Dell E521 manual

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 IfyoupurchasedaDell™nSeriescomputer,anyreferencesinthisdocumenttoMicrosoft[...]

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 Se[...]

 Back View of the Computer  Back Panel Connectors 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 c[...]

Back to Contents Page  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 att[...]

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  The power button light located on the front of [...]

 Beep Codes Your computer might emit a series of beeps during start - up if the monitor cannot display errors or problems. This series of beeps, called a beep code, identifies a problem. One possible beep code consists of one long beep and then two short beeps. This beep code tells you that the computer encountered a memory test failure. If your[...]

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 Dell Diagnostics   Starting the Dell Diagnostics  1. Turn on (or restart) your computer.  2. When the DELL logo appears, press <F12> immediately. If you wait too long and the operating system logo appears, continue to wait until you see the Microsoft ® Windows ® desktop, then shut down your computer and try again.  [...]

 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.  2. [...]

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 t[...]

 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. [...]

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[...]

 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  NOTICE: To disconnect a network cable, first unplug the cable from your computer, and then unplug [...]

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 Pane[...]

 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 o[...]

 Addressing Memory With 4 - GB Configurations Your computer supports a maximum of 4 GB of memory when you use four 1 - GB DIMMs. Current 32 - bit operating systems, such as Microsoft ® Windows ® XP, can use a maximum of 4 GB of address space; however, the amount of memory available to the operating system is less than that installed. Certain c[...]

 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.  7. Connect your computer and devices to electrical outlets, and turn them on.  8. Right - click the My Computer icon and c[...]

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[...]

 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.  9. Close the card retention door by snapping it into place to secure the cards.  10. On a new card, connect a[...]

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.  Enter system setup (see System Setup ), go to Onboard Devices and select Integrated NIC, and then change the setting to Off . b.  Connect the network cable to the add - in network adapter's [...]

 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: a.  Enter system setup (see System Setup ), go to Onboard Devic[...]

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.  7. Prepare the card for installation. See the documentation that came with the card for information on con[...]

 12. Replace the computer cover (see Installing the Computer Cover ).  13. Reconnect the computer and devices to electrical outlets, and then turn them on.  14. If you installed a sound card: a.  Enter system setup (see System Setup ), go to Onboard Devices and select Integrated Audio , and then change the setting to Off . b.  Connec[...]

 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: a.  Enter system setup (see System Setup ), go to Onboard Dev[...]

Removing the 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[...]

 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.  Drives The computer supports a combination of these devices: l  Up to two serial ATA hard drives l  One optional floppy drive or an optional Media Card Reader l  Up to two CD or DVD dri[...]

When you install a drive, you connect a DC power cable and a data cable to the back of the drive.  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.  Connecting and Disconnecting Drive Cables When connecting and disconnect[...]

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.  4. Press in on the blue tabs on each side of the drive and slide the drive up and out of the computer.  5. If removing this drive changes the[...]

 4. Align the hard drive bracket with the guides in the 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 ).  7. Check all c[...]

 Adding a Second Hard Drive    1. Check the documentation for the drive to verify that it is configured for your computer.  2. Follow the procedures in Before You Begin .  3. Remove the computer cover (see Removing the Computer Cover ).  4. Press in on the blue release tabs on each side of the hard drive bracket and slide it up[...]

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 ).  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 o[...]

Installing 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 ).  4. If this is a new drive installation: l  Remove the drive panel insert where you want to install the drive (see Removing the Drive -[...]

 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. Verify that your computer work[...]

 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 dr[...]

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 befor[...]

 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 [...]

 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. If you are installing [...]

 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 ). ?[...]

  Replacing the Power Supply  1. Follow the procedures in Before You Begin .  2. Remove the computer cover (see Removing the Computer Cover ).  3. Disconnect the DC power cables from the system board and the drives. Note the routing of the DC power cables underneath the tabs in the computer chassis as you remove them from the system [...]

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.  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 correctl[...]

 7. Pull the release lever straight up until the processor is released.  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 .  Installing the Processor  1. Follow the procedures in Before You Begin .  2. U[...]

 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. Clean the thermal grease from the bottom of the heat sink.  8. Apply the new the[...]

 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/[...]

Installing the I/O Panel  1. Reconnect the cables to the I/O panel.  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 [...]

 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.  7. Disconnect the processor fan cable from the system board (see System Board Components ).  8. Ensure that all cables have been removed from the routi[...]

 3. Connect the processor fan cable to the system board (see System Board Components ).  4. Install the heat sink assembly: a.  Place the heat sink assembly back onto the heat - sink assembly bracket. b.  Rotate the heat sink assembly down towards the computer base and ensure that the two captive screws are properly aligned with the hol[...]

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 [...]

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.  5. Ensure tha[...]

Back to Contents Page Dell™Dimension™E521ServiceManual IfyoupurchasedaDell™nSeriescomputer,anyreferencesinthisdocumenttoMicrosoft ® Windows ® operating systems are not applicable. Information in this document is subject to change without notice. © 2006DellInc.Allrights[...]

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[...]

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 (Fle[...]

Back to Contents Page  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 BT[...]

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 configur[...]

 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 System Info Displays the System name, BIOS Version , Service Tag, Express Service Code , and Asset Tag .  NOTE: The system name listed in the BIOS may not appear exactly as [...]

( On default) Video Primary Video ( Auto default) 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. Video Memory Size ( 64MB default) This setting configures the amount of system memory that is reserved for [...]

 Boot Sequence This feature allows you to set the order in which the BIOS will search devices when trying to find an operating system.  Option Settings l  Bootable Hard Drive — The computer attempts to boot from the primary hard drive. If no operating system is on the drive, the computer generates an error message. l  Onboard Floppy D[...]

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 <F12>. If you wait too long and the operating system logo appears, continue to wait unti[...]

3. Locate the 2 - pin password jumper (PSWD) on the system board (see System Board Components ), and remove the jumper to clear the password.  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 ® de[...]

 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. ?[...]

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  System Board Components 1 floppy drive or Media Card Reader 2 CD or DVD drive 3 power supply 4 system b[...]

 Power Supply DC Connector Pin Assignments  DC Power Connector P1 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[...]

 DC Power Connector P2  DC Power Connectors P3, P5, P8, and P9  DC Power Connector P7 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 +3.3VDC/SE* Orange 14 - 12 VDC Blue 15 GND Black 16 PWR_PS_ON Green 17 GND Black 18 GND Black 19 GND Black 20 NC NC 21 +5 VDC Red 22 +5 VDC Red 23 +[...]

 DC Power Connector P10 Back to Contents Page  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[...]