I recently got my hands on a precision workstation 220 motherboard on ebay
(dual slot 1 and rdram) But I'm confused about the layout of the "power switch, hd led, reset switch, power led etc" connector, I can't figure out how to connect the cables.
I've been searching around the web for a picture or manual with the correct connections
but I think I'm "holding it wrong" I really don't want to risk connecting them the wrong way
Congrats on your new purchase! The Precision Workstation 220 motherboard is a bit of a vintage piece, so finding detailed documentation can be tricky. However, I can help you with the general process and some advice on how to safely connect those front panel connectors.
Check the Motherboard for Labels:
Typically, motherboards have small labels next to the front panel header pins that indicate what each pin is for. You might see labels like "PWR SW," "RST," "HDD LED," etc. If these labels are present, they should guide you in connecting the cables correctly.
Refer to the Manual:
Dell usually provides manuals for their products, even older models. You can try finding the manual for the Precision Workstation 220 on Dell’s support website. This manual will often have a diagram showing the correct pin layout for the front panel connectors.
General Pin Layout:
If you can't find a specific diagram, here’s a common layout used on many older motherboards:
Power Switch (PWR SW): Usually a two-pin connection, often in the bottom row of the header.
Reset Switch (RST): Another two-pin connection, typically near the power switch pins.
Power LED (PWR LED): This can be a two- or three-pin connection, often located near the power switch.
HDD LED (HD LED): Two-pin connection, usually on the bottom row.
Polarity Matters:
For LEDs (Power and HDD), make sure you connect them with the correct polarity. The positive wire is usually colored (red, green, or blue), and the negative is often black or white. For switches (power, reset), polarity doesn’t matter.
Testing Without Risk:
If you’re unsure, you can always connect one cable at a time and test the system. For example, connect just the power switch cable, turn on the system to check if it works, then move on to the next one.
If you’re still stuck, you might consider posting a close-up picture of the header area on your motherboard. Sometimes the community can help identify the correct pins based on visuals.
Good luck, and feel free to ask if you need more help!
I really don't want to risk connecting them the wrong way