Hardware Reference Manual

Installing a Powered Serial Port Expansion Card
Two powered serial ports, COM 1 and COM 2, are standard on the computer. Some models have a
powered serial port expansion card installed that supplies two additional powered serial ports, COM 3
and COM 4. If your computer is not configured with a powered serial port expansion card, you may
purchase one from HP.
Figure 2-25 Powered Serial Ports
Table 2-5 Powered Serial Ports
Item Description Supports
+5V +12V
1COM 1 Yes Yes
2COM 2 Yes Yes
3 COM 3 (optional) Yes Yes
4 COM 4 (optional) Yes Yes
NOTE: The powered serial ports are configured for power in the
Computer Setup utility. Refer to
Configuring Powered Serial Ports
on page 32 for more information.
To install a Powered Serial Port expansion card:
1. Remove/disengage any security devices that prohibit opening the computer.
2. Remove all removable media, such as optical discs or USB flash drives, from the computer.
3. Turn off the computer properly through the operating system, then turn off any external devices.
4. Disconnect the power cord from the power outlet and disconnect any external devices.
CAUTION: Regardless of the power-on state, voltage is always present on the system board
as long as the system is plugged into an active AC outlet. You must disconnect the power cord
to avoid damage to the internal components of the computer.
28 Chapter 2 Hardware Upgrades