Alienware Area-51m R2 Service Manual Regulatory Model: P38E Regulatory Type: P38E002 June 2020 Rev.
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. © 2020 Dell Inc. or its subsidiaries. All rights reserved. Dell, EMC, and other trademarks are trademarks of Dell Inc. or its subsidiaries.
Contents 1 Working inside your computer..............................................................................................................6 Before working inside your computer................................................................................................................................. 6 Safety instructions.................................................................................................................................................................
Installing the hard drive................................................................................................................................................ 36 Rear-I/O cover................................................................................................................................................................... 37 Removing the rear-I/O cover...................................................................................................................................
3 Drivers and downloads........................................................................................................................79 4 System setup....................................................................................................................................... 80 Entering BIOS setup program........................................................................................................................................... 80 Navigation keys............................
Working inside your computer Before working inside your computer About this task NOTE: The images in this document may differ from your computer depending on the configuration you ordered. Steps 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.
Electrostatic discharge—ESD protection ESD is a major concern when you handle electronic components, especially sensitive components such as expansion cards, processors, memory DIMMs, and system boards. Very slight charges can damage circuits in ways that may not be obvious, such as intermittent problems or a shortened product life span. As the industry pushes for lower power requirements and increased density, ESD protection is an increasing concern.
• • system that is being repaired. The workspace should also be free of insulators that can cause an ESD event. On the work area, insulators such as Styrofoam and other plastics should always be moved at least 12 inches or 30 centimeters away from sensitive parts before physically handling any hardware components ESD Packaging – All ESD-sensitive devices must be shipped and received in static-safe packaging. Metal, static-shielded bags are preferred.
Removing and installing components Recommended tools The procedures in this document may require the following tools: • • • Phillips screwdriver #1 Phillips screwdriver #0 Plastic scribe Screw list NOTE: When removing screws from a component, it is recommended to note the screw type, the quantity of screws, and then place them in a screw storage box. This is to ensure that the correct number of screws and correct screw type is restored when the component is replaced.
Table 1. Screw list(continued) Component Secured to Screw type Quantity Heat-sink assembly Palm-rest assembly M2.5x5 2 Per key keyboard Palm-rest assembly M1.2x2.5 57 Hard-drive assembly Palm-rest assembly M2x3 4 Hard-drive bracket Hard drive M3x3 4 Power-adapter port bracket Palm-rest assembly M2x3 1 Rear-I/O cover Computer base M2.5x2.5 4 Rear-I/O cover Palm-rest assembly M2.5x7 2 System board Palm-rest assembly M2.5x5 4 M.2 2280 solid-state drive in M.
Base cover Removing the base cover Prerequisites 1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer. About this task The following image indicates the location of the base cover and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure.
Steps 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Loosen the six captive screws that secure the base cover to the computer base to open a gap between the two parts. Starting from the middle of the bottom side, lift open the base cover with your fingertips. Release the tabs on the base cover from the slots on the computer base. Slide the base cover off the computer base. Disconnect the battery cable from the system board. Press and hold the power button for five seconds to ground the system board.
Steps 1. Connect the battery cable to the system board. 2. Slide the tabs on the base cover into the slots on the computer base and snap the base cover into place. 3. Tighten the six captive screws that secure the base cover to the computer base. Next steps 1. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer. Battery Lithium-ion battery precautions CAUTION: 14 • Exercise caution when handling Lithium-ion batteries. • Discharge the battery completely before removing it.
• If the battery gets stuck inside your computer as a result of swelling, do not try to release it as puncturing, bending, or crushing a lithium-ion battery can be dangerous. In such an instance, contact Dell technical support for assistance. See www.dell.com/contactdell. • Always purchase genuine batteries from www.dell.com or authorized Dell partners and resellers. Removing the battery Prerequisites 1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer. 2. Remove the base cover.
Steps 1. Align the screw holes on the battery with the screw holes on the palm-rest assembly. 2. Replace the six screws (M2.5x5) that secure the battery to the palm-rest assembly. 3. Route the battery cable through the routing guides on the computer base and connect the battery cable to the system board. Next steps 1. Install the base cover. 2. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer. Memory modules Removing the memory modules Prerequisites 1.
Steps 1. Use your fingertips to carefully spread apart the securing-clips on each end of the memory-module slot until the memory module pops up. 2. Remove the memory module from the memory-module slot. NOTE: Repeat steps 1 and 2 to remove any other memory modules installed in your computer. Installing the memory modules Prerequisites If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure.
Steps 1. Align the notch on the memory module with the tab on the memory-module slot. 2. Slide the memory module firmly into the slot at an angle. 3. 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. NOTE: Repeat steps 1 to 3 if you are installing two memory modules. Next steps 1. Install the base cover. 2. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer. Solid-state drive—M.2 slot one Removing the M.
Steps 1. Remove the screw (M2x3) that secures the thermal shield and the solid-state drive to the computer base. 2. Slide and lift the thermal shield from the computer base. 3. Slide and remove the M.2 2280 solid-state drive from the M.2 solid-state drive slot on the system board. Installing the M.2 2280 solid-state drive in M.2 slot one Prerequisites If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure.
Steps 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Align the notch on the M.2 2280 solid-state drive with the tab on the M.2 solid-state drive slot on the system board. Slide the M.2 2280 solid-state drive into the M.2 solid-state drive slot on the system board. Slide the tab on the thermal shield into the slot on the computer base to secure the thermal shield in place. Align the screw holes on the thermal shield with the screw holes on the computer base.
Steps 1. Remove the screw (M2x3) that secures the M.2 thermal shield to the palm-rest assembly and system board. 2. Lift the M.2 thermal shield from the palm-rest assembly and system board. 3. 4. 5. 6. Remove the screw (M2x3) that secures the M.2 2230 solid-state drive to the palm-rest assembly. Slide and remove the M.2 2230 solid-state drive from the M.2 solid-state drive slot on the system board. Remove the two screws (M2x3) that secure the solid-state drive mounting bracket to the computer base.
• M.2 2230 solid-state drive • M.2 2280 solid-state drive NOTE: Install the solid-state drive to the M.2 slot one before installing the solid-state drive to the M.2 slot two on the system board. The following image indicates the location of the M.2 2230 solid-state drive in M.2 slot one and provides a visual representation of the installation procedure. Steps 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 22 Using the alignment posts, place the solid-state drive mounting bracket in the slot on the computer base.
Next steps 1. Install the base cover. 2. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer. Solid-state drive—M.2 slot two Removing the M.2 2280 solid-state drive from M.2 slot two Prerequisites 1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer. 2. Remove the base cover. About this task NOTE: This procedure applies only to computers shipped with an M.2 2280 solid-state drive installed in M.2 slot two. NOTE: Depending on the configuration ordered, the computer may have up to four M.
Installing the M.2 2280 solid-state drive in M.2 slot two Prerequisites If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure. About this task NOTE: This procedure applies only to computers shipped with an M.2 2280 solid-state drive installed in M.2 slot two. NOTE: Depending on the configuration ordered, the computer may have up to four M.2 solid-state drive installed. The solid-state drive configurations that are supported on M.
Removing the M.2 2230 solid-state drive from M.2 slot two Prerequisites 1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer. 2. Remove the base cover. About this task NOTE: This procedure applies only to computers shipped with an M.2 2230 solid-state drive installed in M.2 slot two. NOTE: Depending on the configuration ordered, the computer may have up to four M.2 solid-state drive installed. The solid-state drive configurations that are supported on M.2 slot two are as follows: • M.
About this task NOTE: This procedure applies only to computers shipped with an M.2 2230 solid-state drive installed in M.2 slot two. NOTE: Depending on the configuration ordered, the computer may have up to four M.2 solid-state drive installed. The solid-state drive configurations that are supported on M.2 slot two are as follows: • M.2 2230 solid-state drive • M.2 2280 solid-state drive NOTE: Install the solid-state drive to the M.2 slot one before installing the solid-state drive to the M.
Solid state drive—M.2 slot three Removing the M.2 2280 solid-state drive from M.2 slot three Prerequisites 1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer. 2. Remove the base cover. About this task NOTE: This procedure applies only to computers shipped with an M.2 2280 solid-state drive installed in M.2 slot three. The following image indicates the location of the M.2 2280 solid-state drive in M.2 slot three and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure. Steps 1.
Steps 1. Align the notch on the M.2 2280 solid-state drive with the tab on the M.2 solid-state drive slot on the solid-state drive interposer board. 2. Slide the M.2 2280 solid-state drive into the M.2 solid-state drive slot on the solid-state drive interposer board. 3. Align the screw holes on the thermal shield with the screw holes on the solid-state drive interposer board. 4. Replace the two screws (M2x3) that secure the solid-state drive and the thermal shield to the solid-state drive interposer board.
Steps 1. Remove the two screws (M2x3) that secure the thermal shield and the solid-state drive to the solid-state drive interposer board. 2. Slide and lift the thermal shield from the computer base. 3. Slide and remove the M.2 2280 solid-state drive from the M.2 solid-state drive slot on the solid-state drive interposer board. Installing the M.2 2280 solid-state drive in M.2 slot four Prerequisites If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure.
Steps 1. Align the notch on the M.2 2280 solid-state drive with the tab on the M.2 solid-state drive slot on the solid-state drive interposer board. 2. Slide the M.2 2280 solid-state drive into the M.2 solid-state drive slot on the solid-state drive interposer board. 3. Align the screw holes on the thermal shield with the screw holes on the solid-state drive interposer board. 4. Replace the two screws (M2x3) that secure the solid-state drive and the thermal shield to the solid-state drive interposer board.
Steps 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Disconnect the solid-state drive interposer board cables from the system board. Remove the solid-state drive interposer board cables from the routing guides on the computer base. Remove the four screws (M2x3) that secure the solid-state drive interposer board bracket to the palm-rest assembly. Lift the solid-state drive interposer board assembly off the palm-rest assembly. Disconnect the solid-state drive interposer board cables from the solid-state drive interposer board.
The following image indicates the location of the solid-state drive interposer board and provides a visual representation of the installation procedure. Steps 1. Place the solid-state drive interposer board on the solid-state drive interposer board bracket. 2. Align the screw holes on the solid-state drive interposer board with the screw holes on the solid-state drive interposer board bracket. 3.
2. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer. Wireless card Removing the wireless card Prerequisites 1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer. 2. Remove the base cover. About this task The following image indicates the location of the wireless card and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure. Steps 1. 2. 3. 4. Remove the screw (M2x3) that secures the wireless-card bracket to the system board.
About this task CAUTION: To avoid damage to the wireless card, do not place any cables under it. The following image indicates the location of the wireless card and provides a visual representation of the installation procedure. Steps 1. Connect the antenna cables to the wireless card. The following table provides the antenna-cable color scheme for the wireless card that is supported by your computer. Table 2.
Hard drive Removing the hard drive Prerequisites 1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer. 2. Remove the base cover. About this task The following image indicates the location of the hard drive and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure. Steps 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Using the pull tab, disconnect the hard-drive cable from the system board. Remove the hard-drive cable from the routing guides on the computer base.
Installing the hard drive Prerequisites If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure. About this task The following image indicates the location of the hard drive and provides a visual representation of the installation procedure. Steps 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 36 Place the hard drive on the hard-drive bracket. Align the screw holes on the hard-drive bracket with the screw holes on the hard drive.
Next steps 1. Install the base cover. 2. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer. Rear-I/O cover Removing the rear-I/O cover Prerequisites 1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer. 2. Remove the base cover. About this task The following image indicates the location of the rear-I/O cover and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure. Steps 1. Remove the two screws (M2.5x7) that secure the rear-I/O cover to the palm-rest assembly. 2.
3. Remove the four screws (M2.5x2.5) that secure the rear-I/O cover to the computer base. NOTE: Ensure that the tron-light cable is disconnected before removing the rear-I/O cover from palm-rest assembly. 4. Using a plastic scribe, push the side holes on the rear-I/O cover to remove it from the palm-rest assembly. Installing the rear-I/O cover Prerequisites If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure.
Next steps 1. Install the base cover. 2. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer. Audio daughter-board Removing the audio daughter-board Prerequisites 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer. Remove the base cover. Follow the procedure from step 1 to step 4 in Removing the hard drive, if applicable. Remove the solid-state drive from M.2 slot three, if applicable. Remove the solid-state drive from M.2 slot four, if applicable.
Installing the audio daughter-board Prerequisites If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure. About this task NOTE: After replacing the audio daughter-board, you must set up the keyboard language and color. The following image indicates the location of the audio daughter-board and provides a visual representation of the installation procedure. Steps 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Place the audio daughter-board in the slot on the palm-rest assembly.
Speakers Removing the speakers Prerequisites 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer. Remove the base cover. Remove the battery. Remove the solid-state drive from M.2 slot two. Follow the procedure from step 1 to step 4 in Removing the hard drive, if applicable. Remove the solid-state drive from M.2 slot three, if applicable. Remove the solid-state drive from M.2 slot four, if applicable. Remove the solid-state drive interposer board, if applicable.
About this task NOTE: If the rubber grommets are pushed out of the speakers when removing the speakers, push them back in place before replacing the speakers. The following image indicates the location of the speakers and provides a visual representation of the installation procedure. Steps 1. Using the alignment posts and rubber grommets, place the left speaker in the slot on the palm-rest assembly. 2.
2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Remove the base cover. Remove the battery. Remove the wireless card. Remove the solid-state drive from M.2 slot two. Remove the rear-I/O cover. Remove the computer base. About this task The following image indicates the location of the card-reader board and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure. Steps 1. 2. 3. 4. Using the pull tab, disconnect the card-reader board cable from the system board. Remove the three screws (M2.5x2.
Steps 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Place the card-reader board in the slot on the palm-rest assembly. Align the screw holes on the card-reader board with the screws holes on the palm-rest assembly. Replace the three screws (M2.5x2.5) that secure the card-reader board to the palm-rest assembly. Route the card-reader board cable through the routing guides on the computer base. Connect the card-reader board cable to the system board. Next steps 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Install the computer base. Install the rear-I/O cover.
Steps 1. Disconnect the coin-cell battery cable from the system board. 2. Peel off the coin-cell battery from the palm-rest assembly. Installing the coin-cell battery Prerequisites If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure. About this task The following image indicates the location of the coin-cell battery and provides a visual representation of the installation procedure.
Steps 1. Adhere the coin-cell battery to the slot on the palm-rest assembly. 2. Connect the coin-cell battery to the system board. Next steps 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Install the card-reader board. Install the solid-state drive in M.2 slot two. Install the battery. Install the base cover. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer. Computer base Removing the computer base Prerequisites 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer. Remove the base cover.
Steps 1. Remove the screw (M2x3) that secures the display-cable bracket on the system board. 2. Lift the display-cable bracket off the system board. 3. Using the pull tab, disconnect the hard-drive cable. 4. Remove the hard-drive cable from the routing guides on the computer base. 5. Disconnect the Tobii cable from the system board. 6. Peel off the Tobii cable from the computer base. 7. Remove the antenna cables from the routing guides on the computer base. 8.
Steps 1. Align the screw holes on the computer base with the screw holes on the palm-rest assembly. 2. Replace the 14 screws (M2.5x8) that secure the computer base to the palm-rest assembly. 3. Replace the screw (M2.5x12) that secures the computer base to the palm-rest assembly. 4. Adhere the display cable and camera cable to the computer base. 5. Connect the camera cable to the system board. 6. Connect the display cable to the system board. 7.
Touchpad Removing the touchpad Prerequisites 1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer. 2. Remove the base cover. 3. Remove the battery. 4. Remove the solid-state drive from M.2 slot one. 5. Remove the solid-state drive from M.2 slot two. 6. Follow the procedure from step 1 to step 4 in Removing the hard drive, if applicable. 7. Remove the solid-state drive from M.2 slot three, if applicable. 8. Remove the solid-state drive from M.2 slot four, if applicable. 9.
Steps 1. Open the latch and disconnect the keyboard-controller cable from the system board. 2. Open the latch and disconnect the keyboard-controller cable from the audio daughter-board. 3. Open the latch and disconnect the keyboard cable from the audio daughter-board. 4. Open the latch and disconnect the touchpad cable from the system board. 5. Open the latch and disconnect the touchpad cable from the touchpad. 6. Peel off the touchpad cable from the touchpad bracket. 7.
Steps 1. Place the touchpad into the slot on the palm-rest assembly. Ensure to align the touchpad using the alignment pins on the palmrest assembly. 2. Place the touchpad bracket into the slot on the palm-rest assembly. 3. Replace the five screws (M2x3) that secure the touchpad bracket to the palm-rest assembly. 4. Connect the touchpad-button cable to the touchpad and close the latch to secure the cable. 5. Adhere the touchpad cable to the touchpad bracket. 6.
6. Install the solid-state drive in M.2 slot three, if applicable. 7. Follow the procedure from step 5 to step 8 in Installing the hard drive, if applicable. 8. Install the solid-state drive in M.2 slot two. 9. Install the solid-state drive in M.2 slot one. 10. Install the battery. 11. Install the base cover. 12. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer. Display assembly Removing the display assembly Prerequisites 1. 2. 3. 4. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer.
Steps 1. Remove the screw (M2x3) that secures the display-cable bracket to the system board. 2. Lift the display-cable bracket off the system board. 3. Using the pull tab, disconnect the display cable from the system board. 4. Disconnect the camera cable from the system board. 5. Peel off the display cable and the camera cable from the computer base. 6. Disconnect the Tobii cable from the system board. 7. Remove the antenna cables from the routing guides on the computer base. 8.
Steps 1. Align the screw holes on the display hinges with the screw holes on the palm-rest assembly. 2. Replace the four screws (M2.5x2.5) that secure the display assembly to the palm-rest assembly. 3. Turn the computer over. 4. Replace the two screws (M2.5x8) that secure the computer base to the display assembly. 5. Adhere the Tobii cable to the computer base. 6. Route the antennas cable through the routing guides on the computer base. 7. Connect the Tobii cable to the system board. 8.
Heat-sink assembly Removing the heat-sink assembly Prerequisites 1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer. 2. Remove the base cover. 3. Remove the battery. 4. Remove the wireless card. 5. Remove the solid-state drive from M.2 slot one. 6. Follow the procedure from step 1 to step 4 in Removing the hard drive, if applicable. 7. Remove the solid-state drive from M.2 slot three, if applicable. 8. Remove the solid-state drive from M.2 slot four, if applicable. 9.
Installing the heat-sink assembly Prerequisites If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure. About this task The following image indicates the location of the heat-sink assembly and provides a visual representation of the installation procedure. Steps 1. Place the heat-sink assembly on the palm-rest assembly and align the screw holes on the heat-sink assembly with the screw holes on the system board and the palm-rest assembly. 2.
11. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer. Processor Removing the processor Prerequisites 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer. Remove the base cover. Remove the battery. Remove the wireless card. Remove the solid-state drive from M.2 slot one. Remove the rear-I/O cover. Remove the computer base. Remove the heat-sink assembly.
Steps 1. Align the triangle on the processor with the triangle on the processor socket. 2. Place the processor in the processor socket on the system board. 3. Close the processor cover. 4. Push the lever on the processor cover and lock it in place to secure the processor. Next steps 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. Install the heat-sink assembly. Install the computer base. Install the rear-I/O cover. Install the solid-state drive in M.2 slot one. Install the wireless card. Install the memory modules.
Graphics card Removing the graphics card Prerequisites 1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer. 2. Remove the base cover. 3. Remove the battery. 4. Remove the wireless card. 5. Remove the solid-state drive from M.2 slot one. 6. Follow the procedure from step 1 to step 4 in Removing the hard drive, if applicable. 7. Remove the solid-state drive from M.2 slot three, if applicable. 8. Remove the solid-state drive from M.2 slot four, if applicable. 9. Remove the rear-I/O cover. 10.
About this task The following image indicates the location of the graphics card and provides a visual representation of the installation procedure. Steps 1. Place the graphics card on the system board and align the screw holes on the graphics card with the screw holes on the system board. 2. Replace the three screws (M2x3) that secure the graphics card to the system board. 3. Replace the two screws (M2x3) that secure the two graphics-card cables to the graphics card. 4.
4. Remove the wireless card. 5. Remove the solid-state drive from M.2 slot one. 6. Follow the procedure from step 1 to step 4 in Removing the hard drive, if applicable. 7. Remove the solid-state drive from M.2 slot three, if applicable. 8. Remove the solid-state drive from M.2 slot four, if applicable. 9. Remove the solid-state drive interposer board, if applicable. 10. Remove the rear-I/O cover. 11. Remove the computer base. 12. Remove the heat-sink assembly.
Steps 1. 2. 3. 4. Connect the left power-adapter port cable to the system board. Place the left power-adapter port in the slot on the palm-rest assembly. Slide and place the power-adapter board bracket on the palm-rest assembly. Replace the screw (M2x3) that secures the power-adapter port bracket to the palm-rest assembly. Next steps 1. Install the heat-sink assembly. 2. Install the computer base. 3. Install the rear-I/O cover. 4. Install the solid-state drive interposer board, if applicable. 5.
6. Remove the solid-state drive from M.2 slot one. 7. Remove the solid-state drive from M.2 slot two. 8. Follow the procedure from step 1 to step 4 in Removing the hard drive, if applicable. 9. Remove the solid-state drive from M.2 slot three, if applicable. 10. Remove the solid-state drive from M.2 slot four, if applicable. 11. Remove the solid-state drive interposer board, if applicable. 12. Remove the rear-I/O cover. 13. Remove the computer base. 14. Remove the heat-sink assembly. 15.
3. Keyboard-controller cable 5. Left power-adapter port cable 4. Touchpad cable 6. Audio daughter-board cable The following image indicates the location of the system board and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure.
Steps 1. Place the palm-rest assembly on a clean and flat surface with keyboard facing up, disconnect the power-button board cable. 2. Turn the palm-rest assembly over. NOTE: Ensure that the power-button board cable is disconnected before removing the system board. 3. Open the latch and disconnect the audio daughter-board cable from the system board. 4. Open the latch and disconnect the touchpad cable from the system board. 5.
1. Power-button board cable The following image indicates the connectors on the top side of your system board. 1. Coin-cell battery cable 3. Keyboard-controller cable 5. Left power-adapter port cable 2. Card-reader board cable 4. Touchpad cable 6. Audio daughter-board cable The following image indicates the location of the system board and provides a visual representation of the installation procedure.
Steps 1. Replace the right power-adapter port. NOTE: Ensure that the right power-adapter port is already installed to the system board. The right power-adapter port is located underneath the system board, and no longer accessible once system board has been installed to the palm-rest assembly. 2. Turn the system board over and place it into the slot on the palm-rest assembly. NOTE: Do not keep the power-button board cable under the system board. 3. Replace the four screws (M2.
13. Remove the computer base. 14. Remove the heat-sink assembly. 15. Remove the left power-adapter port. 16. Remove the system board. About this task The following image indicates the location of the right power-adapter port and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure. Disconnect the right power-adapter port cable from the connector on bottom side of the system board.
Connect the right power-adapter port cable to the connector at the bottom of the system board. Next steps 1. Install the system board. 2. Install the left power-adapter port. 3. Install the heat-sink assembly. 4. Install the computer base. 5. Install the rear-I/O cover. 6. Install the solid-state drive interposer board, if applicable. 7. Install the solid-state drive in M.2 slot four, if applicable. 8. Install the solid-state drive in M.2 slot three, if applicable. 9.
8. Follow the procedure from step 1 to step 4 in Removing the hard drive, if applicable. 9. Remove the solid-state drive from M.2 slot three, if applicable. 10. Remove the solid-state drive from M.2 slot four, if applicable. 11. Remove the solid-state drive interposer board, if applicable. 12. Remove the rear-I/O cover. 13. Remove the computer base. 14. Remove the heat-sink assembly. 15. Remove the left power-adapter port. 16. Remove the system board.
Installing the keyboard Prerequisites If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure. About this task The following image indicates the location of the keyboard and provides a visual representation of the installation procedure. Steps 1. 2. 3. 4. Place the keyboard in the slots on the palm-rest assembly. Replace the 57 screws (M1.2x2.5) that secure the keyboard bracket to the palm-rest assembly.
5. Install the display assembly. 6. Install the rear-I/O cover. 7. Install the solid-state drive interposer board, if applicable. 8. Install the solid-state drive in M.2 slot four, if applicable. 9. Install the solid-state drive in M.2 slot three, if applicable. 10. Follow the procedure from step 5 to step 8 in Installing the hard drive, if applicable. 11. Install the solid-state drive in M.2 slot two. 12. Install the solid-state drive in M.2 slot one. 13. Install the wireless card. 14.
After performing the steps in the pre-requisites, we are left with the palm-rest assembly. Installing the palm-rest assembly Prerequisites If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure. About this task The following image indicates the location of the palm-rest assembly and provides a visual representation of the installation procedure. Place the palm-rest assembly on a clean and flat surface. Next steps 1. Install the keyboard.
2. Install the right power-adapter port. 3. Install the system board. 4. Install the left power-adapter port. 5. Install the heat-sink assembly. 6. Install the computer base. 7. Install the display assembly. 8. Install the rear-I/O cover. 9. Install the touchpad. 10. Install the coin-cell battery. 11. Install the speakers. 12. Install the audio daughter-board. 13. Install the card-reader board. 14. Install the solid-state drive interposer board, if applicable. 15. Install the solid-state drive in M.
Drivers and downloads When troubleshooting, downloading or installing drivers it is recommended that you read the Dell Knowledge Based article, Drivers and Downloads FAQ SLN128938.
System setup 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: Depending on the computer and its installed devices, the items listed in this section may or may not be displayed. NOTE: Before you change BIOS Setup program, it is recommended that you write down the BIOS Setup program screen information for future reference.
NOTE: XXX denotes the SATA drive number. • • • Optical Drive (if available) SATA Hard Drive (if available) Diagnostics NOTE: Choosing Diagnostics, will display the ePSA diagnostics screen. The boot sequence screen also displays the option to access the System Setup screen. System setup options Main Table 4. Main Option Description 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.
Advanced Table 5. Advanced Option Description Intel SpeedStep Enables or disables the Intel SpeedStep mode of processor. • Enable Intel SpeedStep Default: Enabled Intel Speed Shift Technology Enables or disables the Intel Speed Shift Technology. This option enables the operating system to select the appropriate processor performance automatically. • Enabled Default: Enabled Hyper-Thread Control Allows you to enable or disable the HyperThreading in the processor.
Table 5. Advanced(continued) Option Description • • • • • ATA: SATA is configured for ATA mode. AHCI: SATA is configured for AHCI mode. RAID: SATA is configured for RAID mode. RAID On: SATA is configured for RAID mode Intel Smart Response Technology: SATA is configured for RAID mode Default: RAID On Adapter Warnings Enables or disables the system setup (BIOS) warning messages when you use certain power adapters.
Table 5. Advanced(continued) Option Description Fan Performance Mode Enables or disables Fan to full speed for CPU cooling. Default: Enabled Maintanance Data Wipe on next boot If enabled, the BIOS will queue up a data wipe cycle for storage devices that are connected to the motherboard on the next reboot.
Table 6. Security(continued) Option Description System Password Status Displays if the system password is clear or set. Default: Not Set Admin Password Allows you to set, change, or delete the administrator(admin) password. The entries to set password are: • • • Enter the old password: Enter the new password: Confirm new password: Click OK once you set the password. NOTE: For the first time login, "Enter the old password:" field is marked to "Not set".
Table 6. Security(continued) Option Description Secure Boot Secure Boot Enables or disables the Secure Boot Feature. Choose one of the options: • • Secure Boot Enable Secure Boot Disable Default: Enabled Secure Boot Mode Displays the secure boot mode. Default: Deployed Mode. Expert Key Management Enables or disables Expert Key Management. Default: Enabled Boot Table 7. Boot Option Description Boot List Option Displays the available boot options.
Updating the BIOS in Windows Prerequisites It is recommended to update your BIOS (System Setup), when you replace the system board or if an update is available. For laptops, ensure that your computer battery is fully charged and connected to a power outlet. About this task NOTE: If BitLocker is enabled, it must be suspended before updating the system BIOS, and then re-enabled after the BIOS update is completed. Steps 1. Restart the computer. 2. Go to www.dell.com/support.
Flashing the BIOS from the F12 One-Time boot menu Update your computer BIOS using the BIOS update.exe file that is copied to a FAT32 USB drive and booting from the F12 OneTime boot menu. About this task BIOS Update You can run the BIOS update file from Windows using a bootable USB drive or you can also update the BIOS from the F12 One-Time boot menu on the computer.
System and setup password Table 9. System and setup password Password type Description System password Password that you must enter to log in to your system. Setup password Password that you must enter to access and make changes to the BIOS settings of your computer. You can create a system password and a setup password to secure your computer. CAUTION: The password features provide a basic level of security for the data on your computer.
4. Select Setup Password, update, or delete the existing setup password, and press Enter or Tab. NOTE: If you change the System and/or Setup password, reenter the new password when prompted. If you delete the System and/or Setup password, confirm the deletion when prompted. 5. Press Esc and a message prompts you to save the changes. 6. Press Y to save the changes and exit from System Setup. The computer restarts.
Troubleshooting SupportAssist diagnostics About this task The SupportAssist diagnostics (previously known as ePSA diagnostics) performs a complete check of your hardware. The SupportAssist diagnostics is embedded in the BIOS and is launched by it internally. The SupportAssist diagnostics provides a set of options for particular devices or device groups. It allows you to: • • • • • • Run tests automatically or in an interactive mode.
Table 10.
2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Turn off the modem. Turn off the wireless router. Wait for 30 seconds. Turn on the wireless router. Turn on the modem. Turn on your computer. Real Time Clock—RTC reset The Real Time Clock (RTC) reset function allows you or the service technician to recover the recently launched model Dell Latitude and Precision systems from No POST/No Boot/No Power situations. You can initiate the RTC reset on the system from a power-off state only if it is connected to AC power.
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 11. Alienware products and online self-help resources Self-help resources Resource location Information about Alienware products and services www.alienware.com My Dell Tips Contact Support In Windows search, type Contact Support, and press Enter. Online help for operating system www.dell.com/support/windows www.dell.
