTION: To avoid damage to the memory module, press the memory module straight down into the memory-module connector while you apply equal force to each end of the memory module.
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CHAPTER 5: MEMORY MODULE(S) As the computer boots, it detects the additional memory and automatically updates the system configuration information. To confirm the amount of memory installed in the computer: Windows Vista ® Click Start Control Panel System and Maintenance. →...
CHAPTER 6: PCI AND PCI-EXPRESS CARDS CHAPTER 6: PCI AND PCI-EXPRESS CARDS CHAPTER 6: PCI AND PCI-EXPRESS CARDS...
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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: To avoid electrostatic discharge, ground yourself by using a wrist grounding strap or by periodically touching an unpainted metal surface (such as a connector on the back of the computer).
CHAPTER 6: PCI AND PCI-EXPRESS CARDS Removing PCI and PCI-Express Cards Follow the instructions in “Before You Begin” on page Lift the release panel and open the left side-panel. Remove the PCI shroud (see “Removing the PCI Shroud“ on page 22).
CHAPTER 6: PCI AND PCI-EXPRESS CARDS Replacing PCI and PCI-Express Cards Follow the instructions in “Before You Begin” on page Remove the filler bracket to create a card-slot opening (if applicable). NOTE: For information on configuring, customizing, and making internal connections on the card, see the documentation that shipped with the card.
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Dell or Alienware. NOTE: If you are installing a hard drive from a source other than Dell or Alienware, you need to install an operating system, drivers, and utilities...
CHAPTER 7: DRIVES Removing Optical Drive(s) Follow the instructions in “Before You Begin” on page Press the AlienHead to lower the drive panel. drive panel 2 AlienHead...
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CHAPTER 7: DRIVES Lift the release panel and open the left side-panel. Disconnect the power cable and the data cable from the back of the optical drive. Pull the securing tab on the optical-drive bracket and slide the optical drive out through the front of the computer.
CHAPTER 7: DRIVES Replacing Optical Drive(s) Follow the instructions in “Before You Begin” on page Remove the new drive from its packaging. Save the original packaging for storing or shipping the optical drive. Remove the optical-drive bay filler, if applicable: Pull the securing tab on the optical-drive bracket and slide the optical-drive bay filler out through the front of the computer.
CHAPTER 7: DRIVES Removing the Media Card Reader Follow the instructions in “Before You Begin” on page Press the AlienHead to lower the drive panel. drive panel 2 AlienHead...
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CHAPTER 7: DRIVES Lift the release panel and open the left side-panel. Disconnect the FlexBay cable from the back of the Media Card Reader. Pull the securing tab on the FlexBay bracket and slide the Media Card Reader out through the front of the computer. FlexBay cable 3 securing tab Media Card Reader...
CHAPTER 7: DRIVES Replacing the Media Card Reader Follow the instructions in “Before You Begin” on page Remove the new Media Card Reader from its packaging. Save the original packaging for storing or shipping the Media Card Reader. Remove the FlexBay filler, if applicable: Pull the securing tab on the FlexBay bracket and slide the FlexBay filler out through the front of the computer.
CHAPTER 7: DRIVES Removing Hard Drive(s) Follow the instructions in “Before You Begin” on page Lift the release panel and open the right side-panel. Press the hard-drive release tabs simultaneously and slide the hard drive towards the top and out of the computer. hard-drive release tabs (2) 2 hard drive...
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CHAPTER 7: DRIVES If you are removing a solid-state drive (SSD): Remove the four screws that secure the SSD to the hard-drive bracket. Slide and lift the SSD out of the hard-drive bracket. screws (4) 3 SSD hard-drive bracket...
CHAPTER 7: DRIVES Replacing Hard Drive(s) Follow the instructions in “Before You Begin” on page NOTE: See the documentation that shipped with your new hard-drive to verify that it is configured for your computer. If you are replacing an SSD: Replace the SSD in the hard-drive bracket.
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: To avoid electrostatic discharge, ground yourself by using a wrist grounding strap or by periodically touching an unpainted metal surface (such as a connector on the back of the computer).
CHAPTER 8: FRONT BEZEL Removing the Front Bezel Follow the instructions in “Before You Begin” on page Remove the left side-panel (see “Removing the Left Side-Panel” on page 15). Remove the right side-panel (see “Removing the Right Side-Panel” on page 16). Disconnect the front-bezel cables from the master I/O board connectors.
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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: To avoid electrostatic discharge, ground yourself by using a wrist grounding strap or by periodically touching an unpainted metal surface (such as a connector on the back of the computer).
CHAPTER 9: FANS Removing the PCI Fan Follow the instructions in “Before You Begin” on page Remove the left side-panel (see “Removing the Left Side-Panel” on page 15). Remove the drive-bay shroud (see “Removing the Drive-Bay Shroud” on page 23). Disconnect the PCI-fan cable from the PCI_FAN1 connector on the master I/O board (see “Master I/O Board Connectors”...
CHAPTER 9: FANS Replacing the PCI Fan Pull to detach the four rubber grommets that secure the PCI fan to the PCI-fan shroud. Follow the instructions in “Before You Begin” on page Orient the PCI-fan cable downward and replace the PCI fan in the PCI-fan shroud.
CHAPTER 9: FANS Removing the Hard-Drive Fan(s) Follow the instructions in “Before You Begin” on page Remove the left side-panel (see “Removing the Left Side-Panel” on page 15). Remove the PCI shroud (see “Removing the PCI Shroud“ on page 22). If you are removing the left hard-drive fan, remove the power supply (see “Removing the Power Supply”...
CHAPTER 9: FANS Replacing the Hard-Drive Fan(s) Follow the instructions in “Before You Begin” on page Replace the hard-drive fan in the hard-drive fan shroud. Replace the two screws that secure the hard-drive fan to the hard-drive fan shroud. Push the hard-drive fan into the chassis until the hard-drive fan handle clicks into place.
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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: To avoid electrostatic discharge, ground yourself by using a wrist grounding strap or by periodically touching an unpainted metal surface (such as a connector on the back of the computer).
CHAPTER 10: ACTIVE-VENTING ASSEMBLY Removing the Active-Venting Assembly Follow the instructions in “Before You Begin” on page Remove the left side-panel (see “Removing the Left Side-Panel” on page 15). Remove the right side-panel (see “Removing the Right Side-Panel” on page 16). Disconnect the active-venting assembly cables from the connectors on the master I/O board.
CHAPTER 10: ACTIVE-VENTING ASSEMBLY Replacing the Active-Venting Assembly Follow the instructions in “Before You Begin” on page Replace the active-venting assembly on the chassis. Replace the six screws (three on each side) that secure the active-venting assembly to the chassis. Replace the active-venting panels.
CHAPTER 11: TOP I/O PANEL CHAPTER 11: TOP I/O PANEL CHAPTER 11: TOP I/O PANEL...
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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: To avoid electrostatic discharge, ground yourself by using a wrist grounding strap or by periodically touching an unpainted metal surface (such as a connector on the back of the computer).
CHAPTER 11: TOP I/O PANEL Removing the Top I/O Panel Follow the instructions in “Before You Begin” on page Remove the left side-panel (see “Removing the Left Side-Panel” on page 15). Remove the right side-panel (see “Removing the Right Side-Panel” on page 16).
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CHAPTER 11: TOP I/O PANEL Remove the active-venting assembly (see “Removing the Active-Venting Assembly” on page 55). Disconnect the top I/O panel cables from the system board connectors and remove the cables from their routing guides. Remove the four screws that secure the top I/O panel to the chassis. Pull the top I/O panel off the chassis.
CHAPTER 11: TOP I/O PANEL Replacing the Top I/O Panel Follow the instructions in “Before You Begin” on page Replace the top I/O panel on the chassis. Replace the four screws that secure the top I/O panel to the chassis. Route the top I/O panel cables through their routing guides and connect the cables to the system board connectors.
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: To avoid electrostatic discharge, ground yourself by using a wrist grounding strap or by periodically touching an unpainted metal surface (such as a connector on the back of the computer).
CHAPTER 12: BLUETOOTH MODULE Removing the Bluetooth Module Follow the instructions in “Before You Begin” on page Remove the left side-panel (see “Removing the Left Side-Panel” on page 15). Disconnect the Bluetooth ® -module cable from the BLUETOOTH connector on the master I/O board (see “Master I/O Board Connectors” on page 12). Loosen the thumbscrew that secures the Bluetooth module to the chassis.
CHAPTER 12: BLUETOOTH MODULE Replacing the Bluetooth Module Follow the instructions in “Before You Begin” on page Replace the Bluetooth module in the chassis. Tighten the thumbscrew that secures the Bluetooth module to the chassis. Connect the Bluetooth-module cable to the BLUETOOTH connector on the master I/O board (see “Master I/O Board Connectors”...
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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: To avoid electrostatic discharge, ground yourself by using a wrist grounding strap or by periodically touching an unpainted metal surface (such as a connector on the back of the computer).
CHAPTER 13: LIQUID-COOLING ASSEMBLY Removing the Liquid-Cooling Assembly Follow the instructions in “Before You Begin” on page Remove the left side-panel (see “Removing the Left Side-Panel” on page 15). Disconnect the liquid-cooling assembly cable from the liquid-cooling assembly. Push the release latch towards the back of the computer to release the liquid-cooling assembly from the chassis.
CHAPTER 13: LIQUID-COOLING ASSEMBLY Replacing the Liquid-Cooling Assembly Follow the instructions in “Before You Begin” on page Replace the liquid-cooling assembly in the chassis and rotate the liquid-cooling assembly upwards until it snaps into place. Connect the liquid-cooling assembly cable to the liquid-cooling assembly. Replace the left side-panel (see “Replacing the Left Side-Panel”...
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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: To avoid electrostatic discharge, ground yourself by using a wrist grounding strap or by periodically touching an unpainted metal surface (such as a connector on the back of the computer).
CHAPTER 14: PROCESSOR Removing the Processor Follow the instructions in “Before You Begin” on page Remove the left side-panel (see “Removing the Left Side-Panel” on page 15). Remove the PCI shroud (see “Removing the PCI Shroud“ on page 22). Remove the liquid-cooling assembly (see “Removing the Liquid-Cooling Assembly”...
CHAPTER 14: PROCESSOR Replacing the Processor Follow the instructions in “Before You Begin” on page Unpack the new processor, being careful not to touch the underside of the processor. CAUTION: You must position the processor correctly in the socket to avoid permanent damage to the processor and the computer when you turn on the computer.
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CHAPTER 14: PROCESSOR CAUTION: Ensure that you apply new thermal grease. New thermal grease is critical for ensuring adequate thermal bonding, which is a requirement for optimal processor operation. Apply the new thermal grease to the top of the processor. Replace the liquid-cooling assembly (see “Replacing the Liquid-Cooling Assembly”...
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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: To avoid electrostatic discharge, ground yourself by using a wrist grounding strap or by periodically touching an unpainted metal surface (such as a connector on the back of the computer).
CHAPTER 15: MASTER I/O BOARD Removing the Master I/O Board Follow the instructions in “Before You Begin” on page Remove the left side-panel (see “Removing the Left Side-Panel” on page 15). Remove the PCI shroud (see “Removing the PCI Shroud“ on page 22).
CHAPTER 15: MASTER I/O BOARD Replacing the Master I/O Board Follow the instructions in “Before You Begin” on page Replace the master I/O board tray in the chassis. Replace the screw that secures the master I/O board tray to the chassis. Route and connect the cables that you removed from the master I/O board.
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: Do not perform the following steps unless you are familiar with hardware removal and replacement.
CHAPTER 16: SYSTEM BOARD Removing the System Board Follow the instructions in “Before You Begin” on page Remove the left side-panel (see “Removing the Left Side-Panel” on page 15). Remove the PCI shroud (see “Removing the PCI Shroud“ on page 22).
CHAPTER 16: SYSTEM BOARD Replacing the System Board Follow the instructions in “Before You Begin” on page Replace the system-board tray in the chassis. Replace the two screws that secure the system-board tray to the chassis. Route and connect the cables that you removed from the system board. Replace the processor (see “Replacing the Processor”...
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: To avoid electrostatic discharge, ground yourself by using a wrist grounding strap or by periodically touching an unpainted metal surface (such as a connector on the back of the computer).
CHAPTER 17: POWER SUPPLY Removing the Power Supply Follow the instructions in “Before You Begin” on page Remove the left side-panel (see “Removing the Left Side-Panel” on page 15). Remove the PCI shroud (see “Removing the PCI Shroud“ on page 22).
CHAPTER 17: POWER SUPPLY Replacing the Power Supply Follow the instructions in “Before You Begin” on page Replace the power supply in the chassis and partially slide it towards the front of the computer. Connect the power-supply cable connector to the power supply. Slide the power supply completely into the chassis.
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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: To avoid electrostatic discharge, ground yourself by using a wrist grounding strap or by periodically touching an unpainted metal surface (such as a connector on the back of the computer).
CHAPTER 18: BATTERY Removing the Coin-Cell Battery Record all the screens in system setup (see “System Setup” on page 93) so that you can restore the correct settings after the new battery has been installed. Follow the instructions in “Before You Begin” on page Lift the release panel and open the left side-panel.
CHAPTER 18: BATTERY Replacing the Coin-Cell Battery Follow the instructions in “Before You Begin” on page Insert the new battery (CR2032) into the socket with the side labeled “+” facing up, and press the battery into place. Replace the PCI shroud (see “Replacing the PCI Shroud” on page 22).
CHAPTER 18: BATTERY Removing the Theater-Lighting Batteries Follow the instructions in “Before You Begin” on page Lift the release panel and open the left side-panel. Open the theater-lighting battery-compartment door. Remove the two theater-lighting batteries. 1 theater-lighting theater-lighting battery- batteries (2) compartment door...
CHAPTER 18: BATTERY Replacing the Theater-Lighting Batteries Follow the instructions in “Before You Begin” on page Insert the two new batteries (rechargeable AA, NiMH type) in the theater- lighting battery compartment. Close the theater-lighting battery-compartment door. Close the left side-panel. Connect your computer and devices to electrical outlets, and then turn them on.
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: To avoid electrostatic discharge, ground yourself by using a wrist grounding strap or by periodically touching an unpainted metal surface (such as a connector on the back of the computer).
CHAPTER 19: SYSTEM SETUP Overview Entering System Setup Use System Setup to: Turn on (or restart) your computer. While your computer is booting, press <F2> immediately before the • Change the system configuration information after you add, change, or operating system logo appears to access System Setup. remove any hardware in your desktop.
CHAPTER 19: SYSTEM SETUP System Setup Options System Information CPU Speed Displays the processor speed. NOTE: The items listed in this section may or may not appear exactly as listed depending on your computer model and installed devices. Current QPI Displays the QPI speed.
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CHAPTER 19: SYSTEM SETUP Standard CMOS Features Boot Configuration Features 1st Boot Device IDE Master Displays the IDE master drive integrated in your Displays the first boot device. computer. 2nd Boot Device Displays the second boot device. IDE Slave Displays the IDE slave drive integrated in your Hard Disk Drives Sets the hard drive boot priority.
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CHAPTER 19: SYSTEM SETUP Integrated Devices Power Management Setup USB Functions Suspend Mode Allows you to enable or disable the Sets the energy-saving mode of the integrated USB controller. ACPI function. HD Audio Controller AC Recovery Allows you to enable or disable the Sets what action the computer takes integrated audio controller.
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CHAPTER 19: SYSTEM SETUP Frequency/Voltage Control Advance DRAM Configuration Submenu Memory-Z CPU Core (Non-Turbo) Ratio Displays the ratio between the Opens submenu to display the SPD processor core clock and the FSB configuration for each memory frequency. module. Advance DRAM Configuration Advanced Memory Settings Allows you to toggle to Manual mode Allows you to access the Advance...
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CHAPTER 19: SYSTEM SETUP Advance DRAM Configuration Submenu Overclock Configuration Submenu tRRD Turbo Mode TDP Limit Displays RAS to RAS delay (editable in Allows you to program the power Override Manual Mode). thresholds for the processor while in turbo mode. tRTP Displays Read to Precharge Command Delay (editable in Manual Mode).
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CHAPTER 19: SYSTEM SETUP BIOS Security Features Change Supervisor Password Allows you to set or change the supervisor password. Change User Password Allows you to set or change the user password. You cannot use the user password to make change to the BIOS settings.
CHAPTER 19: SYSTEM SETUP Clearing CMOS Settings NOTE: This procedure does not clear or reset system and setup passwords. Follow the instructions in “Before You Begin” on page Remove the left side-panel (see “Removing the Left Side-Panel” on page 15). Remove the PCI shroud (see “Removing the PCI Shroud“...
Select Your Product Model list. Select the product model number in the Visit support.dell.com. NOTE: If you have selected a different model and want to start over Select your country and language. again, click Start Over on the top right of the menu.