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June 27th, 2025 15:27
Pro Micro QCM1250, I/O module knock-out port cover is bad news
When trying to open the cover of our new Dell Pro Micro, I accidentally pressed on the knock-out port cover and it almost collapsed. According to the owner's manual you're supposed to remove it with a screwdriver, but it's apparently flimsy enough to remove with moderate finger pressure.
So this poses a risk of short-circuiting. And to make matters worse, Dell doesn't provide anything like a plastic plug that you can use to fill the hole when the port cover is removed. So what is someone supposed to do if they install an optional I/O module and later decide to remove it? Leave a big hole in the chassis?
It would have cost Dell a few cents more to have a screw-on plate cover instead of this wimpy too-easy-to-remove punch-out. And it seems like offering an insert to cover the hole should be mandatory. Very disappointing.
In our case, the knock-out plate didn't completely come out, so we'll need to figure out how to protect that area so that there's no risk of short-circuiting or someone accidentally sticking their finger in the chassis.
DELL-Chris M
Community Manager
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June 29th, 2025 19:01
Do you mean the Pro Max Micro FCM2250?
If yes, do you mean #1 =
I am not sure why you would have pressed near #1 when removing the side cover?
(edited)
Al529
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June 29th, 2025 20:09
Thanks, @DELL-Chris M it's the Dell Pro Micro QCM1250, but the same idea as your images. It's #2 in the diagram below.
You are correct that I didn't need to press on that spot to remove the cover. I suspect I was tricked by the decorative (?) ridge/indentation that runs around the top of the case, which can make it appear that the top slides backwards instead of forwards.
That being said, even after I knew that the top slides forward to remove it, I found myself pressing on that same spot (though not as forcefully) at least twice more when handling the computer (don't recall what operations I was performing at the time).
I've been buying Dells for years (primarily XPS and Optiplex), both for home and for business when I was in IT. I've never experienced anything of this nature.
Should I have been more careful in reading the instructions? Yes. Should there be a way to re-secure an intentionally-removeable metallic part after it's been loosened or removed? Yes. Otherwise, should Dell provide an insert to close an opening that's designed for a customer-installable option that may or may not be installed? Yes.
(edited)