How to Replace Common Parts in your Full-Size or Mini-Tower Dell desktop

Summary: This article provides video guides on how to replace common parts for full size and mini-tower Dell desktops.

This article applies to This article does not apply to This article is not tied to any specific product. Not all product versions are identified in this article.
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Instructions

Before performing any maintenance procedures, please review and perform the following steps:

  1. Review the safety information shipped with your Dell product. Visit Dell.com/manuals to access digital versions of product-specific documentation.
  2. Disconnect all power sources before opening the computer cover or panels. Replace all covers, panels, and screws before connecting to the power source.
  3. Avoid damaging the components and cards. Handle them by their edges, and avoid touching the pins and contacts.
  4. When disconnecting a cable, pull on the connector or pull tag. Do not pull on the cable itself.
  5. Review our video on avoiding unintentional damage from electrostatic discharge (ESD).

How to Avoid ElectroStatic Damage (ESD)

Learn how to avoid electrostatic damage while working on the inside of a Dell computer.

Duration: 00:02:30 (hh:mm:ss)
Closed captions: Available in multiple languages. Click the CC icon, and then select the preferred language.

Replacing the System Memory (RAM)

Learn how to replace the system memory (RAM) in a Dell desktop.

Duration: 00:02:46 (hh:mm:ss)
Closed captions: Available in multiple languages. Click the CC icon, and then select the preferred language.

Replacing the Hard Drive

Learn how to replace the hard drive (HDD or SSD) in a Dell desktop.

Duration: 00:03:14 (hh:mm:ss)
Closed captions: Available in multiple languages. Click the CC icon, and then select the preferred language.

Replacing the Power Supply Unit (PSU)

Learn how to replace the power supply unit in a Dell desktop.

Duration: 00:02:10 (hh:mm:ss)
Closed captions: Available in multiple languages. Click the CC icon, and then select the preferred language.

Replacing the Video Card (GPU)

Learn how to replace the video card (GPU) in a Dell desktop.

Duration: 00:02:10 (hh:mm:ss)
Closed captions: Available in multiple languages. Click the CC icon, and then select the preferred language.

Replacing the Optical Drive

Learn how to replace the optical drive (CD, DVD, or Blu-ray) in a Dell desktop.

Duration: 00:02:08 (hh:mm:ss)
Closed captions: Not available.

Affected Products

Alienware, Inspiron, Legacy Desktop Models, OptiPlex, Vostro, XPS, G Series, Fixed Workstations
Article Properties
Article Number: 000106106
Article Type: How To
Last Modified: 28 May 2025
Version:  9
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