Alienware M18x Service Manual Before You Begin Battery Pack Base Cover Wireless Mini-Card Coin-Cell Battery Hard Drive(s) Center Control Cover Power-Button Board Keyboard Macro Keyboard Memory Module(s) Display Assembly Palm Rest Status-Light Board Internal Card With Bluetooth Wireless Technology Speakers I/O Board Optical Drive Video-Card Heat-Sink Fan(s) Video-Card Heat-Sink(s) Video Card(s) Processor Heat-Sink Fan Processor Heat-Sink Processor Module System Board Subwoofer System Setup Flashing the BIOS
Back to Contents Page Base Cover Alienware M18x Service Manual Removing the Base Cover Replacing the Base Cover 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 www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.
Back to Contents Page Battery Pack Alienware M18x Service Manual Removing the Battery Pack Replacing the Battery Pack 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 www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.
Back to Contents Page Before You Begin Alienware M18x Service Manual Recommended Tools Turning Off Your Computer Before Working Inside Your Computer This manual provides procedures for removing and installing the components in your computer. Unless otherwise noted, each procedure assumes that the following conditions exist: l You have performed the steps in Turning Off Your Computer and Before Working Inside Your Computer. l You have read the safety information that shipped with your computer.
2. Turn off your computer (see Turning Off Your Computer). CAUTION: To disconnect a network cable, first unplug the cable from your computer and then unplug the cable from the network device. 3. Disconnect all telephone or network cables from the computer. 4. Press and eject any installed cards from the Media-Card Reader. 5. Disconnect your computer and all attached devices from their electrical outlets. 6. Disconnect all attached devices from your computer.
Back to Contents Page System Setup Alienware M18x Service Manual Configuring the System Setup Configuring the System Setup The System Setup options allow you to: l Change the system configuration information after you add, change or remove any hardware in your laptop. l Set or change a user-selectable option. l View the installed amount of memory or set the type of hard drive installed.
Memory Bank 0 Displays the memory size installed in DIMM A. Memory Bank 1 Displays the memory size installed in DIMM B. Memory Bank 2 Displays the memory size installed in DIMM C. Memory Bank 3 Displays the memory size installed in DIMM D. Advanced Menu Intel SpeedStep Allows you to enable or disable the Intel SpeedStep technology. Disabling this feature may improve performance, but will greatly reduce battery life.
Ratio Limits Memory Override Support Allows you to enable or disable the memory override option support. l l Disabled: The memory override support is disabled. Enabled: Displays additional memory override support options. Memory Voltage Allows you to modify memory voltage. Memory Frequency Allows you to modify memory frequency. DIMM Profile (XMP) Allows you to configure different XMP options. Override Turbo Settings Allows you to override CPU Turbo Mode settings.
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Back to Contents Page Internal Card With Bluetooth Wireless Technology Alienware M18x Service Manual Removing the Bluetooth Card Replacing the Bluetooth Card 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 www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.
Replacing the Bluetooth Card 1. Follow the instructions in Before You Begin 2. Align the screw hole on the Bluetooth card with the screw hole on the system board. 3. Replace the screw that secures the Bluetooth card to the system board. 4. Connect the Bluetooth-card cable to the connector on the system board. 5. Follow the instructions from step 4 to step 7 in Replacing the Palm Rest. 6. Replace the display assembly (see Replacing the Display Assembly). 7.
Back to Contents Page Coin-Cell Battery Alienware M18x Service Manual Removing the Coin-Cell Battery Replacing the Coin-Cell Battery 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 www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.
CAUTION: Before turning on the computer, replace all screws and ensure that no stray screws remain inside the computer. Failure to do so may result in damage to the computer.
Back to Contents Page Processor Module Alienware M18x Service Manual Removing the Processor Module Replacing the Processor Module 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 www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance. CAUTION: Only a certified service technician should perform repairs on your computer.
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, lift the module straight up. Be careful not to bend the pins on the processor module. 11. Lift the processor module from the ZIF socket.
Back to Contents Page Processor Heat-Sink Alienware M18x Service Manual Removing the Processor Heat-Sink Replacing the Processor Heat-Sink 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 www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.
CAUTION: Incorrect alignment of the processor heat-sink can damage the processor. NOTE: The original thermal grease can be reused if the original processor heat-sink is reinstalled. If the processor heat-sink is replaced, use the thermal grease provided in the kit to ensure that thermal conductivity is achieved. 1. Follow the instructions in Before You Begin. 2.
Back to Contents Page Processor Heat-Sink Fan Alienware M18x Service Manual Removing the Processor Heat-Sink Fan Replacing the Processor Heat-Sink Fan 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 www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance. WARNING: The processor heat-sink may be very hot during normal operation.
6. Replace the battery pack (see Replacing the Battery Pack). CAUTION: Before turning on the computer, replace all screws and ensure that no stray screws remain inside the computer. Failure to do so may result in damage to the computer.
Back to Contents Page Display Assembly Alienware M18x Service Manual Removing the Display Assembly Replacing the Display Assembly 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 www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.
1 Mini-Card cable routing 2 Mini-Card 12. Note the routing of the antenna cables, and then remove the cables from the routing guides on the computer base. 13. Remove the four screws that secure the display assembly on the computer base. 14. Turn the computer over and open the display. 15. Note the routing of the display cable and LED-logo board cable, and then remove the cables from the routing guides on the palm-rest assembly. 16.
1 display assembly 2 screws (2) 17. Gently slide out the antenna cables through the slot on the computer base. 18. Move the display to a perpendicular position to the computer base, and then lift the display assembly off the computer. Replacing the Display Assembly 1. Follow the instructions in Before You Begin. 2. Place the display assembly in position and replace the two screws, on the display hinges, that secure the display assembly to the computer base. 3.
Back to Contents Page Flashing the BIOS Alienware M18x Service Manual 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 the computer. If you have your computer's Service Tag: a. Click Enter a Tag. b.
Back to Contents Page Hard Drive(s) Alienware M18x Service Manual Removing the Hard Drive(s) Replacing the Hard Drive(s) WARNING: If you remove the hard drive from the computer when the drive is hot, do not touch the metal housing of the hard drive. 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 www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.
1 secondary hard drive (HDD 1) 3 primary hard drive (HDD 0) 2 interposer 8. Remove the four screws that secure the primary hard drive (HDD 0) and lift the hard drive out of the hard-drive bracket. 9. Remove the four screws that secure the secondary hard drive (HDD 1) and slide the hard drive out of the hard-drive bracket.
10. Connect the hard-drive cable to the connector on the system board and press down on the connector latch to secure the cable. 11. Replace the base cover (see Replacing the Base Cover). 12. Replace the battery pack (see Replacing the Battery Pack). CAUTION: Before turning on the computer, replace all screws and ensure that no stray screws remain inside the computer. Failure to do so may result in damage to the computer. 13. Install the operating system for your computer, if needed. 14.
Back to Contents Page Center Control Cover Alienware M18x Service Manual Removing the Center Control Cover Replacing the Center Control Cover 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 www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.
1 center control cover CAUTION: Be extremely careful when removing and handling the center control cover. Failure to do so could result in scratching the display panel. 7. Place the center control cover on the palm rest. 8. Lift the connector latch and disconnect the central control cover cable from the connector on the system board. 1 center control cover cable connector 9. Lift the center control cover away from the computer. Replacing the Center Control Cover 1.
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Back to Contents Page Video-Card Heat-Sink Fan(s) Alienware M18x Service Manual Removing the Video-Card Heat-Sink Fan(s) Replacing the Video-Card Heat-Sink Fan(s) 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 www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance. WARNING: The video-card assembly may be very hot during normal operation.
1 secondary video-card heat-sink fan cable 2 secondary video-card heatconnector sink fan 3 captive screws (3) 9. Lift the video-card heat-sink fan(s) along with the cable away from the computer base. Replacing the Video-Card Heat-Sink Fan(s) 1. Follow the instructions in Before You Begin. 2. Align the screw holes on the video-card heat-sink fan(s) with the screw holes on the computer base. 3. Tighten the three captive screws that secure the secondary video-card heat-sink fan to the computer base.
Alienware M18x Service Manual Before You Begin 9 Battery Pack 13 Base Cover 15 Wireless Mini-Card 17 Coin-Cell Battery 21 Hard Drive(s) 25 Center Control Cover 31 Power-Button Board 37 Keyboard 41 Macro Keyboard 45 Memory Module(s) 49 Display Assembly 53 Palm Rest 59 Status-Light Board 65 Internal Card With Bluetooth Wireless Technology 69 Speakers 73 I/O Board 77 Optical Drive 81 Video-Card Heat-Sink Fan(s) 85 Video-Card Heat-Sink(s) 89 Video Card(s) 93 Processor Heat-Sink Fan 97 Processor Heat-Sink 101 Pr
Back to Contents Page I/O Board Alienware M18x Service Manual Removing the I/O Board Replacing the I/O Board 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 www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.
Replacing the I/O Board 1. Follow the instructions in Before You Begin. 2. Align the connectors on the I/O board with the slots on the computer base and gently press down on the I/O board. 3. Replace the five screws that secure the I/O board to the computer base. 4. Connect the I/O-board cable to the connector on the system board and press down on the connector latch to secure the cable. 5. Follow the instructions from step 4 to step 7 in Replacing the Palm Rest. 6.
Back to Contents Page Keyboard Alienware M18x Service Manual Removing the Keyboard Replacing the Keyboard 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 www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.
1 keyboard-cable connector 9. 2 keyboard-backlight cable connector Lift the keyboard off the palm-rest assembly. Replacing the Keyboard 1. Follow the instructions in Before You Begin. 2. Slide the keyboard cable and keyboard-backlight cable into their connectors on the system board, and press down on their connector latches to secure the cables. 3. Slide the tabs on the keyboard into the slots on the palm-rest assembly and lower the keyboard into place. 4.
Back to Contents Page Status-Light Board Alienware M18x Service Manual Removing the Status-Light Board Replacing the Status-Light Board 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 www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.
1 screw 11. Lift the status-light board off the palm-rest assembly. Replacing the Status-Light Board 1. Follow the instructions in Before You Begin. 2. Align the slots on the status-light board with the alignment posts on the palm-rest assembly and secure the status-light board in place. 3. Replace the screw that secures the status-light board to the palm-rest assembly. 4. Route the status-light board cable through the routing guides on the palm-rest assembly. 5.
Back to Contents Page Macro Keyboard Alienware M18x Service Manual Removing the Macro Keyboard Replacing the Macro Keyboard 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 www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.
1 macro-keyboard cable connector 9. 2 macro-keyboard backlight-cable connector Lift the macro keyboard off the palm-rest assembly. Replacing the Macro Keyboard 1. Follow the instructions in Before You Begin. 2. Slide the macro-keyboard cable and the macro-keyboard backlight cable into the respective connectors on the system board, and press down on the connector latches to secure the cables. 3.
Back to Contents Page Memory Module(s) Alienware M18x Service Manual Removing the Memory Module(s) Replacing the Memory Module(s) 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 www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.
Replacing the Memory Module(s) 1. Follow the instructions in Before You Begin. NOTE: If you need to install memory modules in two connectors, install a memory module in the lower connector before you install a memory module in the upper connector. 2. Align the notch in the memory module with the tab in the memory-module connector. 3. Slide the memory module into the connector at a 45-degree angle, and press the memory module down until it clicks into place.
Back to Contents Page Wireless Mini-Card Alienware M18x Service Manual Removing the Mini-Card Replacing the Mini-Card 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 www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.
CAUTION: When the Mini-Card is not in the computer, store it in protective antistatic packaging. For more information, see "Protecting Against Electrostatic Discharge" in the safety information that shipped with your computer. Replacing the Mini-Card 1. Follow the instructions in Before You Begin. 2. Remove the new Mini-Card from its packaging. CAUTION: Use firm and even pressure to slide the card into place. If you use excessive force, you may damage the connector.
Back to Contents Page Optical Drive Alienware M18x Service Manual Removing the Optical Drive Replacing the Optical Drive 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 www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance. CAUTION: Only a certified service technician should perform repairs on your computer.
14. Remove the five screws that secure the optical-drive bracket to the optical drive. 1 screws (5) 15. Remove the optical-drive bracket from the optical drive. 16. Remove the interposer from the optical drive. 1 2 optical-drive bracket interposer Replacing the Optical Drive 1. Follow the instructions in Before You Begin. 2. Connect the interposer to the optical drive. 3.
13. Replace the base cover (see Replacing the Base Cover). 14. Replace the battery pack (see Replacing the Battery Pack). CAUTION: Before turning on the computer, replace all screws and ensure that no stray screws remain inside the computer. Failure to do so may result in damage to the computer.
Back to Contents Page Palm Rest Alienware M18x Service Manual Removing the Palm Rest Replacing the Palm Rest 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 www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.
11. Remove the three screws that secure the palm-rest assembly to the computer base. 1 screws (3) 12. Turn the computer over. 13. Remove the six screws that secure the palm-rest assembly to the computer base. 14. Turn the computer over. 15. Carefully pry out the palm-rest assembly from the two tabs along the rear edge of the computer, and then ease the palm-rest assembly from the computer base.
5. Replace the three screws that secure the palm-rest assembly to the computer base. 6. Connect the power-button cable, status-light board cable, speaker-LED board cable, touch-pad cable, and video-card connector cable to the respective connectors on the system board. 7. Turn the computer over and replace the six screws that secure the palm-rest assembly to the computer base. 8. Replace the display assembly (see Replacing the Display Assembly). 9.
Back to Contents Page Power-Button Board Alienware M18x Service Manual Removing the Power-Button Board Replacing the Power-Button Board 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 www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.
5. Replace the center control cover (see Replacing the Center Control Cover). 6. Replace the base cover (see Replacing the Base Cover). 7. Replace the battery pack (see Replacing the Battery Pack). CAUTION: Before turning on the computer, replace all screws and ensure that no stray screws remain inside the computer. Failure to do so may result in damage to the computer.
Back to Contents Page Speakers Alienware M18x Service Manual Removing the Speakers Replacing the Speakers 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 www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.
Replacing the Speakers 1. Follow the instructions in Before You Begin. 2. Align the screw holes on the speakers with the screw holes on the computer base and replace the four screws that secure the speakers to the computer base. 3. Route the speakers cable through the routing guides on the computer base and then connect the speakers cable to the connector on the system board. 4. Follow the instructions from step 4 to step 7 in Replacing the Palm Rest. 5.
Back to Contents Page Subwoofer Alienware M18x Service Manual Removing the Subwoofer Replacing the Subwoofer 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 www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.
5. Replace the 11 screws that secure the system board to the computer base. 6. Slide the optical drive cable into the connector on the system board and press down on the connector latch to secure the cable. 7. Connect the speaker cable and the subwoofer cable to the respective connectors on the system board. 8. Follow the instructions from step 13 to step 23 in Replacing the System Board.
Back to Contents Page System Board Alienware M18x Service Manual Removing the System Board Replacing the System Board Entering the Service Tag in the BIOS 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 www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.
21. Disconnect the speaker cable and the subwoofer cable from the connectors on the system board. 22. Lift the connector latch and disconnect the optical-drive cable from the connector on the system board. 1 speaker-cable connector 3 optical-drive cable connector 23. 1 subwoofer-cable connector Remove the 11 screws that secure the system board to the computer base. screws (11) 24.
10. Replace the video card(s) (see Replacing the Video Card(s)). 11. Replace the video-card heat-sink(s) (see Replacing the Video-Card Heat- Sink(s)). 12. Replace the Bluetooth card (see Replacing the Bluetooth Card). 13. Replace the palm-rest assembly (see Replacing the Palm Rest). 14. Replace the display assembly (see Replacing the Display Assembly). 15. Replace the macro keyboard (see Replacing the Macro Keyboard). 16. Replace the keyboard (see Replacing the Keyboard). 17.
Back to Contents Page Alienware M18x Service Manual 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. © 2011 Dell Inc. All rights reserved.
Back to Contents Page Video Card(s) Alienware M18x Service Manual Removing the Video Card(s) Replacing the Video Card(s) 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 www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance. WARNING: The video-card assembly may be very hot during normal operation. Ensure that it has had sufficient time to cool before you touch it.
1 secondary video card 2 screws (2) 11. Lift and slide the video-card(s) out to disconnect it from the connector on the system board. Replacing the Video Card(s) 1. Follow the instructions in Before You Begin. 2. Insert the video card connector at a 45-degree angle into the connector on the system board. 3. Press the other end of the video-card down into the slot on the system board and replace the two screws that secure the video-card(s) to the system board. 4.
Back to Contents Page Video-Card Heat-Sink(s) Alienware M18x Service Manual Removing the Video-Card Heat-Sink(s) Replacing the Video-Card Heat-Sink(s) 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 www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance. WARNING: The video-card assembly may be very hot during normal operation.
1 captive screws (4) 2 secondary video-card heat-sink Replacing the Video-Card Heat-Sink(s) CAUTION: Incorrect alignment of the video-card heat-sink(s) can damage the video card(s). NOTE: You can reuse the original thermal grease if you are reinstalling the original video-card heat-sink(s). If you are installing a replacement video-card heat-sink, use the thermal grease provided in the kit to ensure that thermal conductivity is achieved. 1. Follow the instructions in Before You Begin. 2.
