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Small Desktop Computer

Dell™ OptiPlex™ GX260 Service Manual

  PCI Cards

  Serial Port Adapters

  AGP and DVI Adapter Cards

NOTE: Before disconnecting a device from the computer or removing a component from the system board, verify that the standby power light on the system board is off. For the location of this light, see "System Board."

PCI Cards

Removing a PCI Card

CAUTION: Before you perform this procedure, see "Precautionary Measures."
  1. Remove the card cage:

    1. Check any cables connected to cards through the back-panel openings. Disconnect any cables that will not reach the card cage once the cage is removed from the computer.

    1. Gently pull the handle and lift the card cage up and away from the computer.

Removing the Card Cage

1

card cage

2

handle

  1. Press the lever on the retention arm and raise the retention arm.

Raising the Retention Arm and Installing a Card

1

lever

5

card-edge connector

2

retention arm

6

card connector

3

filler bracket

7

riser board

4

card

8

card cage

Installing a Card

  1. If you are installing a new card, remove the filler bracket to create an empty card-slot opening.

If you are replacing a card that is already installed in the computer, remove the card. If necessary, disconnect any cables connected to the card. Grasp the card by its top corners, and ease it out of its connector.

  1. Prepare the card for installation.

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.
  1. Insert the card into the card connector.

If the card is full-length, insert the end of the card into the card guide bracket as you lower the card toward its connector on the system board. Insert the card firmly into the card connector on the riser board.

  1. Lower the retention arm and press it into place, securing the card(s) in the computer.

  2. Replace the card cage:

    1. Align the tabs in the side of the card cage with the slots on the side of the computer, and slide the card cage down into place.

    1. Make sure that the riser board is fully seated in the connector on the system board.

Replacing the Card Cage

1

card cage

2

tabs

3

slots

  1. Reconnect any cables that you removed in step 1.

  2. Connect any cables that should be attached to the card.

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.
  1. Close the computer cover.

  2. Attach the computer stand (optional).

  3. Install any drivers required for the card as described in the card documentation.


Serial Port Adapters

Installing a Serial Port Adapter

CAUTION: Before you perform this procedure, see "Precautionary Measures."
  1. Remove the card cage (see step 1 in "Removing a PCI Card").

  2. Press the lever on the retention arm and raise the retention arm.

  3. Remove the filler bracket.

Raising the Retention Arm and Installing a Serial Port Adapter

1

retention arm

2

filler bracket

3

adapter bracket

  1. Slide the adapter bracket down over the card-slot opening, and lower the retention arm, securing the adapter bracket.

  2. Route the serial adapter cable under the card cage, and attach the cable to the connector on the system board (labeled SER2).

Replacing the Card Cage and Connecting the Cable

1

card cage

2

serial adapter cable

3

serial adapter system board connector (SER2)

Removing a Serial Port Adapter

CAUTION: Before you perform this procedure, see "Precautionary Measures."
  1. Remove the card cage (see step 1 in "Removing a PCI Card").

  2. Press the lever on the retention arm and raise the retention arm.

  3. Lift and remove the adapter bracket.

  4. If you are removing the card permanently, install a filler bracket in the empty card-slot opening.

If you need a filler bracket, contact Dell.

NOTE: Installing filler brackets over empty card-slot openings is necessary to maintain FCC certification of the computer. The brackets also keep dust and dirt out of your computer.
  1. Lower the retention arm and press it into place.


AGP and DVI Adapter Cards

Removing an AGP or DVI Adapter Card

  1. Remove the filler bracket by raising the hinged lever and sliding the bracket up.

Press the indented tab on the hinged lever with your thumb until you release the tab. Continue holding the lever and pull the lever up.

Filler Bracket Removal

1

hinged lever

2

indented tab (side view)

  1. Press the card-clip lever toward the card slot and remove the installed card.

Removing the Card

1

card notch

2

card-clip lever

3

card-clip tab

4

card clip

5

card slot

Installing an AGP or DVI Adapter Card

  1. To add or replace the card, press the card-clip lever toward the card slot and gently press the card into the slot connector until it clicks into place.

  2. Release the card-clip lever, ensuring that the tab on the card-clip lever 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. Attach the computer stand (optional).

NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable into the network wall jack, and then plug it into the computer.
  1. Connect the monitor cable to the card's video connector.

  2. Connect your computer and devices to electrical outlets, and turn them on.


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