13.Remove the modem retainer bracket from the bottom case assembly.

14.Disconnect the speaker wire from the connector on the system board assembly.

15.Disconnect the fan wire from the connector on the system board assembly.

16.Lift the system board assembly out of the bottom case assembly.

To replace the system board assembly, perform the following steps:

1.Transfer the memory module(s) to the replacement system board assembly.

2.Place the new hard-disk drive EMI clip on the system board assembly (see Figure 23).

M2 x 3.5-mm screw

hard-disk drive EMI clip

Figure 23. Hard-Disk Drive EMI Clip

3.Place the system board assembly in the bottom case assembly.

The I/O ports should protrude comfortably through the openings at the back of the bottom case assembly.

4.Reconnect the fan wire to the connector on the system board assembly.

5.Reconnect the speaker wire to the connector on the system board assembly.

6.Replace the modem retainer bracket around the I/O ports and on top of the modem.

7.Reinstall the M2 x 9.5-mm screw on the right side of the modem to secure the modem retainer bracket to the system board assembly.

The hole for the M2 x 9.5-mm screw is located by the VGA port.

8.Reinstall the six M2 x 3.5-mm screws that secure the system board assembly to the bottom case assembly.

White arrows on the system board assembly point to the screw holes.

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Dell Latitude L400 Service Manual

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Dell L400 service manual Hard-Disk Drive EMI Clip

L400 specifications

The Dell L400 is a notable laptop that emerged in the late 1990s, specifically designed for business professionals and mobile users. This portable computer was celebrated for its lightweight design and solid performance during an era when mobile computing was starting to gain traction.

One of the key features of the Dell L400 is its compact size. Weighing in at just around four pounds, it was easy to carry, making it an ideal choice for users who needed to travel. Its 12.1-inch display was a notable aspect, featuring an active matrix screen that provided decent visual clarity for its time, thus enhancing the mobile computing experience. The display, although small by today’s standards, was designed for convenience and portability, balancing screen size with overall weight.

The L400 was powered by Intel's Pentium III processor, which delivered respectable performance for everyday tasks such as word processing, spreadsheets, and basic multimedia applications. This made it suitable for professionals who required a reliable device for work-related activities without the latest specifications of modern laptops. Additionally, it commonly featured between 64 to 128 MB of RAM, upgradeable, which allowed users to run multiple applications smoothly.

Storage options included traditional hard drives ranging from 6 to 20 GB, providing ample space for documents and essential software of the era. While this may seem limited compared to modern standards, it was a reasonable capacity for users at that time.

In terms of connectivity, the L400 integrated essential ports such as USB, parallel, and serial, catering to a variety of peripherals that users often employed. It also included an Ethernet port for network connectivity, which was crucial for business environments. The inclusion of a modem facilitated dial-up internet connections, reflecting the technology landscape of the late 90s.

Battery life was another significant attribute, as the Dell L400 offered decent longevity that allowed users to extend productivity without being tethered to a power outlet. It typically featured a lithium-ion battery that contributed to its portability.

Overall, the Dell L400 stands out as a historical example of early portable computing, marked by its balance of performance, portability, and connectivity. While it may not compete with modern laptops in terms of specifications, its design and functionality marked an important step in the evolution of mobile computing technology.