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Dell™ XPS™ 730/730X Quick Reference Guide Model DCDO w w w . d e l l . c o m | s u p p o r t . d e l l . c o m...
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Reproduction of these materials in any manner whatsoever without the written permission of Dell Inc. is strictly forbidden. Trademarks used in this text: Dell, the DELL logo, XPS, DellConnect, and YOURS IS HERE are trademarks of Dell Inc.; Intel and Core are either trademarks or registered trademarks of Intel Corporation in the U.S.
Contents Finding Information Setting up Your Computer Front and Back View of the Computer Front View Front I/O Connectors Back View Back I/O Connectors Setting up the Computer Installing Your Computer in an Enclosure Connecting to a Network System Configuration Network Configuration (XPS 730 Only) Network Advanced Features Graphics Configuration...
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Power Problems Restoring the Operating System Using Microsoft Windows System Restore Using Dell PC Restore and Dell Factory Image Restore Contents ..... .
The Operating System media is a CD or DVD that may have shipped with your computer. Service Manual The Service Manual for your computer can be found at support.dell.com. Contents • Use the Service Tag to identify your computer when you use support.dell.com or contact support.
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Document/Media/Label (continued) Dell Technology Guide The Dell Technology Guide is available at support.dell.com. Microsoft ® Windows ® License Label Your Microsoft Windows License is located on your computer. Product safety and warranty information is available as a hardcopy with your computer.
Setting up Your Computer Front and Back View of the Computer Front View Setting up Your Computer...
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front panel LEDs (3) front I/O connectors 3.5-inch drive bays (2) 5.25-inch drive bays (4) front panel LEDs (4) optical drive tray eject buttons (4) front panel LEDs (3) power button Setting up Your Computer Multi-colored LEDs provide illumination for the front of the computer.
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hard-drive activity LED computer stand The hard drive LED is on when the computer reads data from or writes data to the hard drive. The LED may also be on when a device such as your CD player is operating. Attach the computer stand to provide stability to the system.
Front I/O Connectors 1 IEEE 1394 connector 2 microphone connector 3 headphone connector 4 USB 2.0 connectors (2) Setting up Your Computer Use the IEEE 1394 connector for high-speed data devices such as digital video cameras and external storage devices. Use the microphone connector to attach a personal computer microphone for voice or musical input into a sound or telephony program.
Back View 1 power connector Insert the power cable. The appearance of this connector may differ from the illustration. 2 Built in Self Test Indicates power availability for the power supply. (BIST) LED 3 BIST switch Use to test the power supply. 4 back panel LEDs Multi-colored LEDs provide illumination for the card slots on the back of the computer.
5 card slots 6 back I/O connectors 7 rear I/O LED board Back I/O Connectors mouse connector keyboard connector RCA S/PDIF connector optical S/PDIF connector IEEE 1394 connector rear surround Setting up Your Computer Access connectors for any installed PCI or PCI Express (PCIe) cards.
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On computers with a sound card, use the connector on the card. microphone Use the (pink) microphone connector to attach a connector personal computer microphone for voice or musical input into a sound or telephony program. side surround Use the (silver) side surround connector to attach sound additional speakers.
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network adapter connectors 1 - network activity LED 2 - link integrity USB 2.0 connectors eSATA connector Setting up Your Computer Use the network adapter connector to attach your computer to a network or broadband device. Connect one end of a network cable to either a network jack or your network or broadband device, and then connect the other end of the network cable to the network adapter connector on your computer.
Setting up the Computer Your computer ships with the computer stand already installed. With the computer sitting in an upright position, carefully lift the rear of the computer, and extend the stabilizing feet fully. The extended feet ensure maximum system stability. Setting up Your Computer...
Installing Your Computer in an Enclosure Installing your computer in an enclosure can restrict the airflow and impact your computer’s performance, causing it to overheat. It is not recommended to install the computer in an enclosure. However, if you must install the computer in an enclosure, refer to the following guidelines: CAUTION: The operating temperature specifications reflect the maximum...
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• If your computer is installed in a corner on a desk or under a desk, leave at least 5.1 centimeters (2 inches) of clearance from the back of the computer to the wall to permit airflow required for proper ventilation. •...
Connecting to a Network To connect the system to a network: 1 Connect one end of a network cable to your network device (router, network switch, cable modem/DSL). 2 Connect the other end of the network cable to one of the network adapter connections on the back of your computer.
NOTE: Some features listed below may not be available or may vary on a Dell™ XPS™ 730X computer. For more information, go to the Dell Support website at support.dell.com. Dell ships your computer to you already configured. This section details instructions in case you need to re-create or modify your system’s...
Before you perform any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions that shipped with your computer. Dell has configured your graphics sub-system to perform a wide range of applications. You may customize your graphic's configuration and performance to fit your personal needs.
Changing the Display Setting to Support Two or More Monitors After connecting the additional displays you will need to enable them in the video driver software. The exact steps to do this vary by video card and installed driver revision, however, in most cases this can be done via the video card’s Control Panel applet (NVIDIA Control Panel or ATI Catalyst Control Center).
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Enabling ATI Crossfire Technology Supporting Crossfire technology requires two or more compatible, ATI Crossfire-capable graphics cards, a Crossfire bridge (for the best performance) and the latest available driver revision. Enabling ATI Crossfire technology is done via the ATI Catalyst Control Center applet found in the Windows Control Panel.
NOTE: Some features listed below may not be available or may vary on a Dell™ XPS™ 730X computer. For more information, go to the Dell Support website at support.dell.com. Dell has configured your computer to operate optimally across a wide range of applications.
(Enthusiast System Architecture). ESA is a PC protocol for real-time monitoring and control of system’s thermal, electrical, acoustic, and operating characteristics. For the advanced user, Dell has pre-installed applications for monitoring and "tweaking" the performance of installed, ESA compatible components. For more information about ESA, see nvidia.com/object/nvidia_esa.html...
View System Information This section of the NVIDIA Control Panel allows you to view version information for the computer and installed drivers. This information can be saved to a file for further review and also for technical support scenarios. Profile Policies The Profile Policies section allows you to define when and how profiles saved in the Device Settings section are used.
Diagnostic Tools Dell™ Diagnostics If you experience a problem with your computer, perform the checks in "Solving Problems" on page 38 and run Dell Diagnostics before you contact Dell for technical assistance. NOTE: Dell Diagnostics only operate on Dell computers. You can run Dell Diagnostics from your hard drive or from the Drivers and Utilities media.
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Write down any error codes and problem descriptions exactly as they appear and follow the instructions on the screen. 5 After all tests are complete, close the test window to return to the Dell Diagnostics Main Menu. 6 Close the Main Menu window to exit Dell Diagnostics and restart the computer.
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Write down any error codes and problem descriptions exactly as they appear and follow the instructions on the screen. 11 After all tests are complete, close the test window to return to the Dell Diagnostics Main Menu. 12 Remove the Drivers and Utilities media, then close the Main Menu window to exit Dell Diagnostics and restart the computer.
Write down the error code and problem description exactly as it appears and follow the instructions on the screen. If you cannot resolve the problem, contact Dell (see "Contacting Dell" on page 72).
In addition, using your Service Tag, Dell can link you to the most relevant dell.com web pages for information about your warranty, ordering accessories, and details about installing recommended drivers and downloads.
• Learn more about Dell Support 3. • Turn off Dell Support 3. For more information about Dell Support 3, click the question mark (?) at the top of the Dell Support 3 window. To access Dell Support 3: •...
The monthly version is available as an annual subscription and is a feature of Dell Support 3, a complimentary application that provides real-time health scans and information on how to maintain your computer (see "Dell Support 3" on page 34).
DellConnect™ DellConnect is a simple online access tool that allows a Dell service and support associate to access your computer through an Internet connection, diagnose the problem, and repair it. The associate works with your permission under your supervision, and you can work with Dell’s associate during the troubleshooting session.
If your computer emits a series of beeps during start-up: 1 Write down the beep code. 2 Run the Dell Diagnostics to identify the cause (see "Dell™ Diagnostics" on page 29). 3 See "Contacting Dell" on page 72 for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.
Code Description (repetitive short beeps) BIOS ROM checksum in progress or failure. Possible motherboard failure. No memory detected. Possible motherboard failure. • Chipset error • Time-of-day clock test failure • Gate A20 failure • Super I/O chip failure • Keyboard controller test failure RAM Read/Write failure.
— If you have to repeatedly reset time and date information after turning on the computer, or if an incorrect time or date displays during start-up, replace the battery (see the Service Manual at support.dell.com). If replacing the battery does not solve the problem, contact Dell.
F Y O U E X P E R I E N C E E M O R Y P R O B L E M S • Reseat the memory modules (see the Service Manual at support.dell.com) to ensure that your computer is successfully communicating with the memory.
• Ensure that the main power cable and front panel cable are securely connected to the system board (see the Service Manual at support.dell.com). • Remove and then reinstall any expansion cards, including graphics cards (see the Service Manual at support.dell.com).
Make regular backups of your data files. System Restore does not monitor your data files or recover them. NOTE: The procedures in this document were written for the Windows default view, so they may not apply if you set your Dell computer to the Windows Classic view. Troubleshooting...
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Starting System Restore Windows XP: CAUTION: Before you restore the computer to an earlier operating state, save and close any open files and exit any open programs. Do not alter, open, or delete any files or programs until the system restoration is complete. 1 Click Start→...
If possible, back up the data before using these options. Use Dell PC Restore or Dell Factory Image Restore only if the Microsoft Windows System Restore did not resolve your operating system problem.
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7 After the computer restarts, click OK. Windows Vista: Dell Factory Image Restore Using Factory Image Restore: 1 Turn on the computer. When the Dell logo appears, press <F8> several times to access the Vista Advanced Boot Options window. 2 Select Repair Your Computer.
NOTE: The Dell Drivers and Utilities media contains drivers that were installed during the assembly of the computer. Use the Dell Drivers and Utilities media to load any required drivers. Depending on the region from which you ordered your computer, or whether you requested the media, the Dell Drivers and Utilities media and Operating System media may not ship with your computer.
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NOTE: It is strongly recommended that you use the provided Dell Operating System media when reinstalling the operating system. The Dell media includes all necessary drivers required to install Windows XP. Using retail or third party media may require the user to provide additional drivers during the installation of the operating system.
10 Type the computer name in the Computer Name: field if you want to change it from the name provided. NOTE: For Windows XP Professional Edition users, type a password in the Administrator Password: field and then type the same password in the Confirm Password: field.
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Windows Vista. The options can overwrite files and possibly affect programs that are installed on your hard drive. Therefore, do not reinstall Windows Vista unless a Dell technical support representative instructs you to do so. 1 Insert the Operating System media into the DVD drive of the computer.
2 When the Drivers and Utilities installation program starts you may be prompted to install the software. If so, follow the prompts on the screen. 3 In the Welcome Dell System Owner screen, click Next. NOTE: The Drivers and Utilities media displays drivers only for hardware that came installed in your computer.
Desktop System Software (may be located under the Utilities section) Chipset Drivers 2 Core Component Drivers Video Card Driver NIC / Modem Audio Card Drivers 3 Peripheral Drivers - (Install these drivers as applicable) Mouse / Keyboard Camera TV Tuner Bluetooth 4 Utilities Dell Support Center Troubleshooting...
Certain changes can cause your computer to work incorrectly. Entering System Setup 1 Turn on (or restart) your computer. 2 When the DELL™ logo appears, press <F2> immediately. NOTE: Keyboard failure may result when a key on the keyboard is held down for extended periods of time.
System Setup Screens The System Setup window displays current or changeable configuration information for your computer. Information is divided into five areas: the menu field, the options list, the active options field, the help field, and key functions. Menu — Appears on top of the System Setup window. This field provides a menu to access to the System Setup options.
NOTE: The System Setup options listed below are for a Dell XPS™ 730 computer. The options may vary for a Dell XPS 730X computer. For more information, see the Service Manual on the Dell Support website at support.dell.com. Main Displays the system date.
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Advanced Allows you to enable or disable the CPU features that enhance the performance of the system. Configuration • CPU Multiplier—The CPU multiplier multiplied by the front-side bus (FSB) clockspeed determines the core speed of the processor. CPU core clock = FSB Frequency/4 x CPU multiplier •...
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Advanced (continued) Allows you to enable or disable the integrated devices and ports Integrated on your system. Peripherals • Halt On—Sets the type of error to halt the system during POST. (All errors, No errors, All errors but keyboard errors) •...
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Advanced (continued) Enables or disables a user to define or change any values related IDE/SATA to IDE or SATA devices such as hard drives, optical drives, and so Configuration on connected to the computer. • HDD S.M.A.R.T Capability—Enables the hard drive S.M.A.R.T.
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Advanced (continued) Enables you to set the system clock mode. Displays the following Overclock parameters and current value for each parameter: Configuration • CPU Frequency, MHz—Displays the current setting. • CPU Multiplier—Displays the current setting. • FSB-Memory Clock Mode—Allows you to set the system clock mode: –...
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Advanced (continued) Enables you to configure the voltage of the CPU core, FSB, Overvoltage memory voltage, and chipset voltage. Configuration • CPU Core—Allows you to set the voltage level for the CPU core (CPU VID). • CPU FSB—Allows you to set the voltage level for the CPU FSB (CPU VTT).
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Power Specifies the Advanced Configuration and Power Interface ACPI Suspend (ACPI) suspend type. ACPI is a power management Type specification which enables the operating system to control the amount of power given to each device attached to the computer. The default is S3. Specifies the behavior of the system after recovering from AC Recovery a power loss.
You can use this feature, for example, to tell the computer to boot from the CD drive so that you can run the Dell Diagnostics on the Drivers and Utilities media, but you want the computer to boot from the hard drive when the diagnostic tests are complete.
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3 When the DELL logo appears, press <F12> immediately. NOTE: Keyboard failure may result when a key on the keyboard is held down for extended periods of time. To avoid possible keyboard failure, press and release <F12> in even intervals until the Boot Device Menu appears.
Offerings may vary by region. For more information regarding the configuration of your computer, click Start→ Help and Support and select the option to view information about your computer. Processor Dell™ XPS™ 730 Processor type Intel (Performance dual core) Intel Core2 Quad...
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Computer Information Dell XPS 730 Chipset nForce 790i SLI Northbridge nForce 790i SLI SPP Southbridge nForce 790i SLI MCP BIOS chip (NVRAM) 8 Mb two integrated network interfaces capable of 10/100/1000 Mbps communication Dell XPS 730 Video Type dual PCIe x16 Generation 2...
Expansion Bus Dell XPS 730 Bus throughput x1 slot bidirectional speed — 2.5 Gbps PCI Express x16 Generation 2 Connector two x16 Connector size 164 pins Connector data 16 PCI Express lanes width (maximum) Bus throughput x16 slot bidirectional speed —...
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= Supported; = Not supported Connectors External connectors IEEE 1394a Network adapter PS/2 (keyboard and mouse) two 6-pin mini-DIN Audio Drive Appendix Dell XPS 730 ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ two 3.5-inch drive bays four 5.25-inch drive bays four 3.5-inch drive bays...
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Hard-drive access LED Link integrity LED (on integrated network adapter) Activity LED (on integrated network adapter) Standby power LED Dell XPS 730 one 40-pin connector six 7-pin connectors one 34-pin connector one 4-pin connector; five 3-pin headers two 124-pin connectors...
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Controls and LEDs (continued) Front panel LEDs Back panel LEDs Power DC power supply Wattage Voltage (see the safety instructions that shipped with your computer) Optional UPS Backup battery Physical Height Without stand With stand Width Without stand With stand Depth Weight Typical configuration...
Environmental Temperature Operating Storage Relative humidity Maximum vibration Operating Storage Maximum shock Operating Storage Altitude Operating Storage Airborne contaminant Macrovision Product Notice This product incorporates copyright protection technology that is protected by method claims of certain U.S. patents and other intellectual property rights owned by Macrovision Corporation and other rights owners.
If you do not see a telephone number listed that is specific for XPS computers, you may contact Dell through the support number listed and your call will be routed appropriately.