Aurora R5 Service Manual Computer Model: Alienware Aurora R5 Regulatory Model: D23M Regulatory Type: D23M001
Notes, cautions, and warnings NOTE: A NOTE indicates important information that helps you make better use of your computer. CAUTION: A CAUTION indicates either potential damage to hardware or loss of data and tells you how to avoid the problem. WARNING: A WARNING indicates a potential for property damage, personal injury, or death. © 2016 Dell Inc. All rights reserved. This product is protected by U.S. and international copyright and intellectual property laws.
Contents Before working inside your computer........................ 12 Before you begin ............................................................................................... 12 Safety instructions............................................................................................ 12 Recommended tools..........................................................................................13 Screw list.........................................................................................
Removing the top-cover assembly.............................29 Prerequisites.....................................................................................................29 Procedure.......................................................................................................... 29 Replacing the top-cover assembly............................. 32 Procedure.......................................................................................................... 32 Post-requisites.............
Removing the power-supply unit................................ 46 Prerequisites.....................................................................................................46 Procedure..........................................................................................................46 Replacing the power-supply unit................................. 53 Procedure..........................................................................................................53 Post-requisites.........
Removing the solid-state drive.................................... 66 Prerequisites.....................................................................................................66 Procedure..........................................................................................................66 Replacing the solid-state drive.....................................68 Procedure..........................................................................................................68 Post-requisites..
Removing the wireless card........................................... 80 Prerequisites.................................................................................................... 80 Procedure..........................................................................................................80 Replacing the wireless card............................................ 82 Procedure..........................................................................................................
Removing the optical drive.............................................96 Prerequisites.....................................................................................................96 Procedure..........................................................................................................96 Replacing the optical drive........................................... 100 Procedure........................................................................................................
Removing the system board.......................................... 111 Prerequisites..................................................................................................... 111 Procedure......................................................................................................... 112 Replacing the system board..........................................115 Procedure.........................................................................................................
Rotating the display................................................................................... 131 USB.................................................................................................................. 133 Downloading the USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 driver.......................................... 133 Identifying the USB drivers....................................................................... 133 Enabling or disabling the USB in BIOS setup program.............................
Intel Serial IO driver...................................................................................146 Intel Trusted Execution Engine Interface................................................. 147 Intel Wireless-AC 8260 Wi-Fi and Bluetooth drivers................................148 BIOS overview..................................................................................................149 Boot menu.................................................................................................
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. Windows 10: Click or tap Start → Power → Shut down. NOTE: If you are using a different operating system, see the documentation of your operating system for shut-down instructions.
WARNING: Disconnect all power sources before opening the computer cover or panels. After you finish working inside the computer, replace all covers, panels, and screws before connecting to the electrical outlet. CAUTION: To avoid damaging the computer, ensure that the work surface is flat and clean. CAUTION: To avoid damaging the components and cards, handle them by their edges, and avoid touching pins and contacts.
• Plastic scribe Screw list The following table provides the list of screws that are used for securing different components to Alienware Aurora R5. Component Secured to Screw type Quantit y 3.5-inch hard-drive cage Chassis #6-32 X 1/4'' 2 2.
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.
Technical overview WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.
3 top cover 4 top-chassis fan 5 system board 6 processor fan and heat-sink assembly 7 graphics card 8 right-side cover System-board components 1 top-chassis fan (TOP_FAN) 2 processor-cooling assembly pump-fan connector (PUMP_FAN) 3 processor-fan connector (CPU_FAN) 4 memory-module slot 1 (XMM1) 5 memory-module slot 2 (XMM2) 6 memory-module slot 3 (XMM3) 17
7 memory-module slot 4 (XMM4) 8 front-chassis fan connector (FRONT_FAN) 9 SATA 6 Gbps drive connector (SATA1) 10 SATA 6 Gbps drive connector (SATA2) 11 SATA 6 Gbps drive connector (SATA3) 12 SATA 6 Gbps drive connector (SATA4) 13 solid-state drive slot (M.
Removing the stability foot WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance. Procedure 1 Place the computer on a clean and flat surface with the bottom cover facing up.
3 4 20 Lift the stability foot off the bottom cover. 1 bottom cover 3 securing tab Lay the computer on its side.
Replacing the stability foot WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance. Procedure 1 Place the computer on a clean and flat surface with the bottom cover facing up.
Removing the left-side cover WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.
2 Release the left-side cover away from the chassis and then lift it from the computer.
Replacing the left-side cover WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.
Removing the right-side cover WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.
Procedure 1 Carefully pry around the edges of the right-side cover from the chassis. 1 2 26 chassis 2 right-side cover Disconnect the lighting cable from the right-side cover.
3 Lift the right-side cover off the chassis.
Replacing the right-side cover WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance. Procedure 1 Connect the lighting cable to the right-side cover.
Removing the top-cover assembly WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance. Prerequisites 1 Remove the left-side cover. 2 Remove the right-side cover.
3 4 30 Slide the lighting cable through the slot on the chassis. 1 lighting cable 2 chassis 3 screws (2) 4 top cover Starting from the rear, release the tabs on the top cover from the slots on the chassis.
5 Lift the top cover off the chassis.
Replacing the top-cover assembly WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance. Procedure 1 Slide the lighting cable through the slot on the chassis.
Removing the bottom cover WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance. Prerequisites Remove the left-side cover.
3 4 34 Lift the bottom cover from the chassis. 1 bottom cover 3 securing tabs (4) 2 Tilt the computer back to the upright position.
Replacing the bottom cover WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance. Procedure 1 Tilt the computer towards the front until the base is facing up.
Removing the 3.5-inch hard drive WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance. Prerequisites Remove the left-side cover.
2 3 Press the release tabs on the hard-drive assembly and slide the hard-drive assembly out of the hard-drive cage. 1 data cable 2 power cable 3 hard-drive cage 4 release tabs 5 hard-drive assembly Pry the hard-drive bracket to release the tabs on the bracket from the slots on the hard drive.
4 Lift the hard drive off the hard-drive bracket. NOTE: Note the orientation of the hard drive so that you can replace it correctly. 5 38 1 hard drive 3 tabs (4) 2 hard-drive bracket Remove the screws that secure the hard-drive cage to the chassis.
6 Slide and lift the hard-drive cage off the chassis.
Replacing the 3.5-inch hard drive WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.
Removing the 2.5-inch hard drives WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance. Prerequisites Remove the left-side cover.
2 3 42 Press the release tabs on the hard-drive assembly and slide the hard-drive assembly out of the hard-drive cage. 1 data cable 2 power cable 3 hard-drive cage 4 release tabs 5 hard-drive assembly Pry the hard-drive bracket to release the tabs on the bracket from the slots on the hard drive.
4 Lift the hard drive off the hard-drive bracket. NOTE: Note the orientation of the hard drive so that you can replace it correctly. 5 1 hard drive 3 tabs (4) 2 hard-drive bracket Remove the screws that secure the hard-drive cage to the chassis.
6 44 Slide and lift the hard-drive cage off the chassis.
Replacing the 2.5-inch hard drives WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.
Removing the power-supply unit WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance. Prerequisites Remove the left-side cover.
2 Slide the power supply unit release latches towards the top of the computer.
3 48 Lift the power-supply unit while pressing and holding the graphics-card bracket.
4 Rotate the power-supply unit away from the chassis. 1 power-supply unit 5 Press the releasing clip on the power-cable connectors and disconnect the power cables from the graphics card. 6 Disconnect the power cables from the optical drive and hard drives.
7 Disconnect the processor-power cable and system-board power cable from the system board. 1 power-supply unit 2 hard-drive power cable 3 graphics-card power cables (2) 4 releasing clips (2) 5 hard-drive power cable 6 processor-power cable 7 optical-drive power cable 8 system-board power cable 8 Rotate the power-supply unit towards the chassis until the unit snaps into place. 9 Remove the screws that secure the power-supply unit bracket to the power-supply unit.
10 Lift the power-supply unit bracket off the power-supply unit. 11 1 chassis 2 screws (2) 3 power-supply unit bracket 4 power-supply unit Remove the screws that secure the power-supply unit to the chassis.
12 Lift the power-supply unit, along with the cables, off the chassis.
Replacing the power-supply unit WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance. Procedure 1 Place the power supply on the chassis.
Removing the processorcooling assembly WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance. Prerequisites 1 Remove the left-side cover. 2 Remove the right-side cover.
Procedure 1 Remove the screws that secure the radiator and fan assembly to the radiator and fan cage. 1 screws (4) 2 radiator and fan cage 2 Follow the procedure from step 1 to step 4 in "Removing the power-supply unit". 3 Disconnect the processor-cooling assembly cables from the system board. 4 In sequential order (as indicated on the processor cooler), loosen the captive screws that secure the processor cooler to the system board.
5 56 Lift the processor-cooling assembly along with the cables off the computer.
Replacing the processorcooling assembly WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance. Procedure 1 Slide the radiator and fan assembly into the radiator and fan cage.
Removing the coin-cell battery WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance. CAUTION: Removing the coin-cell battery resets the BIOS setup program’s settings to default.
2 Lift the coin-cell battery out of its socket.
Replacing the coin-cell battery WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.
Removing the memory modules WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance. Prerequisites 1 Remove the left-side cover.
3 Grasp the memory module near the securing clip, and then gently ease the memory module out of the memory-module slot. NOTE: Repeat step 2 to step 3 to remove any other memory modules installed in your computer. CAUTION: To prevent damage to the memory module, hold the memory module by the edges. Do not touch the components on the memory module.
Replacing the memory modules WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance. Procedure 1 Ensure that the securing clips are extended away from the memorymodule 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. 1 memory module 2 securing clips (2) 3 memory-module slot 4 system board NOTE: Use slots XMM1 and XMM2 if you need to use two memory modules. For more information, see System-board components.
Post-requisites 1 Follow the procedure from step 10 to step 11 in "Replacing the power-supply unit". 2 Replace the left-side cover.
Removing the solid-state drive WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance. CAUTION: Solid-state drives are fragile. Exercise care when handling the solid-state drive.
3 Slide and lift the solid-state drive off the system board.
Replacing the solid-state drive WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance. CAUTION: Solid-state drives are fragile. Exercise care when handling the solid-state drive.
3 Press the other end of the solid-state drive down and replace the screw that secure the solid-state drive to the system board. 1 solid-state drive 2 notch 3 tab 4 screw 5 solid-state drive slot 6 system board Post-requisites 1 Follow the procedure from step 10 to step 11 in "Replacing the power-supply unit". 2 Replace the left-side cover.
Removing the graphics card WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance. Prerequisites 1 Remove the left-side cover.
Procedure 1 Lift to release the graphics-card bracket from the chassis. 1 2 graphics-card bracket 2 graphics card Press the releasing clip on the power-cable connectors and disconnect the power cables from the graphics card.
3 72 Push the securing tab on the PCIe slot away from the graphics card, grasp the card by its top corner, and ease it out of the slot.
Replacing the graphics card WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance. Procedure 1 Align the graphics card with the slot on the system board.
Removing the processor fan and heat-sink assembly WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance. WARNING: The heat sink may become hot during normal operation.
3 Lift the processor fan and heat-sink assembly off the system board.
Replacing the processor fan and heat-sink assembly WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.
Removing the processor WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance. Prerequisites 1 Remove the left-side cover.
Replacing the processor WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.
4 Pivot the release lever down and place it under the tab on the processor cover. 1 processor socket 2 processor 3 alignment post 4 tab 5 processor cover 6 release lever Post-requisites 1 Replace the processor fan and heat-sink assembly or processor-cooling assembly (as applicable). 2 Follow the procedure from step 10 to step 11 in "Replacing the power-supply unit". 3 Replace the left-side cover.
Removing the wireless card WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance. Prerequisites 1 Remove the left-side cover.
4 Slide and remove the wireless card from the wireless-card slot.
Replacing the wireless card WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance. Procedure 1 Align the notch on the wireless card with the tab on the wireless-card slot.
5 Replace the screw that secures the wireless card to the system board. 1 wireless card 2 notch 3 tab 4 antenna cables 5 screw 6 wireless-card bracket Post-requisites 1 Follow the procedure from step 10 to step 11 in "Replacing the power-supply unit". 2 Replace the left-side cover.
Removing the antenna WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance. Prerequisites 1 Remove the left-side cover. 2 Remove the right-side cover. 3 Remove the top cover.
3 4 Push down the antenna cables towards the top of the computer through the cable-routing slot on the chassis. 1 antenna cables 3 chassis 2 routing guides Remove the antenna cables from the routing guides on the chassis.
5 86 Pry the antenna off the chassis.
Replacing the antenna WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance. Procedure 1 Adhere the antenna to the chassis.
Removing the front-chassis fan WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance. Prerequisites 1 Remove the left-side cover.
3 Slide and lift the chassis fan off the chassis.
4 90 Spread apart the tabs on the front-chassis fan bracket and lift the frontchassis fan along with its cable off the bracket.
Replacing the front-chassis fan WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.
Removing the top-chassis fan WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance. Prerequisites 1 Remove the left-side cover.
3 Remove the top-chassis fan from the chassis. 1 chassis 2 screw 3 top-chassis fan 4 top-chassis fan cable 4 Remove the top-chassis fan cable from the routing guide on the topchassis fan bracket. 5 Push the rubber grommets through the holes at each corner of the fan to release top-chassis fan from the bracket.
6 94 Lift the top-chassis fan off the top-chassis fan bracket.
Replacing the top-chassis fan WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance. Procedure 1 Align the holes on the top-chassis fan with the holes on the top-chassis fan bracket.
Removing the optical drive WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance. Prerequisites 1 Remove the left-side cover.
2 Pull the securing tab to release the optical-drive assembly from the chassis.
3 Push to slide the optical-drive assembly out through the front of the computer. 1 4 98 optical-drive assembly 2 chassis Remove the screw that secures the optical-drive bracket to the optical drive.
5 Gently pull and disconnect the optical-drive bezel from the optical drive.
Replacing the optical drive WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance. Procedure 1 Align and snap the optical-drive bezel to the optical drive.
Removing the front bezel WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance. Prerequisites 1 Remove the left-side cover. 2 Remove the right-side cover.
2 102 Grasp and release the front bezel tabs sequentially from the top, by moving them outward from the front panel.
3 Rotate and pull the front bezel away from the front of the computer to release the tabs on the front bezel from the slots on the front panel.
Replacing the front bezel WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance. Procedure 1 Align and insert the front bezel tabs into the front panel slots.
Removing the power-button board WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance. Prerequisites 1 Remove the left-side cover. 2 Remove the right-side cover.
3 Lift the power-button module off the top cover. 1 top cover 2 power-button module 3 screws (2) 4 routing guide 5 power-button module cable 4 Release the power-button board from under the tabs on the power-button board bracket. 5 Lift the power-button board along with the cable off the power-button board bracket.
Replacing the power-button board WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.
Removing the rear trim cover WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance. Prerequisites 1 Remove the left-side cover. 2 Remove the right-side cover. 3 Remove the top cover.
2 Using the tab, slide and remove the rear trim cover from the chassis.
Replacing the rear trim cover WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.
Removing the system board WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance. NOTE: Your computer’s Service Tag is stored in the system board.
Procedure NOTE: Note the routing of all cables as you remove them so that you can reroute them correctly after you replace the system board. For information on system board connectors, see "System-board components".
1 2 Disconnect all the cables connected to the system-board assembly.
3 114 Lift the system-board assembly out of the chassis.
Replacing the system board WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance. NOTE: Your computer’s Service Tag is stored in the system board.
Entering the Service Tag in the BIOS setup program 1 Turn on or restart your computer. 2 Press F2 when the AlienHead logo is displayed to enter the BIOS setup program. 3 Navigate to the Main tab and enter the Service Tag in the Service Tag Input field.
BIOS setup program Overview CAUTION: Unless you are an expert computer user, do not change the settings in the BIOS setup program. Certain changes can make your computer work incorrectly. NOTE: Before you change BIOS setup program, it is recommended that you write down the BIOS setup program screen information for future reference. Use BIOS setup program to: • Get information about the hardware installed in your computer, such as the amount of RAM, the size of the hard drive, and so on.
Main System Date Displays the current date in mm/dd/yyyy format. System Time Displays the current time in hh:mm:ss format. BIOS Information BIOS Version Displays the BIOS version number. Product Information Product Name Displays the product name. Default: Alienware Aurora R5. Service Tag Displays the service tag of your computer. Asset Tag Displays the asset tag of your computer. Memory Information System Memory Displays the total computer memory installed.
Advanced Advanced BIOS Features Intel SpeedStep Allows you to enable or disable Intel Speedstep Technology. Default: Enabled. NOTE: If enabled, the processor clock speed and core voltage are adjusted dynamically based on the processor load. Virtualization Allows you to enable or disable Intel Virtualization Technology feature for the processor. VT for Direct I/O Allows you to enable or disable Intel Virtualization Technology feature for the Direct I/O.
Advanced Deep Sleep Control Allows you to define the controls when Deep Sleep is enabled. USB Wake Support (S3) Allows you to enable the USB devices to wake the system from Standby. USB PowerShare (S4/S5) Allows you to charge external devices. 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.
Advanced Core Voltage Mode Allows you to select between adaptive and override voltage modes. Core Voltage Offset Allows you to set the override value of core voltage. Long Duration PWR Limit Allows you to set the turbo mode power limit. Short Duration PWR Limit Options Allows you to set the turbo mode power limit. XMP Memory Allows you to set the XMP memory. Security Admin Password Status Displays whether the admin password is set.
Boot 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. Default: Onboard NIC Device. Save & Exit Save Changes and Reset Allows you to exit system setup and save your changes. Discard Changes and Reset Allows you to exit system setup and load previous values for all system setup options.
Procedure 1 Locate the password jumper (P215) on the system board. For information on the location of the Password jumper, see System-board components. 2 Remove the jumper plug from pins 215. 3 Follow the procedure from step 8 to step 9 in "Replacing the power-supply unit". 4 Replace the left-side cover. 5 Turn on your computer and wait until the operating system is completely loaded. 6 Shut down your computer. 7 Remove the left-side cover.
9 Replace the jumper plug on pins 215. 1 jumper plug 2 P215 Post-requisites 1 Follow the procedure from step 10 to step 11 in "Replacing the power-supply unit". 2 Replace the left-side cover.
Clearing CMOS Settings WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance. Prerequisites 1 Remove the left-side cover.
6 Connect the system-board power cable to the system board. 1 jumper plug 2 P217 3 P216 4 system board Post-requisites 1 Follow the procedure from step 10 to step 11 in "Replacing the power-supply unit". 2 Replace the left-side cover.
Flashing the BIOS You may need to flash (update) the BIOS when an update is available or when you replace the system board. To flash the BIOS: 1 Turn on your computer. 2 Go to www.dell.com/support. 3 Click or tap Product support, enter the Service Tag of your computer, and then click or tap Submit. NOTE: If you do not have the Service Tag, use the auto-detect feature or manually browse for your computer model. 4 Click or tap Drivers & downloads → Find it myself.
Technology and components Audio Alienware Aurora R5is shipped with Realtek ALC3861 for optical S/PDIF output. NOTE: The audio drivers are already installed when you receive your computer. 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.
3 Expand Sound, video and game controllers to view the audio controller. Before installation After installation Changing the audio settings 1 On the taskbar, click the search box, and then type Dell Audio. 2 Click Dell Audio and change the audio settings as required.
Downloading the graphics 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 Video. 6 Click Download to download the graphics driver for your computer.
4 Click Apply. Rotating the display 1 Right-click on your desktop.
2 Select Graphics Options → Rotation and select from the listed options. The display can be also rotated by selecting Rotate Display under the Display menu in the NVIDIA Control Panel. For computers shipped with the AMD video card, the display can be rotated by selecting the required rotation on Rotate Desktop tab in the AMD Catalyst Control Center.
USB The following table shows the USB ports available in Alienware Aurora R5. Ports Location USB 3.0 Two on the front side USB 3.0 with PowerShare Two on the front side USB 2.0 Six on the back panel USB 3.1 Type-C One on the back panel USB 3.1 One on the back panel USB 3.0 Three on the back panel NOTE: USB 3.0 needs the driver to be installed before it can detect any USB devices. Downloading the USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 driver 1 Turn on your computer. 2 Go to www.dell.com/support.
3 Expand System devices. Enabling or disabling the USB in BIOS setup program 1 Turn on or restart your computer. 2 Press F2 when the AlienHead logo is displayed on the screen to enter the BIOS setup program. The BIOS setup program is displayed. 3 On the Advanced tab, select USB Configuration. 4 Select the Front USB Ports or Rear USB Ports options to enable or disable the ports respectively. 5 Save the BIOS setup program settings and exit.
Turning on or off Wi-Fi NOTE: There is no physical switch to enable or disable Wi-Fi. It has to be done through computer settings. 1 Swipe-in from the right edge of the display, or click the Action Center icon on the taskbar to access the Action Center. 2 Click Wi-Fi to turn Wi-Fi on or off. Downloading the Wi-Fi 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.
Configuring the Wi-Fi 1 Turn on Wi-Fi. For more information, see Turning Wi-Fi on or off. 2 Swipe-in from the right edge of the display, or click the Action Center icon on the taskbar to access the Action Center. 3 Click Wi-Fi, and then click Go to settings. A list of available networks is displayed. 4 Select your network and click Connect. NOTE: Type the network security key, if prompted. Bluetooth Alienware Aurora R5 is shipped with Bluetooth 4.1/Bluetooth 4.2.
2 Swipe-in from the right edge of the display, or click the Action Center icon on the taskbar to access the Action Center. 3 Click Bluetooth, and then click Go to settings. 4 Select the required Bluetooth device for pairing. 5 Click Pair to pair the bluetooth devices. 6 Click Yes to confirm the passcodes on both the devices. Removing the Bluetooth device 1 Swipe-in from the right edge of the display, or click the Action Center icon on the taskbar to access the Action Center.
3 Click the device you want to remove, and then click Remove device. Transferring files between devices using Bluetooth 1 Swipe-in from the right edge of the display, or click the Action Center icon on the taskbar to access the Action Center. 2 Click Bluetooth, and then click Go to settings. 3 Select your Bluetooth device. 4 Click Send or receive files via Bluetooth. 5 In the Bluetooth File Transfer window, click Send files, and then select the file you want to transfer.
Hard drive The following table shows the hard-drive options available in Alienware Aurora R5. Options Dimensions SSD One M.2 drive SATA • • One 3.5-inch drive bay Two 2.5-inch drive bays Identifying the hard drive 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. Identifying the hard drive in BIOS setup program 1 Turn on or restart your computer.
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 chipset driver for your computer. 7 After the download is complete, navigate to the folder where you saved the chipset driver file.
3 Expand System devices. Memory Alienware Aurora R5 has four DIMM (RAM) slots, which are accessible by removing the left-side cover and rotating the power-supply unit. Your computer supports 4 GB, 8 GB, 16 GB, 32 GB, and 64 GB DDR4 memory of up to 2133 MHz and up to 2400 MHz with XMP (optional).
Checking the system memory in Windows 1 Click Start 2 Select Settings 3 Click System → About. . . Checking the system memory in BIOS setup program 1 Turn on or restart your computer. 2 Press F2 when the AlienHead logo is displayed on the screen to enter the BIOS setup program. On the Main tab, the memory information is displayed. For more information, see System setup options. Testing memory using ePSA 1 Turn on or restart your computer.
2 Click Device Manager. The Device Manager window is displayed. 3 Expand Processors . Checking the processor usage in the task manager 1 Right-click on the taskbar. 2 Click Task Manager. The Task Manager window is displayed. 3 Click Performance tab to display the processor performance details.
Operating System Alienware Aurora R5 is shipped with the Windows 10 factory installation. Service Tag location The service tag is a unique alphanumeric identifier that allows Dell service technicians to identify the hardware components in your computer and access warranty information. The Service Tag label is located at the rear of your computer towards the base.
Video drivers In the Device Manager, check if the video driver is installed. Install the video driver update from www.dell.com/support.
Intel Serial IO driver In the Device Manager, check if the Intel Serial IO driver is installed. Install the driver updates from www.dell.com/support.
Intel Trusted Execution Engine Interface In the Device Manager, check if the Intel Trusted Execution Engine Interface driver is installed. Install the driver update from www.dell.com/support.
Intel Wireless-AC 8260 Wi-Fi and Bluetooth drivers In the Device Manager, check if the network card driver is installed. Install the driver updates from www.dell.com/support.
In the Device Manager, check if the Bluetooth driver is installed. Install the driver updates from www.dell.com/support. BIOS overview The BIOS manages data flow between the computer's operating system and attached devices such as hard disk, video adapter, keyboard, mouse, and printer. Boot menu The Alienware Area-51 R2 includes a one-time boot menu. By using this feature, you can change the sequence of devices that your computer attempts to boot from, for example, CD-ROM, hard drive, or network.
System diagnostic lights The computer POST (Power On Self Test) ensures that it meets the basic computer requirements and the hardware is working appropriately before the boot process begins. If the computer passes the POST, the computer continues to start in a normal mode. However, if the computer fails the POST, the computer emits a series of LED codes in amber color during the start-up. The following table shows different light patterns, what they indicate, and the suggested solutions.
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: Information about Alienware products www.alienware.com and services Troubleshooting information, user manuals, setup instructions, product specifications, technical help blogs, drivers, software updates, and so on www.alienware.com/gamingservices Videos providing step-by-step www.youtube.
