Dell™ Dimension™ 8300 Series Before You Begin Turning Off Your Computer Opening the Computer Cover Technical Overview Technical Specifications Advanced Troubleshooting System Setup Program Removing and Installing Parts Closing the Computer Cover Notes, Notices, and Cautions NOTE: A NOTE indicates important information that helps you make better use of your computer. NOTICE: A NOTICE indicates either potential damage to hardware or loss of data and tells you how to avoid the problem.
Back to Contents Page Advanced Troubleshooting Dell™ Dimension™ 8300 Series Service Manual Diagnostic Lights Beep Codes System Messages Diagnostic Lights To help you troubleshoot a problem, your computer is equipped with four lights on the back panel labeled "A," "B," "C," and "D." These lights can be yellow or green. When the computer starts normally, the lights flash. After the computer starts, all four lights will display solid green.
l l l The computer is in a normal operating condition after POST. If the problem persists, contact Dell. See "Contacting Dell" in your Owner's Manual for technical assistance. If there is an error message on your screen identifying a problem with a device (such as the floppy drive or hard drive), check the device to ensure that it is functioning properly.
Message Possible Cause Corrective Action 8042 Gate-A20 error The keyboard controller failed its test. If you receive this message after you make changes in the system setup program, enter the program and restore the original value(s). Address Line Short! An error in the address decoding circuitry in the memory has occurred. C: Drive Error The hard drive is not working or is not configured correctly.
Back to Contents Page Battery Dell™ Dimension™ 8300 Series Service Manual CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in your Owner's Manual. A coin-cell battery maintains computer configuration, date, and time information. The battery can last several years. If you have to repeatedly reset time and date information after turning on the computer, replace the battery. CAUTION: A new battery can explode if it is incorrectly installed.
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Back to Contents Page Before You Begin Dell™ Dimension™ 8300 Series Service Manual Getting Started Recommended Tools Shutting Down Your Computer Getting Started This section provides procedures for removing and installing the components in your computer. Unless otherwise noted, each procedure assumes that the following conditions exist: l l You have performed the steps in "Shutting Down Your Computer." You have read the safety information in your Owner’s Manual.
Back to Contents Page Cards Dell™ Dimension™ 8300 Series Service Manual PCI Cards AGP Cards PCI Cards CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions listed in your Owner's Manual. CAUTION: To guard against electrical shock, always unplug your computer from the electrical outlet before opening the cover. Your Dell™ computer provides slots for up to four 32-bit, 33-MHz cards.
10. Prepare the card for installation. See the documentation that came with the card for information on configuring the card, making internal connections, or otherwise customizing it for your computer. CAUTION: Some network adapters automatically start the computer when they are connected to a network. To guard against electrical shock, be sure to unplug your computer from its electrical outlet before installing any cards. Verify that the standby power light on the system board is off. 11.
Removing a PCI Card CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in your Owner's Manual. 1. 2. Shut down the computer through the Start menu. Ensure that your computer and attached devices are turned off. If your computer and attached devices did not automatically turn off when you shut down your computer, turn them off now. NOTICE: To disconnect a network cable, first unplug the cable from your computer and then unplug it from the network wall jack. 3.
Installing an AGP Card 1. To add or replace the card, press the card lever toward the PCI connector and gently press the card into the AGP connector until it clicks into place. 2. Release the card lever, ensuring that the tab fits into the notch on the front end of the card. 3. Secure the card by lowering the hinged lever on the back panel. 4. Close the computer cover. 5. Connect the monitor cable to the card's video connector.
Back to Contents Page Closing the Computer Cover Dell™ Dimension™ 8300 Series Service Manual 1. Ensure that all cables are connected, and fold cables out of the way. Gently pull the power cables toward you so that they do not get caught underneath the drives. 2. Ensure that no tools or extra parts are left inside the computer. 3. Close the cover: a. Pivot the cover down. b. Press down on the right side of the cover until it closes. c. Press down on the left side of the cover until it closes. d.
Back to Contents Page Opening the Computer Cover Dell™ Dimension™ 8300 Series Service Manual CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in your Owner's Manual. 1. 2. Shut down the computer through the Start menu. Ensure that your computer and attached devices are turned off. If your computer and attached devices did not automatically turn off when you shut down your computer, turn them off now.
Back to Contents Page Drives Dell™ Dimension™ 8300 Series Service Manual Replacing the Hard Drive Adding a Second Hard Drive Adding or Replacing a Floppy Drive Adding or Replacing a CD/DVD Drive Your computer supports one floppy drive and a maximum combination of up to four of any of the following drives. NOTE: Install only IDE hard drives or serial ATA hard drives in your computer. You cannot install both types of drives.
2. Press in on the tabs on each side of the drive and slide the drive up and out. Installing a Hard Drive 1. Unpack the replacement hard drive, and prepare it for installation. 2. Check the documentation for the drive to verify that it is configured for your computer. 3. 4. If your replacement hard drive does not have the bracket rails attached, remove the rails from the old drive by removing the two screws that secure each rail to the drive.
5. Connect the power and hard-drive cables to the drive. 6. Check all connectors to be certain that they are properly cabled and firmly seated. 7. Close the computer cover. NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable into the network wall jack and then plug it into the computer. 8. Connect your computer and devices to electrical outlets, and turn them on. See the documentation that came with the drive for instructions on installing any software required for drive operation.
c. Gently slide the first hard drive into the lower bay until you hear or feel a click. d. Reconnect the power and hard-drive cables to the back of the first hard drive. 10. Gently slide the new hard drive into the upper bay until you hear or feel a click. 11. Connect a power cable to the drive. NOTICE: Match the colored strip on the cable with pin 1 on the drive. 12.
NOTICE: To disconnect a network cable, first unplug the cable from your computer and then unplug it from the network wall jack. 2. Turn off any attached devices and disconnect them from their electrical outlets. 3. Disconnect any telephone or telecommunication lines from the computer. 4. Disconnect your computer and all attached devices from their electrical outlets, and then press the power button to ground the system board.
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in your Owner's Manual. 1. Shut down the computer through the Start menu. NOTICE: To disconnect a network cable, first unplug the cable from your computer, and then unplug it from the network wall jack. 2. Turn off any attached devices and disconnect them from their electrical outlets. 3. Disconnect any telephone or telecommunication lines from the computer. 4.
Installing a CD/DVD Drive 1. If you are installing a new drive, unpack the drive and prepare it for installation. Check the documentation that accompanied the drive to verify that the drive is configured for your computer. If you are installing an IDE drive, configure the drive for the cable select setting. 2. Connect the new drive to the set of rails that are attached to the inside of the cover. If a set of rails is not attached inside the cover, contact Dell.
Back to Contents Page Front Panel Dell™ Dimension™ 8300 Series Service Manual Removing the Front Panel Removing the Front-Panel Insert Removing the Front Panel CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in your Owner's Manual. 1. Shut down the computer through the Start menu. 2. Disconnect the computer power cable from the electrical outlet. 3. Remove the front-panel door by gently snapping it off the two hinge arms.
4. From outside the computer, pull the insert away from the computer's front panel. 5. Remove the insert from the insert frame by pressing on the four tabs. 6. Reattach the empty insert frame over the front of the drive bay. The insert frame fits only one way.
Back to Contents Page Memory Dell™ Dimension™ 8300 Series Service Manual DDR Memory Overview Installing Memory You can increase your computer memory by installing memory modules on the system board. For information on the type of memory supported by your computer, see "Memory" in "Technical Specifications." DDR Memory Overview DDR memory modules should be installed in pairs of matched memory size.
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in your Owner's Manual. 1. 2. Shut down the computer through the Start menu. Ensure that your computer and attached devices are turned off. If your computer and attached devices did not automatically turn off when you shut down your computer, turn them off now. NOTICE: To disconnect a network cable, first unplug the cable from your computer and then unplug it from the network wall jack. 3.
11. Close the computer cover. NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable into the network wall jack and then plug it into the computer. 12. Connect your computer and devices to electrical outlets, and then turn them on. 13. Click the Start button, right-click My Computer, and then click Properties. 14. Click the General tab. 15. To verify that the memory is installed correctly, check the amount of memory (RAM) listed.
Back to Contents Page Microprocessor Dell™ Dimension™ 8300 Series Service Manual Removing the Microprocessor Installing the Microprocessor Removing the Microprocessor CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in your Owner's Manual. 1. 2. Shut down the computer through the Start menu. Ensure that your computer and attached devices are turned off.
b. Pull the release lever out until the heat sink is released. c. Lift the heat sink away from the microprocessor. NOTICE: Lay the heat sink down with the thermal grease facing upward. NOTICE: If you are installing a microprocessor upgrade kit from Dell™, discard the original heat sink. If you are not installing a microprocessor upgrade kit from Dell, reuse the original heat sink and blower when you install your new microprocessor.
Installing the Microprocessor NOTICE: Ground yourself by touching an unpainted metal surface on the back of the computer. NOTICE: Be careful not to bend any of the pins when you unpack the microprocessor. Bending the pins can permanently damage the microprocessor. If any of the pins on the microprocessor appears to be bent, see "Contacting Dell" in the Owner's Manual for instructions on obtaining technical assistance. 1. Unpack the new microprocessor.
c. When the heat sink is secured, pivot the retention module clip back until the tab snaps into place to secure the heat sink. 7. Lower the airflow shroud over the heat sink. 8. Reconnect the cooling fan power cable to the FAN2 connector on the system board. 9. Reconnect the power cable to the PWR connector on the system board. 10. Close the computer cover. NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable into the network wall jack and then plug it into the computer. 11.
Back to Contents Page Removing and Installing Parts Dell™ Dimension™ 8300 Series Service Manual Cards Microprocessor Memory System Board Front Panel Power Supply Drives Battery Back to Contents Page
Back to Contents Page Power Supply Dell™ Dimension™ 8300 Series Service Manual Removing the Power Supply Replacing the Power Supply Removing the Power Supply CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in your Owner's Manual. 1. 2. Shut down the computer through the Start menu. Ensure that your computer and attached devices are turned off.
2. On the small mini-tower computer, replace the two screws that secure the power supply to the back of the computer frame. 3. Reconnect the DC power cables. 4. Connect the AC power cable to the connector. 5. Run the cables underneath the clips, and press the clips to close them over the cables. 6. Close the computer cover. NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable into the network wall jack and then plug it into the computer. 7.
Back to Contents Page Technical Specifications Dell™ Dimension™ 8300 Series Service Manual Microprocessor Drives Memory Connectors Computer Information Controls and Lights Video Power Audio Physical Expansion Bus Environmental Microprocessor Microprocessor type Intel® Pentium® 4 microprocessor (2.4, 2.6, 2.8, 3.0, 3.2, and 3.4 for 800 FSB, and 2.4, 2.66, 2.8, and 3.
connector data width (maximum) 32 bits bus protocols 8x/4x/2x modes at 1.5 V connectors four connector size 120 pins connector data width (maximum) 32 bits PCI Drives Externally accessible two 3.5-inch bays two 5.
Environmental Temperature: Operating 10º to 35ºC (50º to 95ºF) NOTE: At 35ºC (95ºF), the maximum operating altitude is 914 m (3000 ft). Storage Relative humidity –40º to 65ºC (–40º to 149ºF) 20% to 80% (noncondensing) Maximum vibration: Operating 0.25 G at 3 to 200 Hz at 1/2 octave/min Storage 0.5 G at 3 to 200 Hz at 1/2 octave/min Maximum shock: Operating bottom half-sine pulse with a change in velocity of 50.
Back to Contents Page System Board Dell™ Dimension™ 8300 Series Service Manual Removing the System Board Replacing the System Board Removing the System Board CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in your Owner's Manual. 1. 2. Shut down the computer through the Start menu. Ensure that your computer and attached devices are turned off.
1. Transfer components from the existing system board to the replacement system board: a. Remove the memory modules and install them on the replacement board. CAUTION: The microprocessor package and heat-sink assembly can get hot. To avoid burns, ensure that the package and assembly have had sufficient time to cool before you touch them. b. Remove the heat-sink assembly and microprocessor from the existing system board and transfer them to the replacement system board. 2.
Back to Contents Page System Setup Program Dell™ Dimension™ 8300 Series Service Manual Overview Entering the System Setup Program Hyper-Threading Clearing Forgotten Passwords Overview The system setup program contains the standard settings for your computer. NOTICE: Unless you are an expert computer user, do not change the settings for this program. Certain changes might make your computer work incorrectly.
l Title — The box at the top of all screens that lists the computer name. l Computer data — Two boxes below the title box that display your computer processor, L2 cache, service tag, and the version number of the BIOS. l Options — A scrollable box listing options that define the configuration of your computer, including installed hardware, power conservation, and security features. Fields to the right of the option titles contain settings or values.
Cache Size Displays cache size. The following table shows Integrated Devices (Legacy Select Options) option information. Option Function Sound Turns the integrated sound off and on. The default is On. Network Interface Controller Turns the network interface controller off and on. The default is On. Mouse Port Turns the mouse port off and on. The default is On. USB Emulation Turns USB emulation off and on. The default is On. USB Controller Turns the USB controller off and on. The default is On.
Hyper-Threading Hyper-Threading is an Intel® technology that can enhance overall computer performance by allowing one physical microprocessor to function as two logical microprocessors, capable of performing certain tasks simultaneously. It is recommended that you use the Microsoft Windows XP operating system because Windows XP is optimized to take advantage of Hyper-Threading technology.
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Back to Contents Page Technical Overview Dell™ Dimension™ 8300 Series Service Manual Looking Inside Your Computer Power Supply DC Power Connectors IDE Interface Cable Connections for Dell-Installed Drives Placement of Dell-Installed Cards Looking Inside Your Computer NOTE: The AGP card is removed from the following illustration to provide a better view of the inside of your computer.
Power Supply The 250-W power supply can operate from an AC power source of 115 VAC at 60 Hz or 230 VAC at 50 Hz. The power supply provides the DC operating voltages and currents listed in the following table. Output Voltage Minimum Current (A) Maximum Current (A)1 Peak Current (A)2 +12 VDC 1.0 10.04 12.0 +5 VDC 4.0 22.04 12.0 +3.3 VDC 1.0/0.03 14.04 12.0 –12 VDC 0.0 1.0 12.0 +5 VFP 0.0 2.0 12.
DC Power Connector P1 Pin Number Signal name 18-AWG Wire 1 +3.3 VDC Orange 2 +3.3 VDC Orange 3 COM Black 4 +5 VDC Red 5 COM Black 6 +5 VDC Red 7 COM Black 8 POK Gray 9 +5 VFP Purple 10 +12 VDC Yellow 11 +3.3 VDC* Orange 12 –12 VDC Blue 13 COM Black 14 PS ON Green 15 COM Black 16 COM Black 17 COM Black 18 N/C N/C 19 +5 VCD Red 20 +5 VCD Red *Sense connector.
Pin Number Signal Name 18-AWG Wire 1 COM Black 2 COM Black 3 +12 VDC Yellow 4 +12 VDC Yellow DC Power Connectors P3, P5, P6, P8, and P9 Pin Number Signal Name 18-AWG Wire 1 +12 VCD Yellow 2 COM Black 3 COM Black 4 +5 VDC Red DC Power Connector P7 Pin Number Signal Name 22-AWG Wire 1 +5 VCD Red 2 COM Black 3 COM Black 4 +12 VDC Yellow IDE Interface Cable Connections for Dell-Installed Drives IDE Channel Connector Location DellInstalled Drive Primary IDE master End c
Card Connector Card Description AGP connector Video PCI1 connector Network adapter, wireless network adapter, or swap box PCI2 connector Modem PCI3 connector Sound PCI4 connector IEEE 1394 Back to Contents Page
Back to Contents Page Dell™ Dimension™ 8300 Series Service Manual Notes, Notices, and Cautions Abbreviations and Acronyms Notes, Notices, and Cautions NOTE: A NOTE indicates important information that helps you make better use of your computer. NOTICE: A NOTICE indicates either potential damage to hardware or loss of data and tells you how to avoid the problem. CAUTION: A CAUTION indicates a potential for property damage, personal injury, or death.
Back to Contents Page Turning Off Your Computer Dell™ Dimension™ 8300 Series Service Manual NOTICE: To avoid losing data, turn off your computer by performing a Microsoft® Windows® operating system shutdown, as described next, rather than by pressing the power button. 1. Save and close any open files, exit any open programs, click the Start button, and then click Turn Off Computer. 2. In the Turn off computer window, click Turn off. The computer turns off after the shutdown process finishes.
