Alienware 15 Service Manual Computer Model: Alienware 15 Regulatory Model: P42F Regulatory Type: P42F001
Notes, Cautions, and Warnings NOTE: A NOTE indicates important information that helps you make better use of your computer. CAUTION: A CAUTION indicates either potential damage to hardware or loss of data and tells you how to avoid the problem. WARNING: A WARNING indicates a potential for property damage, personal injury, or death. Copyright © 2015 Dell Inc. All rights reserved. This product is protected by U.S. and international copyright and intellectual property laws.
Contents Before working inside your computer...................................12 Before you begin .............................................................................................12 Safety instructions............................................................................................12 Recommended tools....................................................................................... 13 After working inside your computer......................................
Removing the hard drive..........................................................27 Prerequisites.....................................................................................................27 Procedure........................................................................................................ 28 Replacing the hard drive.......................................................... 32 Procedure..................................................................................................
Removing the keyboard...........................................................49 Prerequisites.................................................................................................... 49 Procedure........................................................................................................ 49 Replacing the keyboard........................................................... 55 Procedure....................................................................................................
Removing the speakers............................................................ 67 Prerequisites.....................................................................................................67 Procedure.........................................................................................................67 Replacing the speakers............................................................ 70 Procedure.................................................................................................
Removing the display bezel.................................................... 83 Prerequisites.....................................................................................................83 Procedure........................................................................................................ 83 Replacing the display bezel..................................................... 87 Procedure......................................................................................................
Removing the camera.............................................................. 99 Prerequisites.................................................................................................... 99 Procedure...................................................................................................... 100 Replacing the camera.............................................................102 Procedure...................................................................................................
Removing the system board..................................................114 Prerequisites................................................................................................... 114 Procedure....................................................................................................... 114 Replacing the system board.................................................. 118 Procedure.......................................................................................................
Removing the coin-cell battery............................................129 Prerequisites...................................................................................................129 Procedure.......................................................................................................129 Replacing the coin-cell battery............................................ 131 Procedure.......................................................................................................
Getting help and contacting Alienware..............................149 Self-help resources....................................................................................... 149 Contacting Alienware....................................................................................
Before working inside your computer CAUTION: To avoid damaging the components and cards, handle them by their edges and avoid touching pins and contacts. NOTE: The images in this document may differ from your computer depending on the configuration you ordered. Before you begin 1 Save and close all open files and exit all open applications. 2 Shut down your computer. – Windows 8.1: On the Start screen, click or tap the power icon Shut down. → – Windows 7: Click or tap Start → Shut down.
WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at dell.com/ regulatory_compliance. WARNING: Disconnect all power sources before opening the computer cover or panels. After you finish working inside the computer, replace all covers, panels, and screws before connecting to the power source.
• Philips screwdriver • Plastic scribe 14
After working inside your computer CAUTION: Leaving stray or loose screws inside your computer may severely damage your computer. 1 Replace all screws and make sure that no stray screws remain inside your computer. 2 Connect any external devices, peripherals, and cables you removed before working on your computer. 3 Replace any media cards, discs, and any other parts that you removed before working on your computer. 4 Connect your computer and all attached devices to their electrical outlets.
Removing the base panel WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at dell.com/regulatory_compliance. Procedure 1 Close the display and turn the computer over.
4 Slide and remove the base panel from the computer base.
5 Disconnect the battery cable from the system board. 1 battery cable 6 Turn the computer over and open the display as far as possible. 7 Press and hold the power button for 4 seconds to ground the system board.
Replacing the base panel WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at dell.com/regulatory_compliance. Procedure 1 Close the display and turn the computer over. 2 Connect the battery cable to the system board.
Removing the memory modules WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at dell.com/regulatory_compliance. Prerequisites Remove the base panel.
2 Slide and remove the memory module from the memory-module slot.
Replacing the memory modules WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at dell.com/regulatory_compliance. Procedure 1 22 Align the notch on the memory module with the tab on the memorymodule slot.
2 Slide the memory module firmly into the slot at an angle and press the memory module down until it clicks into place. NOTE: If you do not hear the click, remove the memory module and reinstall it. 1 securing clips (2) 2 notch 3 tab 4 memory modules (2) 5 memory-module slot Post-requisites Replace the base panel.
Removing the solid-state drives WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at dell.com/regulatory_compliance. CAUTION: Solid-state drives are fragile. Exercise care when handling the hard drive.
2 Slide and remove the solid-state drive from the solid-state drive slot.
Replacing the solid-state drives WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at dell.com/regulatory_compliance. CAUTION: Solid-state drives are fragile. Exercise care when handling the hard drive.
Removing the hard drive WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at dell.com/regulatory_compliance. CAUTION: Hard drives are fragile. Exercise care when handling the hard drive.
Procedure 1 Remove the keyboard-backlight cable, keyboard cable, and macro-keys cable from the routing guides on the computer base. 1 macro-keys cable 2 keyboard cable 3 keyboard-backlight cable 4 routing guides (3) 5 hard-drive assembly 6 computer base 2 Remove the screws that secure the hard-drive assembly to the computer base. 3 Using the pull tab, disconnect the hard-drive cable from the system board.
5 6 Lift and slide the hard-drive assembly off the computer base. 1 pull tab 2 hard-drive cable 3 screws (4) 4 hard-drive assembly Remove the screws that secure the hard-drive bracket to the hard-drive assembly.
7 30 Lift the hard-drive bracket off the hard-drive assembly.
8 Disconnect the interposer from the hard drive.
Replacing the hard drive WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at dell.com/regulatory_compliance. CAUTION: Hard drives are fragile. Exercise care when handling the hard drive.
Removing the wireless card WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at dell.com/regulatory_compliance. Prerequisites Remove the base panel.
4 34 Lift and slide the wireless card out of the wireless-card slot.
Replacing the wireless card WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at dell.com/regulatory_compliance. Procedure CAUTION: To avoid damaging the wireless card, do not place any cables under it.
Removing the palm rest WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at dell.com/regulatory_compliance. Prerequisites 1 Remove the base panel. 2 Remove the memory modules. 3 Remove the solid-state drives.
2 Lift the latches and disconnect the keyboard-backlight cable, keyboard cable, macro-keys cable, and macro-keys backlight cable from the system board.
3 Remove the screws that secure the palm-rest assembly to the computer base. 1 screws (15) 2 computer base 4 Turn the computer over and open the display as far as possible. 5 Lift the computer base and rest the display on a clean and flat surface.
6 Push the palm-rest assembly from the release hole to release it from the tabs on the computer base. 1 palm-rest assembly 3 release hole 2 computer base 7 Place the computer in an upright position. 8 Using a plastic scribe, pry up along the edges of the palm-rest assembly.
9 Gently lift the palm-rest assembly and remove the keyboard cable, keyboard-backlight cable, macro-keys cable, and macro-keys backlight cable from the slot on the computer base. 1 palm-rest assembly 2 plastic scribe 10 Carefully turn the palm-rest assembly over and disconnect the powerbutton board cable from the system board.
11 Lift the palm-rest assembly off the computer base. 1 palm-rest assembly 3 power-button board cable 2 computer base 12 Turn the palm-rest assembly over. 13 Follow the procedure from step 1 to step 6 in "Removing the keyboard”. 14 Follow the procedure from step 1 to step 4 in "Removing the powerbutton board”. 15 Follow the procedure from step 1 to step 3 in "Removing the status-light board”.
16 Follow the procedure from step 1 to step 5 in "Removing the touch pad”.
Replacing the palm rest WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at dell.com/regulatory_compliance. Procedure 1 Follow the procedure from step 1 to step 5 in "Replacing the touch pad”.
Removing the touch pad WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at dell.com/regulatory_compliance. Prerequisites 1 Remove the base panel. 2 Remove the memory modules. 3 Remove the solid-state drives.
3 Remove the screws that secure the touch-pad bracket to the palm-rest assembly.
4 46 Release the tabs that secure the touch-pad bracket to the palm-rest assembly and lift the touch-pad bracket off the palm-rest assembly.
5 Lift the touch pad off the palm-rest assembly.
Replacing the touch pad WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at dell.com/regulatory_compliance. Procedure 1 Using the alignment posts on the palm-rest assembly, place the touch pad on the palm-rest assembly.
Removing the keyboard WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at dell.com/regulatory_compliance. Prerequisites 1 Remove the base panel. 2 Remove the memory modules. 3 Remove the solid-state drives.
2 50 Note the touch-pad cable and status-light cable routings and peel off the cables from the keyboard bracket.
3 Remove the screws that secure the keyboard bracket to the palm-rest assembly.
4 52 Lift the keyboard bracket at an angle and remove it from the tabs on the palm-rest assembly.
5 Remove the screws that secure the keyboard to the palm-rest assembly.
6 54 Lift the keyboard at an angle and remove it from the tabs on the palmrest assembly.
Replacing the keyboard WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at dell.com/regulatory_compliance. Procedure CAUTION: Make sure that no cables are under the keyboard.
Removing the power-button board WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at dell.com/regulatory_compliance. Prerequisites 1 Remove the base panel. 2 Remove the memory modules. 3 Remove the solid-state drives.
2 3 Disconnect the power-button board cable from the power-button board. 1 power-button board cable 2 latches (2) 3 touch-pad cable 4 status-light cable Remove the screws that secure the power-button board to the palm-rest assembly.
4 58 Lift the power-button board off the palm-rest assembly.
Replacing the power-button board WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at dell.com/regulatory_compliance.
Removing the status-light board WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at dell.com/regulatory_compliance. Prerequisites 1 Remove the base panel. 2 Remove the memory modules. 3 Remove the solid-state drives.
Procedure 1 2 Lift the latch and disconnect the status-light board cable from the statuslight board. 1 latch 3 status-light board 2 status-light board cable Remove the screws that secure the status-light board to the palm-rest assembly.
3 62 Lift the status-light board off the palm-rest assembly.
Replacing the status-light board WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at dell.com/regulatory_compliance.
Removing the I/O board WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at dell.com/regulatory_compliance. Prerequisites 1 Remove the base panel. 2 Remove the memory module. 3 Remove the solid-state drives.
3 Lift the I/O board off the computer base.
Replacing the I/O board WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at dell.com/regulatory_compliance. Procedure 1 Align the screw holes on the I/O board with the screw holes on the computer base.
Removing the speakers WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at dell.com/regulatory_compliance. Prerequisites 1 Remove the base panel. 2 Remove the memory modules. 3 Remove the solid-state drives.
3 4 68 Note the front AlienFX LED cable routing and peel off the cable from the battery. 1 speaker cable 2 tape 3 front AlienFX LED cable 4 speakers (2) Remove the speaker cable from the routing guides on the battery and computer base.
5 Lift the speakers along with its cable off the computer base.
Replacing the speakers WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at dell.com/regulatory_compliance. Procedure 1 Using the alignment posts, place the speakers on the computer base.
Removing the front AlienFX LED boards WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at dell.com/regulatory_compliance. Prerequisites 1 Remove the base panel. 2 Remove the memory modules.
4 72 Lift the front AlienFX LED boards of the tubes.
Replacing the front AlienFX LED board WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at dell.com/regulatory_compliance.
Removing the hinge covers WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at dell.com/regulatory_compliance. Prerequisites 1 Remove the base panel. 2 Remove the memory modules. 3 Remove the solid-state drives.
3 Remove the hinge covers from the computer base.
Replacing the hinge covers WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at dell.com/regulatory_compliance.
Removing the display assembly WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at dell.com/regulatory_compliance. Prerequisites 1 Remove the base panel. 2 Remove the memory modules. 3 Remove the solid-state drives.
3 Remove the screws that secure the display assembly to the computer base. 1 display assembly 3 screws (2) 2 computer base 4 Turn the computer over and open the display as far as possible. 5 Carefully remove the antenna cables through the slot on the computer base. 6 Peel off the adhesive tape that secures the antenna cables to the system board. 7 Remove the antenna cables from the routing guide on the display hinges. 8 Lift the latch and disconnect the display cable from the system board.
9 Peel off the adhesive tape, disconnect the logo-board cable from the system board, and remove it from the routing guide on the display hinges. 1 display cable 2 latch 3 computer base 4 routing guides (2) 5 antenna cables (2) 6 adhesive tapes (2) 7 logo-board cable 10 Remove the screws that secure the display assembly to the computer base.
11 Lift the display assembly off the computer base.
Replacing the display assembly WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at dell.com/regulatory_compliance. Procedure 1 Align the screw holes on the display hinges with the screw holes on the computer base.
4 Replace the solid-state drives. 5 Replace the memory modules. 6 Replace the base panel.
Removing the display bezel WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at dell.com/regulatory_compliance. Prerequisites 1 Remove the base panel. 2 Remove the memory modules. 3 Remove the solid-state drives.
2 Carefully lift the display bezel and turn it over. 1 3 84 display bezel Lift the latches and disconnect the display-board cables from the logo board.
4 Peel off the adhesive tape and disconnect the logo-board cable from the logo board.
5 Follow the procedure from step 1 to step 2 in “Removing the logo board”.
Replacing the display bezel WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at dell.com/regulatory_compliance. Procedure 1 Follow the procedure from step 1 to step 2 in “Replacing the logo board”.
Removing the display panel WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at dell.com/regulatory_compliance. Prerequisites 1 Remove the base panel. 2 Remove the memory modules. 3 Remove the solid-state drives.
2 3 Gently lift the display panel and turn it over. 1 screws (4) 3 display panel 2 display back-cover Lift the latch and disconnect the display cable from the display panel.
4 90 Lift the display panel off the display back-cover.
Replacing the display panel WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at dell.com/regulatory_compliance. Procedure 1 Slide the display cable into the display panel and press down on the latch to secure the cable.
Removing the display hinges WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at dell.com/regulatory_compliance. Prerequisites 1 Remove the base panel. 2 Remove the memory modules. 3 Remove the solid-state drives.
2 Lift the display hinges off the display assembly.
Replacing the display hinges WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at dell.com/regulatory_compliance. Procedure 1 Align the screw holes on the display hinges with the screw holes on the display back-cover.
Removing the display backcover WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at dell.com/regulatory_compliance. Prerequisites 1 Remove the base panel. 2 Remove the memory modules. 3 Remove the solid-state drives.
2 3 96 Peel off the display board and camera cable from the display back-cover. 1 display back-cover 3 routing guides (3) 2 display board and camera cable Follow the procedure from step 1 to step 4 in "Removing the Alienware AlienHead LED board”.
4 Follow the procedure from step 1 to step 4 in "Removing the displaypanel AlienFX LEDs”.
Replacing the display backcover WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at dell.com/regulatory_compliance. Procedure 1 Place the display back-cover on a clean and flat surface.
Removing the camera WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at dell.com/regulatory_compliance. Prerequisites 1 Remove the base panel. 2 Remove the memory modules. 3 Remove the solid-state drives.
Procedure 1 100 Peel off the tape that secures the camera cable to the camera and disconnect the camera cable from the camera module.
2 Note the location of the camera module and pry it off the display backcover using a plastic scribe.
Replacing the camera WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at dell.com/regulatory_compliance. Procedure 1 Using the alignment posts, adhere the camera module to the display back-cover.
Removing the Alienware AlienHead LED board WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at dell.com/regulatory_compliance. Prerequisites 1 Remove the base panel. 2 Remove the memory modules.
2 3 104 Note the Alienware AlienHead LED cable routing and peel off the cable from the display back-cover. 1 Alienware AlienHead LED cable 3 display back-cover 2 tape Note the location of the Alienware AlienHead LED board and peel off the Alienware AlienHead LED board from the display back-cover.
4 Lift Alienware AlienHead LED board along with its cable off the display back-cover.
Replacing the Alienware AlienHead LED board WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at dell.com/regulatory_compliance. Procedure 1 Adhere the Alienware AlienHead LED board to the display back-cover.
Removing the display-panel AlienFX LEDs WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at dell.com/regulatory_compliance. Prerequisites 1 Remove the base panel. 2 Remove the memory modules.
Procedure 1 Peel off the tapes that secure the display-panel AlienFX LEDs to the display back-cover. 1 display back-cover 3 tapes (2) 2 display-panel AlienFX LED cables (2) 2 Note the routing of the display-panel AlienFX LED cables and peel off the cables from the display back-cover. 3 Note the location of the display-panel AlienFX LEDs and peel off the LEDs from the display back-cover.
4 Lift the display-panel AlienFX LEDs along with the cables off the display back-cover.
Replacing the display-panel AlienFX LEDs WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at dell.com/regulatory_compliance. Procedure 1 Adhere the display-panel AlienFX LEDs to the display back-cover.
Removing the logo board WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at dell.com/regulatory_compliance. Prerequisites 1 Remove the base panel. 2 Remove the memory modules. 3 Remove the solid-state drives.
2 112 Note the location of the logo board and pry the logo board off the display bezel using a plastic scribe.
Replacing the logo board WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at dell.com/regulatory_compliance. Procedure 1 Adhere the logo board to the display bezel. 2 Turn the display bezel over.
Removing the system board WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at dell.com/regulatory_compliance. NOTE: Your computer’s Service Tag is stored in the system board.
3 Using the pull tab, disconnect the hard-drive cable from the system board. 1 pull tab 2 hard-drive cable 3 power-adapter port cable 4 computer base 5 fan cables (2) 4 Turn the computer over. 5 Lift the latch and disconnect the I/O-board cable from the system board. 6 Disconnect the speaker cable from the system board.
7 Peel the tape and disconnect the front AlienFX LED cable from the system board. 1 latch 2 I/O-board cable 3 speaker cable 4 front AlienFX LED cable 5 tape 8 Remove the screws that secure the system board to the computer base. 9 Lift the system board at an angle and slide the ports on the system board out of the slots on the computer base.
10 Lift the system board off the computer base. 1 system board 2 screws (6) 11 Turn the system board over. 12 Follow the procedure from step 1 to step 2 in "Removing the heat-sink assembly”. 13 Follow the procedure from step 1 to step 2 in "Removing the coin-cell battery”.
Replacing the system board WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at dell.com/regulatory_compliance. NOTE: Your computer’s Service Tag is stored in the system board.
Post-requisites 1 Replace the display assembly. 2 Replace the hinge covers. 3 Follow the procedure from step 5 to step 11 in “Replacing the palm rest”. 4 Replace the wireless card. 5 Replace the solid-state drives. 6 Replace the memory modules. 7 Replace the base panel.
Removing the heat-sink assembly WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at dell.com/regulatory_compliance. WARNING: The heat sink may become hot during normal operation.
2 Lift the heat-sink assembly off the system board.
Replacing the heat-sink assembly WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at dell.com/regulatory_compliance. CAUTION: Incorrect alignment of the heat sink can cause damage to the system board and processor.
Removing the fans WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at dell.com/regulatory_compliance. Prerequisites 1 Remove the base panel. 2 Remove the memory module. 3 Remove the solid-state drives.
2 124 Lift the processor fan and video-card fan off the computer base.
Replacing the fans WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at dell.com/regulatory_compliance. Procedure 1 Align the screw holes on the processor fan and video-card fan with the screw holes on the computer base.
Removing the power-adapter port WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at dell.com/regulatory_compliance. Prerequisites 1 Remove the base panel. 2 Remove the memory modules. 3 Remove the solid-state drives.
4 Lift the power-adapter port along with its cable off the computer base.
Replacing the power-adapter port WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at dell.com/regulatory_compliance. Procedure 1 Slide the power-adapter port into the slot on the computer base.
Removing the coin-cell battery WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at dell.com/regulatory_compliance. CAUTION: Removing the coin-cell battery resets the BIOS settings to default.
2 130 Using a plastic scribe, gently pry out the coin-cell battery from the system board.
Replacing the coin-cell battery WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at dell.com/regulatory_compliance. Procedure 1 Adhere the coin-cell battery to the system board.
Removing the battery WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at dell.com/regulatory_compliance. Prerequisites 1 Remove the base panel. 2 Remove the memory modules. 3 Remove the solid-state drives.
2 3 Note the front AlienFX LED cable routing and peel off the cable from the battery. 1 speaker cable 2 routing guides (3) 3 battery 4 front AlienFX LED cable Remove the screws that secure the battery to the computer base.
4 134 Lift the battery off the computer base.
Replacing the battery WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at dell.com/regulatory_compliance. Procedure 1 Align the screw holes on the battery with the screw holes on the computer base.
Removing the computer base WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at dell.com/regulatory_compliance. Prerequisites 1 Remove the base panel. 2 Remove the memory modules. 3 Remove the solid-state drives.
1 computer base 137
Replacing the computer base WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at dell.com/regulatory_compliance. Procedure Place the computer base on a flat surface. Post-requisites 1 Replace the power-adapter port.
BIOS setup program Overview CAUTION: Unless you are an expert computer user, do not change the settings in the BIOS setup program. Certain changes can make your computer work incorrectly. NOTE: Before you change BIOS setup program, it is recommended that you write down the BIOS setup program screen information for future reference. Use BIOS setup program to: • Get information about the hardware installed in your computer, such as the amount of RAM, the size of the hard drive, and so on.
Main System Time Displays the current time in hh:mm:ss format. System Date Displays the current date in mm/dd/ yyyy format. BIOS Version Displays the BIOS version. Product Name Displays the model number of your computer. Service Tag Displays the service tag of your computer. Asset Tag Displays the asset tag of your computer. CPU Type Displays the processor type. CPU Speed Displays the processor speed. CPU ID Displays the processor identification code.
Main System Memory Displays the system memory. Extended Memory Displays the extended memory. Memory Speed Displays the memory speed. Advanced Intel(R) SpeedStep (TM) Allows you to disable or enable Intel (R) SpeedStep Technology. Default: Enabled NOTE: If enabled, the processor clock speed and core voltage are adjusted dynamically based on the processor load. Virtualization Allows you to disable or enable the Intel Virtualization technology.
Advanced Default: Enabled USB Wake Support Allows you to enable USB devices to wake the computer from standby or to disable the USB wake support feature. Default: Disabled NOTE: If USB PowerShare is enabled, a device connected to the USB PowerShare connector may not wake the computer. SATA Operation Allows you to configure the operating mode of the integrated SATA harddrive controller.
Advanced-Performance options with Alienware Graphics Amplifier Overclocking Feature Allows you to enable or disable global overclocking feature. Default: Disabled NOTE: The following features are available only when the Overclocking Feature is enabled. Non-Turbo Flex Support Allows you to enable or disable nonturbo flex support. Default: Enabled Flex Ratio Override Allows you to set the flex ratio override value. Override Turbo Settings Allows you to enable or disable the override turbo settings.
Advanced-Performance options with Alienware Graphics Amplifier Default: Disabled Security Unlock Setup Status Displays if the setup status is unlocked. Default: Unblocked. Admin Password Status Displays if the administrator password is clear or set. Default: Not set System password Status Displays if the system password is clear or set. Default: Not set HDD password Status Displays if the hard drive password is clear or set.
Security Password Change Allows you to permit or deny system password or HDD password changes. Default: Permitted Exit Save Changes and Reset Allows you to exit BIOS setup program and save your changes. Discard Changes and Reset Allows you to exit BIOS setup program and load previous values for all BIOS setup program options. Restore Defaults Allows you to restore default values for all BIOS setup program options.
Hard Drive — The computer attempts to boot from the primary hard drive. If no operating system is on the drive, the computer generates an error message. CD/DVD/CD-RW Drive — The computer attempts to boot from the optical drive. If no disc is in the drive, or if the disc is not bootable, the computer generates an error message. USB Storage Device — Insert the memory device into a USB connector and restart the computer. When F12 Boot Options appear in the lower-right corner of the screen, press F12.
2 Use the arrow keys to highlight the Boot menu option and press Enter to access the menu. NOTE: Note your current boot sequence in case you want to restore it. 3 Navigate to Set Boot Priority to configure the boot priority. 4 Use the arrow keys to highlight the boot priority and press Enter to display the different devices. 5 Select the device and press Enter to set the boot priority.
Flashing the BIOS You may need to flash (update) the BIOS when an update is available or when you replace the system board. To flash the BIOS: 1 Turn on the computer. 2 Go to dell.com/support. 3 Click Product Support, enter the Service Tag of your laptop and click Submit. NOTE: If you do not have the Service Tag, use the auto-detect feature or manually browse for your computer model. 4 Click Drivers & downloads.
Getting help and contacting Alienware Self-help resources You can get information and help on Alienware products and services using these online self-help resources: Self-Help Information Self-Help Options Accessing Windows Help Windows 8.1—Open the Search charm, type Help and Support in the search box and press Enter. Windows 7—Click Start → Help and Support. Information about Alienware products and services See alienware.com.
