Alienware Aurora R11 Service Manual Regulatory Model: D23M Regulatory Type: D23M002
Notes, cautions, and warnings NOTE: A NOTE indicates important information that helps you make better use of your product. CAUTION: A CAUTION indicates either potential damage to hardware or loss of data and tells you how to avoid the problem. WARNING: A WARNING indicates a potential for property damage, personal injury, or death. © 2020 Dell Inc. or its subsidiaries. All rights reserved. Dell, EMC, and other trademarks are trademarks of Dell Inc. or its subsidiaries.
Contents 1 Working inside your computer..............................................................................................................6 Safety instructions.................................................................................................................................................................6 Before working inside your computer.................................................................................................................................
Installing the right tron-light board............................................................................................................................. 35 Processor liquid-cooling assembly.....................................................................................................................................36 Removing the processor liquid-cooling assembly.......................................................................................................
Removing the front AlienFX LED board..................................................................................................................... 86 Installing the front AlienFX LED board....................................................................................................................... 86 Power-button board..........................................................................................................................................................
Working inside your computer Safety instructions Use the following safety guidelines to protect your computer from potential damage and to ensure your personal safety. Unless otherwise noted, each procedure included in this document assumes that you have read the safety information that shipped with your computer. NOTE: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.
problems or a shortened product life span. As the industry pushes for lower power requirements and increased density, ESD protection is an increasing concern. Due to the increased density of semiconductors used in recent Dell products, the sensitivity to static damage is now higher than in previous Dell products. For this reason, some previously approved methods of handling parts are no longer applicable. Two recognized types of ESD damage are catastrophic and intermittent failures.
• • ESD Packaging – All ESD-sensitive devices must be shipped and received in static-safe packaging. Metal, static-shielded bags are preferred. However, you should always return the damaged part using the same ESD bag and packaging that the new part arrived in. The ESD bag should be folded over and taped shut and all the same foam packing material should be used in the original box that the new part arrived in.
Removing and installing components Inside view of your computer 1. 3. 5. 7. 9. power-supply unit 2.5-inch hard-drive cage system board processor fan and liquid cooling assembly 3.5-inch hard-drive cage 2. 4. 6. 8. 2.
System-board components 1. power-supply connector 3. front-panel USB cable 1 (F_USB1) 5. SATA 6 Gbps drive connector (SATA2) 7. SATA 6 Gbps drive connector (SATA4) 9. front-chassis fan connector (FRONT_FAN) 11. CMOS reset jumper (CMOS_CLR) 13. LED controller connector (LED_CONTROLLER) 15. PCI-Express x16 mechanical/x8 electrical slot (SLOT4) 17. PCI-Express x4 slot (SLOT2) 2. front-panel USB cable 2 (F_USB2) 4. SATA 6 Gbps drive connector (SATA1) 6. SATA 6 Gbps drive connector (SATA3) 8.
Screw list NOTE: When removing screws from a component, it is recommended to note the screw type, the quantity of screws, and then place them in a screw storage box. This is to ensure that the correct number of screws and correct screw type is restored when the component is replaced. NOTE: Some computers have magnetic surfaces. Ensure that the screws are not left attached to such surface when replacing a component. NOTE: Screw color may vary with the configuration ordered. Table 1.
Component Secured to Screw type Quantity System board Chassis #6-32 8 Screw image Left-side cover Removing the left-side cover Prerequisites 1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer. About this task The following images indicate the location of the left-side cover and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure. Steps 1. Remove the screw (6-32x12-7L) that secures the side-cover release latch to the chassis. 2.
Steps 1. Locate the tabs on the left-side cover and slots on the chassis. 2. Rotate the left-side cover towards the chassis until it snaps into place. 3. Replace the screw (6-32x12-7L) that secures the side-cover release latch to the chassis. Next steps 1. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer. Top cover Removing the top cover Prerequisites 1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer. 2. Remove the left-side cover.
Steps Starting from the rear, pull up on the top cover to release it from the chassis. NOTE: Top cover is tightly secured to the chassis by clips and may requires force to remove it off the chassis. Installing the top cover Prerequisites If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure. About this task The following images indicate the location of the top cover and provides a visual representation of the installation procedure.
Steps Align the tabs on the top cover with the slots on the chassis and snap the top cover into place. Next steps 1. Install the left-side cover. 2. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer. Right-side cover Removing the right-side cover Prerequisites 1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer. 2. Remove the left-side cover. 3. Remove the top cover.
Steps 1. Starting from the top-front tab, pull the right-side cover away from the chassis. 2. Remove the right-side cover from the chassis. Installing the right-side cover Prerequisites If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure. About this task The following images indicate the location of the right-side cover and provides a visual representation of the installation procedure.
Steps 1. Align the tabs on the right-side cover with the slots on the chassis 2. Rotate the right-side cover towards the chassis until it snaps into place. Next steps 1. Install the top cover. 2. Install the left-side cover. 3. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer. 2.5-inch hard drive Removing the 2.5-inch hard drive Prerequisites 1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer. 2. Remove the left-side cover.
Steps 1. Disconnect the data and power cables from the hard drive. 2. Press the release tabs on the hard-drive carrier and slide the hard-drive assembly out of the hard-drive cage. 3. Pry the hard-drive carrier to release the tabs on the assembly from the slots on the hard drive. 4. Lift the hard drive out of the hard-drive assembly. NOTE: Note the orientation of the hard drive so that you can replace it correctly. NOTE: Repeat the steps to remove any additional 2.5-inch hard drive from your computer.
NOTE: Note the orientation on the hard-drive carrier to replace it correctly.
Steps 1. Align the hard drive with the pins on the hard-drive carrier. 2. Using the tabs on the opposite side, flex open the carrier to insert the pins on the other side. 3. Slide the hard-drive assembly into the hard-drive cage until it snaps into place. 4. Connect the data cable and power cable to the hard drive. NOTE: Repeat the steps to install any additional 2.5-inch hard drive from your computer. Next steps 1. Install the left-side cover. 2. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer.
Steps 1. Disconnect the data and power cables from the hard drive. 2. Press the release tabs on the hard-drive carrier and slide the hard-drive carrier out of the hard-drive cage. 3. Pry the hard-drive carrier to release the tabs on the carrier from the slots on the hard drive. 4. Lift the hard drive out of the hard-drive assembly. NOTE: Note the orientation of the hard drive so that you can replace it correctly. Installing the 3.
NOTE: Note the orientation on the hard-drive carrier to replace it correctly.
Steps 1. Align the hard drive with the pins on the hard-drive carrier. 2. Using the tabs on the opposite side, flex open the carrier to insert the pins on the other side. 3. Slide the hard-drive assembly into the hard-drive cage until it snaps into place. 4. Connect the data and power cables to the hard drive. Next steps 1. Install the left-side cover. 2. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer. 2.5-inch hard-drive cage Removing the 2.5-inch hard-drive cage Prerequisites 1.
Installing the 2.5-inch hard-drive cage Prerequisites If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure. About this task The following images indicate the location of the 2.5-inch hard-drive cage and provides a visual representation of the installation procedure. Steps 1. Insert the 2.5-inch hard-drive cage into its slot on the chassis. 2. Align the tabs on the cage with the tabs on the chassis. 3. Replace the two screws (#6-32) that secure the 2.
About this task The following images indicate the location of the 3.5-inch and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure. Steps 1. Remove the two screws (#6-32) that secure the 3.5-inch hard-drive cage to the chassis. 2. Lift the 3.5-inch hard-drive cage off the chassis. Installing the 3.5-inch hard-drive cage Prerequisites If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure.
Steps 1. Insert the 3.5-inch hard-drive cage into its slot on the chassis. 2. Align the tabs on the cage with the tabs on the chassis. 3. Replace the two screws (#6-32) that secure the 3.5-inch hard-drive cage to the chassis. Next steps 1. Install the left-side cover. 2. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer. 460 W power-supply unit Removing the 460 W power-supply unit Prerequisites 1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer. 2. Remove the left-side cover.
Steps 1. Remove the two screws (#6-32) that secure the power-supply unit bracket to the power-supply unit cage. 2. Lift the power-supply unit bracket off the power-supply unit cage. 3. Lift the power-supply unit cage and rotate the power-supply unit cage away from the chassis. 4. Press the releasing clip on the power-cable connectors. 5. Disconnect the power cables from the hard drives. 6. Disconnect the processor-power cable and system-board power cable from the system board. 7.
WARNING: The cables and ports on the back of the power-supply unit are color-coded to indicate the different power wattage. Ensure that you plug in the cable to the correct port. Failure to do so may result in damaging the power-supply unit and/or system components. About this task The following images indicate the location of the power-supply unit and provides a visual representation of the installation procedure.
Steps 1. Place the power supply on the chassis. 2. Align the screw holes on the power-supply unit with the screw holes on the chassis. 3. Replace the four screws (#6-32) that secure the power-supply unit to the chassis. 4. Lift and rotate the power-supply unit cage away from the chassis 5. Connect the processor-power cable and system-board power cable to the system board. 6. Connect the power cables to the hard drives. 7. Rotate the power-supply unit cage towards the chassis 8.
About this task The following images indicate the location of the power-supply unit and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure. Steps 1. Remove the two screws (#6-32) that secure the power-supply unit bracket to the power-supply unit cage. 2. Lift the power-supply unit bracket off the power-supply unit cage. 3. Press the releasing clip on the power-cable connectors and disconnect all the power cables from the power-supply unit. 4.
About this task The following images indicate the location of the power-supply unit and provides a visual representation of the installation procedure. Steps 1. Place the power supply on the chassis. 2. Align the screw holes on the power-supply unit with the screw holes on the chassis. 3. Replace the four screws (#6-32) that secure the power-supply unit to the chassis. 4. Connect all the power cables to the power-supply unit. 5.
Right tron-light board Removing the right tron-light board Prerequisites 1. 2. 3. 4. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer. Remove the left-side cover. Remove the top-cover. Remove the right-side cover. About this task The following images indicate the location of the right tron-light board and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure. Steps 1. Disconnect the tron-light cable. 2. Remove the four screws (#6-32) that secure the right tron-light board to the chassis.
Installing the right tron-light board Prerequisites If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure. About this task The following images indicate the location of the right tron-light board and provides a visual representation of the installation procedure. Steps 1. Align the screw holes on the right tron-light board with the screw holes on the chassis. 2. Replace the four screws (#6-32) that secure the right tron-light board to the chassis. 3.
Processor liquid-cooling assembly Removing the processor liquid-cooling assembly Prerequisites 1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer. WARNING: Despite having a plastic shield, the processor liquid-cooling assembly may be very hot during normal operation. Ensure that it had sufficient time to cool before you touch it. 2. 3. 4. 5. CAUTION: To ensure maximum cooling for the processor, do not touch the heat transfer areas on the processor liquidcooling assembly.
Steps 1. Lay the computer on the right side. 2. Press the releasing clip on the power-cable connectors and disconnect the power cables from the graphics card. 3. Slide the power-supply unit cage release latches to the unlock position. 4. Lift the power-supply unit cage. 5. Rotate the power-supply unit cage away from the chassis. 6. Loosen the three captive screws that secure the VR heat sink to the system board. 7.
Installing the processor liquid-cooling assembly Prerequisites If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure. CAUTION: Incorrect alignment of the processor liquid-cooling assembly can damage the system board and processor. About this task The following images indicate the location of the processor liquid-cooling assembly and provides a visual representation of the installation procedure.
Steps 1. Slide the radiator and fan assembly into the radiator and fan cage. NOTE: Ensure that the hoses are facing the front of the system 2. Align the screw holes on the processor cooler with the screw holes on the system board. 3. Align the screw holes of the VR heat sink with the screw holes on the system board. 4. Tighten the three captive screws that secure the VR heat sink to the system board. 5.
Coin-cell battery Removing the coin-cell battery Prerequisites 1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer. NOTE: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. 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.
Steps 1. Lay the computer on the right side. 2. Press the releasing clip on the power-cable connectors and disconnect the power cables from the graphics card. 3. Slide the power-supply unit cage release latches to the unlock position. 4. Lift the power-supply unit cage and rotate the power-supply unit cage away from the chassis. 5. Press the battery-release lever away from the coin-cell battery until the coin-cell battery pops up. 6. Lift the coin-cell battery out of its socket.
Steps 1. Insert a new coin-cell battery (CR2032) into the battery socket with the positive side facing up, and snap the battery into place.
2. Rotate the power-supply unit cage towards the chassis. 3. Connect the power cables to the graphics card. 4. Slide the power-supply unit cage release latches towards the locked position. Next steps 1. Install the left-side cover. 2. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer. Memory modules Removing the memory modules Prerequisites 1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer. 2. Remove the left-side cover.
Steps 1. Lay the computer on the right side. 2. Press the releasing clip on the power-cable connectors and disconnect the power cables from the graphics card. 3. Slide the power-supply unit cage release latches to the unlock position. 4. Lift the power-supply unit cage and rotate the power-supply unit cage away from the chassis. 5. Push the securing clips away from the memory module. 6. Grasp the memory module near the securing clip, and then gently ease the memory module out of the memory-module slot.
Steps 1. Ensure that the securing clips are extended away from the memory-module slot.
2. Align the notch on the memory module with the tab on the memory-module slot. 3. Insert the memory module into the memory-module slot and press the memory module down until it snaps into position and the securing clips lock in place. CAUTION: To prevent damage to the memory module, hold the memory module by the edges. Do not touch the components on the memory module. NOTE: Repeat step 1 to step 3 to replace any other memory modules installed in your computer. 4.
Steps 1. Remove the screw (M2x2.5) that secures the solid-state drive to the system board. 2. Slide and lift the solid-state drive off the system board. Installing the solid-state drive Prerequisites If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure. CAUTION: Solid-state drives are fragile. Exercise care when handling the solid-state drive.
Steps 1. Align the notch on the solid-state drive with the tab on the solid-state drive slot. 2. Insert the solid-state drive at a 45-degree angle into the system board. 3. Press the other end of the solid-state drive down and replace the screw (M2x2.5) that secure the solid-state drive to the system board. Next steps 1. Install the single-graphics card or dual-graphics card, as applicable. 2. Install the left-side cover. 3. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer.
Steps 1. Lay the computer on the right side. 2. Press the releasing clip on the power-cable connectors and disconnect the power cables from the graphics card. 3. Slide the power-supply unit cage release latches to the unlock position. 4. Lift the power-supply unit cage and rotate the power-supply unit cage away from the chassis. 5. Lift to release the graphics-card bracket from the chassis. 6. Press the releasing clip on the power-cable connectors and disconnect the power cables from the graphics card. 7.
Steps 1. Place the card into the X16 slot and press down firmly until the graphics card snaps into place. 2. Connect the power cables to the graphics card. 3. Slide the tab on the graphics-card bracket into the slot on the chassis and rotate it into place. 4. Rotate the power-supply unit cage towards the chassis. 5. Connect the power cables to the graphics card. 6. Slide the power-supply unit cage release latches towards the locked position. Next steps 1. Install the left-side cover. 2.
About this task The following images indicate the location of the graphics card and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure.
Steps 1. Lay the computer on the right side. 2. Press the releasing clip on the power-cable connectors and disconnect the power cables from the graphics card. 3. Slide the power-supply unit cage release latches to the unlock position. 4. Lift the power-supply unit cage and rotate the power-supply unit cage away from the chassis. 5. Lift the graphics bridge that connects the graphics cards. 6. Lift to release the graphics-card bracket from the chassis. 7.
Installing the dual-graphics card Prerequisites If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure. About this task The following images indicate the location of the graphics card and provides a visual representation of the installation procedure.
Steps 1. Align the graphics card with the slot on the system board. 2. Place the card into the x16/x8 slot and press down firmly until the graphics card snaps into place. 3. Place the card into the x8 slot and press down firmly until the graphics card snaps into place. 4. Connect the power cables to the graphics card. 5. Slide the tab on the graphics-card bracket into the slot on the chassis and snap it into place. 6. Replace the graphics bridge that connects the graphics cards. 7.
3. Remove the top-cover. 4. Remove the right-side cover. 5. Remove the single-graphics card or dual-graphics card, as applicable. About this task The following images indicate the location of the front bezel and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure.
Steps 1. Disconnect the tron-light cable and then remove the cable from the routing guides on the chassis. 2. Lay the computer on the right side. 3. Press the releasing clip on the power-cable connectors and disconnect the power cables from the graphics card. 4. Slide the power-supply unit cage release latches to the unlock position. 5. Lift the power-supply unit cage and rotate the power-supply unit cage away from the chassis. 6.
About this task The following images indicate the location of the front bezel and provides a visual representation of the installation procedure.
Steps 1. Route the cables through the slot on the front panel and align and clip the front bezel into place. 2. Align the screw hole of the cable management cover with the screw hole on the chassis. 3. Replace the two screws (#6-32) that secure the cable management cover to the chassis. 4. Connect the USB cables, LED controller cable and audio cable to the system board and route the cables through the routing guides on the inside of the chassis. 5. Place the computer in an upright position. 6.
Top bezel Removing the top bezel Prerequisites 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer. Remove the left-side cover. Remove the top cover. Remove the right-side cover. Remove the wireless card. Remove the front bezel. About this task The following images indicate the location of the top bezel and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure. Steps 1. Remove the four screws (#6-32) that secure the top bezel to the right and left of the chassis. 2.
Installing the top bezel Prerequisites If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure. About this task The following images indicate the location of the top bezel and provides a visual representation of the installation procedure. Steps 1. Route the antenna cable through the slots on the chassis. 2. Align the tabs on the top cover with the slots on the chassis and snap the top cover into place. 3.
6. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer. Bottom cover Removing the bottom cover Prerequisites 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer. Remove the left-side cover. Remove the top cover. Remove the right-side cover. Remove the 2.5-inch hard-drive cages. Remove the front bezel. About this task The following images indicate the location of the bottom cover and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure. Steps 1.
Installing the bottom cover Prerequisites If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure. About this task The following images indicate the location of the bottom cover and provides a visual representation of the installation procedure. Steps 1. Align the tabs on the bottom cover with the slots on the chassis. 2. Rotate the bottom cover towards the chassis until it snaps into place. Next steps 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 68 Install the front bezel.
Processor fan and heat-sink assembly Removing the processor fan and heat-sink assembly Prerequisites 1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer. NOTE: The heat sink may become hot during normal operation. Allow sufficient time for the heat sink to cool before you touch it. CAUTION: For maximum cooling of the processor, do not touch the heat transfer areas on the heat sink. The oils in your skin can reduce the heat transfer capability of the thermal grease. 2. Remove the left-side cover.
Steps 1. Lay the computer on the right side. 2. Press the releasing clip on the power-cable connectors and disconnect the power cables from the graphics card. 3. Slide the power-supply unit cage release latches to the unlock position. 4. Lift the power-supply unit cage and rotate the power-supply unit cage away from the chassis. 5. Disconnect the processor-fan cable from the system board. 6.
Steps 1. Place the processor fan and heat-sink assembly on the processor. 2. Align the captive screws on the processor fan heat-sink assembly with the screw holes on the system board. 3. In sequential order, tighten the four captive screws that secure the processor fan and heat-sink assembly to the system board. 4. Connect the processor-fan cable to the system board. 5. Rotate the power-supply unit cage towards the chassis. 6. Connect the power cables to the graphics card. 7.
About this task The following images indicate the location of the processor and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure. Steps 1. Press the release lever down and then push it away from the processor to release it from the tab. 2. Extend the release lever completely and open the processor cover. 3. Lift the processor off the processor socket.
Steps 1. Ensure that the release lever on the processor socket is fully extended and the processor cover is fully open. CAUTION: Position the processor correctly in the processor socket to avoid permanent damage to the processor. 2. Align the pin-1 corner on the processor with the pin-1 corner on the processor socket, and then place the processor in the processor socket. CAUTION: Ensure that the processor-cover notch is positioned underneath the alignment post. 3.
Steps 1. Remove the screw (M2x2.5) that secures the wireless card to the system board. 2. Lift the wireless-card bracket off the wireless card. 3. Disconnect the antenna cables from the wireless card. 4. Slide and remove the wireless card from the wireless-card slot. Installing the wireless card Prerequisites If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure. CAUTION: To avoid damage to the wireless mini-card, do not place any cables under it.
Steps 1. Connect the antenna cables to the wireless card. The following table provides the antenna-cable color scheme for the wireless card supported by your computer. Table 3. Antenna-cable color scheme Connectors on the wireless card Antenna-cable color Main (white triangle) White Auxiliary (black triangle) Black 2. Place the wireless-card bracket on the wireless card. 3. Align the notch on the wireless card with the tab on the wireless-card slot. 4.
Antennas Removing the antennas Prerequisites 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer. Remove the left-side cover. Remove the top-cover. Remove the right-side cover. Remove the wireless card. Remove the front bezel. About this task The following images indicate the location of the antennas and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure. Steps 1. Remove the four screws (M3x4t) that secures the antennas to the top bezel. 2.
Steps 1. Adhere the antenna to the chassis. 2. Replace the four screws (M3x4t) that secures the antennas to the chassis. 3. Route the antenna cables through the routing guides on the top bezel. Next steps 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Install the front bezel. Install the wireless card. Install the right-side cover. Install the top-cover. Install the left-side cover. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer. Front I/O-panel Removing the front I/O panel Prerequisites 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Steps 1. Remove the four screws (M3x4) that secures the front I/O-panel to the front bezel. 2. Remove the cable from the routing guides on the front I/O-panel. 3. Press the two clips and lift the front I/O-panel off the front bezel. Installing the front I/O-panel Prerequisites If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure.
Steps 1. Align the screw holes on the front I/O-panel with the screw holes on the front bezel and snap it into place. 2. Route the cables through the routing guides on the front I/O-panel. 3. Replace the four screws (M3x4) that secures the front I/O-panel to the front bezel. Next steps 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Install the front bezel. Install the right-side cover. Install the left-side cover. Install the top cover. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer.
Steps 1. Disconnect the front-chassis fan cable from the system board. 2. Push the tab to release the front-chassis fan from the chassis. 3. Slide and lift the front-chassis fan off the chassis. Installing the front-chassis fan Prerequisites If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure. About this task The following images indicate the location of the front-chassis fan and provides a visual representation of the installation procedure.
Steps 1. Align the tabs on the front-chassis fan with the slots on the chassis and slide the fan until it snaps into position. 2. Connect the front-chassis fan cable to the system board. Next steps 1. Install the single-graphics card or dual-graphics card, as applicable. 2. Install the left-side cover. 3. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer. Top-chassis fan Removing the top-chassis fan Prerequisites 1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer. 2.
Steps 1. Lay the computer on the right side.
2. Press the releasing clip on the power-cable connectors and disconnect the power cables from the graphics card. 3. Slide the power-supply unit cage release latches to the unlock position. 4. Lift the power-supply unit cage and rotate the power-supply unit cage away from the chassis. 5. Remove the screw that secures the top-chassis fan to the chassis. 6. Disconnect the top-chassis fan cable from the system board. 7. Remove the top-chassis fan from the chassis. 8.
Steps 1. Align the holes on the top-chassis fan with the holes on the top-chassis fan bracket. 2. Insert the ends of the rubber grommets through the holes at each corner of the fan. 3. Align the grommets in the fan with the holes at each corner of the top-chassis fan bracket and pull through until they snap into place. 4. Replace the screw (#6-32) that secures the top-chassis fan to the chassis. 5. Route the top-chassis fan cable through the routing guide on the bracket. 6.
Front AlienFX LED boards Removing the front AlienFX LED board Prerequisites 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer. Remove the left-side cover. Remove the right-side cover. Remove the top-cover. Remove the front bezel. About this task The following images indicate the location of the front AlienFX LED board and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure. Steps 1. Disconnect the AlienFX LED board cable from a Y-cable. 2.
Steps 1. Align the screw hole of the AlienFX LED board to the screw hole on the front bezel. 2. Replace the four screws (M3x4) that secure the AlienFX LED board to the front bezel. 3. Connect the AlienFX LED board cable from a Y-cable. Next steps 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Install the front bezel. Install the top-cover. Install the right-side cover. Install the left-side cover. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer. Power-button board Removing the power-button board Prerequisites 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Steps 1. Remove the two screws (M2x4) that secure the power-button module to the front bezel. 2. Lift the power-button module off the front bezel. 3. Disconnect the cables from the power-button module. Installing the power-button board Prerequisites If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure.
Steps 1. Align the screw holes on the power-button module with the screw holes on the front bezel. 2. Replace the two screws (M2x4) that secure the power-button module to the front bezel. 3. Connect the cables to the power-button module. Next steps 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Install the front bezel. Install the top-cover. Install the right-side cover. Install the left-side cover. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer. System board Removing the system board Prerequisites 1.
8. Remove the processor. About this task The following images indicate the location of the system board and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure.
Steps 1. Disconnect all the cables connected to the system board. NOTE: Note the routing of all cables as you remove them so that you can route them correctly after you replace the system board. For information on system-board connectors, see "system-board components". 2. Remove the eight screws (#6-32) that secure the system-board assembly to the chassis. 3. Lift the system board off the chassis.
Steps 1. Align the ports on the system-board assembly with the slots on the chassis and align the system-board assembly in place. 2. Slide the system-board assembly to engage the latches that secure it to the chassis. 3. Replace the eight screws (#6-32) that secure the system-board assembly to the chassis. 4. Route and connect the cables that you disconnected from the system-board assembly. NOTE: For information on system-board connectors, see "system-board components". Next steps 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.
Next steps NOTE: Service tag is the alphanumeric identifier located at the back side of your computer.
Device drivers Operating system • • Windows 10 Home (64-bit) Windows 10 Professional (64-bit) Downloading the audio driver Steps 1. Turn on your computer. 2. Go to www.dell.com/support. 3. Enter the Service Tag of your computer, and then click Submit. NOTE: If you do not have the Service Tag, use the auto-detect feature or manually browse for your computer model. 4. Click Drivers & downloads. 5. Click the Detect Drivers button. 6.
11. If prompted, approve requests from User Account Control to make changes on the system. 12. The application installs all drivers and updates identified. NOTE: Not all files can be installed automatically. Review the installation summary to identify if manual installation is necessary. 13. For manual download and installation, click Category. 14. Click Video in the drop-down list. 15. Click Download to download the graphics driver for your computer. 16.
9. Click Download and Install to download and install all driver updates detected for your computer. 10. Select a location to save the files. 11. If prompted, approve requests from User Account Control to make changes on the system. 12. The application installs all drivers and updates identified. NOTE: Not all files can be installed automatically. Review the installation summary to identify if manual installation is necessary. 13. For manual download and installation, click Category. 14.
NOTE: Review on-screen instructions for browser-specific instructions. 8. Click View Drivers for My System. 9. Click Download and Install to download and install all driver updates detected for your computer. 10. Select a location to save the files. 11. If prompted, approve requests from User Account Control to make changes on the system. 12. The application installs all drivers and updates identified. NOTE: Not all files can be installed automatically.
System setup NOTE: Depending on the computer and its installed devices, the items listed in this section may or may not be displayed. System setup CAUTION: Unless you are an expert computer user, do not change the settings in the BIOS Setup program. Certain changes can make your computer work incorrectly. NOTE: Before you change BIOS Setup program, it is recommended that you write down the BIOS Setup program screen information for future reference.
System setup options NOTE: Depending on your computer and its installed devices, the items listed in this section may or may not appear. Table 4. System setup options—Main menu Main System Time Displays the current time in hh:mm:ss format. System Date Displays the current date in mm/dd/yyyy format. BIOS Information BIOS Version Displays the BIOS version number. Product Information Product Name Displays the product name.
Advanced USB PowerShare Wake Support (S4/S5) Allows you to enable front the USB devices to wake the system from S4/S5. Auto Power On Auto Power On Mode Allows you to set the computer to turn on automatically every day or on a preselected date. This option can be configured only if the Auto Power On mode is set to Enabled Everyday or Selected Day. Auto Power On Date Allows you to set the date on which the computer must turn on automatically.
Boot Enable USB Boot Support Allows you to enable or disable the USB Boot control. Load Legacy OPROM Allows you to enable or disable the Legacy Option ROM. Boot Option Priorities Displays the available boot devices. Boot Option #1 Displays the first boot device. Default: UEFI: Windows Boot Manager. Boot Option #2 Displays the second boot device. Default: Onboard NIC Device. Boot Option #3 Displays the third boot device. Default: Onboard NIC Device. Table 8.
3. Wait for 5 seconds. 4. Remove the jumper plug from pins 216 and replace it on pins 217. 5. Connect the system-board power cable to the system board. Next steps 1. Remove the left-side cover. 2. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer. Clearing forgotten password Prerequisites 1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer. 2. Remove the left-side cover.
Troubleshooting 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 and what they indicate. Table 9.
Flashing the BIOS About this task 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: Steps 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.
