Page 1
Reproduction in any manner whatsoever without the written permission of Dell Computer Corporation is strictly forbidden. Trademarks used in this text: Dell, the DELL logo, and OptiPlex are trademarks of Dell Computer Corporation. Other trademarks and trade names may be used in this document to refer to either the entities claiming the marks and names or their products.
Protecting Against Electrostatic Discharge Getting Started This section provides procedures for removing and replacing the components, assemblies, and subassemblies in the Dell™ OptiPlex™ GX260 small form-factor, small desktop, and small mini-tower computers. Unless otherwise noted, each procedure assumes that the following conditions exist: You have performed the steps in "Precautionary...
that might harm internal components. 4. Disconnect your computer and devices from their power sources. Also, disconnect any telephone or telecommunication lines from the computer. Doing so reduces the potential for personal injury or shock. In addition, take note of these safety guidelines when appropriate: When you disconnect a cable, pull on its connector or on its strain-relief loop, not on the cable itself.
Back to Contents Page Computer Cover Dell™ OptiPlex™ GX260 Service Manual Opening the Computer Cover Closing the Computer Cover Opening the Computer Cover Small Form-Factor Computer 1 security cable slot 2 padlock ring 3 release buttons (one on each side)
Page 5
1 security cable slot 2 padlock ring 3 release buttons (one on each side) Small Mini-Tower Computer 1 release buttons 2 security cable slot 3 padlock ring 1. Remove the padlock from the padlock ring, if present.
NOTICE: Ensure that sufficient space exists to support the open cover—at least 30 cm (1 ft) of desktop space. NOTICE: Open the computer cover slowly to prevent damage to the system cables. 2. To open the cover on the small form-factor or small desktop computer: a.
Back to Contents Page Inside Your Computer Dell™ OptiPlex™ GX260 Service Manual Key Components Computer Cables Key Components NOTE: User service access points are color-coded green. Small Form-Factor Computer 1 hard drive 6 system board 2 floppy drive 7 power supply...
Back to Contents Page Badge Dell™ OptiPlex™ GX260 Service Manual Removing the Badge Replacing the Badge Small Desktop and Small Mini-Tower Computers Removing the Badge Small Form-Factor Computer 1. Open the computer cover. 2. Using a flat-blade screwdriver, release the tabs from the inside of the computer, and remove the plastic computer cover from the metal component.
1. Open the front USB door. 2. From inside the door, push in the two tabs on either side of the badge to release the badge. 3. Press the badge until it is freed. Replacing the Badge Small Form-Factor Computer 1.
Page 15
1 accent door 2 front mask 2. Replace the badge by pressing it into place, ensuring that the two tabs click, securing it into position. Small Desktop and Small Mini-Tower Computers Replace the badge by pressing it into place, ensuring that the two tabs click, securing it into position. Back to Contents Page...
Back to Contents Page Battery Dell™ OptiPlex™ GX260 Service Manual Replacing the Battery CAUTION: A new battery can explode if it is incorrectly installed. Replace the battery only with the same or equivalent type recommended by the manufacturer. Discard used batteries according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Back to Contents Page Chassis Intrusion Switch Dell™ OptiPlex™ GX260 Service Manual Removing the Chassis Intrusion Switch Replacing the Chassis Intrusion Switch Resetting the Chassis Intrusion Detector Removing the Chassis Intrusion Switch Small Form-Factor Computer Small Desktop Computer...
Page 19
Small Mini-Tower Computer 1. Disconnect the chassis intrusion switch cable connector from the control panel on the front of the chassis. Note the routing of the chassis intrusion cable as you remove it from the chassis. Chassis hooks may hold the cable in place inside the chassis.
2. Slide the chassis intrusion switch out of its slot and remove the switch and its attached cable from the chassis. Replacing the Chassis Intrusion Switch To replace the chassis intrusion switch, follow the "Removing the Chassis Intrusion Switch" procedures in reverse order. Resetting the Chassis Intrusion Detector 1.
Back to Contents Page Control Panel Dell™ OptiPlex™ GX260 Service Manual Removing the Control Panel Replacing the Control Panel CAUTION: Before you perform this procedure, see "Precautionary Measures." NOTICE: To avoid electrostatic discharge, ground yourself by using a wrist grounding strap or by periodically touching an unpainted metal surface (such as the back panel) on the computer.
Page 22
1 tabs (2 on each side) 2 computer 3 computer cover 1 metal control-panel shield 2 screw 2. Remove the metal control-panel shield.
3. Remove the screw that holds the control panel to the computer, and remove the control panel. Small Desktop Computer Remove the front I/O panel. 2. Using an 8-inch #2 Phillips screwdriver, remove the screw that secures the control panel to the computer, and lift the panel away from the computer.
Page 24
1 computer cover tab (remove the CD drive to access this tab) 2 top-panel tabs 3 top panel 4 bottom panel 5 computer cover screw 6 computer cover tabs (2) 2. To prepare the computer cover for removal, release the three computer cover tabs (one tab is located by the CD drive and two tabs are located by the I/O panel).
Replacing the Control Panel Small Form-Factor Computer 1. Replace the control panel and the control-panel shield. 2. Replace the computer cover. Ensure that the two metal hooks and tabs are securely in place. To help replace the computer cover, remove the accent door and front mask from the computer cover: a.
Page 26
1 accent door 2 front mask 3. Replace the computer cover and ensure that the two metal hooks and tabs are securely in position.
Page 27
1 metal hooks (2) 4. To replace the front mask and accent door, press them into position. Small Desktop Computer Follow the steps in the "Removing the Control Panel" procedure in the reverse order, ensuring that all tabs are secure. Small Mini-Tower Computer Follow the steps in the "Removing the Control...
Back to Contents Page Cards and Adapters Dell™ OptiPlex™ GX260 Service Manual Small Form-Factor Computer Small Desktop Computer Small Mini-Tower Computer Your computer provides slots for the following cards: In the small form-factor computer, one low-profile, 32-bit, 33-MHz PCI card or serial port adapter; one DVI adapter card or one 32-bit, low-profile AGP 4x card operating at 1.5 V.
Page 29
1 edge connector 2 card 3 retention arm 4 card connector 5 filler bracket 3. If you are installing a new card, remove the filler bracket to create an empty card-slot opening, then continue with step 4. If you are replacing a card that is already installed in the computer, remove the card (see "Removing a PCI Card").
Page 30
1 bracket caught outside of slot 2 bracket within slot 3 fully seated card 4 not fully seated card 7. 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.
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.
Serial Port Adapters Installing a Serial Port Adapter CAUTION: Before you perform this procedure, see "Precautionary Measures." 1. Lift the tab on the card retention arm and raise the retention arm (see "Raising the Retention Arm"). 2. Remove the filler bracket. 3.
3. Lift and remove the card 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.
Page 34
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.
Back to Contents Page Drives Dell™ OptiPlex™ GX260 Service Manual Small Form-Factor Computer Small Desktop Computer Small Mini-Tower Computer Small Form-Factor Computer Hard Drive Front-Panel Inserts Floppy Drive CD/DVD Drive Hard Drive CAUTION: Before you perform this procedure, see "Precautionary Measures."...
2 hard-drive cable 2. Press in on the tabs on each side of the drive, slide the drive toward the I/O panel, and remove it from the computer. Removing the Hard Drive Installing a Hard Drive 1. Unpack the replacement hard drive, and prepare it for installation. 2.
Page 37
3. Install the hard drive into the computer by gently sliding the drive into place until you hear it securely click. NOTICE: Match the colored strip on the cable with pin 1 on the drive (pin 1 is marked as "1"). 4.
Floppy Drive CAUTION: Before you perform this procedure, see "Precautionary Measures." Removing a Floppy Drive 1. Disconnect the floppy-drive cable from the system board connector (DSKT). 2. Remove the power cable from the interposer board. Disconnect the CD/DVD drive cable and the power cable from the CD/DVD drive. 4.
Page 39
2 tab 3 interposer board 4 system board floppy-drive connector (DSKT) b. To release the floppy-drive cable from the connector, slide the lever until it is fully extended, and then lift the cable away. Removing the Floppy-Drive Cable 1 floppy-drive cable 2 lever 6.
out of the sled. Removing the Floppy Drive 1 sled tab 2 sled Installing a Floppy Drive 1. Snap the replacement drive into the sled and ensure that it is secure in the sled. 2. Connect the interposer board to the floppy drive. a.
Page 41
1 connector notch 2 interposer board alignment hole 3 floppy-drive cable 4 lever 4. Attach the power cable to the interposer board on the floppy drive. Attach the CD/DVD drive cable and the power cable to the CD/DVD drive. 6. Connect the floppy-drive cable to the DSKT connector on the system board. 7.
CD/DVD Drive CAUTION: Before you perform this procedure, see "Precautionary Measures." Removing a CD/DVD Drive 1. Disconnect the power and audio cables from the interposer board. 2. Remove the interposer board from the drive. Removing the Interposer Board 1 interposer board 3.
Page 43
Installing a CD/DVD Drive 1. 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. If you are installing an IDE drive, configure the drive for the cable-select setting. 2.
Page 44
1 interposer board 2 notch on inside of cover 3 interposer board tab If your computer came with an IDE CD drive, use the spare connector on the existing interface cable. Otherwise, use the IDE interface cable provided in the drive kit. 4.
Page 45
Small Desktop Computer Hard Drive Front-Panel Inserts Floppy Drive CD/DVD Drive Hard Drive CAUTION: Before you perform this procedure, see "Precautionary Measures." Removing a Hard Drive 1. Your computer's hard drive may or may not have a plastic shroud cover. (Operating the computer without a hard-drive shroud does not affect its performance.) If your computer's hard drive does not have a shroud, proceed to the next step.
Page 46
1 hard-drive cable 2 power cable 3. Press in on the tabs on each side of the drive and slide the drive up and out. Removing the Hard Drive 1 tabs (2) 2 hard drive Installing a Hard Drive...
Page 47
1. Check the documentation for the drive to verify that it is configured for your computer. NOTICE: To avoid damage to the drive, do not set it on a hard surface. Instead, set the drive on a surface, such as a foam pad, that will sufficiently cushion it.
Page 48
If you are installing a new floppy or CD/DVD drive rather than replacing a drive, remove the front-panel inserts: 1. Facing the front of the computer, use your fingers to remove the front- panel cover. Removing Front-Panel Inserts 2. Press the inserts until they pop free of the front-panel cover. Floppy Drive CAUTION: Before you perform this procedure, see...
Page 49
2. Disconnect the power and floppy-drive cables from the back of the floppy drive. 3. Disconnect the floppy-drive cable from the system board connector (labeled DSKT). Removing Power and Drive Cables 1 power cable 2 floppy-drive cable 3 floppy-drive connector (DSKT) 4.
Page 50
Installing a Floppy Drive 1. If the replacement drive does not have the bracket rails attached, see step 2 in the previous section for instructions on attaching rails. 2. Gently slide the drive into place until the tabs securely click into position. 3.
Page 51
3 floppy-drive connector (DSKT) 5. Reconnect the power and data cables to the back of the drive installed in the CD/DVD drive bay located above the floppy drive. 6. Check all cable connections, and fold cables out of the way to provide airflow for the fan and cooling vents. 7.
Page 52
bay. Installing a CD/DVD Drive 1. 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. If you are installing an IDE drive, configure the drive for the cable-select setting. 2.
Page 53
1 audio cable 2 power cable 3 CD/DVD drive cable 4 IDE2 connector 6. If you are installing a drive that has its own controller card, install the controller card in a card slot. 7. Check all cable connections, and fold cables out of the way to provide airflow for the fan and cooling vents. If the CD/DVD drive bay was previously empty, remove the front- panel inserts.
Page 54
Removing a Hard Drive 1. Disconnect the power and hard-drive cables from the drive. Removing Power and Drive Cables 1 power cable 2 hard-drive cable 2. Press in on the tabs on each side of the drive and slide the drive up and out. Removing the Hard Drive 1 tabs (2) 2 hard drive...
Installing a Hard Drive 1. Unpack the replacement hard drive, and prepare it for installation. 2. Check the documentation for the drive to verify that it is configured for your computer. 3. If the replacement drive does not have the bracket rails attached, see step 2 in the previous section for instructions on attaching rails.
Page 56
Ensure that the rail tabs are positioned at the back of the hard drive. NOTICE: Do not install any drive into the lower hard-drive bay until you have removed the green drive rails from the inside of the hard-drive bay. 3.
Page 57
1 power cable 2 second hard-drive cable (secondary drive) 3 first hard-drive cable (primary boot drive) Front-Panel Inserts If you are installing a new floppy or CD/DVD drive rather than replacing a drive, remove the front-panel inserts. 1. Open the cover to a 90-degree angle and release the insert tabs from inside the computer. Releasing the Insert Tabs...
Page 58
2. Press the insert until it pops free of the front-panel cover. Removing the Front-Panel Inserts Floppy Drive CAUTION: Before you perform this procedure, see "Precautionary Measures." Removing a Floppy Drive...
Page 59
1. Disconnect the power and floppy-drive cables from the back of the floppy drive. 2. Disconnect the other end of the floppy-drive cable from the system board (labeled DSKT). Removing Power and Drive Cables 1 power cable 2 floppy-drive cable 3 floppy-drive connector (DSKT) 3.
Page 60
Installing a Floppy Drive 1. If the replacement drive does not have the bracket rails attached, see step 2 in the previous section for instructions on attaching rails. 2. Gently slide the drive into place until the tabs securely click into position. 3.
Page 61
1 power cable 2 audio cable 3 CD/DVD drive cable 2. Press inward on the two tabs on the sides of the drive, and then slide the drive upward and remove it from the drive bay. Installing a CD/DVD Drive...
Page 62
2. Connect the new drive to the set of rails that are attached to the inside of the cover. If a set of rails is not attached inside the cover, contact Dell. 3. If you are installing a replacement drive, see step 2 in the previous section for instructions on attaching rails.
Page 63
Back to Contents Page Front-Panel Inserts Dell™ OptiPlex™ GX260 Service Manual Removing Front-Panel Inserts Replacing Front-Panel Inserts Removing Front-Panel Inserts 1. On the small form-factor computer, face the front of the computer and use your fingers to remove the front-panel insert.
Page 65
Replacing Front-Panel Inserts To replace a front-panel insert, follow the appropriate procedure, in reverse, in "Removing Front-Panel Inserts." Back to Contents Page...
Back to Contents Page I/O Panel Dell™ OptiPlex™ GX260 Service Manual Removing the I/O Panel Replacing the I/O Panel Removing the I/O Panel Small Form-Factor Computer 1. To access the screw that holds the I/O panel to the computer, remove the hard drive.
Page 67
4. From inside the computer cover, remove the mounting screw that secures the I/O panel to the computer. 5. Remove the I/O panel from the computer. Small Desktop Computer 1. Remove the hard-drive shroud. 2. Disconnect the hard-drive data cable. 3.
Page 68
7. Remove all cables that are connected to the I/O panel. 8. Remove the mounting screw that secures the I/O panel to the computer. 9. Remove the I/O panel from the computer. Small Mini-Tower Computer I/O Panel Removal—Small Mini-Tower Computer 1 internal speaker cable 2 chassis intrusion switch cable 3 mounting screw...
Page 69
4. Remove the I/O panel from the chassis. Replacing the I/O Panel To replace the I/O panel, follow the removal procedures in reverse. Back to Contents Page...
Back to Contents Page Memory Dell™ OptiPlex™ GX260 Service Manual Removing a Memory Module Adding a Memory Module Removing a Memory Module CAUTION: Use a wrist grounding strap as explained in "Precautionary Measures." 1. Press the securing clips outward simultaneously until the memory module disengages and pops out slightly from the socket.
Page 71
4 notch 5 securing clips (2) 6 memory connectors on system board 2. Align the notch on the bottom of the module with the crossbar in the connector. NOTICE: To avoid damage to the memory module, press the module straight down into the socket with equal force applied at each end of the module.
Page 72
Back to Contents Page Microprocessor Dell™ OptiPlex™ GX260 Service Manual Removing and Installing the Heat-Sink Assembly and Microprocessor Small Form-Factor and Small Desktop Computers Small Mini-Tower Computer Small Form-Factor and Small Desktop Computers 1. Disconnect the cooling fan power cable from the FAN connector on the system board.
Do not discard the blower. You will reuse it. If you are installing a microprocessor upgrade kit from Dell, discard the original heat sink. If you are not installing a microprocessor upgrade kit from Dell, reuse the original heat sink when you install your new microprocessor.
Page 74
If you are not installing a microprocessor upgrade kit from Dell, reuse the original blower/heat-sink assembly when you replace the microprocessor. If you are installing a microprocessor replacement kit from Dell, return the microprocessor to Dell in the same package in which your replacement kit was sent.
Page 75
1 heat sink/blower assembly 2 lever 3 retention base 15. Plug the fan cable into the FAN connector on the system board. 16. Plug the 12-volt power cable into the 12VPOWER connector on the system board. Small Mini-Tower Computer 1. Disconnect the cooling fan power cable from the FAN connector on the system board. 2.
Page 76
4. Remove the heat sink. a. Press and lower the green lever on the retention mechanism until it is parallel to the system board. b. Gently rock the heat sink, and then slightly twist it as you lift it from the microprocessor. Heat Sink Removal...
Page 77
Lay the heat sink down with the thermal solution facing upward. NOTICE: If you are installing a microprocessor upgrade kit from Dell, discard the original heat sink. If you are not installing a microprocessor upgrade kit from Dell, reuse the original heat sink and blower when you install your new microprocessor.
Page 78
1 release lever 2 microprocessor 3 socket 6. Remove the microprocessor from the socket. Leave the release lever extended in the release position so that the socket is ready for the new microprocessor. NOTICE: You must position the microprocessor correctly in the socket to avoid permanent damage to the microprocessor and the computer.
Page 79
13. Lower the airflow shroud over the heat sink. If you installed a microprocessor replacement kit from Dell, return the original heat-sink assembly and microprocessor to Dell in the same package in which your replacement kit was sent. 14. Reconnect the cooling fan power cable to the FAN connector on the system board.
Page 80
15. Reconnect the 12-volt power cable to the 12VPOWER connector on the system board. Back to Contents Page...
Back to Contents Page Power Supply Dell™ OptiPlex™ GX260 Service Manual Removing the Power Supply Replacing the Power Supply Removing the Power Supply Small Form-Factor Computer 1 release button 2 AC power connector Small Desktop Computer...
Page 82
1 release button 2 AC power connector Small Mini-Tower Computer 1. Disconnect the AC power cable from the back of the power supply. 2. Disconnect the DC power cables from the system board and the drives. Note the routing of the DC power cables underneath the clips in the computer as you remove them from the system board and drives.
pinched or crimped. 3. On the small desktop computer, remove the expansion-card cage and remove the power cables from the side of the hard drive. To remove the power cables, use the cables as leverage and pull away from the clips while simultaneously pulling on the metal clips with your fingers.
Back to Contents Page System Board Dell™ OptiPlex™ GX260 Service Manual System Board Components Removing the System Board Replacing the System Board System Board Components floppy drive connector (DSKT) 12 CD drive audio cable connector (CD_IN) internal speaker (SPEAKER) 13 telephony connector (MODEM)
Removing the System Board 5. Place the system board that you just removed next to the replacement system board. Replacing the System Board 1. Transfer components from the existing system board to the replacement system board. 2. Remove the memory modules and install them on the replacement board. CAUTION: The microprocessor package and heat-sink assembly can get hot.
Page 88
Back to Contents Page 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.
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.
Page 90
b. 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 6. Reconnect any cables that you removed in step 7. Connect any cables that should be attached to the card. NOTICE: Do not route card cables over or behind the cards.
Page 91
1 retention arm 2 filler bracket 3 adapter bracket 4. Slide the adapter bracket down over the card-slot opening, and lower the retention arm, securing the adapter bracket. 5. Route the serial adapter cable under the card cage, and attach the cable to the connector on the system board (labeled SER2).
Page 92
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.
Page 93
1 hinged lever 2 indented tab (side view) 2. 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...
Page 94
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.
Page 95
Back to Contents Page 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.
Page 96
2. If you are installing a new card, remove the filler bracket to create a card-slot opening, then continue with step 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.
Page 97
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.
Page 98
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.
Page 99
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...
Page 100
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.