Dell DCDO manual

www .dell.com | support.dell.com Dell™ XPS™ 730/730X Quick Reference Guide Model DCDO book.book Page 1 Monday, November 10, 2008 1:26 PM[...]

Notes, Cautions, and W arnings NOTE: A NOTE indicates important information that helps you make better use of your computer . CAUTION: A CAUTION indicates potential damage to hardware or loss of data if instructions are not followed. WARNING: A W ARNING indicates a potential for property damage, personal injury , or death. ____________________ Info[...]

Contents 3 Contents 1 Finding Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 2 Setting up Y our Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Front and Back View of the Computer . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Front View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Front I/O Connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Back View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[...]

4 Contents Software Based Performance T uning (XPS 730 Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 NVIDIA Performance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 NVIDIA Monitor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 5 T roubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Diagnostic T ools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Dell™ D[...]

Contents 5 Reinstalling the Operating Sy stem . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Before you Begin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Reinstalling Windows XP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Reinstalling Windows Vista . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 Using the Drivers and Utilities Media . . . . . . . 50 Recommended Driver Installation Order . . . . . . 51 6 Conf[...]

6 Contents book.book Page 6 Monday, November 10, 2008 1:26 PM[...]

Finding Information 7 Finding Information NOTE: Some features or media may be optional and ma y not ship with your computer . Some features or media may n ot be available in certain countries. NOTE: Additional information may ship with your computer . Document/Media/Label Contents Service T ag/Express Service Code The Service T ag/Express Service C[...]

8 Finding Information Dell T echnology Guide The Dell T echnology Guide is available at support.dell.com . • About your operating system. • Using and maintaining peripherals. • Understanding technologies such as RA ID, Internet, Bluetooth ® , E-mail, networking, and more. Microsoft ® Windows ® License Label Y our Microsoft W indows License[...]

Setting up Y our Computer 9 Setting up Y our Computer Front and Back V iew of the Computer Front View 6 2 8 3 4 9 5 7 1 10 book.book Page 9 Monday, November 10, 2008 1:26 PM[...]

10 Setting up Y our Computer 1 front panel LEDs (3) Multi-colored LEDs provide illumination for the front of the computer . 2 front I/O connectors Plug USB and other devices into the appropriate connectors (see "F ront I/O Connectors" on page 12). 3 3.5-inch drive bays (2) Can hold optional devices such as a Media Card Reader . NOTE: The [...]

Setting up Y our Computer 11 9 hard-drive activity LED The hard drive LED is on when the computer r eads data from or writes data to the hard drive. The LED may also be on when a device such as your CD player is operating. 10 computer stand Attach the computer st and to provide stability to the system. WAR N IN G : The computer stand should be inst[...]

12 Setting up Y our Computer Front I/O Connectors 1 IEEE 1394 connector Use the IEEE 1394 connector fo r high-speed data devices such as digital video cameras and external storage devices. 2 microphone connector Use the microphone connector to attach a personal computer microphone for voice or musical input into a sound or telephony program. 3 head[...]

Setting up Y our Computer 13 Back View 1 power connector Insert the power cable. The appearance of this connector may differ from the illustration. 2 Built in Self T est (BIST) LED Indicates power availabili ty for the power supply . • Green light—Indicates po we r availability for the power supply . • No light—Indicates no powe r available[...]

14 Setting up Y our Computer Back I/O Connectors 5 card slots Access connectors for any installed PCI or PCI Express (PCIe) cards. NOTE: Some connector slots support full-length cards. 6 back I/O connectors Plug USB and other devices into the appropriate connectors (see "Back I/O Connectors" on page 14). 7 rear I/O LED board Multi-colored[...]

Setting up Y our Computer 15 center/LFE surround out Use the (orange) subwoofer connector to attach a single subwoofer . NOTE: The LFE (Low Frequency Effects) audio channel, found in digital surround soun d audio schemes, carries only low frequency information of 80 Hz and below . The LFE channel drives a subwoofer to provide extremely low bass ext[...]

16 Setting up Y our Computer network adapter connectors (2) Use the network adapter co nnector to attach your computer to a network or broadband device. Connect one end of a network cable to either a network jack or your network or broadband device, and then connect the other end of the network cable to the network adapter connector on your compute[...]

Setting up Y our Computer 17 Setting up the Computer Y our computer ships with the co mputer stand already installed. W ith the computer sitting in an upright po sition, carefully lift the r ear of the computer , and extend the stabilizing fe et fully . The extended feet ensur e maximum system stability . book.book Page 17 Monday, November 10, 2008[...]

18 Setting up Y our Computer Installing Y our Computer in an Enclosure Installing your computer in an enclosure can r estrict the airflow and impact your computer ’s performance, causing it to overheat. It is not recommended to install the computer in an enclosure . However , if you must install the computer in an enclosure, r efer to the followi[...]

Setting up Y our Computer 19 • If your computer is installed in a corn er on a desk or under a desk, leave at least 5.1 centimeters (2 inches) of clearance from the back of the computer to the wall to permit airf low requir ed for proper ventilation. • Do not install your computer in an en closure that does not allow airflow . Restricting the a[...]

20 Setting up Y our Computer Connecting to a Network T o connect the system to a network: 1 Connect one end of a network cable to your network device (router , network switch, cable modem/DSL). 2 Connect the other end of the network cable to one of the network adapter connections on the back of your computer . A click indicates that the network cab[...]

Sy stem Configuration 21 Sy stem Configuration NOTE: Some features listed below may no t be available or may vary on a Dell™ XPS™ 730X computer . For more info rmation, go to the Dell Support website at support.dell.com . Dell ships your computer to you already configur ed. This section details instructions in case you need to re -cr eate or mo[...]

22 Sy stem Configuration TCP/IP Acceleration NOTE: Enabling TCP/IP acceleration enhan ces your networ k performance but can cause your network traffic to bypass the firewall because all processes are off-loaded to the hardware. TCP/IP acceleration technology is a networking solution that moves the processing of TCP/IP network traffic from your comp[...]

Sy stem Configuration 23 Changing the Display Setting to Support T wo or More Monitors After connecting the additional displays you will need to enable them in the video driver software. The e xact steps to do this vary by video card and installed driver revision, however , in mo st cases this can be done via the video card’s Control P anel apple[...]

24 Sy stem Configuration Enabling A TI Crossfire T echnology Supporting Crossfire technology r equir es two or more compatible, A TI Crossfire-capable graphics car ds, a Cro ssfire bridge (for the best performance) and the latest available driver revision. Enabling A TI Crossfire technology is done via the A TI Catalyst Control Center applet found [...]

Optimizing Performance 25 Optimizing Performance NOTE: Some features listed below may no t be available or may vary on a Dell™ XPS™ 730X computer . For more i nformation, go to the Dell Support website at support.dell.com . Dell has configured your computer to op erate optimally across a wide range of applications. Depending on the configuratio[...]

26 Optimizing Performance Software Based Performance T uning (XPS 730 Only) Y our computer includes components compatible with NVIDIA ESA (Enthusiast System Architecture). ESA is a PC protocol for r eal-time monitoring and control of system’s thermal, electrical, acoustic, and operating characteristics. F or the advanced user , Dell has pre-in st[...]

Optimizing Performance 27 View Sy stem Information This section of the NVIDIA Control P anel allows you to view version information for the computer and install ed drivers. This information can be saved to a file for further review and also for technical support scenarios. Profile Policies The P rofile P olicies section allows yo u to define when a[...]

28 Optimizing Performance book.book Page 28 Monday, November 10, 2008 1:26 PM[...]

T roubleshooting 29 T roubleshooting 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. Diagnostic T ools Dell™ Diagnostics If you experience a problem with yo u[...]

30 T roubleshooting 3 At the Boot Device Menu, use the up- and down- arrow keys or pr ess the appropriate number on the keyboar d to highlight Boot to Utility P artition , and then press <Enter>. NOTE: The Quickboot feature ch anges the boot sequenc e for the current boot only . Upon restart, the computer boots according to the boot sequence [...]

T roubleshooting 31 7 At the CD-ROM Startup Menu, use the up- and down- arrow keys or pr ess the appropriate number on th e keyboar d to highlight Boot from CD-ROM , and then press <Enter>. If you wait too long and the W ind ows logo appears, continue to wait until you see the W indows desktop, then shut down your computer and try again. 8 P [...]

32 T roubleshooting F o r any problem encountered during a te st, a message appears with an error code and a description of the proble m. W rite down the error code and problem description exactly as it appe ars and follow the instructions on the screen. If you cannot r esolve the proble m, contact Dell (see "Contacting Dell" on page 72).[...]

T roubleshooting 33 If you wait too long and the operating system logo appears, continue to wait until you see the Microsoft W indows de sktop, then shut down your computer and try agai n. 3 At the Boot Device Menu , use the up- and down-arrow keys or pr ess the appropriate number on the keyboar d to highlight Boot to Utility P artition , and then [...]

34 T roubleshooting Dell Support 3 Dell Support 3 is customized for your computing environment. This utility provides self -support information, soft ware updates, and health scans for your computer . Use this utility for the following functions: • Check your computing environment. • View the Dell Support 3 settings. • Access the Dell Support[...]

T roubleshooting 35 The monthly version is available as an annual subscription and is a feature of Dell Support 3, a complimentary applic ation that provides real-time health scans and information on how to maintai n your computer (see "Dell Support 3" on page 34). Both versions of PC T une-Up are avai lable to customers in the U.S. and C[...]

36 T roubleshooting DellConnect™ DellConnect is a simple online access tool that allows a Dell service and support associate to access your comp uter through an Internet connection, diagnose the problem, and repair it. T he associate works with your permission under your supervision, and you can wo rk with Dell’s associate during the troublesho[...]

T roubleshooting 37 • If the power button LED is off, the computer is either turned off or is not receiving power . – Reseat the power cable into both th e power connector on the back of the computer and the electrical outlet. – If the computer is plugged into a power strip, ensure that the power strip is plugged into an electrical outlet and[...]

38 T roubleshooting Solving Problems T r oubleshooting Software and Hardware Problems If a device is either not detected d uring the operating system setup or is detected but incorrectly config ur ed, you can use the Hardware T roubleshooter to resolve the incompatibility . Wi n d o w s X P: 1 Click Start and click Help and Support . 2 Ty p e hardw[...]

T roubleshooting 39 3 Click Hardware T roubleshooter in the Search Results list. 4 In the Hardware T roubleshooter list, click I need to resolve a hardware conflict on my computer , and click Next . W indows Vista: 1 Click Start and click Help and Support. 2 Ty p e hardware troubleshooter in the search field and press <Enter> to start the sea[...]

40 T roubleshooting C LEAN THE DRIVE OR DISK C HECK THE CABLE CONNECTIONS R UN THE H ARDWARE T ROUBLESHOOTER — See "T roubleshooting Software and Hardwar e Problems" on page 38. R UN THE D ELL D IAGNOSTICS — See "Dell™ Diagnostics" on page 29. Hard drive problems R UN C HECK D ISK — Win d o w s X P : 1 Click Start and cl[...]

T roubleshooting 41 Power Problems E NSURE THAT ALL COMPONENTS AND CABLES ARE PROPERLY INSTALLED AND SECURELY CONNECTED TO THE SY STEM BOARD . A device may be malfunctioni ng or incorrectly installed. • Remove and then reinstall all memory modules. • Remove and then reinstall any e xtension cards, including graphics cards. I F THE POWER LIGHT I[...]

42 T roubleshooting Restoring the Operating Sy stem Y ou can restore your operating system to a pr eviously stable point in the following ways: • Microsoft W indows System Restore is a integrated component of W indows XP and W indows Vista. Microsoft W indows System Restore returns your computer to an earlier operating state without affecting dat[...]

T roubleshooting 43 Starting Sy stem Restore Wi n d o w s XP : CAUTION: Before you restore the computer to an earlier operating state, save and close any open files and exit any open programs. Do not alter , open, or delete any files or programs until the sy stem restoration is complete. 1 Click Start → All P rograms → Accessories → System T [...]

44 T roubleshooting Using Dell PC Restore and Dell Factory Image Restore CAUTION: Using Dell PC Restore or Dell Fa ctory Image Restore permanently deletes all data on the hard drive and remo ves any programs or drivers installed after you received your computer . If possi ble, back up the da ta before using these options. Use Dell PC Restore or Del[...]

T roubleshooting 45 5 When prompted, click Ye s . The computer restarts. Because the co mputer is r estored to its original operating state, the screens that appear , such as the End User License Agreement, ar e the same ones that a ppeared the first time the computer was turned on. 6 Click Next . The System Restore scr een appear s and the compute[...]

46 T roubleshooting Reinstalling the Operating Sy stem T o reinstall W indows, y ou need the following items: • Dell Operating System media •D e l l Drivers and Utilities media Before you Begin Reinstalling your Operating System from media will completely remove all data from your hard drive. It is importan t to mak e a full backup of any files[...]

T roubleshooting 47 NOTE: It is strongly recommended that you use the provided Dell Operating Sy stem media when reinstalling the operating sy stem. The Dell me dia includes all necessary drivers required to install Window s XP . Using retail or third party media may require the user to provide additional drivers during the in stallation of the ope[...]

48 T roubleshooting 10 T ype the computer name in the Computer Name: field if you want to change it from the name provided. NOTE: For Windows XP Professional Editio n users, type a password in the Administrator Password: field and the n type the same password in the Confirm Password: field. 11 Click Next . The Modem Dialing Information screen appea[...]

T roubleshooting 49 CAUTION: The Operating Sy stem media provides opti ons for reinstalling Windows Vista. The options can overwrit e files and possibly affect programs that are installed on your hard drive. Therefore , do not reinstall Windows V ista unless a Dell technical sup port representative instr ucts you to do so. 1 Insert the Operating Sy[...]

50 T roubleshooting 17 Select a user name, password, and pictur e for your user account. 18 On the Choose a computer name and choose a desktop background window , click Next . 19 On the Help P rotect Windows automatically window , click Use Recommended Settings . The Review your time and date settings window appears. 20 Click to select your time zo[...]

T roubleshooting 51 Recommended Driver Installation Order NOTE: The exact drivers that yo u have to install will d epend on the operating sy stem you choose to install and the exact hardware configuration of your computer . If you are unsure what hardware you have installed or are unsure of which exact drivers to load , contact T echnical Support. [...]

52 T roubleshooting book.book Page 52 Monday, November 10, 2008 1:26 PM[...]

Configuring the BIOS 53 Configuring the BIOS Sy stem Setup The System Setup options allow you to: • Change the system configuration in formation after you add, change, or remove any har dware in your computer . • Set or change a user -selectable option. • Read the curr ent amount of memory or set the type of hard drive installed. Before you u[...]

54 Configuring the BIOS Sy stem Setup Screens The System Setup window displays current or changeable configuration information for your computer . Informatio n is divided into five areas: the menu field, the options list, the active options field, the help field, and key functions. Menu — Appears on top of the System Se tup window . This field pr[...]

Configuring the BIOS 55 Sy stem Setup Options NOTE: Depending on your computer and installed devices, th e items listed in this section may not appear , or may not appear exactly as listed. NOTE: The Sy stem Setup options listed belo w are for a Dell XPS™ 730 computer . The options may vary for a Dell XPS 730X computer . For more information, see[...]

56 Configuring the BIOS Advanced CPU Configuration Allows you to enable or disable the CPU featur es that enhance the performance of the system. • CPU M ultiplier—The CPU multiplier multiplied by the front-side bus (FSB) clockspeed determines the cor e speed of the processor . CPU cor e clock = FSB F requency/4 x CPU multiplier • C1E Enhanced[...]

Configuring the BIOS 57 Integrated Peripherals Allows you to enable or disable the integrated devices and ports on your system. • Halt On—Sets the type of error to halt the system during POST . (All errors, No errors, All errors but keyboar d errors) • Boot Up NumLock Status—Sets the power-on state for NumLock. (On/Off) • F ast Boot—Ena[...]

58 Configuring the BIOS IDE/SATA Configuration Enables or disables a user to defi ne or change any values related to IDE or SA T A devices such as hard drives, optical drives, and so on connected to the computer . • HDD S.M.A.R.T Capability—Enables the har d drive S.M.A.R.T . setting. (Enabled/Disabled) • Serial-A T A Controller—Enables the[...]

Configuring the BIOS 59 Overclock Configuration Enables you to set the system c lock mode. Displays the following parameters and current value for each parameter : • CPU F requency , MHz—Displays the current setting. • CPU Multiplier—Displays the curr ent setting. • FSB-Memory Clock Mode—Allows y ou to set the system clock mode: – Aut[...]

60 Configuring the BIOS Overvoltage Configuration Enables you to configure the vo ltage of the CP U core, FSB, memory voltage, and chipset voltage. • CPU Cor e—Allows you to set the voltage level for the CPU core (CPU VID). • CPU F SB—Allows you to set th e voltage level for the CPU FSB (CPU VTT). • Memory—Allows you to set the voltage [...]

Configuring the BIOS 61 Power ACPI Suspend Type Specifies the Advanced Configuration and P ower Interface (ACPI) suspend type. A CPI is a power management specification which enables the ope rating system to control the amount of power given to each device attached to the computer . The default is S3. AC Recovery Specifies the behavior of the syste[...]

62 Configuring the BIOS Boot Sequence This feature allows you to change the boot sequence for the bootable devices installed on your computer . Option Settings • Diskette Drive — The computer attempts to boot from the floppy drive. If the floppy disk in the drive is not bootab le, if no floppy disk is in the drive, or if there is no floppy driv[...]

Configuring the BIOS 63 3 When the DELL logo appears, press <F12> immediately . NOTE: Keyboard failure may result when a key on the keyboard is held down for extended periods of time. T o avoi d possible keyboard failure, press and release <F12> in even intervals until the Boot Device Menu appears. If you wait too long and the operating[...]

64 Configuring the BIOS book.book Page 64 Monday, November 10, 2008 1:26 PM[...]

Appendix 65 Appendix Specifications NOTE: Offerings may vary by region. Fo r more information regarding the configuration of your computer , click Start → Help and Support and select the option to view information about your computer . Processor Dell™ XPS™ 730 Dell XPS 730X P r ocessor type Intel ® Core™2 Duo (P erformance dual core) Intel[...]

66 Appendix Computer Information Dell XPS 730 Dell XPS 730X Chipset Northbridge Southbridge nF orce 790i SLI nF orce 790i SLI SPP nF orce 790i SLI MCP Intel X58 Intel 36s IOH Intel ICH10 BIOS chip (NVRAM) 8 Mb 8 Mb NIC two integrated network interfaces capable of 10/100/1000 Mbps communication two integrated network interfaces capable of 10/100/100[...]

Appendix 67 Bus throughput x1 slot bidirectional speed — 2.5 Gbps x1 slot bidirectional speed — 2.5 Gbps PCI Express x16 Generation 2 Connector two x16 three x16 Connector size 164 pins 164 pins Connector data width (maximum) 16 PCI Express lanes 16 PCI Express lanes Bus throughput x16 slot bidirectional speed — 80 Gbps x16 slot bidirectional[...]

68 Appendix ✓ = Supported; ✘ = Not supported Drives Dell XPS 730 Dell XPS 730X A vailable devices Serial A T A (SA T A) hard drive Floppy drive SA T A Blu-ray Disc (BD) writer SA T A BD/DVD combo drive SA T A DVD+/-R W drive CD-RW/D VD combo dri ve Media Card Reader ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✘ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✘ ✓ Externally accessible t[...]

Appendix 69 System board connectors IDE drive one 40-pin connector N/A Serial A T A six 7-pin connectors eight 7-pin connectors Floppy drive one 34-pin connector N/A Fa n one 4-pin connector ; five 3-pin headers one 4-pin connector; five 3-pin headers PCI two 124-pin connectors one 124-pin connector PCI Express x1 two 36-pin connectors two 36-pin c[...]

70 Appendix F ront panel LEDs ten multi-colored LEDs provide illumination for the front of the computer . Back panel LEDs four multi-colored LE Ds provide illumination for the I/O panel on the back of the computer . Power DC power supply W ARNING: T o reduce the risk of fire, electric shock, or injury , do not overload an electrical outlet, power s[...]

Appendix 71 Macrovision Product Notice This product incorporates copyright prot ection technology that is protected by method claims of certain U.S. patents and other intellectual property rights owned by Macrovision Corporatio n and other rights owners. Use of this copyright protection technology mu st be authorized by Macrovision Corporation, and[...]

72 Appendix Contacting Dell Y ou can contact Dell through the Internet and by phone: • F or support through the web, go to support.dell.com . • F or worldwide support through the web, use the Choose A Country/Region menu near the bottom of the page, or see the web addresses listed in the following table. NOTE: In certain countries, support spec[...]

Index 73 Index B beep codes, 37 BIOS, 53 Boot Sequence, 62 boot sequence c h a n g i n g , 62-63 option settings, 6 2 booting to a USB device, 6 2 C cards slots, 1 4 CDs operating system, 7 Check Disk, 40 computer beep codes, 3 7 conflicts so f tw a re a n d ha rd wa re incompatibilities, 3 8 connectors headphone, 1 2 , 1 5 I E E E , 12, 14 key b o[...]

74 Index H hard drive problems, 4 0 hardwar e beep codes, 3 7 conflicts, 3 8 Ha rd w a re T r o ub l e sh o o t er , 3 8 headphone connector , 12, 15 I IEEE connectors, 1 2 , 1 4 IRQ conflicts, 38 K key b o ard connector , 1 4 M memory problems, 4 0 mouse connector , 1 4 N network connector , 1 6 NVIDIA ESA, 26 NVIDIA F irstP acket, 21 NVIDIA P erf[...]

Index 75 R regulatory information, 8 S safety instructions, 8 Service Manual, 7 settings system setup, 5 3 software conflicts, 3 8 sound connectors line-in, 1 5 line-out, 1 5 specifications computer information, 6 6 connectors, 6 8 controls and lights, 6 9 drives, 6 8 environmental, 7 1 expansion bus, 6 6 memory , 6 5 physical, 7 0 power , 7 0 proc[...]

76 Index book.book Page 76 Monday, November 10, 2008 1:26 PM[...]