Acer Aspire X3950 Technical Information

Acer Aspire X3950/X5950Service Guide

2 Chapter 1I/O ports Front  Five USB 2.0 ports Headphone/speaker-out/line-out jack Microphone-in jack 9-in-1 media card reader — CompactFlash® (T

92 Chapter 6SPEAKERSPEAKER USB NEOSONICA NEW SILVER COLOR AC-MT-113 SP.10600.035

Appendix A 93This section provides technical specifications for the system.ProcessorSystem Board Major ChipsItem SpecificationType Intel Core processo

94 Appendix ASystem MemorySystem BIOSPCI Interface Hard Disk DriveItem SpecificationDIMM Sockets FourMemory Type DDR3-800/1066/1333 unbuffered DIMMMod

Appendix A 95VGA Interface Network InterfaceSATA Interface Audio Interface Item SpecificationConnector VGA/monitor portItem SpecificationLAN Controlle

96 Appendix AKeyboard and Input Devices Optical Drive Item SpecificationController Super I/O IT8721F Connectors • PS2 keyboard and mouse connector• E

97 Appendix ARead SpeedBD-ROM (SL/DL)6x / 4.8x CAV BD-R (SL/DL)6x / 4.8x CAV BD-RE (SL/DL)4.8x / 4.8x CAV BDMV (AACS Compliant Disc) 4.8x CAV DVD

Appendix A 98 Super MultiItem SpecificationVendor HLDS PLDSModel Name GH-41N, GH-41F DH-16AASHDrive Type Super Multi Super MultiWrite Speed CD-R: 4x,

99 Appendix ARead Speed CD-R/RW/ROM:40x/40x/40x max. CD-DA (DAE):40x max.80 mm CD:10x maxDVD+R/+RW:10x / 8x max.DVD+R DL:8x max.DVD-R/RW/ROM(SL/DL):10

Appendix A 100

Chapter 1 3System ComponentsThis section is a virtual tour of the system’s interior and exterior components.Front PanelX3950 No. Icon Component1 USB 2

4 Chapter 1X5950 No. Icon Component1 USB 2.0 ports23 Front I/O cover4 Microphone-in jack5 Headphone/Speaker-out/line-out jack6 CF I/II (CompactFlash

Chapter 1 5Rear Panel No. Icon Component1 Audio in or side speaker jack 2 Gigabit LAN port (10/100/1000 Mbps)3 Key hole4 Lock slot5 Power connector 6

6 Chapter 1Internal Components No. Component1 Optical drive2 Memory 3 Expansion cards4 Mainboard5 Heatsink fan assembly6 Power supply

Chapter 1 7System LED IndicatorsThis section describes the different system LED indicators. LED indicator Color LED status DescriptionPower Blue On S

8 Chapter 1

Chapter 2 9CMOS Setup Utility CMOS setup is a hardware configuration program built into the system ROM, called the complementary metal-oxide semico

10 Chapter 2Entering CMOS setup 1. Turn on the computer and the monitor. If the computer is already turned on, close all open applications, then res

Chapter 2 11Setup Utility MenusThe Setup Main menu includes the following main setup categories.  Product Information Standard CMOS Features Advan

iiRevision HistoryPlease refer to the table below for the updates made on this service guide.Date Chapter Updates

12 Chapter 2Product InformationThe Product Information menu displays basic information about the system. These entries are for your reference only and

Chapter 2 13Standard CMOS Features Parameter Description OptionSystem Date Set the date following the weekday-month-day-year format.System Time (hh:

14 Chapter 2Advanced BIOS Features Parameter Description OptionQuick Boot Allows you to decrease the time it takes to boot the computer by shortenin

Chapter 2 15Advanced Chipset Features Parameter Description OptionIntel EIST When enabled, this feature allows the OS to reduce power consumption.

16 Chapter 2Integrated Peripherals Parameter Description OptionOnboard SATA Controller Select an operating mode for the onboard SATA. EnabledDisabl

Chapter 2 17Power Management Setup Parameter Description OptionACPI Suspend Mode Select an ACPI state. S3 (STR)S1 (POS)Deep Power Off Mode Enables

18 Chapter 2PC Health Status Parameter Description OptionSmart Fan Enables or disables the smart system fan control function. EnabledDisabledCPU T

Chapter 2 19Frequency/Voltage Control Parameter Description OptionClock to All DIMM/PCI/PCIE Enables or disables the system to detect the DIMM/PCI/P

20 Chapter 2BIOS Security Features Setting a system password1. Use the up/down arrow keys to select a password parameter (Change Supervisor Password

Chapter 2 21Removing a system password1. Use the up/down arrow keys to select password parameter (Change Supervisor Password) menu then press Enter. 2

iiiCopyrightCopyright © 2010 by Acer Incorporated. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, transmitted, transcribed, sto

22 Chapter 2Load Default SettingsThe Load Default Settings menu allows you to load the default settings for all BIOS setup parameters. Setup defaults

Chapter 2 23Save & Exit SetupThe Save & Exit Setup menu allows you to save changes made and close the Setup Utility. ►► Standard CMOS Fea

24 Chapter 2Exit Without SavingThe Exit Without Saving menu allows you to discard changes made and close the Setup Utility. ►► Standard CMOS Feat

Chapter 3 25This chapter contains step-by-step procedures on how to disassemble the desktop computer for maintenance and troubleshooting.Disassembly R

26 Chapter 3Pre-disassembly Procedure Before proceeding with the disassembly procedure, perform the steps listed below:1. Turn off the system and all

Chapter 3 27Main Unit DisassemblyX3950 modelMAIN UNITFRONT BEZELMAIN UNIT DISASSEMBLYSIDE PANELPROCESSORAx2HEATSINK FANASSEMBLYPOWER SUPPLYMEMORY MODU

28 Chapter 3X5950 modelScrew ListCode Screw Part No. A #6-32 L5 BZN 86.00J07.B60B #6-32 L6 NI 86.00J44.C60C M3xL5 BZN 86.1A324.5R0 D #6-32*3/16 NI

Chapter 3 29Removing the Side Panel1. Perform the pre-disassembly procedure described on page 26.2. Remove the two screws (A) located on the rear edge

30 Chapter 3Removing the Front Bezel1. Remove the side panel. Refer to the previous section for instructions. 2. Remove the front bezel according to m

Chapter 3 31(3). Disconnect the LED cable from the mainboard, then remove the bezel. X3950

ivDisclaimerThe information in this guide is subject to change without notice.Acer Incorporated makes no representations or warranties, either express

32 Chapter 3Removing the Heatsink Fan AssemblyWARNING: The heatsink becomes very hot when the system is on. NEVER touch the heatsink with any metal or

Chapter 3 334. Lay it down in an upright position—with the thermal patch facing upward, on top of the optical drive then disconnect the heatsink fan c

34 Chapter 3Removing the ProcessorIMPORTANT:Before removing a processor from the mainboard, make sure to create a backup file of all important data. W

Chapter 3 355. Open the load plate, then pull out the processor from the socket. IMPORTANT:If you are going to install a new processor, note the arrow

36 Chapter 3Removing the Optical Drive1. See “Removing the Side Panel” on page 29.2. See “Removing the Front Bezel” on page 30. 3. Remove the HDD-ODD

Chapter 3 37(3). Lift the HDD-ODD bracket, then disconnect the data and power cables from their HDD connector. (4). If necessary, open the cable reten

38 Chapter 35. Slide the optical drive out of the bracket.

Chapter 3 39Removing the Hard Disk Drive1. See “Removing the Side Panel” on page 29.2. See “Removing the Front Bezel” on page 30.3. Remove the HDD-ODD

40 Chapter 3Removing the Power Supply1. See “Removing the Side Panel” on page 29.2. See “Removing the Heatsink Fan Assembly” on page 32.3. See “Removi

Chapter 3 417. Remove the three screws (A) that secure the power supply module. 8. Lift the power supply module off the unit.Screw (Quantity) Color To

vConventionsThe following conventions are used in this manual:SCREEN MESSAGESDenotes actual messages that appear on screen.NOTE Gives additional infor

42 Chapter 3Removing the Memory ModulesIMPORTANT:Before removing any DIMM, make sure to create a backup file of all important data. 1. See “Removing t

Chapter 3 43Removing an Expansion CardThis section includes instruction on how to remove a network card, VGA card, and a TV tuner card.To remove a net

44 Chapter 3To remove a VGA card:1. See “Removing the Side Panel” on page 29.2. Remove the screw (A) that secures the card to the unit, then press dow

Chapter 3 45To remove a TV tuner card:1. See “Removing the Side Panel” on page 29.2. Remove the screw (A) that secures the card to the unit. 3. Pull t

46 Chapter 3Removing the Front I/O and Card Reader Boards1. See “Removing the Side Panel” on page 29.2. See “Removing the Front Bezel” on page 30.3. S

Chapter 3 47(2). Pull the bracket with the cables out of the unit, as shown. 6. Remove the card reader board.(1). Remove the two screws (B) that secu

48 Chapter 37. Remove the front I/O board.(1). Remove the two screws (B) that secure the I/O board to the bracket. (2). Pull the I/O board out of the

Chapter 3 49Removing the Mainboard 1. See “Removing the Side Panel” on page 29.2. See “Removing the Front Bezel” on page 30.3. See “Removing the Heats

50 Chapter 312. Lift the board off the housing.

Chapter 3 51Removing the Top BezelNOTE: The following instruction is applicable only to the X5950 model. 1. See “Removing the Side Panel” on page 29.2

viService Guide CoverageThis Service Guide provides you with all technical information relating to the BASIC CONFIGURATION decided for Acer's &qu

52 Chapter 3

Chapter 4 53This chapter provides instructions on how to troubleshoot system hardware problems. Hardware Diagnostic ProcedureIMPORTANT:The diagnostic

54 Chapter 4System Check ProceduresPower System CheckIf the system will power on, skip this section. Refer to System External Inspection.If the system

Chapter 4 55CheckpointsA checkpoint is either a byte or word value output to I/O port 80h. The BIOS outputs checkpoints throughout bootblock and Power

56 Chapter 4Bootblock Recovery Code CheckpointsThe Bootblock recovery code gets control when the BIOS determines that a “BIOS Recovery” needs to occu

Chapter 4 57POST Code CheckpointsThe POST code checkpoints are the largest set of checkpoints during the BIOS preboot process. The following table des

58 Chapter 431 Allocate memory for ADM module and uncompress it. Give control to ADM module for initialization. Initialize language and font modules f

Chapter 4 59DIM Code CheckpointsThe Device Initialization Manager (DIM) gets control at various times during BIOS POST to initialize different system

60 Chapter 4Error MessagesThe following tables describes the error messages that may appear during POST. Each message is listed with a detailed descri

Chapter 4 61Storage DeviceMessage Displayed DescriptionPrimary Master Hard Disk ErrorThe IDE/ATAPI device configured as Primary Master could not be pr

viiSystem Tour 1Features 1System Components 3Front Panel 3Rear Panel 5Internal Components 6System LED Indicators 7System Utilities 9CMOS

62 Chapter 4Virus Related3rd Slave Drive - ATAPI IncompatibleThe IDE/ATAPI device configured as Slave in the 3rd IDE controller failed an ATAPI compat

Chapter 4 63System ConfigurationMessage Displayed DescriptionDMA-1 Error Error initializing primary DMA controller. This is a fatal error, often indic

64 Chapter 4CMOSMiscellaneousMessage Displayed DescriptionCMOS Date/Time Not SetThe CMOS Date and/or Time are invalid. This error can be resolved by r

Chapter 4 65USB eModule Error MessagesSMBIOS eModule Error MessagesCPU eModule Error MessagesMPS Table (Multi-processor) eModule Error MessagesMessage

66 Chapter 4Beep CodesBeep codes are used by the BIOS to indicate a serious or fatal error to the end user. Beep codes are used when an error occurs b

Chapter 4 67Index of Symptom-to-FRU Error MessageNOTE: To diagnose a problem, first find the error symptom in the left column. If directed to a check

68 Chapter 4NOTE: Ensure the diskette drive is auto-setting in BIOS Setup and its read/write head is clean before diagnosing any diskette drive proble

Chapter 4 69NOTE: Ensure hard disk drive is configured correctly in BIOS Setup, cable/jumper are set correctly before diagnosing any hard disk drive p

70 Chapter 4Real-Time Clock-Related SymptomsSymptom / Error Action/FRUReal-time clock is inaccurate. Ensure the information in the Standard CMOS Feat

Chapter 4 71NOTE: If you cannot find a symptom or an error in this list and the problem remains, see “Undetermined Problems” on page 74.Serial or para

viiiUSB eModule Error Messages 65SMBIOS eModule Error Messages 65CPU eModule Error Messages 65MPS Table (Multi-processor) eModule Error Messages 6

72 Chapter 4BIOS Recovery1. Prepare a USB storage device and keep it ready in hand. (1). Connect the USB storage device to a USB port on your computer

Chapter 4 734. Press Delete to run the Setup Utility. 5. In the Setup Utility, select Load Default Settings, then press Enter.6. Select Ok, then press

74 Chapter 4Undetermined ProblemsThe diagnostic problems does not identify which adapter or device failed, which installed devices are incorrect, whet

Chapter 5 75System Block DiagramSystem Block Diagram and Board LayoutChapter 5

76 Chapter 5Mainboard Layout No Code Description1 KB/MS Top: PS2 Mouse portBottom: PS2 Keyboard port2 HDMI1 HDMI port3 VGA1 VGA (D-sub) port4 USBESATA

Chapter 5 7710 DIMM 1-4 DIMM slots11 F_USB1, 2 and 4 Card reader USB cable connectors12 PWR1 Main power connector13 F_USB3 Front panel USB connector14

78 Chapter 5

Chapter 6 79This chapter offers the FRU (Field Replaceable Unit) list in global configuration of the X3950 or X5950 desktop computer. Refer to this ch

80 Chapter 6Exploded DiagramX3950 modelNo. Part Name No. Part Name1 ASSY POWER BUTTON BOXER X350 16 PLT POWER LOGO BOXER X3502 BEZEL FRONT BOXER X351

Chapter 6 81X5950 modelNo. Part Name No. Part Name1 PLT ACER LOGO BOXER X5 17 PLT ASPIRE LOGO BOXER X5502 BEZEL FRONT B BOXER X550 18 PLT ODD KNOB LOG

Chapter 1 1FeaturesBelow is a brief summary of the computer’s many features:NOTE: The features listed in this section is for your reference only. The

82 Chapter 6X3950 FRU List System model: PV.SE602.004 AX3950 AAP AJC PV.SE602.004Category Part Name Acer Part No.BOARDSFRONT IO BOARD CENTURY W/AUDIO

Chapter 6 83CPU/PROCESSORCPU INTEL CORE I3-530 LGA 2.93G 4M 1333FSB 1156 73W CLARKDALE C-2 DUAL COREKC.53001.CI3DVD-RW DRIVEODD PLDS SUPER-MULTI DRIVE

84 Chapter 6System model: PT.SE602.003 AX3950 AAP ACS PT.SE602.003Category Part Name OEM Part No.BOARDSFRONT IO BOARD CENTURY W/AUDIO CABLE*1&USB

Chapter 6 85CPU/PROCESSORCPU INTEL CORE I3-530 LGA 2.93G 4M 1333FSB 1156 73W CLARKDALE C-2 DUAL COREKC.53001.CI3DVD-RW DRIVEODD PLDS SUPER-MULTI DRIVE

86 Chapter 6System model: PT.SE602.004 AX3950 AAP ACS PT.SE602.004Category Part Name Acer Part No.BOARDSFRONT IO BOARD CENTURY W/AUDIO CABLE*1&USB

Chapter 6 87FRONT BEZEL W/LED SWITCH CABLE FOR X350 TBDCPU/PROCESSORCPU INTEL CORE I3-530 LGA 2.93G 4M 1333FSB 1156 73W CLARKDALE C-2 DUAL COREKC.5300

88 Chapter 6System model: PT.SE602.005 AX3950 AAP ACS PT.SE602.005Category Part Name OEM Part No.BOARDSFRONT IO BOARD CENTURY W/AUDIO CABLE*1&USB

Chapter 6 89FRONT BEZEL W/LED SWITCH CABLE FOR X350 TBDCPU/PROCESSORCPU INTEL CORE I5-650 LGA 3.2G 4M 1333FSB 1156 C-2 73W CLARKDALE DUAL COREKC.65001

90 Chapter 6X5950 FRU List System model: 91.3CY01.002G AAGASSI PVT/MVB SKU AX5950Category Part Name Acer Part No.BOARDSFRONT IO BOARD CENTURY W/AUDIO

Chapter 6 91FRONT BEZEL FOR X550 60.SE301.005CPU/PROCESSORCPU INTEL CORE I5-650 LGA 3.2G 4M 1333FSB 1156 C-2 73W CLARKDALE DUAL COREKC.65001.CI5DVD-RW