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Small Mini-Tower 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

Installing a PCI Card

CAUTION: Before you perform this procedure, see "Precautionary Measures."

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

Raising the Retention Arm and Installing a Card

1	card
2	edge connector
3	card connector
4	retention arm
5	lever
6	filler bracket

2. If you are installing a new card, remove the filler bracket to create a card-slot opening, then continue with step 4.
   
   
3. 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.

4. 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. Verify that the standby power light on the system board is off. To locate this light, see "System Board."

5. Place the card in the connector and press down firmly. Make sure that the card is fully seated in the slot.
   
   

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 system board.

Card Connection

1	bracket caught outside of slot
2	bracket within slot
3	fully seated card
4	not fully seated card

6. Before you lower the retention arm, ensure that:
   
   
   • The tops of all cards and filler brackets are flush with the alignment bar.
     
     
   • The notch in the top of the card or filler bracket fits around the alignment guide.
     
     

Press the arm into place, securing the card(s) in the computer.

Closing the Retention Arm

1	filler bracket
2	alignment bar
3	alignment guide
4	retention arm

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.

7. Connect any cables that should be attached to the card.
   
   
8. Install any drivers required for the card as described in the card documentation.
   
   

Removing a PCI Card

CAUTION: Before you perform this procedure, see "Precautionary Measures."

1. Raise the retention arm (see "Raising the Retention Arm and Installing a Card").
   
   
2. If necessary, disconnect any cables connected to the card.
   
   
3. Grasp the card by its top corners, and ease it out of its connector.
   
   
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.

5. Lower the retention arm and press it into place, securing the card(s) in the computer.
   
   
6. Remove the card's driver from the operating system.
   
   

Serial Port Adapters

Installing a Serial Port Adapter

CAUTION: Before you perform this procedure, see "Precautionary Measures."

1. If you are replacing an adapter, remove the current driver for the card from the operating system.
   
   
2. Raise the retention arm.
   
   
3. Remove the filler bracket.
   
   
4. Slide the card bracket down over the card-slot opening, and lower the retention arm, ensuring that:
   
   
   • The tops of all cards and filler brackets are flush with the alignment bar.
     
     
   • The notch in the top of the card or filler bracket fits around the alignment guide (see "Closing the Retention Arm").
     
     

Press the arm into place, securing the card(s) in the computer.

Raising the Retention Arm and Installing a Card

1	serial port system board connector (SER2)
2	adapter bracket
3	serial adapter cable
4	retention arm

5. Attach the serial adapter cable to the serial port connector on the system board (labeled SER2).
   
   

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.
   
   

AGP Slot Filler Bracket Removal

1	hinged lever
2	filler bracket

2. On the card clip, press the card-clip lever toward the card slot.
   
   
3. Pull the card up and out of the card clip.
   
   

AGP Card Removal

1	card-clip lever	3	slot connector
2	card clip	4	card slot

Installing an AGP/DVI Adapter Card

1. To add or replace the card, gently press it down 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.
   
   

NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable into the network wall jack, and then plug it into the computer.

5. Connect the monitor cable to the card's video connector.
   
   
6. Connect your computer and devices to electrical outlets, and turn them on.
   
   

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