Dell Dimension XPS H233 Reference Manual

Also see for Dimension XPS H233: Service manual

Contents

Dell Dimension XPS H233 Reference Manual Manual pdf 17 page image

Introduction 1-1Chapter 1IntroductionThe Dell Dimension™ XPS H233 computer system is ahigh-speed personal computer designed around an Intel®microprocessor with MMX™ technology. This systemcombines high-performance Peripheral Component Inter-connect (PCI) design with Industry-Standard Architecture(ISA) design, allowing a wide range of initial configura-tions and upgrade possibilities.This chapter describes the major hardware and softwarefeatures of your computer, provides information aboutaccessing the online documentation, and tells you how toobtain help if you need it.System FeaturesYour Dell® computer offers the following features:• An Intel microprocessor that runs at an internalspeed of 233 megahertz (MHz) and an externalspeed of 66 MHz.The Intel microprocessor in your computer includesMMX technology designed to handle complex mul-timedia and communications software. Thismicroprocessor incorporates new instructions anddata types as well as a technique called SingleInstruction, Multiple Data (SIMD) that allows themicroprocessor to process multiple data elements inparallel, thereby improving overall systemperformance.• A secondary cache of 512 kilobytes (KB) of staticrandom-access memory (SRAM) is included withinthe single-edge contact (SEC) cartridge, which alsocontains the microprocessor. Math coprocessor func-tionality is internal to the microprocessor.• A high-speed, high-resolution PCI video card thattakes advantage of the computer’s local bus.(Documentation from the video card manufacturer isincluded with your system.)• Memory that can be increased up to 128 megabytes(MB) by installing two or four 16- or 32-MBextended-data out (EDO) single in-line memorymodules (SIMMs) in the four SIMM sockets on thesystem board. EDO memory devices offer improvedperformance over fast-page-mode devices becausethey extend the time that data is held after a readcycle ends. This extension allows the next read cycleto begin while the data is still being latched from theprevious read cycle.The system provides error correction code (ECC)capability whenever parity SIMMs are used. Thesystem’s ECC capability corrects all single-bit mem-ory errors and detects all multibit memory errors. Ifyou mix parity and nonparity SIMMs, the systemdoes not provide ECC capability.• Full Plug and Play capability, which can greatly sim-plify the installation of expansion cards. Plug andPlay support included in the system basic input/output system (BIOS) allows you to install Plug andPlay expansion cards without setting jumpers orswitches or performing other configuration tasks.Also, because the system BIOS is stored in flashmemory, it can be updated to support futureenhancements to the Plug and Play standard.The system board includes the following built-infeatures:• Three 32-bit PCI expansion slots, through which youcan connect high-speed PCI peripherals to the PCIbus—greatly increasing their input/output (I/O)speeds over the speeds attainable using the ISA bus.