Alienware M14xR2 Owner’s Manual Regulatory model: P18G Regulatory type: P18G002
Notes, Cautions, and Warnings NOTE: A NOTE indicates important information that helps you make better use of your computer. CAUTION: A CAUTION indicates potential damage to hardware or loss of data if instructions are not followed. WARNING: A WARNING indicates a potential for property damage, personal injury, or death. ____________________ Information in this document is subject to change without notice. © 2012 Dell Inc. All rights reserved.
Contents 1 Before You Begin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Turn Off Your Computer and Connected Devices Safety Instructions . . . . . 11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Recommended Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 After Working Inside Your Computer . 3 Base Cover 13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6 7 Hard Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Removing the Hard Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Replacing the Hard Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Memory Module(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Removing the Memory Module(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . Replacing the Memory Module(s) . 8 9 Center-Control Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 31 33 . . . . . . . . . . 33 Replacing the Center-Control Cover . . . . . . . . . . .
11 Wireless Mini-Card(s)/WirelessHD Card (Optional) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 Removing the Mini-Card(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 Replacing the Mini-Card(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 12 Power-Button Board Removing the Power-Button Board . . . . . . . . . . . Replacing the Power-Button Board . 13 Status-Lights Board 49 . . . . . . . . . . 50 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 Removing the Status-Lights Board . . . .
16 Internal Card with Bluetooth Wireless Technology 65 Removing the Bluetooth Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65 Replacing the Bluetooth Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66 17 Coin-Cell Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Removing the Coin-Cell Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . Replacing the Coin-Cell Battery . 18 Display Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70 73 . . . . . . . . . . . . 73 Replacing the Display Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . .
21 Thermal Fan . 87 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Removing the Thermal Fan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87 Replacing the Thermal Fan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88 22 Thermal Cooling Assembly 89 . . . . . . . . . . . Removing the Thermal Cooling Assembly . . . . . . . 89 Replacing the Thermal Cooling Assembly . . . . . . . 90 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93 23 Processor Module . Removing the Processor Module . . . . . . . . . . . .
Contents
1 Before You Begin Turn Off Your Computer and Connected Devices CAUTION: To avoid losing data, save and close all open files and exit all open programs before you turn off your computer. 1 Save and close all open files and exit all open programs. 2 Click Start and click Shut Down. Microsoft Windows shuts down and then the computer turns off. NOTE: If you are using a different operating system, see the documentation of your operating system for shut-down instructions.
Safety Instructions Use the following safety guidelines to protect your computer from potential damage and ensure your personal safety. WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer. For additional safety best practices information, see the Regulatory Compliance Homepage at dell.com/regulatory_compliance. CAUTION: To avoid damaging the computer, ensure that the work surface is flat and clean.
2 After Working Inside Your Computer After you complete the replacement procedures, ensure the following: • Replace all screws and ensure that no stray screws remain inside your computer • Connect any external devices, cables, cards, and any other part(s) you removed before working on your computer • Connect your computer and all attached devices to their electrical outlets CAUTION: Before turning on your computer, replace all screws and ensure that no stray screws remain inside the computer.
14 After Working Inside Your Computer
3 Base Cover WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in "Before You Begin" on page 11. For additional safety best practices information, see the Regulatory Compliance Homepage at dell.com/regulatory_compliance. Removing the Base Cover Procedure 1 Turn the computer over. 2 Loosen the captive screws that secure the base cover to the computer base. 3 Slide and lift the base cover off the computer base.
Replacing the Base Cover Procedure 1 Align the tabs on the base cover with the slots on the computer base and slide the base cover until it snaps into place. 2 Tighten the captive screws that secure the base cover to the computer base. Postrequisites 1 Follow the instructions in "After Working Inside Your Computer" on page 13.
4 Battery WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in "Before You Begin" on page 11. For additional safety best practices information, see the Regulatory Compliance Homepage at dell.com/regulatory_compliance. Removing the Battery Prerequisites 1 Remove the base cover. See "Removing the Base Cover" on page 15. Procedure 1 Disconnect the battery cable from the connector on the system board.
3 Using the pull-tab, lift the battery off the computer base. 1 2 3 4 1 battery 2 pull-tab 3 captive screws (2) 4 battery cable Replacing the Battery Procedure 1 Place the battery in the battery bay and tighten the captive screws that secure the battery to the computer base. 2 Connect the battery cable to the connector on the system board. Postrequisites 1 Replace the base cover. See "Replacing the Base Cover" on page 16.
5 Optical Drive WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in "Before You Begin" on page 11. For additional safety best practices information, see the Regulatory Compliance Homepage at dell.com/regulatory_compliance. Removing the Optical Drive Prerequisites 1 Remove the base cover. See "Removing the Base Cover" on page 15. 2 Remove the battery. See "Removing the Battery" on page 17.
2 Loosen the four captive screws that secure the optical drive to the computer base. 3 Using the pull-tab, lift the optical drive off the computer base. 5 4 3 1 2 1 optical-drive cable 2 connector latch 3 optical drive 4 pull tab 5 captive screws (4) 4 Remove the screws that secure the optical-drive cable connector to the optical drive. 5 Disconnect the optical-drive cable connector from the connector on the optical drive.
6 Gently peel the optical-drive cable from the optical-drive bracket.
7 Remove the screws that secure the optical-drive bracket to the optical drive. 8 Using the pull-tab, lift the optical-drive bracket off the optical drive. 1 2 3 1 screws (4) 3 pull tab 2 optical-drive bracket Replacing the Optical Drive Procedure 1 Place the optical-drive bracket on the optical drive and then align the screw holes on the optical-drive bracket with the screw holes on the optical drive. 2 Replace the screws that secure the optical-drive bracket to the optical drive.
4 Replace the screws that secure the optical-drive cable connector to the optical drive. 5 Adhere the optical-drive cable to the optical-drive bracket. 6 Place the optical drive in the optical-drive bay. 7 Tighten the captive screws that secure the optical drive to the computer base. 8 Slide the optical-drive cable into the connector on the system board, and press down on the connector latch to secure the cable. Postrequisites 1 Replace the battery. See "Replacing the Battery" on page 18.
24 Optical Drive
6 Hard Drive WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in "Before You Begin" on page 11. For additional safety best practices information, see the Regulatory Compliance Homepage at dell.com/regulatory_compliance. CAUTION: To avoid data loss, do not remove the hard drive while the computer is On or in Sleep state. CAUTION: Hard drives are extremely fragile. Exercise care when handling the hard drive.
3 Lift the hard-drive assembly off the computer base.
4 Remove the four screws that secure the hard-drive bracket to the hard drive. 5 Lift the hard-drive bracket off the hard drive. 1 2 3 1 pull-tab 3 hard-drive bracket 2 screws (4) CAUTION: When the hard drive is not in the computer, store it in protective antistatic packaging. See "Protecting Against Electrostatic Discharge" in the safety instructions that shipped with your computer. Replacing the Hard Drive Procedure 1 Place the hard drive in the hard-drive bracket.
Postrequisites 1 Follow the instructions from step 6 to step 8 in "Replacing the Optical Drive" on page 22. 2 Replace the battery. See "Replacing the Battery" on page 18. 3 Replace the base cover. See "Replacing the Base Cover" on page 16. 4 Follow the instructions in "After Working Inside Your Computer" on page 13.
7 Memory Module(s) WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in "Before You Begin" on page 11. For additional safety best practices information, see the Regulatory Compliance Homepage at dell.com/regulatory_compliance. NOTE: Memory modules purchased from Dell or Alienware are covered under your computer warranty. Your computer has two user-accessible SODIMM connectors.
Procedure 1 Loosen the captive screws that secure the memory-module cover to the computer base. 2 Lift and slide the tabs on the memory-module cover out of the slots on the computer base. 2 1 1 captive screws (2) 2 memory-module cover CAUTION: To prevent damage to the memory-module connector, do not use tools to spread the memory module securing clips. 3 Use your fingertips to carefully spread apart the securing clips on each end of the memory-module connector until the memory module pops up.
4 Slide the memory module out of the memory-module connector. 1 3 1 memory-module connector 3 memory module 2 securing clips (2) Replacing the Memory Module(s) Procedure NOTE: If you need to install memory modules in both memory-module connectors, install a memory module in the lower connector before you install a memory module in the upper connector. 1 Align the notch in the memory module with the tab in the memorymodule connector.
2 Slide the memory module firmly into the connector at a 45-degree angle, and then press the memory module down until it clicks into place. If you do not hear the click, remove the memory module and reinstall it. NOTE: Your computer may not boot if the memory module is not installed properly. 3 2 4 1 1 memory-module connector 2 tab 3 notch 4 memory module 3 Slide the tabs on the memory-module cover into the slots on the computer base and lower the memory-module cover into place.
8 Center-Control Cover WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in "Before You Begin" on page 11. For additional safety best practices information, see the Regulatory Compliance Homepage at dell.com/regulatory_compliance. Removing the Center-Control Cover Prerequisites 1 Remove the base cover. See "Removing the Base Cover" on page 15. 2 Remove the battery. See "Removing the Battery" on page 17.
Procedure 1 Remove the screws that secure the center-control cover to the computer base. 1 1 screws (3) 2 Turn the computer over and open the display as far as possible. 3 Gently pry the center-control cover and then ease the tabs on the center-control cover out of the slots on the palm-rest assembly.
4 Lift the center-control cover off the palm-rest assembly. 1 1 center-control cover Replacing the Center-Control Cover Procedure 1 Align the tabs on the center-control cover with the slots on the palm-rest assembly. 2 Gently press around the edges of the center-control cover till it snaps in place. 3 Close the display and turn the computer over. 4 Replace the screws that secure the center-control cover to the computer base.
Postrequisites 1 Replace the battery pack. See "Replacing the Battery" on page 18. 2 Replace the base cover. See "Replacing the Base Cover" on page 16. 3 Follow the instructions in "After Working Inside Your Computer" on page13.
9 Keyboard WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in "Before You Begin" on page 11. For additional safety best practices information, see the Regulatory Compliance Homepage at dell.com/regulatory_compliance. Removing the Keyboard Prerequisites 1 Remove the base cover. See "Removing the Base Cover" on page 15. 2 Remove the battery. See "Removing the Battery" on page 17. 3 Remove the center-control cover.
2 Carefully pry the keyboard up and slide it towards the display till the tabs on the keyboard are released from the palm-rest assembly. 3 Turn the keyboard over.
4 Lift the release latches on the connectors on the system board and disconnect the keyboard cable and keyboard-backlight cable. 5 Lift the keyboard off the palm-rest assembly. 2 1 1 keyboard cable 2 keyboard backlight cable Replacing the Keyboard Procedure 1 Slide the keyboard cable and keyboard backlight cable into the connectors on the system board and press down on the connector latches to secure the cables.
Postrequisites 1 Replace the center-control cover. See "Replacing the Center-Control Cover" on page 35. 2 Replace the battery. See "Replacing the Battery" on page 18. 3 Replace the base cover. See "Replacing the Base Cover" on page 16. 4 Follow the instructions in "After Working Inside Your Computer" on page13.
10 Palm-Rest Assembly WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in "Before You Begin" on page 11. For additional safety best practices information, see the Regulatory Compliance Homepage at dell.com/regulatory_compliance. Removing the Palm-Rest Assembly Prerequisites 1 Remove the base cover. See "Removing the Base Cover" on page 15. 2 Remove the battery. See "Removing the Battery" on page 17.
Procedure 1 Remove the screws that secure the palm-rest assembly to the computer base. 2 Turn the computer over and open the display as far as possible. 3 Remove the center-control cover (see "Removing the Center-Control Cover" on page 33). 4 Remove the keyboard (see "Removing the Keyboard" on page 37). CAUTION: Use the pull-tabs on top of the connectors to avoid damage to the connectors.
7 Remove the two screws that secure the palm-rest assembly to the computer base. CAUTION: Carefully separate the palm-rest assembly from the computer base to avoid damage to the palm-rest assembly. 6 1 5 4 3 2 1 touch-pad cable connector 2 speakers cable 3 status-light board cable 4 screws (2) 5 palm-rest assembly 6 power-button board cable connector 8 Pry out the palm-rest assembly along the rear edge and then ease the palm-rest assembly from the computer base.
Replacing the Palm-Rest Assembly Procedure 1 Align the palm-rest assembly on the computer base and gently snap the palm-rest assembly into place. 2 Replace the two screws that secure the palm-rest assembly to the computer base. 3 Connect the speakers cable and status-light board cable to the connectors on the system board. 4 Slide the touch-pad cable and power-button board cable into their connectors on the system board, and press down on their connector latches to secure the cables.
11 Wireless Mini-Card(s)/WirelessHD Card (Optional) WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in "Before You Begin" on page 11. For additional safety best practices information, see the Regulatory Compliance Homepage at dell.com/regulatory_compliance. NOTE: Dell or Alienware does not guarantee compatibility or provide support for Mini-Cards from sources other than Dell or Alienware.
Procedure 1 Disconnect the antenna cables from the connectors on the mini-card. 2 Remove the screw that secures the mini-card to the system board.
3 Slide and remove the mini-card out of the connector on the system board. Replacing the Mini-Card(s) Procedure 1 Remove the new Mini-Card from its packaging. CAUTION: Use firm and even pressure to slide the mini-card into place. If you use excessive force, you may damage the connector. CAUTION: The connectors are keyed to ensure correct insertion. If you feel resistance, check the connectors on the mini-card and on the system board, and realign the mini-card.
4 Connect the mini-card cables to the connectors on the mini-card. The following table provides the antenna cable color scheme for each mini-card supported by your computer: Connectors on the Mini-Card Antenna Cable Color Scheme WLAN (2 antenna cables) Main WLAN (white triangle) white Auxiliary WLAN (black triangle) black Postrequisites 1 Replace the battery. See "Replacing the Battery" on page 18. 2 Replace the base cover. See "Replacing the Base Cover" on page 16.
12 Power-Button Board WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in "Before You Begin" on page 11. For additional safety best practices information, see the Regulatory Compliance Homepage at dell.com/regulatory_compliance. Removing the Power-Button Board Prerequisites 1 Remove the base cover. See "Removing the Base Cover" on page 15. 2 Remove the battery. See "Removing the Battery" on page 17.
3 Carefully lift the power-button board and release its cable from the slot on the palm-rest assembly. 3 2 1 1 power-button board 3 power-button board cable 2 screws (2) Replacing the Power-Button Board Procedure 1 Slide the power-button board cable through the slot on the palm-rest assembly. 2 Use the alignment posts on the palm-rest assembly to place the power-button board in place. 3 Replace the screws that secure the power-button board to the palm-rest assembly.
Postrequisites 1 Replace the palm-rest assembly. See "Replacing the Palm-Rest Assembly" on page 44. 2 Replace the keyboard. See "Replacing the Keyboard" on page 39. 3 Replace the center-control cover. See "Replacing the Center-Control Cover" on page 35. 4 Replace the battery pack. See "Replacing the Battery" on page 18. 5 Replace the base cover. See "Replacing the Base Cover" on page 16. 6 Follow the instructions in "After Working Inside Your Computer" on page13.
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13 Status-Lights Board WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in "Before You Begin" on page 11. For additional safety best practices information, see the Regulatory Compliance Homepage at dell.com/regulatory_compliance. Removing the Status-Lights Board Prerequisites 1 Remove the base cover. See "Removing the Base Cover" on page 15. 2 Remove the battery. See "Removing the Battery" on page 17.
3 Turn the palm-rest assembly over.
4 Remove the screw that secures the status-light board to the palmrest assembly. 5 Carefully lift the status-light board and release its cable from the slot on the palm-rest assembly. 2 1 1 status-light board 2 screw Replacing the Status-Lights Board Procedure. 1 Slide the status-light board cable through the slot in the palm-rest assembly. 2 Align the slot on the status-light board with the alignment post on the palm-rest assembly.
Postrequisites 6 Replace the palm-rest assembly. See "Replacing the Palm-Rest Assembly" on page 44. 7 Replace the keyboard. See "Replacing the Keyboard" on page 39. 8 Replace the center-control cover. See "Replacing the Center-Control Cover" on page 35. 9 Replace the battery. See "Replacing the Battery" on page 18. 10 Replace the base cover. See "Replacing the Base Cover" on page 16. 11 Follow the instructions in "After Working Inside Your Computer" on page13.
Speakers 14 WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in "Before You Begin" on page 11. For additional safety best practices information, see the Regulatory Compliance Homepage at dell.com/regulatory_compliance. Removing the Speakers Prerequisites 1 Remove the base cover. See "Removing the Base Cover" on page 15. 2 Remove the battery. See "Removing the Battery" on page 17. 3 Remove the center-control cover.
3 Remove the four screws that secure the speakers to the palm-rest assembly. 4 Lift the speakers along with the cable away from the palm-rest assembly. 3 2 1 1 speakers (2) 3 speakers cable 2 screws (4) Replacing the Speakers Procedure 1 Align the screw holes on the speakers with the screw holes on the palm-rest assembly and route the speakers cable through the routing guides. 2 Replace the screws that secure the speakers to the palm-rest assembly. 3 Turn the palm-rest assembly over.
Postrequisites 1 Replace the palm-rest assembly. See "Replacing the Palm-Rest Assembly" on page 44. 2 Replace the keyboard. See "Replacing the Keyboard" on page 39. 3 Replace the center-control cover. See "Replacing the Center-Control Cover" on page 35. 4 Replace the battery. See "Replacing the Battery" on page 18. 5 Replace the base cover. See "Replacing the Base Cover" on page 16. 6 Follow the instructions in "After Working Inside Your Computer" on page13.
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15 Subwoofer WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in "Before You Begin" on page 11. For additional safety best practices information, see the Regulatory Compliance Homepage at dell.com/regulatory_compliance. Removing the Subwoofer Prerequisites 1 Remove the base cover. See "Removing the Base Cover" on page 15. 2 Remove the battery. See "Removing the Battery" on page 17. 3 Remove the center-control cover.
3 Lift the subwoofer along with the cable off the computer base. 1 2 1 subwoofer cable 2 subwoofer Replacing the Subwoofer Procedure 1 Align the slots on the subwoofer with the alignment posts on the computer base. 2 Route the subwoofer cable through the routing guides. 3 Connect the subwoofer cable to the connector on the system board. Postrequisites 1 Replace the palm-rest assembly. See "Replacing the Palm-Rest Assembly" on page 44. 2 Replace the keyboard. See "Replacing the Keyboard" on page 39.
4 Replace the battery. See "Replacing the Battery" on page 18. 5 Replace the base cover. See "Replacing the Base Cover" on page 16. 6 Follow the instructions in "After Working Inside Your Computer" on page13.
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Internal Card with Bluetooth Wireless Technology 16 WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in "Before You Begin" on page 11. For additional safety best practices information, see the Regulatory Compliance Homepage at dell.com/regulatory_compliance. If you ordered a card with Bluetooth wireless technology with your computer, it is already installed. Removing the Bluetooth Card Prerequisites 1 Remove the base cover.
1 3 2 1 Bluetooth-card cable connector 3 screw 2 Bluetooth card Replacing the Bluetooth Card Procedure 1 Align the screw hole on the Bluetooth card with the screw hole on the system board. 2 Replace the screw that secures the Bluetooth card to the computer base. 3 Connect the Bluetooth-card cable to the connector on the system board. Postrequisites 1 Replace the palm-rest assembly. See "Replacing the Palm-Rest Assembly" on page 44. 2 Replace the keyboard. See "Replacing the Keyboard" on page 39.
4 Replace the battery. See "Replacing the Battery" on page 18. 5 Replace the base cover. See "Replacing the Base Cover" on page 16. 6 Follow the instructions in "After Working Inside Your Computer" on page13.
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17 Coin-Cell Battery WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in "Before You Begin" on page 11. For additional safety best practices information, see the Regulatory Compliance Homepage at dell.com/regulatory_compliance. WARNING: The battery may explode if installed incorrectly. Replace the battery only with the same or equivalent type. Discard used batteries according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Procedure 1 Disconnect the coin-cell battery cable from the connector on the system board. 2 Gently pry out the coin-cell battery from the slot on the computer base. 2 1 1 coin-cell battery cable 2 coin-cell battery Replacing the Coin-Cell Battery Procedure 1 Use the adhesive on the coin-cell battery and adhere it to slot on the computer base. 2 Connect the coin-cell battery cable to the connector on the system board.
Postrequisites 1 Replace the palm-rest assembly. See "Replacing the Palm-Rest Assembly" on page 44). 2 Replace the keyboard. See "Replacing the Keyboard" on page 39). 3 Replace the center-control cover. See "Replacing the Center-Control Cover" on page 35. 4 Replace the battery. See "Replacing the Battery" on page 18. 5 Replace the base cover. See "Replacing the Base Cover" on page 16. 6 Follow the instructions in "After Working Inside Your Computer" on page13.
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18 Display Assembly WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in "Before You Begin" on page 11. For additional safety best practices information, see the Regulatory Compliance Homepage at dell.com/regulatory_compliance. Removing the Display Assembly Prerequisites 1 Remove the base cover. See "Removing the Base Cover" on page 15. 2 Remove the battery pack. See "Removing the Battery" on page 17.
4 Note the routing of the WirelessHD card (optional) and mini-card antenna cables and remove them from the routing guides on the computer base. NOTE: The WirelessHD card is optional and may not be present in your computer. 1 1 Mini-Card antenna cables 5 Turn the computer over and open the display as far as possible. 6 Remove the center-control cover. See "Removing the Center-Control Cover" on page 33. 7 Remove the keyboard. See "Removing the Keyboard" on page 37. 8 Remove the palm-rest assembly.
Procedure 1 Using the pull-tab, disconnect the display cable from the connector on the system board. 2 Disconnect the logo-board cable from the connector on the system board. 3 Gently peel the display cable and the logo-board cable from the system board. 4 Remove the screws that secure the display assembly to the computer base. 5 Gently slide the WirelessHD (optional) and mini-card antenna cables out through the slot on the computer base. 6 Lift the display assembly off the computer.
Replacing the Display Assembly Procedure 1 Slide the WirelessHD (optional) and mini-card antenna cables through the slot on the computer base. 2 Place the display assembly in position and replace the screws that secure the display assembly to the computer base. NOTE: Ensure that no cables lie between the display assembly and the computer base. 3 Connect the display cable and the logo-board cable to the connectors on the system board. Postrequisites 1 Replace the palm-rest assembly.
19 Mini-Card Board WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in "Before You Begin" on page 11. For additional safety best practices information, see the Regulatory Compliance Homepage at dell.com/regulatory_compliance. Removing the Mini-Card Board Prerequisites 1 Remove the base cover. See "Removing the Base Cover" on page 15. 2 Remove the battery. See "Removing the Battery" on page 17. 3 Remove the mini-card(s).
Procedure 1 Remove the screws that secure the mini-card board to the computer base. 2 Lift the mini-card board to disconnect the connector on the mini-card board from the connector on the system board. 1 2 1 screws (3) 2 Mini-Card board Replacing the Mini-Card Board Procedure 1 Align the connector on the mini-card board with the connector on the system board and press gently. 2 Replace the three screws that secure the mini-card board to the computer base.
Postrequisites 3 Replace the palm-rest assembly. See "Lift the palm-rest assembly off the computer base." on page 43. 4 Replace the keyboard. See "Replacing the Keyboard" on page 39. 5 Replace the center-control cover. See "Replacing the Center-Control Cover" on page 35. 6 Replace the mini-card(s). See "Replacing the Mini-Card(s)" on page 47. 7 Replace the battery. See "Replacing the Battery" on page 18. 8 Replace the base cover. See "Replacing the Base Cover" on page 16.
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20 System Board WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in "Before You Begin" on page 11. For additional safety best practices information, see the Regulatory Compliance Homepage at dell.com/regulatory_compliance. The system board’s BIOS chip contains the Service Tag, which is also visible on a barcode label at the bottom of the computer.
Procedure 1 Using the pull-tab, disconnect the display cable and the hard-drive cable from the connectors on the system board. 2 Disconnect the logo-board cable, Bluetooth-card cable, coin-cell battery cable, and subwoofer cable from the connectors on the system board. 3 Remove the screws that secure the system board to the computer base.
4 Lift and ease the connectors on the system board out of the slots on the computer base. 8 7 6 1 2 3 4 5 1 system board 2 screws (5) 3 subwoofer cable connector 4 coin-cell battery cable connector 5 hard-drive cable connector 6 Bluetooth card cable connector 7 logo-board cable connector 8 display-cable connector 5 Turn the system board over. 6 Remove the thermal fan. See "Removing the Thermal Fan" on page 87. 7 Remove the thermal cooling assembly.
Replacing the System Board Procedure 1 Replace the processor module. See "Replacing the Processor Module" on page 95. 2 Replace the thermal cooling assembly. See "Replacing the Thermal Cooling Assembly" on page 90. 3 Replace the thermal fan. See "Replacing the Thermal Fan" on page 88. 4 Turn the system board over. 5 Align the connectors on the system board with the slots on the computer base and place it on the computer base. NOTE: Ensure that no cables lie between the system board and the computer base.
17 Replace the base cover. See "Replacing the Base Cover" on page 16) 18 Replace any cards or blank that you removed from the 9-in-1 Media Card reader. 19 Follow the instructions in "After Working Inside Your Computer" on page13. Entering the Service Tag in the BIOS 1 Ensure that the AC adapter is plugged in and that the main battery is installed properly. 2 Turn on the computer. 3 Press during POST to enter the system setup program.
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Thermal Fan 21 WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in "Before You Begin" on page 11. For additional safety best practices information, see the Regulatory Compliance Homepage at dell.com/regulatory_compliance. Removing the Thermal Fan Prerequisites 1 Follow the instructions from step 1 to step 4 in "Removing the System Board" on page 81.
3 Lift the thermal fan and gently peel the tape that secures the thermal fan to the thermal cooling assembly. 1 2 3 4 1 screws (3) 2 thermal fan cable connector 3 thermal fan 4 tape Replacing the Thermal Fan Procedure 1 Align the screw holes on the thermal fan with the screw holes on the system board. 2 Adhere the tape to secure the thermal fan to the thermal cooling assembly. 3 Replace the screws that secure the thermal fan to the system board.
Thermal Cooling Assembly 22 WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in "Before You Begin" on page 11. For additional safety best practices information, see the Regulatory Compliance Homepage at dell.com/regulatory_compliance. WARNING: If you remove the thermal cooling assembly from the computer when the thermal cooling assembly is hot, do not touch the metal housing of the thermal cooling assembly.
2 Carefully lift thermal cooling assembly away from the system board. 2 1 1 thermal cooling assembly 2 captive screws (7) NOTE: The appearance of the thermal cooling assembly may differ based on your computer model. Replacing the Thermal Cooling Assembly NOTE: The original thermal grease can be reused if the original processor and thermal cooling assembly are reinstalled together.
Postrequisites 1 Follow the instructions from step 3 to step 18 in "Replacing the System Board" on page 84. 2 Follow the instructions in "After Working Inside Your Computer" on page13.
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23 Processor Module WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in "Before You Begin" on page 11. For additional safety best practices information, see the Regulatory Compliance Homepage at dell.com/regulatory_compliance. Removing the Processor Module Prerequisites 1 Follow the instructions from step 1 to step 7 in "Removing the System Board" on page 81.
4 1 2 3 1 ZIF socket 2 processor module 3 pin-1 corner 4 ZIF-socket cam screw CAUTION: To ensure maximum cooling for the processor module, do not touch the heat transfer areas on the processor thermal-cooling assembly. The oils in your skin can reduce the heat transfer capability of the thermal pads. CAUTION: When removing the processor module, pull the module straight up. Be careful not to bend the pins on the processor module. 2 Lift the processor module off the ZIF socket.
Replacing the Processor Module NOTE: If a new processor module is installed, you will receive a new thermal cooling assembly, which will include an affixed thermal pad, or you will receive a new thermal pad along with documentation to illustrate proper installation. Procedure 1 Align the pin-1 corner of the processor module with the pin-1 corner of the ZIF socket. NOTE: The pin-1 corner of the processor module has a triangle that aligns with the triangle on the pin-1 corner of the ZIF socket.
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System Setup 24 Overview Use the system setup to: • Get information about the hardware installed in your computer, such as the amount of RAM, the size of the hard drive, and so on • Change the system configuration information • Set or change a user-selectable option, such as the user password, type of hard drive installed, enabling or disabling base devices, and so on CAUTION: Unless you are an expert computer user, do not change the settings for this program.
Setup Item — This field appears on the left side of the system setup window. The field is a scrollable list containing features that define the configuration of your computer, including installed hardware, power conservation, and security features. Scroll up and down the list with the up- and down-arrow keys. As an option is highlighted, the Help Screen displays more information about that option and available settings.
L2 Cache Displays the processor L2 cache size. L3 Cache Displays the processor L3 cache size. Integrated Graphics Displays the integrated graphics. Discrete Graphics 1 Displays the discrete graphics. Fixed HDD Displays the device name and size. SATA ODD Displays the device name and size. mSATA Device Displays the device name and size. AC Adapter Type Displays the device name and type. Total Memory Displays the total memory available in your computer.
USB Emulation Allows you to enable or disable the USB emulation feature. This feature defines how the BIOS, in the absence of a USBaware operating system, handles USB devices. USB emulation is always enabled during POST. NOTE: You cannot boot any type of USB device (floppy, hard drive, or memory key) when this option is off. USB Powershare Allows you to charge USB devices when the computer is turned off or in standby mode. • AC Only: Charge USB devices when connected to AC adapter only.
Adapter Warnings Allows you to choose if the computer should display warning messages when you use certain power adapters. The computer displays these messages if you attempt to use a power adapter that has too little capacity for your configuration. • Disabled: BIOS will not detect unsupported AC adapters and will not display any message on the screen. • Enabled: BIOS will detect unsupported AC adapters and display an error on the screen.
Wireless Network Allows you to enable or disable the internal wireless device. DMC Allows you to enable or disable the internal DMC device Security Admin Password Displays the admin account password. System Password Displays the system password. Admin Password Allows you to set the admin password. System Password Allows you to set the system password. Password Change Displays whether you have access to change passwords.
Boot Sequence This feature allows you to change the boot sequence for devices. Boot Options • Hard Drive — The computer attempts to boot from the primary hard drive. If no operating system is on the drive, the computer generates an error message. • CD/DVD/CD-RW Drive — The computer attempts to boot from the optical drive. If no disc is in the drive, or if the disc is not bootable, the computer generates an error message. • Network — The computer attempts to boot from the network.
Changing Boot Sequence for Future Boots 1 Enter system setup. See "Entering System Setup" on page 97. 2 Use the arrow keys to highlight the Boot menu option and press to access the menu. NOTE: Write down your current boot sequence in case you want to restore it. 3 Press the up- and down-arrow keys to move through the list of devices. 4 Press plus (F5) or minus (F6) to change the boot priority of the device.
25 Flashing the BIOS The BIOS may require flashing when an update is available or when replacing the system board. To flash the BIOS: 1 Turn on the computer. 2 Go to support.dell.com/support/downloads. 3 Locate the BIOS update file for your computer: NOTE: The Service Tag for your computer is located on a label at the bottom of your computer. For more information, see the Quick Start Guide that shipped with your computer.
9 Navigate to the folder where you downloaded the BIOS update file. The file icon appears in the folder and is titled the same as the downloaded BIOS update file. 10 Double-click the BIOS update file icon and follow the instructions that appear on the screen.