Dell™ Dimension™ E521 Service Manual Before You Begin About Your Computer Technical Overview Specifications Advanced Troubleshooting System Setup Removing and Installing Parts Model DCSM 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 About Your Computer Dell™ Dimension™ E521 Service Manual Front View of the Computer Back View of the Computer Back Panel Connectors Front View of the Computer 1 cover latch release Use this latch to remove the cover. See Removing the Computer Cover. 2 location of Service Tag Use the Service Tag to identify your computer when you access the Dell Support website or call technical support. 3 CD or DVD eject button Press to eject a disk from the CD or DVD drive.
NOTICE: Ensure that there is a minimum of two inches of space between all vents and any object near these vents. NOTICE: Keep the vent area clean and dust-free to ensure that the computer is adequately ventilated. Use only a dry cloth to clean the vent area to avoid water damage to the computer. Back View of the Computer 1 voltage selection switch See the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide for more information. 2 power connector Insert the power cable.
network speed to 10 Mbps to ensure reliable operation. 3 network activity light Flashes a yellow light when the computer is transmitting or receiving network data. A high volume of network traffic may make this light appear to be in a steady "on" state. 4 surround connector Use the black surround connector to attach multichannel-capable speakers. 5 line-in connector Use the blue line-in connector to attach a record/playback device such as a cassette player, CD player, or VCR.
Back to Contents Page Advanced Troubleshooting Dell™ Dimension™ E521 Service Manual Power Lights Diagnostic Lights Beep Codes System Messages Dell Diagnostics Drivers Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities Power Lights CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide.
Memory modules are detected, but a memory failure has occurred. l l l A possible graphics card failure has occurred. l l l If you have two or more memory modules installed, remove the modules, reinstall one module (see Installing Memory), and then restart the computer. If the computer starts normally, reinstall an additional module. Continue until you have identified a faulty module or reinstalled all modules without error.
A filename cannot contain any of the following characters: \ / : * ? " < > | — Do not use these characters in filenames. A required .DLL file was not found — The program that you are trying to open is missing an essential file. To remove and then reinstall the program: 1. 2. 3. 4. Click the Start button, click Control Panel, and then click Add or Remove Programs. Select the program you want to remove. Click the Change or Remove Program icon. See the program documentation for installation instructions.
Not enough memory or resources. Close some programs and try again — Close all windows and open the program that you want to use. In some cases, you might have to restart your computer to restore computer resources. If so, run the program that you want to use first. Read fault — Requested sector not found — Reset failed — See "Drive Problems" in your Owner's Manual. Sector not found — l l Run the Windows error-checking utility to check the file structure on the floppy disk or hard drive.
5. After all tests have completed, close the test window to return to the Dell Diagnostics Main Menu. 6. Close the Main Menu window to exit the Dell Diagnostics and restart the computer. Dell Diagnostics Main Menu 1. After the Dell Diagnostics loads and the Main Menu screen appears, click the button for the option you want. Option Function Express Test Performs a quick test of devices. This test typically takes 10 to 20 minutes and requires no interaction on your part.
If you experience a problem with any device, identify whether the driver is the source of your problem and, if necessary, update the driver. Windows XP 1. Click the Start button, then click Control Panel. 2. Under Pick a Category, click Performance and Maintenance. 3. Click System. 4. In the System Properties window, click the Hardware tab. 5. Click Device Manager. 6. Scroll down the list of devices and check for an exclamation point (a circle with a [!]) next to the device name.
10. Click Finish and restart your computer. Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities If a device is not detected during the operating system setup or is detected but incorrectly configured, you can use the Hardware Troubleshooter to resolve the incompatibility. To resolve incompatibilities using the Hardware Troubleshooter: 1. Click Start, then click Help and Support. 2. Type hardware troubleshooter in the Search field, then click the arrow to start the search. 3.
Back to Contents Page Before You Begin Dell™ Dimension™ E521 Service Manual Getting Started Recommended Tools Turning Off Your Computer Before Working Inside Your Computer Getting Started This manual provides procedures for removing and replacing the components in your computer. Unless otherwise noted, each procedure assumes that the following conditions exist: l You have performed the steps in Turning Off Your Computer and Before Working Inside Your Computer.
NOTICE: To disconnect a network cable, first unplug the cable from your computer, and then unplug it from the network port or device. 2. Disconnect any telephone or telecommunication lines from the computer. 3. Disconnect your computer and all attached devices from their electrical outlets, and then press the power button to ground the system board.
Back to Contents Page Removing and Installing Parts Dell™ Dimension™ E521 Service Manual Removing the Computer Cover Memory Cards Drive Panel Drives Hard Drive Floppy Drive Media Card Reader CD/DVD Drive Battery Power Supply Processor I/O Panel Processor Fan System Board Installing the Computer Cover This chapter provides procedures for removing and installing the components in your computer.
1 cover latch release 4 bottom hinge tabs 2 computer cover 3 back of computer 4. Locate the three hinge tabs on the bottom edge of the computer. 5. Grip the sides of the computer cover and pivot the cover up, using the bottom hinge tabs as leverage points. 6. Release the cover from the hinge tabs and set it aside in a secure location. Memory You can increase your computer memory by installing memory modules on the system board. Your computer supports DDR2 memory.
1 Channel A: matched pair of memory modules in connectors DIMM_1 and DIMM_2 (white securing clips) 2 Channel B: matched pair of memory modules in connectors DIMM_3 and DIMM_4 (black securing clips) NOTICE: If you remove your original memory modules from the computer during a memory upgrade, keep them separate from any new modules that you may have, even if you purchased the new modules from Dell. If possible, do not pair an original memory module with a new memory module.
1 cutouts (2) 4 crossbar 2 memory module 3 notch NOTICE: To avoid damage to the memory module, press the module straight down into the connector while you apply equal force to each end of the module. 5. Insert the module into the connector until the module snaps into position. If you insert the module correctly, the securing clips snap into the cutouts at each end of the module. 6. Replace the computer cover.
l One PCI Express x1 card slot (SLOT2 l Two PCI card slots (SLOT3, SLOT4) See System Board Components for card slot location. PCI Cards Your computer supports two PCI cards. If you are installing or replacing a card, follow the procedures in the next section. If you are removing but not replacing a PCI card, see Removing a PCI Card. If you are replacing a card, remove the current driver for the card from the operating system.
1 alignment bar 2 fully seated card 3 not fully seated card 4 alignment guide 5 bracket within slot 6 bracket caught outside of slot 8. Before you close the card retention door, ensure that: l The tops of all cards and filler brackets are flush with the alignment bar. l The notch in the top of the card or filler bracket fits around the alignment guide. 1 alignment guide 4 card retention door 9.
14. If you installed an add-in network adapter and want to use only the add-in network adapter, then disable the integrated network adapter: a. b. Enter system setup (see System Setup), go to Onboard Devices and select Integrated NIC, and then change the setting to Off. Connect the network cable to the add-in network adapter's connectors. Do not connect the network cable to the integrated connector on the back panel.
NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable into the network device and then plug it into the computer. 6. Replace the computer cover (see Installing the Computer Cover). 7. Reconnect the computer and devices to electrical outlets, and then turn them on. 8. Remove any drivers required for the card as described in the card documentation. 9. If you removed a sound card: 10. a.
6. If you are replacing a card that is already installed in the computer, remove the card. Disconnect any cables connected to the card. Gently pull the securing tab, grasp the card by its top corners, and then ease it out of its connector. 1 PCI Express x16 card 2 securing tab 4 PCI Express x1 card slot 5 PCI Express x16 card slot 7. 3 PCI Express x1 card Prepare the card for installation.
1 card retention door 2 card retention mechanism 3 release tabs (2) NOTICE: Do not route card cables over or behind the cards. Cables routed over the cards can prevent the computer cover from closing properly or cause damage to the equipment. NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable into the network device and then plug it into the computer. 12. Replace the computer cover (see Installing the Computer Cover). 13.
8. Replace the computer cover (see Installing the Computer Cover). 9. Reconnect the computer and devices to electrical outlets, and then turn them on. 10. Remove any drivers required for the card as described in the card documentation. 11. If you removed a sound card: 12. a. Enter system setup (see System Setup), go to Onboard Devices and select Integrated Audio, and then change the setting to On. b. Connect external audio devices to the audio connectors on the back panel of the computer.
Removing the Drive-Panel Insert 1 drive panel 2 drive-panel insert tab 3 drive-panel insert 1. Pull the drive-panel insert tab away from the drive panel insert to disengage the insert from the drive panel. 2. Without releasing the tab, pivot the drive-panel insert out and away from the drive panel. 3. Set the drive-panel insert aside in a secure location. Installing the Drive-Panel Insert 1 center drive-panel tab 4 drive-panel insert 2 drive panel 3 drive-panel insert tab 1.
1 sliding plate lever 2 sliding plate 4 drive panel tabs (3) 5 side hinges 3 drive panel 2. Align the drive panel tabs with the side hinges. 3. Rotate the drive panel toward the computer until it snaps into place on the front panel.
When you install a drive, you connect a DC power cable and a data cable to the back of the drive. 1 power cable 2 power input connector Drive Interface Connectors The drive cable connectors are keyed for correct insertion. Properly align the cable connector key on the cable and the drive before connecting. 1 interface cable 2 interface connector Connecting and Disconnecting Drive Cables When connecting and disconnecting a serial ATA data cable, disconnect the cable using the pull-tab.
Removing a Hard Drive 1. Follow the procedures in Before You Begin. 2. Remove the computer cover (see Removing the Computer Cover). 3. Disconnect the power and data cables from the drive. NOTICE: Use the pull-tab to remove the data cable from your hard drive. 1 serial ATA data cable 4. 1 2 power cable Press in on the blue tabs on each side of the drive and slide the drive up and out of the computer. tabs (2) 2 hard drive 5.
1 drive 4. 1 2 hard-drive bracket Align the hard drive bracket with the guides in the hard drive bay. hard-drive bracket 2 hard drive 3 guide in hard-drive bay 5. Gently slide the drive into place until you feel a click or the drive is securely installed. Take care not to let the drive free-fall into the drive bay. 6. Connect the power and hard-drive cables to the drive (see Connecting Drive Cables). 1 serial ATA data cable 2 power cable 7.
Adding a Second Hard Drive CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide. CAUTION: To guard against electrical shock, always unplug your computer from the electrical outlet before removing the cover. NOTICE: To avoid damage to the drive, do not set it on a hard surface. Instead, set the drive on a surface, such as a foam pad, that will sufficiently cushion it. 1.
Removing a Floppy Drive 1. Follow the procedures in Before You Begin. 2. Remove the computer cover (see Removing the Computer Cover). 3. Remove the drive panel (see Removing the Drive Panel). 1 power cable 2 data cable 4. Disconnect the power and data cable from the back of the floppy drive. Disconnect the other end of the cable from the floppy connector on the system board (see System Board Components). 5. Remove the data cable from the clip on the processor shroud.
Installing a Floppy Drive NOTE: In the event that the replacement or new floppy drive does not have shoulder screws, use the shoulder screws located within the drive panel insert. Otherwise, reuse the screws attached to the drive that you are replacing. 1. Follow the procedures in Before You Begin. 2. Remove the computer cover (see Removing the Computer Cover). 3. Remove the drive panel (see Removing the Drive Panel). 4.
NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable into the network device and then plug it into the computer. 11. Connect your computer and devices to their electrical outlets, and then turn them on. See the documentation that came with the drive for instructions on installing any software required for drive operation. 12. Enter system setup (see System Setup) and select the appropriate Diskette Drive option. 13.
1 drive release latch 2 sliding plate 3 Media Card Reader 5. Slide the drive latch release toward the bottom of the computer and, without releasing the drive latch release, slide the Media Card Reader out through the front of the computer. 6. If you are not replacing the Media Card Reader, reinstall the drive panel insert, as needed (see Installing the Drive-Panel Insert). 7. Replace the drive panel (see Installing the Drive Panel). 8.
l Remove the Media Card Reader from its packaging. l Remove the shoulder screws from the inside of the drive-panel insert and attach the screws to the new Media Card Reader. 5. Gently slide the Media Card Reader into place until you feel a click or feel the drive securely installed. Ensure that the Media Card Reader is installed before the FlexBay cable is connected. 6.
1 power cable 2 data cable 5. Slide the drive latch release toward the bottom of the computer and, without releasing the drive latch release, slide the CD/DVD drive out through the front of the computer. 6. If you are not replacing the drive, replace the drive panel insert (see Installing the Drive-Panel Insert). 7. Replace the drive panel (see Installing the Drive Panel). 1 drive release latch 2 sliding plate 3 CD/DVD drive 8. Replace the computer cover (see Installing the Computer Cover).
1 CD/DVD drive 2 screws (3) 1. Follow the procedures in Before You Begin. 2. Remove the computer cover (see Removing the Computer Cover). 3. 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. 4.
12. When you restart your computer, enter system setup (see System Setup), and select the appropriate Drive option. See the documentation that came with the drive for instructions on installing any software required for drive operation. 13. Verify that your computer works correctly by running the Dell Diagnostics (see Dell Diagnostics). Battery Replacing the Battery CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide.
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions located in the Product Information Guide. NOTICE: To prevent static damage to components inside your computer, discharge static electricity from your body before you touch any of your computer's electronic components. You can do so by touching an unpainted metal surface on the computer chassis. Replacing the Power Supply 1. Follow the procedures in Before You Begin. 2.
13. Secure the hard drive cable, CD/DVD drive data cable, and the front panel ribbon cable to the securing clip on the side of the power supply. NOTE: Double-check all cable connections to make sure they are secure. 14. Replace the computer cover (see Installing the Computer Cover). 15. Connect your computer and devices to an electrical outlet, and turn them on. 16. Verify that the computer works correctly by running the Dell Diagnostics (see Dell Diagnostics).
7. 1 Pull the release lever straight up until the processor is released. processor 2 release lever 3 socket NOTICE: Be careful not to bend any of the pins when you remove the processor. Bending the pins can permanently damage the processor. 8. Remove the processor from the socket. Leave the release lever extended in the release position so that the socket is ready for the new processor and see Installing the Processor.
1 processor pin-1 indicator 4 socket 2 processor 3 release lever NOTICE: To avoid damage, ensure that the processor aligns properly with the socket, and do not use excessive force when you install the processor. 5. Set the processor lightly in the socket and ensure that the processor is positioned correctly. 6. While lightly pressing down on the processor, rotate the release lever back toward the system board until it snaps into place, securing the processor. 7.
11. Connect any cables disconnected before removing the heat sink assembly. 12. Replace the computer cover (see Installing the Computer Cover). 13. Connect your computer and devices to an electrical outlet, and turn them on. 14. Verify that the computer works correctly by running the Dell Diagnostics (see Dell Diagnostics). I/O Panel CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide.
Installing the I/O Panel 1. Reconnect the cables to the I/O panel. NOTICE: Take care not to damage the cable connectors and the cable routing clips when sliding the I/O panel into the computer. 2. Slide the I/O panel into place using the guides on the I/O panel bracket to help position the I/O panel in place, and use the notch on the I/O panel bracket to help seat the panel. Rotate the panel until the release button is secure. 3. Replace the screw that secures the I/O panel. 4.
6. Rotate the heat sink assembly towards the rear of the computer, and then remove it from the computer. Lay the heat sink assembly down on its top, with the thermal grease facing upward. 1 heat sink and fan shroud assembly 2 captive screw housing (2) 7. Disconnect the processor fan cable from the system board (see System Board Components). 8. Ensure that all cables have been removed from the routing clips on the top of the processor fan assembly. 1 fan release lever 9. 10.
3. Connect the processor fan cable to the system board (see System Board Components). 4. Install the heat sink assembly: a. b. c. Place the heat sink assembly back onto the heat-sink assembly bracket. Rotate the heat sink assembly down towards the computer base and ensure that the two captive screws are properly aligned with the holes in the system board. Tighten the two captive screws. NOTICE: Ensure that the heat sink assembly is correctly seated and secure. 5.
1 system board 2 heat sink assembly bracket 3 screws (8) Place the system board assembly that you just removed next to the replacement system board to ensure it is identical. Installing the System Board 1. Gently align the board into the chassis and slide it toward the back of the computer. 2. Using the six screws, secure the system board to the chassis. 3. Install the heat sink assembly bracket and secure using the two green screws.
1. Ensure that all cables are connected, and fold cables out of the way. 2. Ensure that no tools or extra parts are left inside the computer. 3. Align the bottom of the cover with the tabs located along the bottom edge of the computer. 4. Using the tabs as leverage, rotate the cover downward and press down to close it. 1 computer cover 5. 2 back of computer 3 bottom hinge tabs Ensure that the cover is seated correctly before moving it to the upright position.
Back to Contents Page Dell™ Dimension™ E521 Service Manual 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. If you purchased a Dell™ n Series computer, any references in this document to Microsoft® Windows® operating systems are not applicable.
Back to Contents Page Specifications Dell™ Dimension™ E521 Service Manual Processor Processor type AMD Athlon™ 64 X2 dual-core processor AMD Athlon 64 processor AMD Sempron™ processor Level 2 (L2) cache Up to 1 MB per core Up to 256 KB for Sempron processors Memory Type 533-MHz, 667-MHz, 800-MHz (when available) DDR2 SDRAM Memory connectors four Memory capacities 256 MB, 512 MB, or 1 GB non-ECC Maximum memory 4 GB NOTE: See Addressing Memory With 4-GB Configurations to verify the amount of mem
connector size 124 pins connector data width (maximum) 32 bits PCI Express connector one x1 connector size 36 pins connector data width (maximum) 1 PCI Express lane PCI Express connector one x16 connector size 164 pins connector data width (maximum) 16 PCI Express lanes Drives Externally accessible: Bays one 3.5-inch drive bay (FlexBay) two 5.
orange light — A good connection exists between a 100 Mbps network and the computer. off (no light) — The computer is not detecting a physical connection to the network. Network activity light (on integrated network adapter) yellow blinking light Power DC power supply: Wattage 305 W Maximum heat dissipation 1041 BTU/hr NOTE: Heat dissipation is calculated by using the power supply wattage rating.
Back to Contents Page System Setup Dell™ Dimension™ E521 Service Manual Overview Entering System Setup System Setup Options Boot Sequence Clearing Forgotten Passwords Clearing CMOS Settings Flashing the BIOS Overview Use system setup as follows: l To change the system configuration information after you add, change, or remove any hardware in your computer l To set or change a user-selectable option, such as the user password l To read the current amount of memory or set the type of hard drive install
System Setup Options NOTE: Depending on your computer and installed devices, the items listed in this section may not appear, or may not appear exactly as listed. System Displays the System name, BIOS Version, Service Tag, Express Service Code, and Asset Tag. System Info NOTE: The system name listed in the BIOS may not appear exactly as the name that appears on the computer or in the computer's documentation.
(On default) Video Primary Video Specifies which video controller is primary when two video controllers are present on the computer. Auto enables the add-in video controller. Onboard enables the integrated video controller. (Auto default) Video Memory Size This setting configures the amount of system memory that is reserved for the integrated video controller. The settings are Auto, 16MB, 32MB, 64MB, 128MB, or Off.
l (S3 default) l S1 — sets the computer to a suspend state where the computer is running in a low-power mode S3 — sets the computer to a standby state where the power is reduced or turned off for most components; however, system memory remains active for both settings Maintenance Service Tag Displays the service tag for your computer. Load Defaults Restores system setup options to their factory defaults. Event Log Allows you to view the Event Log. Entries are marked R for Read and U for Unread.
1. If you are booting to a USB device, connect the USB device to a USB connector (see Front View of the Computer). 2. Turn on (or restart) your computer. 3. When F2 = Setup, F12 = Boot Menu appears in the upper-right corner of the screen, press . NOTE: Keyboard failure may result when a key on the keyboard is held down for extended periods of time. To avoid possible keyboard failure, press and release in even intervals until the Boot Device Menu appears.
3. Locate the 2-pin password jumper (PSWD) on the system board (see System Board Components), and remove the jumper to clear the password. NOTE: When you receive your computer, the jumper plug is attached to pins 1 and 2. 4. Replace the computer cover (see Installing the Computer Cover). 5. Connect your computer and monitor to electrical outlets, and then turn them on. 6. After the Microsoft® Windows® desktop appears on your computer, shut down the computer (see Turning Off Your Computer). 7.
4. If the Export Compliance Disclaimer window appears, click Yes, I Accept this Agreement. The File Download window appears. 5. Click Save this program to disk, and then click OK. The Save In window appears. 6. Click the down arrow to view the Save In menu, select Desktop, and then click Save. The file downloads to your desktop. 7. Click Close when the Download Complete window appears. The file icon appears on your desktop and is titled the same as the download BIOS update file. 8.
Back to Contents Page Technical Overview Dell™ Dimension™ E521 Service Manual Inside View of Your Computer System Board Components Power Supply DC Connector Pin Assignments Inside View of Your Computer 1 floppy drive or Media Card Reader 2 CD or DVD drive 4 system board 5 hard drive System Board Components 3 power supply
1 fan connector (FAN_CPU1) 2 processor socket (CPU) 3 memory module connectors (DIMM_1, DIMM_2, DIMM_3, DIMM_4) 4 power connector (PW_12V_A1) 5 serial ATA drive connectors (SATA2, SATA3) 6 serial ATA drive connectors (SATA0, SATA1) 7 front-panel connector (FRONTPANEL) 8 power connector (POWER1) 9 line-in, line-out, microphone, side surround, center, and LFE connectors (AUDIO_6_STACK) 10 USB connectors (2) (USB2_BACK1) 11 network connector and USB connectors (2) (NIC_USB1) 12 real-time cl
7 GND Black 8 PS_PWRGOOD Gray 9 P5AUX Purple 10 V_12P0_DIG White 11 V_12P0_DIG White 12 +3.3 VDC Orange 13 +3.
Pin Number Signal Name 22-AWG Wire 1 +5 VDC Red 2 GND Black 3 GND Black 4 +12 VADC Yellow Pin Number Signal name 18-AWG Wire 1 +12 VBDC White 2 GND Black 3 GND Black 4 +5 VDC Red DC Power Connector P10 Back to Contents Page
