Upgrading Your Computer

    This chapter provides information about upgrading and replacing components in your computer, including:

Opening your computer case
Removing and installing drives and components
Removing and installing expansion cards
Adding memory

    You must open your computer case to change or upgrade components. If you are not comfortable with these procedures, get help from a more experienced computer user or computer service technician.

Selecting a place to work

    Work on your computer in an area that:

Is clean (avoid dusty areas)
Is a low-static environment (avoid carpeted areas)
Has a stable surface on which to set your computer
Has enough room to place all the computer parts
Is near a grounded outlet so that you can test your computer after installation
Is near a phone (in case you need help from Client Care). The phone must be directly connected to a phone jack and cannot be connected to your computer

Gathering tools you need

    Some tools and supplies that you may need to work on your computer are:

A Phillips screwdriver
A flat-head screwdriver
A notebook to take notes
Small containers to store various types of screws
A grounding wrist strap (available at most electronic stores)

Preventing static electricity discharge

    The components inside your computer are extremely sensitive to static electricity, also known as electrostatic discharge (ESD).

Caution

ESD can permanently damage electrostatic discharge sensitive components in the computer. Prevent ESD damage by following ESD guidelines every time you open the computer case.

    Before opening the computer case, follow these guidelines:

Turn off the computer power.
Wear a grounding wrist strap (available at most electronics stores) and attach it to a bare metal part of the computer.

Warning

To prevent risk of electric shock, do not insert any object into the vent holes of the power supply.

Touch a bare metal surface on the back of the computer.
Unplug the power cord and modem cable.

    Before working with computer components, follow these guidelines:

Avoid static-causing surfaces such as carpeted floors, plastic, and packing foam.
Remove components from their antistatic bags only when you are ready to use them. Do not lay components on the outside of antistatic bags because only the inside of the bags provide electrostatic protection.
Always hold expansion cards by their edges or their metal mounting brackets. Avoid touching the edge connectors and components on the cards. Never slide expansion cards or components over any surface.

Warning

To avoid exposure to dangerous electrical voltages and moving parts, turn off your computer and unplug the power cord and modem cable before opening the case.

Micro Tower case

    This section provides instructions for opening the Micro Tower case and replacing drives.

Opening and closing

Warning

To avoid exposure to dangerous electrical voltages and moving parts, turn off your computer, then unplug the power and modem cords before opening the case.

To open the Micro Tower case:

    1. Turn off the computer.

    2. Following all electrostatic discharge precautions, disconnect the power cord and all other cables.

    3. Remove the five screws at the back of the computer, then remove the cover by sliding it back and up.

       

To close the Micro Tower case:

    1. Make sure all of the internal cables are arranged inside the case so they will not be pinched when you close the case.

    2. Slide the cover onto the chassis, then replace the five screws you removed earlier.

    3. Reconnect the cables and power cord.

       

Replacing drives

    The hard drive is mounted on the top-inside of the Micro Tower case and other drives are mounted in the top drive cage. Use these procedures to replace hard drives, CD/DVD drives, 3.5-inch drives, tape drives, and other drives.

To replace the hard drive:

    1. Open the case by following the procedure "To open the Micro Tower case:".

    2. Disconnect the drive cables, noting their locations and orientation. (You will reconnect the cables after you install the new drive.) See the drive manual for further instructions.

    3. Remove the four screws from the top of the case, then remove the drive.

    1. Set any jumpers on the new drive. See the drive manual for further instructions.

    2. Install the new drive and secure it in the case using the four screws.

    3. Reconnect the cables according to the instructions in the drive manual.

    4. Close the case by following the procedure "To close the Micro Tower case:".

       

To replace a drive in the top drive cage:

    1. Open the case by following the procedure "To open the Micro Tower case:".

    2. Disconnect the drive cables, noting their locations and orientation. (You will reconnect the cables after you install the new drive.) See the drive manual for further instructions.

    3. Remove the four screws, then remove the drive.

    1. Set any jumpers on the new drive. See the drive manual for further instructions.

    2. Install the new drive and secure it in the case using the four screws.

    3. Reconnect the cables according to the instructions in the drive manual.

    4. Close the case by following the procedure "To close the Micro Tower case:".

       

Replacing expansion cards

    An expansion card is a card used in the computer to add functionality to the system. Use the following procedures to replace, add, or reseat an expansion card.

To replace, add, or reseat an expansion card in the Micro Tower case:

    1. Open the case by following the procedure "To open the Micro Tower case:".

    2. Find your expansion card in the ISA, PCI, or AGP expansion card slot.

    3. Disconnect any cables that are attached to the card, noting their locations and orientation. (You will reconnect the cables after you install the new card.)

    4. If a bracket covers the expansion card, remove the screws that secure the bracket to the case.
      - OR -
      If a screw secures the expansion card to the slot opening on the back of the case, remove the screw.
    1. Holding the card by its corners, carefully remove the expansion card by pulling it straight out of its slot.
      You can slightly seesaw the card end-to-end to loosen the card, but do not bend the card sideways.

      Caution

      Do not touch the contacts on the bottom part of the expansion card. Touching the contacts may cause electrostatic damage to the card.

    1. Replace, add, or reseat a card by holding the card by the corners and pushing the card straight into the slot.
      You can slightly seesaw the card end-to-end to install the card, but do not bend the card sideways.
    1. Secure the bracket to the case with the screws that you removed earlier.
      - OR -
      Secure the card to the expansion slot on the case with the screw that you removed earlier.

    1. Reconnect any cables to the card.

    2. Close the case by following the procedure "To close the Micro Tower case:".

    3. Refer to the guide that came with the card for any special software installation instructions.

       

Gateway Mid-Tower case

    The Gateway Mid-Tower case provides toolless access to internal components.

Opening and closing

Warning

To avoid exposure to dangerous electrical voltages and moving parts, turn off your computer, then unplug the power and modem cords before opening the case.

To open the Gateway Mid-Tower case:

    1. Turn off the computer.

    2. Following all electrostatic discharge precautions, disconnect the power cord and all other cables.

    3. Push the cover release levers away from each other, then swing the side panel away from the case. For more stability you can set the case on its side before opening the side panel.

     

Toclose the Gateway Mid-Tower case

    1. Make sure all of the internal cables are arranged inside the case so they will not be pinched when you close the case.

    1. Align the door tabs into the case notches.

    2. Swing the side panel toward the case until the release levers lock.
    1. Reconnect the cables and power cord.

       

Adding or replacing a drive

    Use these procedures to replace 5.25-inch drives such as CD/DVD drives, 3.5-inch drives such as diskette drives, and hard drives.

To add or replace a CD/DVD or diskette drive:

    1. Open the case by following the procedure "To open the Gateway Mid-Tower case:".

    2. Return the case to its upright position.

    3. If you are adding a new drive, press in on the two bezel release tabs, then swing open the front bezel.
    1. If you are adding a new drive, remove the EMI shield for the bay into which you are installing the new drive.

    1. If you are replacing a drive, disconnect the drive cables, noting their locations and orientation. (You will reconnect the cables after you install the new drive.)

    2. If there is a shipping screw installed next to the release lever, remove the screw, then unlock the drive bay by sliding the release lever back toward the rear of the case.
    1. If you are replacing a drive, remove the old drive by sliding it forward and out of the drive bay.

    1. Set any jumpers on the new drive. See the drive manual for further instructions.

    2. Slide the new drive into the drive bay until it settles into the indentation, then lock it into place by sliding the release lever toward the front of the case.

    3. Connect the drive cables according to the instructions in the drive manual.

    4. Close the case by following the procedure "To close the Gateway Mid-Tower case".

       

To replace a hard drive:

    1. Open the case by following the procedure "To open the Gateway Mid-Tower case:".

    2. Return the case to its upright position.

    3. Disconnect the drive cables, noting their locations and orientation. (You will reconnect the cables after you install the new drive.) See the drive manual for further instructions.

    4. Slide the release lever out toward the open side of the case, then remove the drive by sliding it out of the drive bay.

    1. Set any jumpers on the new drive. See the drive manual for further instructions.

    2. Slide the new drive in and lock it into place by sliding the release lever in toward the inside of the case.

    3. Connect the drive cables according to the instructions in the drive manual.

    4. Close the case by following the procedure "To close the Gateway Mid-Tower case".

       

Replacing expansion cards

    An expansion card is a card used in the computer to add functionality to the system. Use the following procedures to replace, add, or reseat an expansion card.

To replace, add, or reseat an expansion card:

    1. Open the case by following the procedure "To open the Gateway Mid-Tower case:".

    2. Disconnect any cables that are attached to the card, noting their locations and orientation. (You will reconnect the cables after you install the new card.)

    3. Remove the retention thumb-screw that secures the card retention cover to the case.
    1. While holding the expansion card retention cover open, remove the expansion card.
      You can slightly seesaw the card end-to-end to loosen the card, but do not bend the card sideways.

Caution

Do not touch the contacts on the bottom part of the expansion card. Touching the contacts can cause electrostatic damage to the card.

    1. While holding the retention cover open with your left hand, install the new card into the expansion slot with your right hand.
      You can slightly seesaw the card end-to-end to help insert the card, but do not bend the card sideways.

    1. Lock the card in place by pushing the expansion card retention cover inward.

    2. Reconnect any cables to the card.

    3. Close the case by following the procedure "To close the Gateway Mid-Tower case".

    4. Refer to the guide that came with the card for any special software installation instructions.

       

Replacing the power supply

Toreplace a Gateway Mid-Tower case power supply:

    1. Open the case by following the procedure "To open the Gateway Mid-Tower case:".

    2. Disconnect the power supply cables from all components, noting their locations and orientation. (You will reconnect the cables after you install the new power supply.)

    3. Flip the power supply retention clip out.
    1. While supporting the power supply with your hand, remove the power supply by sliding it toward the front of the case, then outward.

    1. Install the new power supply into the case retention clips by reversing the actions you took in Step 4, then lock the new power supply into place by flipping the power supply retention clip in.

    2. Reconnect the power supply cables.

    3. Close the case by following the procedure "To close the Gateway Mid-Tower case".

       

Replacing the system board

To replace the system board:

    1. Open the case by following the procedure "To open the Gateway Mid-Tower case:".

    2. Remove all of the expansion cards by following the procedure "To replace, add, or reseat an expansion card:".

    3. Disconnect the power and data cables from the system board, noting their locations and orientation. (You will reconnect the cables after you install the new board.)

    4. Remove the green thumbscrew using a screwdriver, coin, or your fingers.
    1. Remove the system board by sliding the board toward the front of the case. The system board standoffs slide out of the keyhole slots.
    1. Slide the new system board into the keyhole slots and lock it into place with the thumbscrew.

Important

The new system board must have special standoffs ( pem studs ) mounted on the bottom of the board. If necessary, use the standoffs from the original system board.

    1. Connect the power and data cables.

    2. Install the expansion cards by following the procedure in "To replace, add, or reseat an expansion card:".

    3. Close the case by following the procedure "To close the Gateway Mid-Tower case".

       

Gateway Flex case

    The Gateway Flex case provides toolless access to almost all internal components.

Opening and closing the Gateway Flex case

Warning

To avoid exposure to dangerous electrical voltages and moving parts, turn off your computer, then unplug the power and modem cords before opening the case.

To open the Gateway Flex case:

    1. Turn off the computer.

    2. Following all electrostatic discharge precautions, disconnect the power cord and all other cables.

    3. While pressing in on the side latches with your fingers, place your thumbs on the CD/DVD drive and the diskette drive , then push the drives inward. This action pushes the chassis partially out of the case.
    1. From the back of the case, pull the chassis completely out.

 

To close the Gateway Flex case:

    1. Make sure all of the internal cables are arranged inside the chassis so they will not be pinched when you close the case, then push the chassis into the case until it will not go any further and the side latches lock into place.

    2. Reconnect the cables and the power cord.

       

Replacing the CD/DVD or diskette drive

To replace the CD/DVD or diskette drive:

    1. Open the case by following the procedure "To open the Gateway Flex case:".

    2. Disconnect the cables from the back of the drive, noting their locations and orientation. (You will reconnect the cables after you install the new drive.)

    3. Remove the two screws securing the drive in the chassis, then slide the old drive out of the drive tray.

    1. Set any jumpers on the new drive. See the drive manual for further instructions.

    2. Slide the new drive into the drive tray, then replace the two screws that you previously removed.

    3. Reconnect the cables according to the instructions in the drive manual.

    4. Close the case by following the procedure "To close the Gateway Flex case:".

       

Replacing the hard drive

To replace the hard drive:

    1. Open the case by following the procedure "To open the Gateway Flex case:".

    2. Disconnect the black CD audio cable connected to the system board from the CD/DVD drive.

    3. Push in and hold the release tab on the drive tray.
    1. Flip the drive tray open.

    1. Disconnect the cables from the back of the hard drive, noting their locations and orientation. (You will reconnect the cables after you install the new drive.)

    2. Remove the two screws securing the drive in the chassis.
    1. Lift the old drive out.

    1. Set any jumpers on the new drive. See the drive manual for further instructions.

    2. Place the new drive in the chassis, then replace the two screws that you previously removed.

    3. Reconnect the cables, including the black CD audio cable you removed in Step 2.

    4. Making sure that you do not pinch the cables, flip the drive tray closed, then press down until the tray locks in place.

    5. Close the case by following the procedure "To close the Gateway Flex case:".

       

Replacing expansion cards

    An expansion card is a card used in the computer to add functionality to the system. Use the following procedures to replace, add, or reseat an expansion card.

Important

The Gateway Flex case only accepts half-height expansion cards. As the name suggests, half-height expansion cards are only half as tall as traditional height cards.

Expansion cards usually have a USB counterpart. If you want to add a card but cannot find it in half-height size, look for a comparable USB device.

To replace an expansion card in the Gateway Flex case:

    1. Open the case by following the procedure "To open the Gateway Flex case:".

    2. Disconnect any cables that are attached to the card, noting their locations and orientation. (You will reconnect the cables after you install the new card.)

    3. Remove the card retention cover screw, then tip the cover and remove it from the chassis.
    1. Holding the card by its corners, pull it up and out of the expansion slot, then remove it completely from the chassis.
      You can slightly seesaw the card end-to-end to loosen the card, but do not bend the card sideways.

Caution

Do not touch the contacts on the bottom part of the expansion card. Touching the contacts may cause electrostatic damage to the card.

    1. Install the new card into the expansion slot.
      You can slightly seesaw the card end-to-end to help insert it, but do not bend the card sideways.

    1. Secure the card retention cover to the case with the screw you removed in Step 2.

    2. Reconnect any cables to the card.

    3. Close the case by following the procedure "To close the Gateway Flex case:".

    4. Refer to the guide that came with the card for any special software installation instructions.

       

Installing memory

    When you upgrade your computer memory, make sure that you install the correct type of memory module for your computer. Your computer uses either DIMM or RIMM memory.

    This section applies to all case styles.

Installing or replacing DIMM memory

    If your computer uses DIMM memory, the memory module has several memory chips on one side.

To install or replace DIMM memory:

    1. Open the case by following the procedure for your case style. Make sure that you remove all external cables and the power cord.

    2. Find the memory module banks, sometimes called expansion slots, on your system board.

    3. If you are removing a memory module from the memory module bank, gently pull the plastic tabs away from the sides of the memory module and remove it.
      - OR -
      If you are adding a memory module to an empty memory module bank, gently pull the plastic tabs away from the sides of the memory module bank.
    1. Align the notches on the new memory module with the notches on the memory module bank and press firmly into the bank.
      The tabs on the sides of the memory module should secure the memory module automatically. When the module is secure, you hear a click.

    1. Close the case by following the procedure for your case style.

    2. Turn on the computer. Windows starts and the Windows desktop appears.

    3. Right-click the My Computer icon, then select Properties. The amount of memory in your computer is shown at the bottom of the System Properties window in the General tab.

       

Installing or replacing RIMM memory

    If your computer uses RIMM system memory, you need to use a combination of Rambus Interface Memory Modules (RIMMs) and Continuity-RIMMs (C-RIMMs). All memory slots must be filled with either a RIMM or a C-RIMM.

RIMMs

    If your computer uses RIMM memory, the memory has a metal cover on one or both sides of the module.

C-RIMMs

    C-RIMMs are placeholders that let the memory modules work. A C-RIMM does not have a metal cover on either side of the module.

To install or replace RIMM or C-RIMM memory:

    1. Open the case by following the procedure for your case style. Make sure that you remove all external cables and the power cord.

    2. Find the memory module banks, sometimes called expansion slots, on your system board.

    3. If you are removing a RIMM module from the memory module bank, gently pull the plastic tabs away from the sides of the memory module and remove it.
      - OR -
      If you are removing a C-RIMM module from the memory module bank, gently pull the plastic tabs away from the sides of the memory module and remove it.
    1. If you are installing one memory module into one single-channel (one slot per bank) bank (RIMM BANK 0), install one RIMM in RIMM BANK 0 and one C-RIMM in RIMM BANK 1 on the system board.
      - OR -
      If you are installing two memory modules into two single-channel banks (RIMM BANK 0 and RIMM BANK 1), install one RIMM in RIMM Bank 0 and one RIMM in RIMM Bank 1 on the system board.
      - OR -
      If you are installing two memory modules into one dual-channel (two slots per bank) bank (RIMM BANK 0), install two RIMMs in RIMM BANK 0 and two C-RIMMS in RIMM BANK 1 on the system board.
      - OR -
      If you are installing four memory modules into two dual-channel banks (RIMM BANK 0 and RIMM BANK 1), install two RIMMs in RIMM BANK 0 and two RIMMs in RIMM BANK 1 on the system board.
      Make sure that you align the notches on the RIMM and C-RIMM with the notches on the memory module bank and press firmly into the bank.

    1. Make sure that the tabs on the sides of the RIMM and C-RIMM secure the memory module in the slot. When the module is secure, you will hear a click as both tabs lock.

    2. Close the case and reconnect the cables and power cord.

    3. Turn on the computer. Windows starts and the Windows desktop appears.

    4. Right-click the My Computer icon, then select Properties. The amount of memory in your computer is shown at the bottom of the System Properties window in the General tab.

       

Replacing the system battery

    If the computer clock does not keep time or the settings in the BIOS Setup utility are not saved when you turn off the computer, replace the system battery with the same or an equivalent of the original battery that was in the computer.

Caution

Danger of explosion if battery is incorrectly replaced.

Replace only with the same or equivalent type recommended by the manufacturer. Dispose of used batteries according to the manufacturer ' s instructions.

To replace the battery:

    1. Open the BIOS Setup utility, according to the instructions in "Using the BIOS Setup utility".

    2. Write down all the values in the menus and submenus, then exit from the utility.

    3. Shut down your computer.

    4. Open the case by following the appropriate procedure for your case style. Make sure that you remove all external cables and the power cord.

    5. Locate the old battery on the system board and note its orientation. You will need to install the new battery the same way.

    6. If the battery is installed horizontally on the system board, place the edge of a small flat-head screwdriver under the battery and lift it up until it pops out of the socket.
      - OR -
      If the battery is installed vertically on the system board, press the battery retention clip to the side and away from the battery, then lift the battery out of the socket.
    1. If the battery is installed horizontally on the system board, with the positive (+) side of the battery facing up, press the new battery into the socket until it snaps into place.
      - OR -
      If the battery is installed vertically on the system board, put the positive (+) side of the battery towards the positive (+) label on the outside edge of the system board, then press the new battery into the socket until it snaps into place.

    1. Close the case by following the procedure for your case style. Make sure that you reconnect all external cables and the power cord.

    2. Turn on the computer.

    3. Enter the BIOS Setup utility, according to the instructions in "Using the BIOS Setup utility".

    4. In the BIOS Setup utility, restore any settings that you wrote down in Step 2.

    5. Save all your settings and exit the BIOS Setup utility.

       

Using the BIOS Setup utility

    The BIOS Setup utility is used to determine the basic settings for your computer. These settings include basic system hardware configuration, system resource settings, and password security. These settings are stored and saved even when the power is off.

Caution

The options in the BIOS Setup utility have been set at the factory for optimal performance. Changes to these settings will affect the performance of the computer.

Before changing any settings, write them down in case you need to restore them later.

To open BIOS Setup utility:

    1. Restart your computer.

    2. During the restart, press and hold the F1 key. The main menu of the BIOS Setup utility opens.

       

    The following illustration shows the main menu screen of a typical BIOS Setup utility. Your system BIOS Setup utility may vary somewhat from the illustration below.

BIOS Setup Utility
Main Advanced Security Power Boot Exit




Item Specific Help
BIOS Version

Processor Type
Processor Speed
Front Side Bus Speed
Cache Ram

System Memory
Memory Bank 0
Memory Bank 1
Memory Bank 2

Language:
Cache ECC Support:

System Time:
System Date:

 		4W4SB0X0.15A.0004.P02

Pentium (R) III
933 MHz
133 MHz
512 KB

128 MB
128 MB SDRAM
Not Installed
Not Installed

[English (US)]
[Disabled]

[11:09:31]
[10/15/2000] 		Select the display language for the BIOS.
F1 Help
ESC Exit 		Select Item
Select Menu 		-/+ Change Values
Enter Select > Sub-Menu 		F9 Setup Defaults
F10 Save and Exit

    Use the navigation keys displayed at the bottom of the BIOS Setup utility screen to move through the BIOS menus and make selections. Press F1 to get more help about options.