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Front Audio and USB Assembly Replacement - ThinkStation P300, P310 (Small Form Factor)

Front Audio and USB Assembly Replacement - ThinkStation P300, P310 (Small Form Factor)

Front Audio and USB Assembly Replacement - ThinkStation P300, P310 (Small Form Factor)


  1. Today we are going to be replacing the front audio and USB assembly. This process will take about fifteen minutes, and it should be easy enough for anyone to do. The only tool required is a Phillips screwdriver.
  2. Before we continue, we need to make sure that we are protected against electrostatic discharge, or ESD.  Make sure to shut down the computer and disconnect all cables and accessories from the system. 
  3. Now that we’re ready, let’s get started.
  4. To remove the cover, we must first remove two thumb screws.
  5. Next we are going to press the release button, slide the cover towards the rear of the system, and remove it.
  6. Now we are going to release the front bezel, which is done by pushing outwards on the clips.
  7. Now we are just going to swing the front bezel open like a door and remove it.
  8. To open the drive bay assembly, we just need to press inwards on the blue release button, swing the drive bay assembly up, and allow the lever to lock into place.
  9. To remove the front audio and USB connector, we must first disconnect the USB cable from the system board.
  10. Then we are going to disconnect the audio cable from the system board.
  11. Now we are going to remove the cable from the guide. We just want to push the clip towards the front of the system and lift it up. Pull the cables out of the guide.
  12. Now I am going to remove a single retaining screw from the front of the USB audio assembly.
  13. Then we are going to pull the assembly and the cables through the front of the chassis.
  14. Here we have our replacement front audio and USB assembly.
  15. When replacing the front audio USB assembly, we want to first thread the cables through the hole in the front of the chassis.
  16. I am going to reach back through the rear end of the chassis and guide the cables through so they do not get hung up on anything.
  17. And once you’ve got it sitting flush with the chassis, you just want to install a single retaining screw.
  18. Now we are going to put the cables back into the guide. We just want to make sure they will clear the guide first, and then just route them in there.
  19. Then we are going to press down on the clip until it locks into place.
  20. When connecting the audio cable to the system board, it is important that the missing pin on the connector aligns with the blank space on the plug.
  21. Now we are going to connect the USB cable to the system board.
  22. When closing the drive bay assembly, we first need to lift slightly upward on the assembly, press inward on the release latch, and then swing the assembly down until the lever locks it into place.
  23. When replacing the front bezel, we want to ensure that the hinges on the bezel align with the holes in the chassis.
  24. Once those are lined up, you just close the front bezel like a door, and apply pressure until the clips lock into place.
  25. When replacing the cover, it is important that the tabs on the cover align with the notches in the chassis.
  26. You place the cover down onto the chassis, and slide it towards the front of the system.
  27. Finally, we are going to replace two thumb screws.


Document ID:VID100672
Original Publish Date:06/20/2016
Last Modified Date:06/20/2016