The Acer Aspire XC-603G is a compact desktop computer often used in home and small office setups. While its performance is suitable for everyday tasks, many users and repair technicians run into confusion when trying to figure out its motherboard layout—particularly the TX1 pinout.
This guide explores the Acer Aspire XC-603G motherboard TX1 pinout, its possible functions, why it’s hard to find official details, and how you can try to identify the pins yourself.
Understanding the Acer Aspire XC-603G Motherboard
The motherboard inside the Acer Aspire XC-603G is a proprietary micro-ATX board made specifically for compact desktop builds. It supports Intel Bay Trail-D processors, commonly the Intel Celeron J1800 or J1900, and comes with basic features like USB ports, SATA connectors, RAM slots, and a low-profile expansion slot.
Here are the basic specs:
Component | Specification |
---|---|
CPU Support | Intel Celeron J1800 / J1900 |
RAM | DDR3L SO-DIMM up to 8GB |
Storage Interface | 2x SATA II Ports |
USB Ports | USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 |
Expansion | Low-profile PCIe x1 |
Integrated Graphics | Intel HD Graphics |
What is TX1 on a Motherboard?
On many motherboards, including ones like the Acer Aspire XC-603G, there may be mysterious headers labeled with identifiers such as TX1. This can create confusion. TX1 typically refers to “Transmit” in a serial communication header, usually part of a UART (Universal Asynchronous Receiver/Transmitter) setup.
However, Acer does not provide public schematics or official pinout documents for the TX1 header in this model. So the TX1 pinout on the Acer Aspire XC-603G motherboard remains undocumented officially, making DIY exploration the only path forward.
Why the TX1 Pinout Information is Hard to Find
There are a few reasons why it’s difficult to get clear information on the TX1 pinout:
- Proprietary Design: Acer uses custom motherboards that are not publicly documented in full detail.
- Limited Technical Manuals: Unlike high-end desktop boards, compact systems rarely come with detailed pinout maps.
- Not User-Serviceable: TX1 is likely intended for factory-level diagnostics or BIOS flashing, not for end-user customization.
Even the official user manual doesn’t describe TX1 or similar internal headers, and tech forums mostly offer speculation.
What Users Found in Online Communities
Although there’s no official documentation, some users on tech forums such as TechGuy.org and Tom’s Hardware have opened up their Aspire XC-603G units and attempted to understand the layout.
- On TechGuy, a user noted a 3-pin jumper near the SATA ports which could either be TX1 or a CMOS reset jumper.
- Other users on Acer Community forums confirmed the presence of a few unlabeled headers, but none matched known TX1 configurations like TTL serial.
So while many suspect TX1 could be used for serial diagnostics, its exact pin functions (e.g., TX, RX, GND) are not confirmed.
Visual Exploration of the TX1 Header
To identify the TX1 pinout manually on the Acer Aspire XC-603G motherboard, you can take these steps. Remember, this may void your warranty or damage the board if done incorrectly.
Tools You May Need:
- Multimeter for continuity checks
- Logic analyzer or USB-to-TTL serial adapter
- Good lighting and camera for documentation
Steps to Analyze TX1:
- Locate the TX1 header visually; it’s often near the edge or close to the chipset.
- Measure voltage on each pin while the system is powered.
- Use a USB-to-TTL adapter to test for serial output on boot.
- Connect GND properly, and start with 3.3V TTL signals to avoid damaging the board.
What TX1 Might Be Used For
Here are the common uses for TX1-type headers in other systems, which might also apply to the Acer Aspire XC-603G:
Possible Function | Description |
---|---|
Serial Console | BIOS or system boot messages via UART |
Debugging Interface | Used by factory technicians to diagnose motherboard issues |
Firmware Updates | Flash BIOS or embedded firmware using a serial tool |
CMOS Clear | Some 3-pin headers use a jumper to reset BIOS settings (not a serial TX1) |
If TX1 is truly a UART header, the pinout could look like this:
Pin | Likely Function |
---|---|
1 | TX (Transmit) |
2 | RX (Receive) |
3 | GND (Ground) |
But again—this is only hypothetical unless confirmed by physical testing.
Should You Attempt to Use TX1?
Unless you are a professional technician, using TX1 without proper documentation is not recommended. Incorrect connections can short circuits or damage chips. It is safer to:
- Stick with software-based diagnostics
- Contact Acer support for internal schematics (if you’re an authorized technician)
- Use known headers like USB, SATA, or fan connectors for mods or repair
Final Recommendations
Since Acer Aspire XC-603G motherboard TX1 pinout is not publicly documented, most users won’t need to interact with this header. If you’re experimenting, do it carefully and document your process to help others.
If you truly need UART access or want to reset BIOS settings:
- Use the CMOS reset jumper (usually labeled CLEAR_CMOS or JCMOS1)
- Or remove the CMOS battery briefly to reset BIOS
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