Alienware Area-51 R4 Service Manual Regulatory Model: D03X Regulatory Type: D03X003
Notes, cautions, and warnings NOTE: A NOTE indicates important information that helps you make better use of your product. 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. © 2018 Dell Inc. or its subsidiaries. All rights reserved. Dell, EMC, and other trademarks are trademarks of Dell Inc. or its subsidiaries.
Contents 1 Before working inside your computer.................................................................................................10 Before you begin ............................................................................................................................................................... 10 Safety instructions...............................................................................................................................................................
12 Replacing the battery case................................................................................................................ 28 Procedure........................................................................................................................................................................... 28 Post-requisites....................................................................................................................................................................
Prerequisites....................................................................................................................................................................... 44 Procedure........................................................................................................................................................................... 44 24 Replacing the drive-bay heat sensor cable......................................................................................
35 Removing the coin-cell battery........................................................................................................ 60 Prerequisites....................................................................................................................................................................... 60 Procedure...........................................................................................................................................................................
Procedure........................................................................................................................................................................... 74 Post-requisites.................................................................................................................................................................... 74 47 Removing the processor liquid-cooling assembly........................................................................... 75 Prerequisites...
58 Replacing the front bezel................................................................................................................. 94 Procedure........................................................................................................................................................................... 94 Post-requisites....................................................................................................................................................................
Prerequisites...................................................................................................................................................................... 113 Procedure.......................................................................................................................................................................... 113 70 Replacing the antenna cables..........................................................................................................
Before working inside your computer 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. Click Start > Power > Shut down. NOTE: If you are using a different operating system, see the documentation of your operating system for shut-down instructions. 3. Disconnect your computer and all attached devices from their electrical outlets. 4.
Screw list The following table provides the list of screws that are used for securing different components. Table 1. Screw list Component Secured to Screw type Quantity Stability foot Computer #6-32x6 2 Security-cable slot latch Computer M2x3 1 Battery-case door Battery case M2x5.7 1 Battery case Chassis #6-32x5.2 2 Hard-drive assembly Chassis #6-32x6 1 Hard drive Hard-drive bracket #6-32x3.
Component Secured to Screw type Quantity Wireless card Chassis M2x3 1 Top fan Chassis #6-32x6 1 Logo board Chassis #6-32x6 1 Logo board Bracket #6-32x6 6 Solid-state drive System board M2x2.5 1 PCI fan Chassis M3x5.25 2 Fan shroud PCI fan M5x10 4 Processor liquid-cooling assembly Chassis #6-32x6 4 Power-supply unit Chassis #6-32x6 4 System-board Chassis #6-32x6 9 Rear-handle bar Chassis #6-32x6.5 14 Front-handle bar Chassis #6-32x6.
Component Secured to Screw type Quantity Rear bezel Chassis #6-32x6 4 Rear bezel Chassis M3x5 2 Base panel Chassis #6-32x6 4 Base panel Chassis #6-32x6 5 Antennas Chassis #6-32x6 6 Screw image 13
After working inside your computer CAUTION: Leaving stray or loose screws inside your computer may severely damage your computer. 1. Replace all screws and ensure that no stray screws remain inside your computer. 2. Connect any external devices, peripherals, or cables you removed before working on your computer. 3. Replace any media cards, discs, or any other parts that you removed before working on your computer. 4. Connect your computer and all attached devices to their electrical outlets. 5.
Technical overview NOTE: 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 www.dell.com/ regulatory_compliance. Inside view of your computer To view the different components installed in your computer.
Right view 1. optical drive (ODD) 2. I/O board (IO BRD) 3. drive-bay heat-sensor 4. 2.5-inch drive bracket (HDD4/HDD5) 5. AlienFX side-panel connector 6. rear I/O accessibility lighting batteries 7. 3.5-inch drive bracket (HDD1) 8. 3.5-inch drive bracket (HDD2) 9. 3.
System-board components 1. processor liquid cooling-assembly fan (LCM_FAN1) 2. audio connector 3. PCI-Express slot (SLOT1) 4. PCI-Express slot (SLOT3) 5. PCI-Express slot (SLOT4) 6. wireless card slot (M2_WLAN1) 7. PCI-Express slot (SLOT5) 8. PCI-Express slot (SLOT6) 9. solid-state drive slot (M2_SSD1) 10. PCI-Express slot (SLOT7) 11. low pin count debug header (LPC1) 12. USB connector (USB2) 13. LED Power Switch (PANEL1) 14. USB connector (USB1) 15.
I/O-board components NOTE: The location of the connectors may vary based on the selections you made at the time of purchase. 1. rear I/O accessibility lighting battery connector (VBAT1) 2. rear I/O accessibility lighting connector (PORCH_LIGHT1) 3. left theater-lighting connector (POGO_IN_L1) 4. right theater-lighting connector (POGO_IN_R1) 5. USB connector (USB1) 6. debug connector (DEBUG1) 7. front I/O control connector (FIO_PWR1) 8. front I/O connector (USB3_FIO1) 9.
Lifting the computer Procedure 1. With both hands, hold the handle located on top of the computer. 2. Lift the computer. a. handle b.
Removing the stability foot NOTE: 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 www.dell.com/ regulatory_compliance. Procedure 1. Tilt the computer towards the front until the base is facing up. 2.
Replacing the stability foot NOTE: 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 www.dell.com/ regulatory_compliance. Procedure 1. Tilt the computer towards the front until the base is facing up. 2.
Removing the side panels NOTE: 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 www.dell.com/ regulatory_compliance. Procedure NOTE: Make sure that you remove the security cable from the security-cable slot (if applicable). 1.
Replacing the side panels NOTE: 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 www.dell.com/ regulatory_compliance. Procedure 1.
Removing the battery NOTE: 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 www.dell.com/ regulatory_compliance. Prerequisites Remove the right side-panel. See “Removing the side panels”. Procedure 1. Remove the screw (M2x5.
Replacing the battery NOTE: 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 www.dell.com/ regulatory_compliance. Procedure 1. Insert the batteries into the battery case. 2. Slide and close the battery-case door. 3.
Removing the battery case NOTE: 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 www.dell.com/ regulatory_compliance. Prerequisites 1. Remove the stability foot. 2. Remove the right side-panel. See “Removing the side panels”. 3.
Replacing the battery case NOTE: 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 www.dell.com/ regulatory_compliance. Procedure 1. Align the screw holes on the battery case with the screw holes on the chassis. 2.
Removing the hard drive NOTE: 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 www.dell.com/ regulatory_compliance. CAUTION: Hard drives are fragile. Exercise care when handling the hard drive.
a. screws (4) b. hard drive c.
Replacing the hard drive NOTE: 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 www.dell.com/ regulatory_compliance. CAUTION: Hard drives are fragile. Exercise care when handling the hard drive. Procedure 1.
Removing the optical drive NOTE: 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 www.dell.com/ regulatory_compliance. Prerequisites 1. Remove the stability foot. 2. Remove the left and right side-panels.
a. screws (2) b. optical drive c.
Replacing the optical drive NOTE: 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 www.dell.com/ regulatory_compliance. Procedure 1. Align the screw holes on the optical-drive bracket with the screw holes on the optical drive.
Removing the right AlienFX side-panel connector NOTE: 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 www.dell.com/ regulatory_compliance. Prerequisites 1. Remove the stability foot. 2. Remove the left and right side-panels.
a. screws (2) b.
Replacing the right AlienFX side-panel connector NOTE: 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 www.dell.com/ regulatory_compliance. Procedure 1.
Removing the left AlienFX side-panel connector NOTE: 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 www.dell.com/ regulatory_compliance. Prerequisites 1. Remove the stability foot. 2. Remove the left and right side-panels.
a. screw b. left AlienFX side-panel connector assembly 7. Remove the two screws (#6-32x6) that secure the AlienFX side-panel connector to the bracket. 8. Remove the cable routing through the slot on the bracket and lift the left AlienFX side-panel connector off the bracket. a. screw b.
Replacing the left AlienFX side-panel connector NOTE: 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 www.dell.com/ regulatory_compliance. Procedure 1.
Removing the I/O board NOTE: 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 www.dell.com/ regulatory_compliance. Prerequisites 1. Remove the stability foot. 2. Remove left and right side-panels. See “Removing the side panels”.
a. I/O board b.
Replacing the I/O board NOTE: 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 www.dell.com/ regulatory_compliance. Procedure 1.
Removing the drive-bay heat sensor cable NOTE: 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 www.dell.com/ regulatory_compliance. Prerequisites 1. Remove the stability foot. 2. Remove the left and right side-panels.
a. release tab b.
Replacing the drive-bay heat sensor cable NOTE: 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 www.dell.com/ regulatory_compliance. Procedure 1. Route the drive-bay heat-sensor cable through the slot on the chassis. 2.
Removing the memory modules NOTE: 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 www.dell.com/ regulatory_compliance. Prerequisites 1. Remove the stability foot. 2. Remove the left and right side-panels.
Replacing the memory modules NOTE: 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 www.dell.com/ regulatory_compliance. Procedure 1. Align the notch on the memory module with the tab on the memory-module slot. 2.
Removing the graphics card NOTE: 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 www.dell.com/ regulatory_compliance. Prerequisites 1. Remove the stability foot. 2. Remove the left and right side-panels.
a. graphics card b.
Replacing the graphics card NOTE: 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 www.dell.com/ regulatory_compliance. Procedure 1. Align the graphics card with the PCI-Express card connector on the system board. 2.
Removing multiple graphics cards NOTE: 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 www.dell.com/ regulatory_compliance. Prerequisites 1. Remove the stability foot. 2. Remove the left and right side-panels.
a. screw cover b. screws (2) c. power cables (2) 6. Press and hold the securing tab on the card connector, grasp the card by its top corners, and then ease the card out of the card connector. a. graphics card b. securing tab 7. Repeat steps 2 to 7 to remove graphics card on the PCI-Express card connector (SLOT4) and PCI-Express x16 card connector (SLOT7).
Replacing multiple graphics cards NOTE: 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 www.dell.com/ regulatory_compliance. Procedure 1. Place the card in the connector and press the card down firmly.
Removing the full-length graphics cards NOTE: 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 www.dell.com/ regulatory_compliance. Prerequisites 1. Remove the stability foot. 2. Remove the left and right side-panels.
a. screw cover b. screws (2) c. power cables (2) 8. Press and hold the securing tab on the card connector, grasp the card by its top corners, and then ease the card out of the card connector. a. graphics card b.
Replacing the full-length graphics cards NOTE: 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 www.dell.com/ regulatory_compliance. Procedure 1. Align the graphics card with the PCI-Express card connector on the system board.
Removing the wireless card NOTE: 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 www.dell.com/ regulatory_compliance. Prerequisites 1. Remove the stability foot. See “Removing the stability foot”. 2.
Replacing the wireless card NOTE: 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 www.dell.com/ regulatory_compliance. Procedure 1. Connect the antenna cables to the wireless card. 2.
Removing the coin-cell battery NOTE: 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 www.dell.com/ regulatory_compliance. CAUTION: Removing the coin-cell battery resets the BIOS setup program’s settings to default.
Replacing the coin-cell battery NOTE: 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 www.dell.com/ regulatory_compliance.
Removing the top fan NOTE: 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 www.dell.com/ regulatory_compliance. Prerequisites 1. Remove the stability foot. 2. Remove the left and right side-panels.
Replacing the top fan NOTE: 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 www.dell.com/ regulatory_compliance. Procedure 1.
Removing the logo board NOTE: 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 www.dell.com/ regulatory_compliance. Prerequisites 1. Remove the stability foot. 2. Remove the left and right side-panels.
a. screws (6) b. logo-board bracket c.
Replacing the logo board NOTE: 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 www.dell.com/ regulatory_compliance. Procedure 1.
Removing the solid-state drive NOTE: 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 www.dell.com/ regulatory_compliance. CAUTION: Solid-state drives are fragile. Exercise care when handling the solid-state drive.
Replacing the solid-state drive NOTE: 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 www.dell.com/ regulatory_compliance. CAUTION: Solid-state drives are fragile. Exercise care when handling the solid-state drive. Procedure 1.
Removing the PCI fan NOTE: 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 www.dell.com/ regulatory_compliance. Prerequisites 1. Remove the stability foot. 2. Remove the left and right side-panels.
a. PCI fan b. screws (2) 5. Disconnect the PCI-fan cable and front-bezel heat-sensor cable from their respective connectors on the system board. 6. Remove the PCI fan from the tabs securing it to the chassis. 1. PCI fan 3. PCI-fan cable 5. tabs 2. front-bezel heat-sensor cable 4. system board 6. chassis 7. Remove the four screws (M5x10) securing the fan shroud to the PCI fan. 8. Lift and remove the fan shroud off the PCI fan.
a. screws (4) b.
Replacing the PCI fan NOTE: 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 www.dell.com/ regulatory_compliance. Procedure 1. Align the tabs on the fan shroud with the slots on the PCI fan. 2.
Removing the front-bezel heat sensor cable NOTE: 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 www.dell.com/ regulatory_compliance. Prerequisites 1. Remove the stability foot. 2. Remove the left and right side-panels.
Replacing the front-bezel heat-sensor cable NOTE: 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 www.dell.com/ regulatory_compliance. Procedure 1. Route the front-bezel heat-sensor cable through the bracket. 2.
Removing the processor liquid-cooling assembly NOTE: 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 www.dell.com/ regulatory_compliance. Prerequisites 1. Remove the stability foot. 2. Remove the left and right side-panels.
a. processor liquid-cooling assembly fan b. chassis c.
Replacing the processor liquid-cooling assembly NOTE: 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 www.dell.com/ regulatory_compliance.
Removing the processor NOTE: 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 www.dell.com/ regulatory_compliance. Prerequisites 1. Remove the stability foot. 2. Remove the left and right side-panels.
Replacing the processor NOTE: 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 www.dell.com/ regulatory_compliance.
Post-requisites 1. Replace the processor liquid-cooling assembly fan. 2. Replace the left and right side-panels. See “Replacing the side panels”. 3. Replace the stability foot.
Removing the power-supply unit NOTE: 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 www.dell.com/ regulatory_compliance. Prerequisites 1. Remove the stability foot. 2. Remove the left and right side-panels.
a. power-supply unit b. power-supply unit cover 5. Slide the power-supply unit out through the back of the chassis and remove it from the computer. a. chassis b. power-supply unit 6. Slide and remove the metal bracket from the power-supply unit.
Replacing the power-supply unit NOTE: 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 www.dell.com/ regulatory_compliance.
Removing the system board NOTE: 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 www.dell.com/ regulatory_compliance. NOTE: Your computer’s Service Tag is stored in the system board.
a. screws (9) b. system board 5. Remove the processor.
Replacing the system board NOTE: 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 www.dell.com/ regulatory_compliance. NOTE: Your computer’s Service Tag is stored in the system board.
Removing the handle bars NOTE: 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 www.dell.com/ regulatory_compliance. Prerequisites 1. Remove the stability foot. 2. Remove the left and right side-panels.
a. screws (7) b. rear-handle bar c. chassis 4. Remove the seven screws (#6-32x6.5) that secure the front handle-bar to the left side of the chassis. a. screws (7) b. chassis c. front-handle bar 5. Remove the seven screws (#6-32x6.5) that secure the front handle-bar to the right side of the chassis. 6. Press the front-handle bar to release the securing tab and remove the front-handle bar.
a. screws (7) b. front-handle bar c. chassis 7. Remove the seven screws (#6-32x6.5) that secure the bottom handle-bar to the left side of the chassis. a. screws (7) b. bottom-handle bar c. chassis 8. Remove the seven screws (#6-32x6.5) that secure the bottom handle-bar to the right side of the chassis. 9. Press the bottom-handle bar to release the securing tab and remove the bottom-handle bar.
a. screws (7) b. chassis c.
Replacing the handle bars NOTE: 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 www.dell.com/ regulatory_compliance. Procedure 1. Align and place the bottom-handle bar on the slot and snap the bottom-handle bar to the chassis.
Removing the front bezel NOTE: 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 www.dell.com/ regulatory_compliance. Prerequisites 1. Remove the stability foot. 2. Remove the left and right side-panels.
a. chassis b. tabs (2) c. screws (3) 5. Pull the connector downwards and then disconnect the bottom tron light-cables from the front bezel. 6. Pull the connector downwards and then disconnect the top tron light-cables from the front bezel. 7. Pull the front bezel off the chassis. a. front bezel b.
Replacing the front bezel NOTE: 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 www.dell.com/ regulatory_compliance. Procedure 1.
Removing the optical-drive eject-button board NOTE: 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 www.dell.com/ regulatory_compliance. Prerequisites 1. Remove the stability foot. 2. Remove the left and right side-panels.
a. chassis b. securing clips 3. Remove the two screws (#6-32x6) that secure the optical-drive eject-button board to the chassis. 4. Remove the optical-drive eject-button board, along with the cable, off the chassis. a. optical-drive eject-button board b. screws (2) c.
Replacing the optical-drive eject-button board NOTE: 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 www.dell.com/ regulatory_compliance. Procedure 1.
Removing the rear bezel NOTE: 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 www.dell.com/ regulatory_compliance. Prerequisites 1. Remove the stability foot. 2. Remove the left and right side-panels.
1. chassis 3. rear I/O accessibility lighting cable 2. securing clip 4. slot 4. Remove the four screws (#6-32x6) that secure the power-supply unit to the back of the chassis. 5. Lift the power-supply unit cover away from the chassis. 6. Remove the rear I/O accessibility lighting cable from the routing guides on the chassis. 1. rear bezel 3. screws (4) 5. routing guides (2) 2. power-supply unit cover 4. rear I/O accessibility lighting cable 6. chassis 7.
a. screws (4) b. rear bezel 8. Remove the two screws (M3x5) from inside, that secure the rear bezel to the left side and right side of the chassis. 9. Release the tabs from inside the chassis on the right side and left side, securing the rear bezel to the chassis. a. chassis b. tabs (6) c. screws (2) 10. Remove the rear bezel from the chassis and remove the rear I/O accessibility lighting cable from the slot on the chassis.
a. rear bezel b.
Replacing the rear bezel NOTE: 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 www.dell.com/ regulatory_compliance. Procedure 1. Route the rear I/O accessibility lighting cable through the slot on the chassis. 2.
Removing the base panel NOTE: 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 www.dell.com/ regulatory_compliance. Prerequisites 1. Remove the stability foot. 2. Remove the left and right side-panels.
a. tabs (2) b. screws (3) c. chassis 4. Remove the two screws (#6-32x6) from inside, securing the base panel to the right side of the chassis. 5. Release the tabs from inside the chassis on the right side, securing the base panel to the right side of the chassis. a.
b. tabs (2) c. chassis 6. Remove the base panel from the chassis. a. base panel b.
Replacing the base panel NOTE: 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 www.dell.com/ regulatory_compliance. Procedure 1.
Removing the top tron-lighting cable NOTE: 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 www.dell.com/ regulatory_compliance. Prerequisites 1. Remove the stability foot. 2. Remove the left and right side-panels.
a. chassis b. tape c.
Replacing the top tron-lighting cable NOTE: 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 www.dell.com/ regulatory_compliance. Procedure 1. Align and place the top tron-lighting cables on the chassis. 2.
Removing the bottom tron-lighting cable NOTE: 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 www.dell.com/ regulatory_compliance. Prerequisites 1. Remove the stability foot. 2. Remove the left and right side-panels.
a. top tron-lighting cables b.
Replacing the bottom tron-lighting cable NOTE: 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 www.dell.com/ regulatory_compliance. Procedure 1. Route the bottom tron-lighting cables through the slot on the chassis. 2.
Removing the antenna cables NOTE: 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 www.dell.com/ regulatory_compliance. Prerequisites 1. Remove the stability foot. 2. Remove the left and right side-panels.
a. chassis b. routing guides 4. Remove the antenna cables from the routing guide on the chassis and slide the antenna cable through the slot on the chassis. a. antenna cables b. routing guide c. slot 5. Peel the tape that secures the antenna cables to the chassis. 6. Remove the six screws (#6-32x6) that secure the antenna cables to the chassis. 7. Pull the antenna cables from the slot on the chassis and remove.
1. screws 3. chassis 2. slot 4.
Replacing the antenna cables NOTE: 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 www.dell.com/ regulatory_compliance. Procedure 1.
Downloading drivers Downloading the audio driver 1. Turn on your computer. 2. Go to www.dell.com/support. 3. Click Product Support, enter the Service Tag of your computer, and then 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 > Find it myself. 5. Scroll down the page and expand Audio. 6. Click Download to download the audio driver for your computer. 7.
Downloading the chipset driver 1. Turn on your computer. 2. Go to www.dell.com/support. 3. Click Product Support, enter the Service Tag of your computer, and then 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 > Find it myself. 5. Scroll down the page and expand Chipset. 6. Click Download to download the appropriate chipset driver for your computer. 7.
BIOS setup program Boot Sequence Boot Sequence allows you to bypass the System Setup–defined boot device order and boot directly to a specific device (for example: optical drive or hard drive). During the Power-on Self Test (POST), when the Dell logo appears, you can: • • Access System Setup by pressing F2 key Bring up the one-time boot menu by pressing F12 key The one-time boot menu displays the devices that you can boot from including the diagnostic option.
NOTE: The F2 prompt indicates that the keyboard is initialized. This prompt can appear very quickly, so you must watch for it, and then press F2. If you press F2 before the F2 prompt, this keystroke is lost. If you wait too long and the operating system logo appears, continue to wait until you see the desktop. Then, turn off your computer and try again. System setup options NOTE: Depending on your computer and its installed devices, the items listed in this section may or may not appear. Table 3.
Advanced BIOS Auto-Recovery Enable the user to recover from certain corrupted BIOS conditions from a recovery file on the user primary hard drive. Default: Disabled. Always Perform Integrity Check Allows you to perform the Integrity check. Default: Disabled. CPU configuration Hyper-threading Technology Enable or disable HyperThreading in the processor. Default: Enabled. Intel (R) SpeedStep (tm) Enable or disable Intel Speedstep Technology. Default: Enabled.
Table 5. System setup options—OC menu OC Intel CPU Allows you to set OC mode and Custom Pstate0 for the CPU. Intel Memory Allows you to set the overclocking. Table 6. System setup options—Security menu Security Unlock Setup Displays if the setup status is unlocked. Admin Password Allows you to set the administrator password. The administrator password controls access to the system setup utility. System Password Allows you to set the system password.
Boot 1st Boot Allows you to enable or disable the 1st boot device. Default: Hard Disk. 2nd Boot Allows you to enable or disable the 2nd boot device. Default: USB Hard Disk. 3rd Boot Allows you to enable or disable the 3rd boot device. Default: CD/DVD. 4th Boot Allows you to enable or disable the 4th boot device. Default: Floppy. 5th Boot Allows you to enable or disable the 5th boot device. Default: Network. Table 8.
Deleting or changing an existing system and or setup password Ensure that the Password Status is Unlocked (in the System Setup) before attempting to delete or change the existing System and/or Setup password. You cannot delete or change an existing System or Setup password, if the Password Status is Locked. To enter the System Setup, press F2 immediately after a power-on or reboot. 1. In the System BIOS or System Setup screen, select System Security and press Enter. The System Security screen is displayed.
3. Remove the left and right side-panels. See “Removing the side panels”. 4. Locate the CMOS jumper (RTC_CLR1) on the system board. See “system-board components”. 5. Remove the jumper plug from pins 2 and 3 and fix it on pins 1 and 2. 6. Wait for approximately five seconds to clear the CMOS setting. 7. Remove the jumper plug from pins 1 and 2 and replace it on pins 2 and 3. 1. pin 1 3. pin 3 2. pin 2 4. jumper plug 8. Replace the left and right side panels. See "Replacing the side panels”. 9.
Troubleshooting Flashing the BIOS You may need to flash (update) the BIOS when an update is available or when you replace the system board. Follow these steps to flash the BIOS: 1. Turn on your computer. 2. Go to www.dell.com/support. 3. Click Product support, enter the Service Tag of your computer, and then 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 > Find it myself. 5.
Diagnostics front page is displayed. 5. Click the arrow in the lower-right corner to go to the page listing. The items detected are listed. 6. To run a diagnostic test on a specific device, press Esc and click Yes to stop the diagnostic test. 7. Select the device from the left pane and click Run Tests. 8. If there are any issues, error codes are displayed. Note the error code and validation number and contact Dell. Diagnostics The following table shows different beep codes and what they indicate. Table 9.
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: Table 10. Alienware products and online self-help resources Information about Alienware products and services www.alienware.com Dell Help & Support app Tips Contact Support In Windows search, type Contact Support, and press Enter. Online help for operating system www.dell.com/support/windows www.dell.
