Alienware Area-51 R5 Service Manual Computer Model: Alienware Area-51 R5 Regulatory Model: D03X Regulatory Type: D03X002
Notes, cautions, and warnings NOTE: A NOTE indicates important information that helps you make better use of your product. CAUTION: A CAUTION indicates either potential damage to hardware or loss of data and tells you how to avoid the problem. WARNING: A WARNING indicates a potential for property damage, personal injury, or death. © 2018 Dell Inc. or its subsidiaries. All rights reserved. Dell, EMC, and other trademarks are trademarks of Dell Inc. or its subsidiaries.
Contents Before working inside your computer........................ 13 Before you begin ........................................................................... 13 Safety instructions........................................................................... 13 Recommended tools........................................................................14 Screw list........................................................................................ 15 After working inside your computer.................
Replacing the side panels............................................ 33 Procedure...................................................................................... 33 Removing the battery..................................................34 Prerequisites...................................................................................34 Procedure...................................................................................... 34 Replacing the battery..............................................
Replacing the U.2 fan.................................................. 46 Procedure......................................................................................46 Post-requisites................................................................................46 Removing the right AlienFX side-panel connector....47 Prerequisites...................................................................................47 Procedure..............................................................................
Replacing the drive-bay heat sensor cable.................61 Procedure.......................................................................................61 Post-requisites................................................................................ 61 Removing the memory modules..................................62 Prerequisites.................................................................................. 62 Procedure................................................................................
Replacing the wireless card.........................................76 Procedure...................................................................................... 76 Post-requisites................................................................................ 76 Removing the coin-cell battery...................................77 Prerequisites................................................................................... 77 Procedure.................................................................
Replacing the solid-state drive................................... 89 Procedure...................................................................................... 89 Post-requisites............................................................................... 90 Removing the PCI fan..................................................91 Prerequisites................................................................................... 91 Procedure..............................................................
Replacing the processor............................................ 104 Procedure.................................................................................... 104 Post-requisites..............................................................................105 Removing the power-supply unit............................. 106 Prerequisites.................................................................................106 Procedure.........................................................................
Replacing the front bezel.......................................... 127 Procedure.....................................................................................127 Post-requisites.............................................................................. 127 Removing the rear bezel............................................128 Prerequisites................................................................................. 128 Procedure................................................................
Replacing the bottom tron-lighting cable................ 146 Procedure.................................................................................... 146 Post-requisites.............................................................................. 146 Removing the antenna cables....................................147 Prerequisites................................................................................. 147 Procedure...............................................................................
Troubleshooting......................................................... 172 Flashing the BIOS......................................................................... 172 Flashing BIOS (USB key)............................................................... 172 Enhanced Pre-Boot System Assessment (ePSA) diagnostics.............173 Running the ePSA diagnostics.................................................. 173 Diagnostics...................................................................................
Before working inside your computer NOTE: The images in this document may differ from your computer depending on the configuration you ordered. Before you begin 1 Save and close all open files and exit all open applications. 2 Shut down your computer. Click Start → Power → Shut down. NOTE: If you are using a different operating system, see the documentation of your operating system for shut-down instructions. 3 Disconnect your computer and all attached devices from their electrical outlets.
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. CAUTION: You should only perform troubleshooting and repairs as authorized or directed by the Dell technical assistance team. Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by your warranty. See the safety instructions that shipped with the product or at www.dell.
Screw list The following table provides the list of screws that are used for securing different components. Table 1. Screw list Component Secured to Screw type Quantity Stability foot Computer #6-32x6 2 Security-cable slot latch Computer #6-32x5.2 1 Battery-case door Battery case M2x5.7 1 Battery case Chassis #6-32x5.2 2 Hard-drive assembly Chassis #6-32x6 1 Hard drive Hard-drive bracket #6-32x3.6 4 U.
Component Secured to Screw type Quantity Left AlienFX side-panel connector assembly Chassis #6-32x6 2 Left AlienFX side-panel connector Bracket #6-32x6 1 I/O board Chassis #6-32x6 5 Wireless card Chassis M2x3 1 Top fan Chassis #6-32x6 1 Logo board Chassis #6-32x6 1 Logo board Bracket #6-32x6 6 Solid-state drive System board M2x2.5 1 PCI fan Chassis M3x5.
Component Secured to Screw type Quantity Processor liquid-cooling assembly Chassis M5x10 4 Power-supply unit Chassis #6-32x6 4 System-board Chassis #6-32x6 9 Rear-handle bar Chassis #6-32x6.5 14 Front-handle bar Chassis #6-32x6.5 14 Bottom-handle Chassis bar #6-32x6.
Component Secured to Screw type Quantity Base panel Chassis #6-32x6 5 Antennas Chassis #6-32x6 6 18 Screw image
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. Inside view of your computer To view the different components installed in your computer.
Right view Figure 1. Right view 1 I/O board (IO BRD) 2 U.2 2.5–inch drive bracket (HDD3/HDD4) 3 drive-bay heat-sensor 4 U.2 2.5–inch drive bracket (HDD1/HDD2) 5 AlienFX side-panel connector 6 rear I/O accessibility lighting batteries 7 3.5-inch drive bracket (HDD1) 8 3.5-inch drive bracket (HDD2) 9 3.
Left view Figure 2.
System-board components 1 processor liquid cooling-assembly 2 fan (LCM_FAN1) audio connector 3 PCI-Express slot (SLOT1) 4 PCI-Express slot (SLOT3) 5 PCI-Express slot (SLOT4) 6 wireless card slot (M2_WLAN1) 23
7 PCI-Express slot (SLOT5) 8 PCI-Express slot (SLOT6) 9 solid-state drive slot (M2_SSD1) 10 PCI-Express slot (SLOT7) 11 LED Power Switch (PANEL1) 12 USB connector (USB1) 13 drive-bay heat-sensor connector (SENSOR1) 14 chassis heat-sensor connector (SENSOR2) 15 PCI-Express power connector (PCIE_PWR1) 16 PCI-Express fan 1 connector (PCI_FAN1) 17 password reset jumper (PASSWORD_CLR1) 18 SATA drive connector (HDD_SATA3_4) 19 SATA drive connector (HDD_SATA1_2) 20 USB connector (FUSB3_M
Figure 3.
Lifting the computer Procedure 1 With both hands, hold the handle located on top of the computer. 2 Lift the computer.
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 Tilt the computer towards the front until the base is facing up.
3 28 Lift the stability foot off the computer.
4 Tilt the computer back to the upright position.
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 Tilt the computer towards the front until the base is facing up.
Removing the side panels 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 NOTE: Make sure that you remove the security cable from the securitycable slot (if applicable).
3 Pull and lift the right side-panel away from the chassis. 4 Repeat the procedure from step 2 to step 3 on the left side-panel.
Replacing the side panels 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 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. Prerequisites Remove the right side-panel. See “Removing the side panels”. Procedure 1 Remove the screw (M2x5.
3 Remove the batteries from the battery case.
Replacing the battery WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance. Procedure 1 Insert the batteries into the battery case. 2 Slide and close the battery-case door.
Removing the battery case 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 stability foot. 2 Remove the right side-panel. See “Removing the side panels”.
5 38 Lift the battery case off the chassis.
Replacing the battery case 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 screw holes on the battery case with the screw holes on the chassis.
Removing the hard drive WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance. CAUTION: Hard drives are fragile. Exercise care when handling the hard drive.
4 Using the tab, slide and remove the hard-drive assembly (HDD1) from the chassis. 5 Remove the four screws (#6-32x3.6) that secure the hard-drive bracket to the hard drive.
6 Slide and remove the hard drive from the hard-drive bracket. NOTE: Repeat step 2 to step 6 to remove any other hard drives (HDD2 and HDD3) installed in your computer.
Replacing the hard drive WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance. CAUTION: Hard drives are fragile. Exercise care when handling the hard drive.
Removing the U.2 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 stability foot. 2 Remove the left and right side-panels.
4 Remove the U.2 fan from the hard-drive assembly bracket.
Replacing the U.2 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 and place the U.2 fan on the hard-drive assembly bracket.
Removing the right AlienFX sidepanel connector 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 stability foot. 2 Remove the left and right side-panels.
5 Slide and remove the right AlienFX side-panel connector assembly from the chassis. 6 Remove the two screws (#6-32x6) that secure the right AlienFX side-panel connector to the bracket.
7 Remove the cable routing through the slot on the bracket and lift the right AlienFX side-panel connector off the bracket.
Replacing the right AlienFX sidepanel connector 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 left AlienFX sidepanel connector 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 stability foot. 2 Remove the left and right side-panels.
3 Remove the cable from the securing clip and route the cable through the slot on the chassis. 4 Turn the chassis over. 5 Remove the AlienFX side-panel cable through the routing guides on the chassis. 6 Remove the screw (#6-32x6) that secures the left AlienFX side-panel connector assembly to the chassis.
7 Remove the left AlienFX side-panel connector assembly from the chassis. 8 Remove the two screws (#6-32x6) that secure the AlienFX side-panel connector to the bracket. 9 Remove the cable routing through the slot on the bracket and lift the left AlienFX side-panel connector off the bracket.
Replacing the left AlienFX sidepanel connector 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 I/O board WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance. Prerequisites 1 Remove the stability foot. 2 Remove left and right side-panels.
4 56 Slide and lift the I/O board out of the chassis.
Replacing the I/O board WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance. Post-requisites 1 Replace left and right side-panels. See “Replacing the side panels”.
Removing the drive-bay heat sensor cable 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 stability foot. 2 Remove the left and right side-panels.
2 Disconnect the drive-bay heat-sensor cable from the system board. 3 Turn the chassis over. 4 Remove the cable through the slot on the chassis. Locate the drive-bay heatsensor. See “right view”.
5 60 Push the release tab and pry the drive-bay heat-sensor cable off the chassis.
Replacing the drive-bay heat sensor cable 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 Route the drive-bay heat-sensor cable through the slot on the chassis.
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 stability foot. 2 Remove the left and right side-panels.
2 Locate the memory modules on the system board. 3 Use your fingertips to carefully spread apart the securing-clips on each end of the memory-module slot. 4 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 4 to remove any other memory modules installed in your computer.
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 Align the notch on the memory module with the tab on the memory-module slot.
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 stability foot. 2 Remove the left and right side-panels.
5 Pull the clamp up out from the bracket. NOTE: The location of the power supply connector (VGA1, VGA2, and VGA3) varies depending on the video card installed. 6 66 Press and hold the securing tab on the graphics-card connector, grasp the card by its top corner.
7 Lift the graphics card from the graphics-card 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 PCI-Express card connector on the system board.
Removing multiple graphics cards 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 stability foot. 2 Remove the left and right side-panels.
2 Lift the graphics bridge that connects the graphics cards. 3 Disconnect the power cables from the graphics card. 4 Rotate and open the PCIE door. 5 Press and hold the securing tab on the clamp.
6 Pull the clamp away from the bracket. NOTE: The location of the power supply connector (VGA1, VGA2, and VGA3) varies depending on the video card installed. 7 Press and hold the securing tab on the graphics-card connector, grasp the card by its top corner.
8 Lift the graphics card from the graphics-card slot. 9 Repeat steps 2 to 7 to remove graphics card on the PCI-Express card connector (SLOT4) and PCI-Express x16 card connector (SLOT7).
Replacing multiple graphics cards 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 PCI-Express card connector on the system board.
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 stability foot. 2 Remove the left and right side-panels.
2 Locate the wireless card on the system board. 3 Remove the screw (M2x3) that secures the wireless card to the chassis. 4 Slide and remove the wireless card from the wireless-card slot. 5 Disconnect the antenna cables from the wireless card.
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 Connect the antenna cables to the wireless card.
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 Locate the coin-cell battery on the system board. 3 Push the coin-cell battery-release lever. 4 Remove the coin-cell battery.
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 top 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 stability foot. 2 Remove the left and right side-panels.
4 Pull the release tab away from the chassis, move the top fan towards the right side and slide the top fan out of the chassis.
Replacing the top 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 logo board WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance. Prerequisites 1 Remove the stability foot. 2 Remove the left and right side-panels.
Procedure NOTE: Note the routing of all cables as you remove them so that you can route them correctly after you replace the logo board. 1 Disconnect all the cables from the logo board. 2 Remove the screw (#6-32x6) that secures the logo board to the chassis.
3 Slide the logo board out of the chassis. 4 Remove the six screws (#6-32x6) that secure the logo board to the bracket. 5 Remove the logo board from the bracket.
Replacing the logo board WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.
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.
2 Locate the solid-state drive on the system board. 3 Remove the screw (M2x2.5) that secures the solid-state drive to the system board. 4 Slide and remove the solid-state drive from the solid-state drive slot on 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 Align the screw hole on the solid-state drive with the screw hole on the system board. 4 Replace the screw (M2x2.5) that secures the solid-state drive to the system board. Post-requisites 1 Replace the left and right side-panels. See “Replacing the side panels”. 2 Replace the stability foot.
Removing the PCI 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 stability foot. 2 Remove the left and right side-panels.
5 92 Slide and remove the PCI fan from the tabs securing it to the chassis.
Replacing the PCI 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 front-bezel heat sensor cable 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 stability foot. 2 Remove the left and right side-panels.
4 Slide and remove the PCI fan holder from the chassis. 5 Push the release tab and pry the front-bezel heat-sensor cable off the chassis.
Replacing the front-bezel heatsensor cable 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 Route the front-bezel heat-sensor cable through the bracket.
Removing the processor liquidcooling 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 stability foot. 2 Remove the left and right side-panels.
5 98 Remove the four screws (M5x10) that secure the processor liquid-cooling assembly fan to the chassis.
6 Slide and lift the processor liquid-cooling assembly fan and processor liquidcooling assembly pump out of the chassis.
Replacing the processor liquidcooling 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.
7 In sequential order as indicated on the processor cooling-assembly, tighten the captive screws that secure the processor liquid-cooling assembly to the system board. 8 Connect the processor liquid-cooling assembly fan cable to the system board. 9 Connect the processor liquid-cooling assembly pump-fan cable to the system board. Post-requisites 1 Replace the memory modules. 2 Replace the left and right side-panels. See “Replacing the side panels”. 3 Replace the stability foot.
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 stability foot. 2 Remove the left and right side-panels.
5 Gently lift the processor from the processor socket.
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.
5 Press down and push the left-release lever. Place it under the tab on the processor cover. Post-requisites 1 Replace the processor liquid-cooling assembly. 2 Replace the left and right side-panels. See “Replacing the side panels”. 3 Replace the stability foot.
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 1 Remove the stability foot. 2 Remove the left and right side-panels.
3 Remove the four screws (#6-32x6) that secure the power-supply unit to the back of the chassis.
4 Lift the power-supply unit cover away from the chassis. 5 Slide the power-supply unit out through the back of the chassis and remove it from the computer.
6 Remove the four screws (#6-32x6) that secure the metal bracket to the power-supply unit. 7 Remove the metal bracket from the power-supply unit.
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.
3 Press and hold the securing tab on the chassis and slide the power-supply unit into the chassis until it snaps into position. 4 Align the notch on the power-supply unit cover with the tab on the chassis. 5 Replace the four screws (#6-32x6) that secure the power-supply unit to the bezel. 6 Connect the power cable to the power-supply unit. Post-requisites 1 Replace the graphics cards or multiple graphics cards. 2 Replace the left and right side-panels. See “Replacing the side panels”.
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.
2 Disconnect all the cables connected to the system-board assembly. 3 Remove the nine screws (#6-32x6) that secure the system-board assembly to the chassis. 4 Lift the system-board assembly out of the chassis. 5 Remove the processor.
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.
6 Replace the left and right side-panels. See “Replacing the side panels”. 7 Replace the stability foot.
Removing the handle bars 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 stability foot. 2 Remove the left and right side-panels.
Procedure 1 Remove the seven screws (#6-32x6.5) that secure the rear handle-bar to the left side of the chassis. 2 Remove the seven screws (#6-32x6.5) that secure the rear handle-bar to the right side of the chassis.
3 118 Press the rear-handle bar to release the securing tab and remove the rearhandle bar.
4 Remove the seven screws (#6-32x6.5) that secure the front handle-bar to the left side of the chassis. 5 Remove the seven screws (#6-32x6.5) that secure the front handle-bar to the right side of the chassis.
6 120 Press the front-handle bar to release the securing tab and remove the fronthandle bar.
7 Remove the seven screws (#6-32x6.5) that secure the bottom handle-bar to the left side of the chassis. 8 Remove the seven screws (#6-32x6.5) that secure the bottom handle-bar to the right side of the chassis.
9 122 Press the bottom-handle bar to release the securing tab and remove the bottom-handle bar.
Replacing the handle bars 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 place the bottom-handle bar on the slot and snap the bottomhandle bar to the chassis.
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 stability foot. 2 Remove the left and right side-panels.
2 Pull the connector downwards and then disconnect the bottom tron lightcables from the front bezel. 3 Remove the two screws (6-32x5.2) from inside, securing the front bezel to the left side of the chassis. 4 Remove the screw (6-32x5.2) from inside, securing the front bezel to the right side of the chassis. 5 Release the tabs from inside the chassis on the right side, securing the front bezel to the chassis.
6 126 Pull the front bezel off the chassis.
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.
Removing the rear 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 stability foot. 2 Remove the left and right side-panels.
3 Remove the rear I/O accessibility lighting cable through the routing guides on the chassis. 4 Remove the rear I/O accessibility lighting cable through the slot on the chassis.
5 Open the securing clip which secures the rear I/O accessibility lighting cable to the chassis. 6 Remove the rear I/O accessibility lighting cable from the routing guides on the chassis. 7 Remove the four screws (#6-32x6) that secure the power-supply unit cover to the back of the chassis.
8 Lift the power-supply unit cover away from the chassis. 9 Remove the four screws (#6-32x6) that secure the rear bezel to the top and bottom of the chassis. 10 Remove the screw (M3x5) from inside, that secure the rear bezel to the chassis. 11 Release the tabs from inside the chassis on the left side, securing the rear bezel to the chassis. 12 Release the tabs from inside the chassis on the right side, securing the rear bezel to the chassis.
13 Remove the rear bezel from the chassis and remove the rear I/O accessibility lighting cable from the slot on the chassis.
Replacing the rear 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 Route the rear I/O accessibility lighting cable through the slot on the chassis.
Removing the base panel WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance. Prerequisites 1 Remove the stability foot. 2 Remove the left and right side-panels.
Procedure CAUTION: If the front bezel and rear bezel have been removed, place the chassis carefully on a flat surface to avoid damaging the I/O ports. 1 Remove the four screws (#6-32x6) that secure the base panel to the chassis. 2 Remove the three screws (#6-32x6) from inside, securing the base panel to the left side of the chassis.
3 Release the tabs from inside the chassis on the left side, securing the base panel to the left side of the chassis. Figure 4. Removing the base panel 4 136 1 tabs (2) 3 chassis 2 screws (3) Remove the two screws (#6-32x6) from inside, securing the base panel to the right side of the chassis.
5 Release the tabs from inside the chassis on the right side, securing the base panel to the right side of the chassis. Figure 5.
6 Remove the base panel from the chassis. Figure 6.
Replacing the base panel WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.
Removing the top tron-lighting cable 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 stability foot. 2 Remove the left and right side-panels.
2 Remove the top tron-lighting cables from the routing-guides on the chassis. 3 Peel the tape that secures the top tron-lighting cables to the chassis and lift the top tron-lighting cables.
Replacing the top tron-lighting cable 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 place the top tron-lighting cables on the chassis.
Removing the bottom tron-lighting cable 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 stability foot. 2 Remove the left and right side-panels.
3 144 Remove the bottom tron-lighting cables from the routing guide on the chassis.
4 Remove the bottom tron-lighting cables from the slot on the chassis.
Replacing the bottom tron-lighting cable 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 Route the bottom tron-lighting cables through the slot on the chassis.
Removing the antenna cables 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 stability foot. 2 Remove the left and right side-panels.
4 Slide the antenna cables through the slot on the chassis. 5 Turn the chassis over. 6 Remove the antenna cables from the routing guide on the chassis.
7 Slide the antenna cable through the slot on the chassis. 8 Turn the chassis over.
9 Remove the antenna cables from the routing guide on the chassis and slide the antenna cable through the slot on the chassis. 10 Peel the tape that secures the antenna cables to the chassis. 11 Remove the six screws (#6-32x6) that secure the antenna cables to the chassis.
12 Pull the antenna cables from the slot on the chassis and remove.
Replacing the antenna cables 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.
7 Replace the stability foot.
Downloading drivers Downloading the audio driver 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 autodetect 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.
Downloading the graphics driver 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 autodetect 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.
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 autodetect 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.
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. 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.
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. 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.
BIOS setup program Boot Sequence Boot Sequence allows you to bypass the System Setup–defined boot device order and boot directly to a specific device (for example: optical drive or hard drive). During the Power-on Self Test (POST), when the Dell logo appears, you can: • Access System Setup by pressing F2 key • Bring up the one-time boot menu by pressing F12 key The one-time boot menu displays the devices that you can boot from including the diagnostic option.
Keys Navigation Enter Selects a value in the selected field (if applicable) or follow the link in the field. Spacebar Expands or collapses a drop‐down list, if applicable. Tab Moves to the next focus area. NOTE: For the standard graphics browser only. Esc Moves to the previous page until you view the main screen. Pressing Esc in the main screen displays a message that prompts you to save any unsaved changes and restarts the system.
2 During POST, when the DELL logo is displayed, watch for the F2 prompt to appear, and then press F2 immediately. NOTE: The F2 prompt indicates that the keyboard is initialized. This prompt can appear very quickly, so you must watch for it, and then press F2. If you press F2 before the F2 prompt, this keystroke is lost. If you wait too long and the operating system logo appears, continue to wait until you see the desktop. Then, turn off your computer and try again.
Main EC Firmware Version Displays the Embedded Controller firmware version. Memory Information Total Memory Displays the total computer memory installed. Memory Available Displays the amount of memory available on the computer. Memory Technology Displays the type of memory technology used. Memory Speed Displays the memory speed. CPU Information Processor Type Displays the processor type Processor ID Displays the processor identification code. CPU Speed Displays the CPU speed.
Advanced recovery file on the user primary hard drive. Default: Disabled. Always Perform Integrity Check Allows you to perform the Integrity check. Default: Disabled. CPU configuration Hyper-threading Technology Enable or disable HyperThreading in the processor. Default: Enabled. Intel (R) SpeedStep (tm) Enable or disable Intel Speedstep Technology. Default: Enabled. NOTE: If enabled, the processor clock speed and core voltage are adjusted dynamically based on the processor load.
Advanced Integrated NIC1 Allows you to enable or disable the NIC1. Default: Enabled. Integrated NIC2 Allows you to enable or disable the NIC2. Default: Enabled. Pxe Option Allows you to enable or disable the boot option for legacy network devices. Default: Disabled. SATA Mode Allows you to configure the operating mode of the integrated SATA hard drive controller. Default: Inte Smart Response Technology. PCIE GEN3 Allows you to enable or disable the PCIE GEN3. Default: Disabled.
Table 5. System setup options—OC menu OC Intel CPU Allows you to set OC mode and Custom Pstate0 for the CPU. Intel Memory Allows you to set the overclocking. Table 6. System setup options—Security menu Security Unlock Setup Displays if the setup status is unlocked. Admin Password Allows you to set the administrator password. The administrator password controls access to the system setup utility. System Password Allows you to set the system password.
Security Computrace Enable or disable the BIOS module interface of the optional Computrace Service from Absolute Software. Firmware TPM Enable or disable the firmware TPM. Default: Enabled. UEFI Firmware Capsule Updates Enable or disable BIOS updates through UEFI capsule update packages. Default: Enabled. Table 7. System setup options—Boot menu Boot Boot Configuration Wait for ‘F1’ If Error Allows you to enable or disable the F1 screen. Default: All, but KB.
Boot 4th Boot Allows you to enable or disable the 4th boot device. Default: Floppy. 5th Boot Allows you to enable or disable the 5th boot device. Default: Network. Table 8. System setup options—Exit menu 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. Restore Defaults Allows you to load default values for all system setup options.
To enter the system setup, press F2 immediately after a power-on or re-boot. 1 In the System BIOS or System Setup screen, select Security and press Enter. The Security screen is displayed. 2 Select System Password and create a password in the Enter the new password field. Use the following guidelines to assign the system password: – A password can have up to 32 characters. – The password can contain the numbers 0 through 9. – Only lower case letters are valid, upper case letters are not allowed.
5 Press Esc and a message prompts you to save the changes. 6 Press Y to save the changes and exit from System Setup. The computer reboots. 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.
8 Remove the jumper plug from pins 1 and 2 and replace it on pins 2 and 3. 9 Replace the left and right side-panels. See “Replacing the side panels”. 10 Replace the stability foot. Clearing Forgotten Passwords 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.
7 Wait for approximately five seconds to clear the password setting. 8 Remove the jumper plug from pins 1 and 2 and replace it on pins 2 and 3. 9 Replace the left and right side-panels. See “Replacing the side panels”. 10 Replace the stability foot.
Troubleshooting Flashing the BIOS You may need to flash (update) the BIOS when an update is available or when you replace the system board. Follow these steps to flash the BIOS: 1 Turn on your computer. 2 Go to www.dell.com/support. 3 Click Product support, enter the Service Tag of your computer, and then click Submit. NOTE: If you do not have the Service Tag, use the auto-detect feature or manually browse for your computer model. 4 Click Drivers & downloads → Find it myself.
6 Boot to the USB drive from the One Time Boot Menu. 7 Type the BIOS setup program filename and press Enter. 8 The BIOS Update Utility appears. Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the BIOS update. Enhanced Pre-Boot System Assessment (ePSA) diagnostics CAUTION: Use the ePSA diagnostics to test only your computer. Using this program with other computers may cause invalid results or error messages.
6 To run a diagnostic test on a specific device, press Esc and click Yes to stop the diagnostic test. 7 Select the device from the left pane and click Run Tests. 8 If there are any issues, error codes are displayed. Note the error code and validation number and contact Dell. Diagnostics The following table shows different beep codes and what they indicate. Table 9.
Getting help and contacting Alienware Self-help resources You can get information and help on Alienware products and services using these online self-help resources: Table 10. Alienware products and online self-help resources Information about Alienware products and services www.alienware.com Dell Help & Support app Tips Contact Support In Windows search, type Help and Support, and press Enter. Online help for operating system www.dell.com/support/windows www.dell.
NOTE: Availability varies by country and product, and some services may not be available in your country. NOTE: If you do not have an active internet connection, you can find contact information on your purchase invoice, packing slip, bill, or Dell product catalog.
