Dell OptiPlex GXa, Service Manual, Page: 16 / 181

1-4 Dell OptiPlex GXa and OptiPlex NX Systems Service Manual
Main Memory
Main memory for the OptiPlex GXa and OptiPlex NX systems ranges from a
minimum of 16 MB to a maximum of 384 MB. All main memory is
implemented using high-speed ECC and non-ECC DIMMs. One to three
DIMMs, ranging in memory capacity sizes from 16 to 128 MB, may be used to
provide a maximum memory capacity of 384 MB.
Upgradable BIOS in Flash Memory
The system BIOS is implemented in flash ROM, which allows for easy BIOS
upgrades using diskette files or files downloaded from Dell’s home page on the
World Wide Web (www.dell.com). The BIOS also incorporates the POST diag-
nostics that test the system each time the system is started.
EIDE Subsystem
The EIDE subsystem implemented on the system board provides two Mode-4,
DMA bus-mastered EIDE interfaces, each of which can support up to two EIDE
devices (for example, CD-ROM drive, hard-disk drive, and so on). The EIDE
controller attaches to the high-speed PCI local bus.
The primary EIDE interface (IDE1) provides support for up to two high-
performance EIDE devices. The computer’s boot drive should be connected to
the primary EIDE interface.
The secondary EIDE interface (IDE2) also provides support for up to two high-
performance EIDE devices, typically EIDE tape drives or CD-ROM drives.
NOTES: Any externally accessible drive bays at the front of the computer are
normally used for diskette drives, CD-ROM drives, and/or tape drives.
Hard-disk drives should be installed in the internal hard-disk drive positions
described in “Hard-Disk Drive Service Information” found later in this chapter.
The OptiPlex NX system supports only one hard-disk drive and optionally one
external diskette drive for running diskette-based diagnostics as described in
Chapter 2,“Basic Troubleshooting”.
SMART Technology
As a standard feature, OptiPlex GXa and OptiPlex NX systems are equipped
with Self-Monitoring Analysis Reporting Technology (SMART), which warns
you at system start-up if your hard-disk drive has become unreliable. This warn-
ing occurs only if you use hard-disk drives with SMART technology.
Built-In Diskette/Tape Drive Controller
The OptiPlex GXa and OptiPlex NX systems are equipped with an integrated
diskette drive controller (PC87307VUL) that can support a maximum of two
non-EIDE diskette and tape drives via a 34-pin DSKT connector located on the
system board. The low-profile chassis can accommodate only one external drive
device (diskette drive or tape drive). Other chassis configurations can accom-
modate two external drive devices.