Alienware Aurora R12 Service Manual Regulatory Model: D23M Regulatory Type: D23M003 April 2021 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. © 2021 Dell Inc. or its subsidiaries. All rights reserved. Dell, EMC, and other trademarks are trademarks of Dell Inc. or its subsidiaries.
Contents Chapter 1: Working inside your computer.............................................................................................. 6 Safety instructions.................................................................................................................................................................6 Before working inside your computer................................................................................................................................. 6 Before you begin .
Installing the 1000 W power-supply unit................................................................................................................... 36 Coin-cell battery.................................................................................................................................................................37 Removing the coin-cell battery....................................................................................................................................
Removing the power-button board.............................................................................................................................84 Installing the power-button board...............................................................................................................................85 System board......................................................................................................................................................................
Working inside your computer Safety instructions Use the following safety guidelines to protect your computer from potential damage and to ensure your personal safety. Unless otherwise noted, each procedure included in this document assumes that you have read the safety information that shipped with your computer. NOTE: 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 www.dell.
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.
● Working Environment – Before deploying the ESD Field Service kit, assess the situation at the customer location. For example, deploying the kit for a server environment is different than for a desktop or portable environment. Servers are typically installed in a rack within a data center; desktops or portables are typically placed on office desks or cubicles.
Removing and installing components NOTE: The images in this document may differ from your computer depending on the configuration you ordered. Inside view of your computer 1. 3. 5. 7. 9. power-supply unit 2.5-inch hard-drive cage system board processor fan and liquid cooling assembly 3.5-inch hard-drive cage 2. 4. 6. 8. 2.
System-board components 1. power-supply connector 3. front-panel USB cable 1 (F_USB1) 5. SATA 6 Gbps drive connector (SATA2) 7. SATA 6 Gbps drive connector (SATA4) 9. front-chassis fan connector (FRONT_FAN) 11. CMOS reset jumper (CMOS_CLR) 13. LED controller connector (LED_CONTROLLER) 15. PCI-Express x16 mechanical/x8 electrical slot PCIe Gen4 (SLOT4) 17. PCI-Express x4 slot (SLOT2) 2. front-panel USB cable 2 (F_USB2) 4. SATA 6 Gbps drive connector (SATA1) 6. SATA 6 Gbps drive connector (SATA3) 8.
● 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. NOTE: Some computers have magnetic surfaces. Ensure that the screws are not left attached to such surfaces when replacing a component. NOTE: Screw color may vary with the configuration ordered. Table 1.
Table 1. Screw list Component Secured to Screw type Quantity Front I/O-panel Front bezel M3x4 4 System board Chassis #6-32 8 Screw image Left-side cover Removing the left-side cover Prerequisites 1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer. About this task The following images indicate the location of the left-side cover and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure. Steps 1.
About this task The following images indicate the location of the left-side cover and provides a visual representation of the installation procedure. Steps 1. Locate the tabs on the left-side cover and slots on the chassis. 2. Rotate the left-side cover towards the chassis until it snaps into place. 3. Replace the screw (6-32x12-7L) that secures the side-cover release latch to the chassis. Next steps 1. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer.
Steps Starting from the rear, pull up on the top cover to release it from the chassis. NOTE: Top cover is tightly secured to the chassis by clips and may requires force to remove it off the chassis. Installing the top cover Prerequisites If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure. About this task The following images indicate the location of the top cover and provides a visual representation of the installation procedure.
Steps Align the tabs on the top cover with the slots on the chassis and snap the top cover into place. Next steps 1. Install the left-side cover. 2. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer. Right-side cover Removing the right-side cover Prerequisites 1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer. 2. Remove the left-side cover. 3. Remove the top cover.
Steps 1. Starting from the top-front tab, pull the right-side cover away from the chassis. 2. Remove the right-side cover from the chassis. Installing the right-side cover Prerequisites If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure. About this task The following images indicate the location of the right-side cover and provides a visual representation of the installation procedure.
Steps 1. Align the tabs on the right-side cover with the slots on the chassis 2. Rotate the right-side cover towards the chassis until it snaps into place. Next steps 1. Install the top cover. 2. Install the left-side cover. 3. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer. Right tron-light board Removing the right tron-light board Prerequisites 1. 2. 3. 4. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer. Remove the left-side cover. Remove the top-cover.
Steps 1. Disconnect the tron-light cable. 2. Remove the four screws (#6-32) that secure the right tron-light board to the chassis. 3. Remove the right tron-light board off the chassis. Installing the right tron-light board Prerequisites If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure. About this task The following images indicate the location of the right tron-light board and provides a visual representation of the installation procedure.
Steps 1. Align the screw holes on the right tron-light board with the screw holes on the chassis. 2. Replace the four screws (#6-32) that secure the right tron-light board to the chassis. 3. Connect the tron-light cable. Next steps 1. 2. 3. 4. 20 Install the right-side cover. Install the top-cover. Install the left-side cover. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer.
2.5-inch hard drive Removing the 2.5-inch hard drive Prerequisites 1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer. 2. Remove the left-side cover. About this task The following images indicate the location of the 2.5-inch hard drive and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure. Steps 1. Disconnect the data and power cables from the hard drive. 2. Press the release tabs on the hard-drive carrier and slide the hard-drive assembly out of the hard-drive cage. 3.
NOTE: Repeat the steps to remove any additional 2.5-inch hard drive from your computer. Installing the 2.5-inch hard drive Prerequisites If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure. About this task The following images indicate the location of the 2.5-inch hard drive and provides a visual representation of the installation procedure.
NOTE: Note the orientation on the hard-drive carrier to replace it correctly. Steps 1. Align the hard drive with the pins on the hard-drive carrier. 2. Using the tabs on the opposite side, flex open the carrier to insert the pins on the other side. 3. Slide the hard-drive assembly into the hard-drive cage until it snaps into place. 4. Connect the data cable and power cable to the hard drive. Next steps 1. Install the left-side cover. 2. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer. 3.
Identifying the storage device in system setup (BIOS) Steps 1. Turn on or restart your computer. 2. Press F2 when the Dell logo is displayed on the screen to enter the BIOS setup program. A list of hard drives are displayed under the System Information in the General group. Identifying the storage device in Device Manager Steps 1. On the taskbar, click the search box, and then type Device Manager. 2. Click Device Manager. The Device Manager window is displayed. 3. Expand Disk drives. 3.
Steps 1. Disconnect the data and power cables from the hard drive. 2. Press the release tabs on the hard-drive carrier and slide the hard-drive carrier out of the hard-drive cage. 3. Pry the hard-drive carrier to release the tabs on the carrier from the slots on the hard drive. 4. Lift the hard drive out of the hard-drive assembly. NOTE: Note the orientation of the hard drive so that you can replace it correctly. Installing the 3.
NOTE: Note the orientation on the hard-drive carrier to replace it correctly.
Steps 1. Align the hard drive with the pins on the hard-drive carrier. 2. Using the tabs on the opposite side, flex open the carrier to insert the pins on the other side. 3. Slide the hard-drive assembly into the hard-drive cage until it snaps into place. 4. Connect the data and power cables to the hard drive. Next steps 1. Install the left-side cover. 2. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer. 3.
Steps 1. Remove the two screws (#6-32) that secure the 2.5-inch hard-drive cage to the chassis. 2. Slide and remove the 2.5-inch hard-drive cage off the chassis. NOTE: Repeat the procedure from step 1 to step 2 to remove the other 2.5-inch hard-drive cage. Installing the 2.5-inch hard-drive cage Prerequisites If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure. About this task The following images indicate the location of the 2.
3.5-inch hard-drive cage Removing the 3.5-inch hard-drive cage Prerequisites 1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer. 2. Remove the left-side cover. 3. Follow the procedure from step 1 to step 2 in removing the 3.5-inch hard drive, if installed. About this task The following images indicate the location of the 3.5-inch and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure. Steps 1. Remove the two screws (#6-32) that secure the 3.5-inch hard-drive cage to the chassis. 2.
Steps 1. Insert the 3.5-inch hard-drive cage into its slot on the chassis. 2. Align the tabs on the cage with the tabs on the chassis. 3. Replace the two screws (#6-32) that secure the 3.5-inch hard-drive cage to the chassis. Next steps 1. Follow the procedure from step 3 to step 4 in installing the 3.5-inch hard drive, if installed. 2. Install the left-side cover. 3. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer. 550 W power-supply unit Removing the 550 W power-supply unit Prerequisites 1.
Steps 1. Remove the two screws (#6-32) that secure the power-supply unit bracket to the power-supply unit cage. 2. Lift the power-supply unit bracket off the power-supply unit cage. 3. Slide the power-supply unit cage release latches to the unlock position. 4. Lift the power-supply unit cage and rotate the power-supply unit cage away from the chassis. 5. Press the releasing clip on the power-cable connectors. 6. Disconnect the power cables from the hard drives. 7.
WARNING: The cables and ports on the back of the power-supply unit are color-coded to indicate the different power wattage. Ensure that you plug in the cable to the correct port. Failure to do so may result in damaging the power-supply unit and/or system components. About this task The following images indicate the location of the power-supply unit and provides a visual representation of the installation procedure.
Steps 1. Place the power supply on the chassis. 2. Align the screw holes on the power-supply unit with the screw holes on the chassis. 3. Replace the four screws (#6-32) that secure the power-supply unit to the chassis. 4. Lift and rotate the power-supply unit cage away from the chassis 5. Connect the processor-power cable and system-board power cable to the system board. 6. Connect the power cables to the hard drives. 7. Rotate the power-supply unit cage towards the chassis 8.
NOTE: Note the routing of all cables as you remove them so that you can route them correctly after you replace the powersupply unit. About this task The following images indicate the location of the power-supply unit and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure. Steps 1. Remove the two screws (#6-32) that secure the power-supply unit bracket to the power-supply unit cage. 2. Lift the power-supply unit bracket off the power-supply unit cage. 3.
Installing the 1000 W power-supply unit Prerequisites If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure. WARNING: The cables and ports on the back of the power-supply unit are color-coded to indicate the different power wattage. Ensure that you plug in the cable to the correct port. Failure to do so may result in damaging the power-supply unit and/or system components.
6. Replace the two screws (#6-32) that secure the power-supply unit bracket to the power-supply unit cage. Next steps 1. Install the left-side cover. 2. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer. Coin-cell battery Removing the coin-cell battery Prerequisites 1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer. 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.
Steps 1. Lay the computer on the right side.
2. Press the releasing clip on the power-cable connectors and disconnect the power cables from the graphics card. 3. Slide the power-supply unit cage release latches to the unlock position. 4. Lift the power-supply unit cage and rotate the power-supply unit cage away from the chassis. 5. Press the battery-release lever away from the coin-cell battery until the coin-cell battery pops up. 6. Lift the coin-cell battery out of its socket.
Steps 1. Insert a new coin-cell battery (CR2032) into the battery socket with the positive side facing up, and snap the battery into place. 2. Rotate the power-supply unit cage towards the chassis. 3. Connect the power cables to the graphics card. 4. Slide the power-supply unit cage release latches towards the locked position. Next steps 1. Install the left-side cover. 2. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer. Memory modules Removing the memory modules Prerequisites 1.
Steps 1. Lay the computer on the right side.
2. Press the releasing clip on the power-cable connectors and disconnect the power cables from the graphics card. 3. Slide the power-supply unit cage release latches to the unlock position. 4. Lift the power-supply unit cage and rotate the power-supply unit cage away from the chassis. 5. Push the securing clips away from the memory module. 6. Grasp the memory module near the securing clip, and then gently ease the memory module out of the memory-module slot.
Steps 1. Ensure that the securing clips are extended away from the memory-module slot. 2. Align the notch on the memory module with the tab on the memory-module slot. 3. Insert the memory module into the memory-module slot and press the memory module down until it snaps into position and the securing clips lock in place. CAUTION: To prevent damage to the memory module, hold the memory module by the edges. Do not touch the components on the memory module.
Table 2. Memory configuration matrix Configuration Slot XMM1 XMM2 XMM3 XMM4 32 GB DDR4 16 GB 16 GB 64 GB DDR4 16 GB 16 GB 16 GB 16 GB 16 GB XMP 8 GB 8 GB 32 GB XMP 16 GB 16 GB 64 GB XMP 16 GB 16 GB 16 GB 16 GB 128 GB XMP 32 GB 32 GB 32 GB 32 GB Next steps 1. Remove the left-side cover. 2. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer. Single-graphics card Removing the single-graphics card Prerequisites 1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer.
Steps 1. Lay the computer on the right side. 2. Press the releasing clip on the power-cable connectors and disconnect the power cables from the graphics card. 3. Slide the power-supply unit cage release latches to the unlock position. 4. Lift the power-supply unit cage and rotate the power-supply unit cage away from the chassis. 5. Lift to release the graphics-card bracket from the chassis. 6. Press the releasing clip on the power-cable connectors and disconnect the power cables from the graphics card. 7.
NOTE: Install AMD Vega 20 only into the PCIe slot 1 of your computer. If installed on PCIe slot 4, the power-supply unit cannot be closed. NOTE: If you are using any other graphics card other than AMD Vega 20, it can be installed into the appropriate PCIe slot i.e. X4, X8 or X16 on your computer. Steps 1. Place the card into the X16 slot and press down firmly until the graphics card snaps into place. 2. Connect the power cables to the graphics card. 3.
Solid-state drive Removing the solid-state drive Prerequisites 1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer. CAUTION: Solid-state drives are fragile. Exercise care when handling the solid-state drive. NOTE: To avoid data loss, do not remove the drive while the computer is in sleep or on state. 2. Remove the left-side cover. 3. Remove the single-graphics card.
Steps 1. Align the notch on the solid-state drive with the tab on the solid-state drive slot. 2. Insert the solid-state drive at a 45-degree angle into the system board. 3. Press the other end of the solid-state drive down and replace the screw (M2x2.5) that secure the solid-state drive to the system board. Next steps 1. 2. 3. 4. Install the single-graphics card. Install the left-side cover. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer.
About this task The following images indicate the location of the front bezel and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure.
Steps 1. Place the computer in an upright position. 2. Disconnect the USB cables, LED controller cable and audio cable from the system board and remove the cables from the routing guides on the inside of the chassis. 3. Rotate and pull the front bezel away from the front of the chassis to release the tabs on the front bezel from the slots on the front panel. 4. Remove the two screws (#6-32) that secure the front-panel slot cover to the chassis. 5. Remove the cable management cover off the chassis. 6.
About this task The following images indicate the location of the front bezel and provides a visual representation of the installation procedure.
Steps 1. Route the cables through the slot on the front panel and align and clip the front bezel into place. 2. Connect the USB cables, LED controller cable and audio cable to the system board and route the cables through the routing guides on the inside of the chassis. 3. Align the screw hole of the cable management cover with the screw hole on the chassis. 4. Replace the two screws (#6-32) that secure the cable management cover to the chassis. 5. Place the computer in an upright position. 6.
Top bezel Removing the top bezel Prerequisites 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer. Remove the left-side cover. Remove the top cover. Remove the right-side cover. Remove the wireless card. Remove the front bezel. About this task The following images indicate the location of the top bezel and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure. Steps 1. Remove the four screws (#6-32) that secure the top bezel to the right and left of the chassis. 2.
Installing the top bezel Prerequisites If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure. About this task The following images indicate the location of the top bezel and provides a visual representation of the installation procedure. Steps 1. Route the antenna cable through the slots on the chassis. 2. Align the tabs on the top cover with the slots on the chassis and snap the top cover into place. 3.
5. Install the left-side cover. 6. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer. Bottom cover Removing the bottom cover Prerequisites 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer. Remove the left-side cover. Remove the top cover. Remove the right-side cover. Remove the 2.5-inch hard-drive cages. Remove the front bezel. About this task The following images indicate the location of the bottom cover and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure.
Installing the bottom cover Prerequisites If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure. About this task The following images indicate the location of the bottom cover and provides a visual representation of the installation procedure. Steps 1. Align the tabs on the bottom cover with the slots on the chassis. 2. Rotate the bottom cover towards the chassis until it snaps into place. Next steps 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Install the front bezel.
Processor fan and heat-sink assembly Removing the processor fan and heat-sink assembly Prerequisites 1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer. NOTE: The heat sink may become hot during normal operation. Allow sufficient time for the heat sink to cool before you touch it. CAUTION: For maximum cooling of the processor, do not touch the heat transfer areas on the heat sink. The oils in your skin can reduce the heat transfer capability of the thermal grease. 2. Remove the left-side cover.
Steps 1. Lay the computer on the right side. 2. Press the releasing clip on the power-cable connectors and disconnect the power cables from the graphics card. 3. Slide the power-supply unit cage release latches to the unlock position. 4. Lift the power-supply unit cage and rotate the power-supply unit cage away from the chassis. 5. Disconnect the processor-fan cable from the system board. 6.
Steps 1. Place the processor fan and heat-sink assembly on the processor. 2. Align the captive screws on the processor fan heat-sink assembly with the screw holes on the system board. 3. In sequential order, tighten the four captive screws that secure the processor fan and heat-sink assembly to the system board. 4. Connect the processor-fan cable to the system board. 5. Rotate the power-supply unit cage towards the chassis. 6. Connect the power cables to the graphics card. 7.
WARNING: Despite having a plastic shield, the processor liquid-cooling assembly may be very hot during normal operation. Ensure that it had sufficient time to cool before you touch it. 2. 3. 4. 5. CAUTION: To ensure maximum cooling for the processor, do not touch the heat transfer areas on the processor liquid-cooling assembly. The oils in your skin can reduce the heat transfer capability of the thermal grease. Remove the left-side cover. Remove the top-cover. Remove the right-side cover.
Steps 1. Lay the computer on the right side. 2. Press the releasing clip on the power-cable connectors and disconnect the power cables from the graphics card. 3. Slide the power-supply unit cage release latches to the unlock position. 4. Lift the power-supply unit cage. 5. Rotate the power-supply unit cage away from the chassis. 6. Loosen the three captive screws that secure the VR heat sink to the system board. 7.
Installing the processor liquid-cooling assembly Prerequisites If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure. CAUTION: Incorrect alignment of the processor liquid-cooling assembly can damage the system board and processor. About this task The following images indicate the location of the processor liquid-cooling assembly and provides a visual representation of the installation procedure.
Steps 1. Slide the radiator and fan assembly into the radiator and fan cage. NOTE: Ensure that the hoses are facing the front of the system 2. Align the screw holes on the processor cooler with the screw holes on the system board. 3. In the sequential order (as indicated on the processor cooler), tighten the four captive screws that secure the processor cooler to the system board. NOTE: If your are using an electric screwdriver, torque the screws at 6.9 +/-1.
Processor Removing the processor Prerequisites 1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer. 2. Remove the left-side cover. 3. Remove the processor liquid-cooling assembly or processor fan and heat-sink assembly, as applicable. About this task The following images indicate the location of the processor and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure. Steps 1. Press the release lever down and then push it away from the processor to release it from the tab. 2.
Steps 1. Ensure that the release lever on the processor socket is fully extended and the processor cover is fully open. CAUTION: Position the processor correctly in the processor socket to avoid permanent damage to the processor. 2. Align the pin-1 corner on the processor with the pin-1 corner on the processor socket, and then place the processor in the processor socket. CAUTION: Ensure that the processor-cover notch is positioned underneath the alignment post. 3.
Steps 1. Remove the screw (M2x2.5) that secures the wireless card to the system board. 2. Lift the wireless-card bracket off the wireless card. 3. Disconnect the antenna cables from the wireless card. 4. Slide and remove the wireless card from the wireless-card slot. Installing the wireless card Prerequisites If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure. CAUTION: To avoid damage to the wireless mini-card, do not place any cables under it.
Steps 1. Connect the antenna cables to the wireless card. The following table provides the antenna-cable color scheme for the wireless card supported by your computer. Table 3. Antenna-cable color scheme Connectors on the wireless card Antenna-cable color Main (white triangle) White Auxiliary (black triangle) Black 2. Place the wireless-card bracket on the wireless card. 3. Align the notch on the wireless card with the tab on the wireless-card slot. 4.
Antennas Removing the antennas Prerequisites 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer. Remove the left-side cover. Remove the top-cover. Remove the right-side cover. Remove the wireless card. Remove the front bezel. About this task The following images indicate the location of the antennas and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure. Steps 1. Remove the four screws (M3x4t) that secures the antennas to the top bezel. 2.
Steps 1. Adhere the antenna to the chassis. 2. Replace the four screws (M3x4t) that secures the antennas to the chassis. 3. Route the antenna cables through the routing guides on the top bezel. Next steps 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Install the front bezel. Install the wireless card. Install the right-side cover. Install the top-cover. Install the left-side cover. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer. Front I/O-panel Removing the front I/O panel Prerequisites 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Steps 1. Remove the four screws (M3x4) that secures the front I/O-panel to the front bezel. 2. Remove the cable from the routing guides on the front I/O-panel. 3. Press the two clips and lift the front I/O-panel off the front bezel. Installing the front I/O-panel Prerequisites If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure.
Steps 1. Align the screw holes on the front I/O-panel with the screw holes on the front bezel and snap it into place. 2. Route the cables through the routing guides on the front I/O-panel. 3. Replace the four screws (M3x4) that secures the front I/O-panel to the front bezel. Next steps 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Install the front bezel. Install the right-side cover. Install the left-side cover. Install the top cover. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer.
Steps 1. Disconnect the front-chassis fan cable from the system board. 2. Push the tab to release the front-chassis fan from the chassis. 3. Slide and lift the front-chassis fan off the chassis. Installing the front-chassis fan Prerequisites If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure. About this task The following images indicate the location of the front-chassis fan and provides a visual representation of the installation procedure.
Steps 1. Align the tabs on the front-chassis fan with the slots on the chassis and slide the fan until it snaps into position. 2. Connect the front-chassis fan cable to the system board. Next steps 1. Install the single-graphics card. 2. Install the left-side cover. 3. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer. Top-chassis fan Removing the top-chassis fan Prerequisites 1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer. 2. Remove the left-side cover.
Steps 1. Lay the computer on the right side.
2. Press the releasing clip on the power-cable connectors and disconnect the power cables from the graphics card. 3. Slide the power-supply unit cage release latches to the unlock position. 4. Lift the power-supply unit cage and rotate the power-supply unit cage away from the chassis. 5. Remove the screw that secures the top-chassis fan to the chassis. 6. Disconnect the top-chassis fan cable from the system board. 7. Remove the top-chassis fan from the chassis. 8.
Steps 1. Align the holes on the top-chassis fan with the holes on the top-chassis fan bracket. 2. Insert the ends of the rubber grommets through the holes at each corner of the fan. 3. Align the grommets in the fan with the holes at each corner of the top-chassis fan bracket and pull through until they snap into place. 4. Replace the screw (#6-32) that secures the top-chassis fan to the chassis. 5. Route the top-chassis fan cable through the routing guide on the bracket. 6.
Front AlienFX LED boards Removing the front AlienFX LED board Prerequisites 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer. Remove the left-side cover. Remove the right-side cover. Remove the top-cover. Remove the front bezel. About this task The following images indicate the location of the front AlienFX LED board and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure. Steps 1. Disconnect the AlienFX LED board cable from a Y-cable. 2.
Steps 1. Align the screw hole of the AlienFX LED board to the screw hole on the front bezel. 2. Replace the four screws (M3x4) that secure the AlienFX LED board to the front bezel. 3. Connect the AlienFX LED board cable from a Y-cable. Next steps 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Install the front bezel. Install the top-cover. Install the right-side cover. Install the left-side cover. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer. Power-button board Removing the power-button board Prerequisites 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Steps 1. Remove the two screws (M2x4) that secure the power-button module to the front bezel. 2. Lift the power-button module off the front bezel. 3. Disconnect the cables from the power-button module. Installing the power-button board Prerequisites If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure.
Steps 1. Align the screw holes on the power-button module with the screw holes on the front bezel. 2. Replace the two screws (M2x4) that secure the power-button module to the front bezel. 3. Connect the cables to the power-button module. Next steps 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Install the front bezel. Install the top-cover. Install the right-side cover. Install the left-side cover. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer. System board Removing the system board Prerequisites 1.
7. Remove the single-graphics card. 8. Remove the processor. About this task The following images indicate the location of the system board and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure.
Steps 1. Disconnect all the cables connected to the system board. NOTE: Note the routing of all cables as you remove them so that you can route them correctly after you replace the system board. For information on system-board connectors, see "system-board components". 2. Remove the eight screws (#6-32) that secure the system-board assembly to the chassis. 3. Lift the system board off the chassis.
Steps 1. Align the ports on the system-board assembly with the slots on the chassis and align the system-board assembly in place. 2. Slide the system-board assembly to engage the latches that secure it to the chassis. 3. Replace the eight screws (#6-32) that secure the system-board assembly to the chassis. 4. Route and connect the cables that you disconnected from the system-board assembly. NOTE: For information on system-board connectors, see "system-board components". Next steps 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.
3. Navigate to the Main tab and enter the Service Tag in the Service Tag Input field. Next steps NOTE: Service tag is the alphanumeric identifier located at the back side of your computer.
Device drivers Operating system ● Windows 10 Home (64-bit) ● Windows 10 Professional (64-bit) Downloading the audio driver Steps 1. Turn on your computer. 2. Go to www.dell.com/support. 3. 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. 5. Click the Detect Drivers button. 6.
7. If necessary, your computer starts to download and install SupportAssist. NOTE: Review on-screen instructions for browser-specific instructions. 8. Click View Drivers for My System. 9. Click Download and Install to download and install all driver updates detected for your computer. 10. Select a location to save the files. 11. If prompted, approve requests from User Account Control to make changes on the system. 12. The application installs all drivers and updates identified.
2. Go to www.dell.com/support. 3. 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. 5. Click the Detect Drivers button. 6. Review and agree to the Terms and Conditions to use SupportAssist, then click Continue. 7. If necessary, your computer starts to download and install SupportAssist.
17. Double-click the media-card reader driver file icon and follow the instructions on the screen to install the driver. Downloading the chipset driver Steps 1. Turn on your computer. 2. Go to www.dell.com/support. 3. 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. 5. Click the Detect Drivers button. 6.
NOTE: Not all files can be installed automatically. Review the installation summary to identify if manual installation is necessary. 13. For manual download and installation, click Category. 14. Click Network in the drop-down list. 15. Click Download to download the network driver for your computer. 16. After the download is complete, navigate to the folder where you saved the network driver file. 17. Double-click the network driver file icon and follow the instructions on the screen to install the driver.
System setup NOTE: Depending on the computer and its installed devices, the items listed in this section may or may not be displayed. 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: Before you change BIOS Setup program, it is recommended that you write down the BIOS Setup program screen information for future reference.
● Optical Drive (if available) ● SATA Hard Drive (if available) ● Diagnostics The boot sequence screen also displays the option to access the System Setup screen. System setup options NOTE: Depending on your computer and its installed devices, the items listed in this section may or may not appear. Table 4. System setup options—Main menu Main System Time Displays the current time in hh:mm:ss format. System Date Displays the current date in mm/dd/yyyy format.
Table 5. System setup options—Advanced menu Advanced USB PowerShare Wake Support (S4/S5) Allows you to enable front the USB devices to wake the system from S4/S5. Auto Power On Auto Power On Mode Allows you to set the computer to turn on automatically every day or on a preselected date. This option can be configured only if the Auto Power On mode is set to Enabled Everyday or Selected Day. Auto Power On Date Allows you to set the date on which the computer must turn on automatically.
Table 7. System setup options—Boot menu Boot File Browser Del Boot Option Allows you to delete the boot path in the boot option list. Enable USB Boot Support Allows you to enable or disable the USB Boot control. Boot Option Priorities Displays the available boot devices. Boot Option #1 Displays the first boot device. Default: UEFI: Windows Boot Manager. Boot Option #2 Displays the second boot device. Default: Onboard NIC Device. Boot Option #3 Displays the third boot device.
Steps 1. Disconnect the system-board power cable from the system board. 2. Remove the jumper plug from pins 217 and replace it on pins 216 (P216). 3. Wait for 5 seconds. 4. Remove the jumper plug from pins 216 and replace it on pins 217. 5. Connect the system-board power cable to the system board. Next steps 1. Remove the left-side cover. 2. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer. Clearing forgotten password Prerequisites 1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer.
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.
You can also download it from the Dell Support website to troubleshoot and fix your computer when it fails to boot into their primary operating system due to software or hardware failures. For more information about the Dell SupportAssist OS Recovery, see Dell SupportAssist OS Recovery User's Guide at www.dell.com/ support. Flashing BIOS (USB key) Steps 1. Follow the procedure from step 1 to step 7 in "Flashing the BIOS" to download the latest BIOS setup program file. 2. Create a bootable USB drive.
5. Turn on the wireless router. 6. Turn on the modem. 7. Turn on your computer. Flea power release About this task Flea power is the residual static electricity that remains on the computer even after it has been powered off and the battery has been removed. The following procedure provides the instructions on how to conduct flea power release: Steps 1. Turn off your computer. 2. Disconnect the power adapter from your computer. 3. Press and hold the power button for 15 seconds to drain the flea power. 4.
