These guides will take you step by step through the safe removal of what are considered to be the Customer Replaceable Unit (CRU) parts of a Dell Precision Tower 3420 system. (CRUs are the parts of the system that shouldn't need an engineer to remove or replace). The guides will also include pictures to reference what's involved.
If these guides do not cover what you are looking to do, then you will want to reference your System Manual.
The article below provides information on safe practises to take into consideration before working with electrical equipment.
1 | Small Phillip's head screwdriver | 2 | Plastic Scribe |
3 | Small Flat head screwdriver |
Pre-Removal Instructions Before removing the System Cover :
During installation or removal of any hardware always ensure all data is backed up properly
Disconnect any telephone, network, or USB cables from the computer
Disconnect the computer and all attached devices from their electrical outlets
Slide the release latch to unlock the cover [1].
Slide the cover toward the back of the computer [2].
Lift the cover from the computer [3].
Pre-Removal Instructions Before removing the Front Bezel :
During installation or removal of any hardware always ensure all data is backed up properly
Disconnect any telephone, network, or USB cables from the computer
Disconnect the computer and all attached devices from their electrical outlets
Please remove the System Cover
Lift the retention tabs and release the front bezel [1].
Lift the front bezel to remove it from the computer [2].
Pre-Removal Instructions Before removing the Hard Drive Assembly :
During installation or removal of any hardware always ensure all data is backed up properly
Disconnect any telephone, network, or USB cables from the computer
Disconnect the computer and all attached devices from their electrical outlets
Please remove the System Cover
Disconnect the data cables from the hard drives [1].
Lift the hard drive assembly away from the computer [2].
Pull one side of the hard drive bracket to disengage the pins on the bracket from the slots on the hard drive [1].
Lift the hard drive out of the hard drive bracket [2.
Repeat steps 3 to remove the additional hard drive (if available).
Pre-Removal Instructions Before removing the Optical Drive :
During installation or removal of any hardware always ensure all data is backed up properly
Disconnect any telephone, network, or USB cables from the computer
Disconnect the computer and all attached devices from their electrical outlets
Please remove the System Cover and Front Bezel
Remove the hard drive connector cables from the optical drive latch [1].
Slide the blue latch to the unlock position [2].
Hold the blue latch [1], lift the optical drive cage and disconnect the cables from the optical drive [2].
Lift the optical drive cage away from the computer [3].
Press the optical drive release latch [1] and slide the optical drive forward [2].
Remove the optical drive from the optical drive cage [3].
Pre-Removal Instructions Before removing the Memory Module :
During installation or removal of any hardware always ensure all data is backed up properly
Disconnect any telephone, network, or USB cables from the computer
Disconnect the computer and all attached devices from their electrical outlets
Please remove the System Cover, Hard Drive and Optical Drive
Press the memory module retention tabs on both sides of the memory module.
Lift the memory module from the memory module connector on the system board.
Pre-Removal Instructions Before removing the Expansion Cards :
During installation or removal of any hardware always ensure all data is backed up properly
Disconnect any telephone, network, or USB cables from the computer
Disconnect the computer and all attached devices from their electrical outlets
Please remove the System Cover
Pull the metal tab to open the expansion card latch [1].
Pull the tab forward [2] and pull the expansion card from the connector on the computer [3].
Pre-Removal Instructions Before removing the System Fan :
During installation or removal of any hardware always ensure all data is backed up properly
Disconnect any telephone, network, or USB cables from the computer
Disconnect the computer and all attached devices from their electrical outlets
Please remove the System Cover, Front Bezel, Hard Drive and Optical Drive
Disconnect the system fan cable from the system board [1].
Slide the fan grommets toward the slot on the back wall [2].
Lift the fan away from the computer [3].
Pre-Removal Instructions Before removing the Heat Sink Fan Cover :
During installation or removal of any hardware always ensure all data is backed up properly
Disconnect any telephone, network, or USB cables from the computer
Disconnect the computer and all attached devices from their electrical outlets
Please remove the System Cover
Holding the touch points, pull the fan duct bracket to release the fan duct [1].
Lift the fan duct away from the computer [2].
Pre-Removal Instructions Before removing the Heat Sink Assembly :
During installation or removal of any hardware always ensure all data is backed up properly
Disconnect any telephone, network, or USB cables from the computer
Disconnect the computer and all attached devices from their electrical outlets
Please remove the System Cover, Front Bezel, Hard Drive, Optical Drive and Heat Sink Fan Cover
Disconnect the heat sink cable from the system board [1].
Loosen the captive screws that secure the heat sink assembly and lift it away from the computer [2, 3].
Pre-Removal Instructions Before removing the Power Supply Unit :
During installation or removal of any hardware always ensure all data is backed up properly
Disconnect any telephone, network, or USB cables from the computer
Disconnect the computer and all attached devices from their electrical outlets
Please remove the System Cover, Front Bezel, Hard Drive, Optical Drive and Heat Sink Fan Cover
Disconnect the power cable from the system board [1, 2].e.
Unroute the power cables from the retention clips on the chassis [3}.
Remove the screws at the back of the computer that secure the PSU to the computer [1].
Press the blue release tab [2] and lift the PSU away from the computer [3].
Pre-Removal Instructions Before removing the Input/Output (I/O) panel :
During installation or removal of any hardware always ensure all data is backed up properly
Disconnect any telephone, network, or USB cables from the computer
Disconnect the computer and all attached devices from their electrical outlets
Please remove the System Cover and Front Bezel
Remove the screw that secures the I/O panel to the chassis [1].
Slide the I/O panel to the right and remove it from the computer [2].