Alienware M17x-R3 Service Manual Regulatory model: P11E Regulatory type: P11E001
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. © 2011 Dell Inc. All rights reserved.
Contents 1 Before You Begin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Recommended Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Turning Off Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Before Working Inside Your Computer 2 3 Battery Pack . . . . . . . . . 10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Removing the Battery Pack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Replacing the Battery Pack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Replacing the Hard Drive(s) 6 Memory Module(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Removing the Memory Module(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . Replacing the Memory Module(s) . 7 8 9 . . . . . . . . . . . Graphics-Card Heat Sink Fan 25 27 31 . . . . . . 31 Replacing the Graphics-Card Heat Sink Fan . . . . . . 32 Graphics-Card Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Removing the Graphics-Card Assembly . . . . . . . . . 35 Replacing the Graphics-Card Assembly. . . .
11 Processor Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 Removing the Processor Module . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 Replacing the Processor Module . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 12 Center Control Cover . Removing the Center Control Cover . . . . . . . . . . . 49 Replacing the Center Control Cover . . . . . . . . . . . 52 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 13 Keyboard Removing the Keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Replacing the Power Button Board 17 Display Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68 71 Removing the Display Assembly. . . . . . . . . . . . . 71 Replacing the Display Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . 73 18 Status Light Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75 Removing the Status Light Board . . . . . . . . . . . . 75 Replacing the Status Light Board . . . . . . . . . . . . 76 19 Palm Rest Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
22 Optical Drive 91 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Removing the Optical Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95 Replacing the Optical Drive . 23 System Board 91 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Removing the System Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95 Replacing the System Board. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97 Entering the Service Tag in the BIOS 24 System Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Configuring the System Setup .
Contents
1 Before You Begin This manual provides procedures for removing and installing the components in your computer. Unless otherwise noted, each procedure assumes that the following conditions exist: • You have performed the steps in "Turning Off Your Computer" on page 9 and "Before Working Inside Your Computer" on page 10. • You have read the safety information that shipped with your computer.
Before Working Inside Your Computer Use the following safety guidelines to help protect your computer from potential damage and to help to ensure your own 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 www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.
CAUTION: To help prevent damage to the system board, remove the main battery (see "Removing the Battery Pack" on page 13) before working inside the computer. 7 Remove the battery pack (see "Removing the Battery Pack" on page 13). 8 Turn the computer top-side up, open the display, and press the power button to ground the system board.
Before You Begin
2 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. CAUTION: To avoid electrostatic discharge, ground yourself by using a wrist grounding strap or by periodically touching an unpainted metal surface (such as a connector on your computer).
2 1 1 battery pack 2 battery latch Replacing the Battery Pack CAUTION: To avoid damage to the computer, use only the battery designed for this particular Alienware computer. 1 Follow the instructions in "Before You Begin" on page 9. 2 Align the tabs on the battery with the slots on the battery bay and snap the battery into place.
3 Compartment Door 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: To avoid electrostatic discharge, ground yourself by using a wrist grounding strap or by periodically touching an unpainted metal surface (such as a connector on your computer).
2 1 1 compartment door 2 screws (2) Replacing the Compartment Door 1 Follow the instructions in "Before You Begin" on page 9. 2 Align the tabs on the compartment door with the slots on the computer base and slide the compartment door into place. 3 Replace the two screws that secure the compartment door to the computer base. 4 Replace the battery pack (see "Replacing the Battery Pack" on page 14).
4 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: To avoid electrostatic discharge, ground yourself by using a wrist grounding strap or by periodically touching an unpainted metal surface (such as a connector on your computer).
1 2 1 plastic scribe 2 coin-cell battery Replacing the Coin-Cell Battery 1 Follow the instructions in "Before You Begin" on page 9. 2 Hold the coin-cell battery with the positive side up. 3 Slide the coin-cell battery into the slot and gently press until it snaps into place. 4 Replace the compartment door (see "Replacing the Compartment Door" on page 16). 5 Replace the battery pack (see "Replacing the Battery Pack" on page 14).
5 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.
Removing the Hard Drive(s) 1 Follow the instructions in "Before You Begin" on page 9. 2 Remove the battery pack (see "Removing the Battery Pack" on page 13). 3 Remove the compartment door (see "Removing the Compartment Door" on page 15). 4 Loosen the three captive screws that secure the hard-drive assembly to the computer base. 5 Using the pull-tab, lift the hard-drive assembly to disconnect it from the connector on the system board. 6 Lift the hard-drive assembly out of the computer base.
2 1 1 captive screws (3) 2 secondary hard-drive assembly 7 Remove the four screws that secure the hard drive to the hard-drive bracket. 8 Lift the hard-drive off the hard-drive bracket. 9 Remove the interposer from the hard drive.
4 3 2 1 1 interposer 2 screws (4) 3 hard-drive bracket 4 hard drive 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(s) 1 Follow the instructions in "Before You Begin" on page 9. 2 Remove the new drive from its packaging. Save the original packaging for storing or shipping the hard drive.
7 Tighten the three captive screws that secure the hard-drive assembly to the computer base. 8 Replace the compartment door (see "Replacing the Compartment Door" on page 16). 9 Replace the battery pack (see "Replacing the Battery Pack" on page 14). 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. 10 Install the operating system for your computer, as needed.
Hard Drive(s)
6 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. CAUTION: To avoid electrostatic discharge, ground yourself by using a wrist grounding strap or by periodically touching an unpainted metal surface (such as a connector on your computer).
4 To remove memory module(s) from connectors DIMM 1 and DIMM 2, go to step 6. 5 To remove memory-module(s) from connectors DIMM 3 and DIMM 4: a Remove the center control cover (see "Removing the Center Control Cover" on page 49). b Remove the keyboard (see "Removing the Keyboard" on page 55). c Remove the three screws that secure the memory-module cover to the palm rest assembly.
1 3 2 1 memory-module connector 3 memory module 2 securing clips (2) 7 Remove the memory module from the memory-module connector. Replacing the Memory Module(s) 1 Follow the instructions in "Before You Begin" on page 9. 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 2 1 1 memory-module connector 3 notch 2 tab 4 If you have replaced memory mobule(s) in connectors DIMM 1 and DIMM 2, go to step 6. 5 If you have replaced memory mobule(s) in connectors DIMM 3 and DIMM 4: a Align the screw holes on the memory-module cover with the screw holes on the palm rest assembly. b Replace the three screws that secure the memory-module cover to the palm rest assembly. c Replace the keyboard (see "Replacing the Keyboard" on page 57).
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. 8 Turn on the computer. As the computer boots, it detects the additional memory and automatically updates the system configuration information. To confirm the amount of memory installed in the computer: Click Start → Control Panel→ System and Security→ System.
Memory Module(s)
Graphics-Card Heat Sink Fan 7 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 graphics-card assembly may be very hot during normal operation. Ensure that it has had sufficient time to cool before you touch it. CAUTION: Only a certified service technician should perform repairs on your computer.
3 2 1 1 graphics-card heat sink fan cable 3 graphics-card heat sink fan 2 captive screws (3) Replacing the Graphics-Card Heat Sink Fan 1 Follow the instructions in "Before You Begin" on page 9. 2 Align the screw holes on the graphics-card heat sink fan with the screw holes on the chassis. 3 Tighten the three captive screws that secure the graphics-card heat sink fan to the chassis. 4 Connect the graphics-card heat sink fan cable to the connector on the system board.
Graphics-Card Heat Sink Fan 33
Graphics-Card Heat Sink Fan
Graphics-Card Assembly 8 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 graphics-card assembly may be very hot during normal operation. Ensure that it has had sufficient time to cool before you touch it. CAUTION: Only a certified service technician should perform repairs on your computer.
2 1 1 graphics-card assembly 2 screws (2) Replacing the Graphics-Card Assembly 1 Follow the instructions in "Before You Begin" on page 9. 2 Insert the graphics card connector at a 45-degree angle into the connector on the system board. 3 Press the other end of the graphics-card assembly down into the slot on the system board and replace the two screws that secure the graphics-card assembly to the system board.
Processor Heat-Sink Fan 9 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. Ensure that it has had sufficient time to cool before you touch it. CAUTION: Only a certified service technician should perform repairs on your computer.
1 2 3 1 processor heat-sink fan cable 3 captive screws (3) 2 processor heat-sink fan Replacing the Processor Heat-Sink Fan 1 Follow the instructions in "Before You Begin" on page 9. 2 Align the screw holes on the processor heat-sink fan with the screw holes on the chassis. 3 Tighten the three captive screws that secure the processor heat-sink fan to the chassis. 4 Connect the processor heat-sink fan cable to the connector on the system board.
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.
Processor Heat-Sink Fan
10 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. WARNING: If you remove the processor heat-sink from the computer when the heat sink is hot, do not touch the metal housing of the processor heat-sink. CAUTION: Only a certified service technician should perform repairs on your computer.
2 1 1 processor heat-sink 2 captive screws (4) Replacing the Processor Heat-Sink 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" on page 9. 2 Slide the processor heat-sink in place.
6 Replace the battery pack (see "Replacing the Battery Pack" on page 14). 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.
Processor Heat-Sink
11 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. Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by your warranty.
2 1 1 ZIF socket 2 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, lift the module straight up. Be careful not to bend the pins on the processor module. 7 Lift the processor module from the ZIF socket.
2 Align the pin-1 corner of the processor module with the pin-1 corner of the ZIF socket, then place the processor module. 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. When the processor module is properly seated, all four corners are aligned at the same height. If one or more corners of the module are higher than the others, the module is not seated properly.
Processor Module
12 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. CAUTION: To avoid electrostatic discharge, ground yourself by using a wrist grounding strap or by periodically touching an unpainted metal surface (such as a connector on your computer).
1 1 screws (5) CAUTION: Be extremely careful when removing the center control cover. The cover along with the cable that attaches to it are fragile. 5 Turn the computer over and open the display as far as possible. 6 Gently pry the center control cover from the back of the computer and then ease the tabs on the center control cover out of the slots on the palm rest assembly.
1 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 Turn the center control cover towards the display. 8 Disconnect the media control keys cable from the connector on the system board. 9 Lift the center control cover away from the computer.
1 1 media control keys cable Replacing the Center Control Cover 1 Follow the instructions in "Before You Begin" on page 9. 2 Connect the media control keys cable to the connector on the system board. 3 Align the tabs on the center control cover with the slots on the palm rest assembly and snap the cover into place. 4 Close the display and turn the computer over. 5 Replace the five screws that secure the center control cover to the computer base.
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.
Center Control Cover
13 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. CAUTION: To avoid electrostatic discharge, ground yourself by using a wrist grounding strap or by periodically touching an unpainted metal surface (such as a connector on your computer).
1 2 1 screws (5) 2 keyboard 8 Lift the release latches on the connectors on the system board and disconnect the keyboard cable and backlit keyboard cable. 9 Lift the keyboard off the palm rest assembly.
1 2 1 keyboard cable 2 backlit keyboard cable Replacing the Keyboard 1 Follow the instructions in "Before You Begin" on page 9. 2 Slide the keyboard cable and backlit keyboard 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 Replace the five screws that secure the keyboard to the computer base.
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.
14 Wireless 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: To avoid electrostatic discharge, ground yourself by using a wrist grounding strap or by periodically touching an unpainted metal surface (such as a connector on your computer).
1 3 2 1 screw 3 Mini-Card 2 antenna cables (2) 7 Remove the screw that secures the Mini-Card to the system board. 8 Lift the Mini-Card out of the connector on the system board.
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" on page 9. 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.
5 Connect the appropriate antenna cables to the Mini-Card you are installing. 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 or 3 antenna cables) Main WLAN (white triangle) white Auxiliary WLAN (black triangle) black MIMO WLAN (gray triangle) (optional) gray 6 Replace the keyboard (see "Replacing the Keyboard" on page 57).
WirelessHD Card (Optional) 15 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: To avoid electrostatic discharge, ground yourself by using a wrist grounding strap or by periodically touching an unpainted metal surface (such as a connector on your computer).
3 2 1 1 wirelessHD card cable 3 screw 2 wirelessHD card Replacing the WirelessHD Card 1 Follow the instructions in "Before You Begin" on page 9. 2 Remove the new wirelessHD 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. CAUTION: The connectors are keyed to ensure correct insertion. If you feel resistance, check the connectors on the card and on the system board, and realign the card.
7 Replace the center control cover (see "Replacing the Center Control Cover" on page 52). 8 Replace the compartment door (see "Replacing the Compartment Door" on page 16). 9 Replace the battery pack (see "Replacing the Battery Pack" on page 14). 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.
WirelessHD Card (Optional)
16 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. CAUTION: To avoid electrostatic discharge, ground yourself by using a wrist grounding strap or by periodically touching an unpainted metal surface (such as a connector on your computer).
1 2 3 1 screws (2) 3 power button board cable 2 power button board Replacing the Power Button Board 1 Follow the instructions in "Before You Begin" on page 9. 2 Align the slots on the power button board with the alignment posts on the chassis and secure the power button board in place. 3 Replace the two screws that secure the power button board to the palm rest assembly. 4 Connect the power button board cable to the connector on the system board.
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.
Power Button Board
17 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. CAUTION: To avoid electrostatic discharge, ground yourself by using a wrist grounding strap or by periodically touching an unpainted metal surface (such as a connector on your computer).
10 Disconnect the camera cable and infrared cable from the respective system board connectors. 11 Note the routing of the display cable, camera cable, infrared cable, wirelessHD card cable, Mini-Card antenna cables and remove the cables from the routing guides on the palm rest assembly. 4 5 3 2 1 1 wirelessHD card cable 2 display cable 3 captive screws (2) 4 camera cable 5 infrared cable 12 Remove the six screws that secure the display assembly to the computer base.
1 2 1 display assembly 2 screws (6) Replacing the Display Assembly 1 Follow the instructions in "Before You Begin" on page 9. 2 Place the display assembly in position and replace the six screws that secure the display assembly to the computer base. 3 Route the display cable, camera cable, infrared cable, wirelessHD card cable, and Mini-Card antenna cables through the routing guides on the palm rest assembly. 4 Connect the display cable to the connector on the system board.
7 Connect the wirelessHD card cable to the connector on the wirelessHD card (see "Replacing the WirelessHD Card" on page 64). 8 Connect the Mini-Card antenna cables to the Mini-Card (see "Replacing the Mini-Card" on page 61). 9 Replace the keyboard (see "Replacing the Keyboard" on page 57). 10 Replace the center control cover (see "Replacing the Center Control Cover" on page 52). 11 Replace the compartment door (see "Replacing the Compartment Door" on page 16).
18 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. CAUTION: To avoid electrostatic discharge, ground yourself by using a wrist grounding strap or by periodically touching an unpainted metal surface (such as a connector on your computer).
10 Lift the status light board off the palm rest assembly. 3 1 2 1 screws (2) 3 status light board cable 2 status light board Replacing the Status Light Board 1 Follow the instructions in "Before You Begin" on page 9. 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 two screws that secure the status light board to the palm rest assembly.
8 Replace the center control cover (see "Replacing the Center Control Cover" on page 52). 9 Replace the compartment door (see "Replacing the Compartment Door" on page 16). 10 Replace the battery pack (see "Replacing the Battery Pack" on page 14). 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.
Status Light Board
19 Palm Rest 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. CAUTION: To avoid electrostatic discharge, ground yourself by using a wrist grounding strap or by periodically touching an unpainted metal surface (such as a connector on your computer).
1 1 screws (5) 6 Remove the center control cover (see "Removing the Center Control Cover" on page 49). 7 Remove the keyboard (see "Removing the Keyboard" on page 55). 8 Remove the power button board (see "Removing the Power Button Board" on page 67). 9 Remove the display assembly (see "Removing the Display Assembly" on page 71). 10 Remove the status light board (see "Removing the Status Light Board" on page 75).
13 Carefully pry out the palm rest assembly along the rear edge and then ease the palm rest assembly from the computer base. CAUTION: Carefully separate the palm rest assembly from the computer base to avoid damage to the palm rest assembly. 14 Lift the palm rest assembly off the computer base. 5 4 3 2 1 1 palm rest assembly 2 LVDS cable 3 touch pad cable 4 Media Card Reader cable 5 screws (3) Replacing the Palm Rest Assembly 1 Follow the instructions in "Before You Begin" on page 9.
4 Connect the touch pad cable, LVDS cable, and Media Card Reader cable to the connectors on the system board. 5 Replace the status light board (see "Replacing the Status Light Board" on page 76). 6 Replace the display assembly (see "Replacing the Display Assembly" on page 73). 7 Replace the power button board (see "Replacing the Power Button Board" on page 68). 8 Replace the keyboard (see "Replacing the Keyboard" on page 57).
Internal Card With Bluetooth Wireless Technology 20 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: To avoid electrostatic discharge, ground yourself by using a wrist grounding strap or by periodically touching an unpainted metal surface (such as a connector on your computer).
8 Remove the status light board (see "Removing the Status Light Board" on page 75). 9 Remove the palm rest assembly (see "Removing the Palm Rest Assembly" on page 79). 10 Disconnect the Bluetooth-card cable from the connector on the system board. 11 Remove the screw that secures the Bluetooth card to the system board. 12 Lift the Bluetooth card away from the system board.
6 Replace the status light board (see "Replacing the Status Light Board" on page 76). 7 Replace the display assembly (see "Replacing the Display Assembly" on page 73). 8 Replace the power button board (see "Replacing the Power Button Board" on page 68). 9 Replace the keyboard (see "Replacing the Keyboard" on page 57). 10 Replace the center control cover (see "Replacing the Center Control Cover" on page 52). 11 Replace the compartment door (see "Replacing the Compartment Door" on page 16).
Internal Card With Bluetooth Wireless Technology
21 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. CAUTION: To avoid electrostatic discharge, ground yourself by using a wrist grounding strap or by periodically touching an unpainted metal surface (such as a connector on your computer).
10 Disconnect the speakers cable from the connector on the system board. 11 Note the speakers cable routing and remove the cable from the routing guides on the computer base. 12 Remove the four screws that secure the speakers to the computer base. 13 Lift the speakers along with the cable off the computer base. 3 2 1 1 speakers (2) 3 speakers cable 2 screws (4) Replacing the Speakers 1 Follow the instructions in "Before You Begin" on page 9.
5 Connect the speakers cable to the connector on the system board. 6 Replace the palm rest assembly (see "Replacing the Palm Rest Assembly" on page 81). 7 Replace the status light board (see "Replacing the Status Light Board" on page 76). 8 Replace the display assembly (see "Replacing the Display Assembly" on page 73). 9 Replace the power button board (see "Replacing the Power Button Board" on page 68). 10 Replace the keyboard (see "Replacing the Keyboard" on page 57).
Speakers
22 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. Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by your warranty.
11 Lift the release latch on the connector on the system board and disconnect the optical-drive cable from the connector on the system board. 12 Remove the two screws that secure the optical-drive assembly to the computer base. 13 Lift the optical-drive assembly off the computer base. 2 1 1 optical-drive cable 3 optical drive 2 3 screws (2) 14 Remove the five screws that secure the optical-drive bracket to the optical drive.
3 2 1 1 optical drive 3 screws (5) 2 optical-drive bracket 15 Remove the interposer from the optical drive.
Replacing the Optical Drive 1 Follow the instructions in "Before You Begin" on page 9. 2 Replace the interposer to the optical drive. 3 Align the screw holes on the optical-drive bracket with the screw holes on the optical drive and replace the five screws. 4 Align the slot on the optical-drive bracket with the alignment posts on computer chassis and secure the optical-drive assembly in place. 5 Replace the two screws that secure the optical-drive assembly to the computer base.
23 System 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. CAUTION: To avoid electrostatic discharge, ground yourself by using a wrist grounding strap or by periodically touching an unpainted metal surface (such as a connector on your computer).
8 Remove the graphics-card heat sink fan (see "Removing the Graphics-Card Heat Sink Fan" on page 31). 9 Remove the graphics-card assembly (see "Removing the Graphics-Card Assembly" on page 35). 10 Remove the processor heat-sink fan (see "Removing the Processor Heat-Sink Fan" on page 37). 11 Remove the processor heat-sink (see "Removing the Processor Heat-Sink" on page 41). 12 Remove the processor module (see "Removing the Processor Module" on page 45).
1 2 1 screws (6) 2 system board Replacing the System Board 1 Follow the instructions in "Before You Begin" on page 9. 2 Align the connectors on the system board with the slots on the computer base and place it on the computer base. 3 Replace the six screws that secure the system board to the computer base. 4 Follow the instructions from step 4 to step 6 in "Replacing the Optical Drive" on page 94. 5 Replace the speakers (see "Replacing the Speakers" on page 88).
9 Replace the wirelessHD card (see "Replacing the WirelessHD Card" on page 64). 10 Replace the display assembly (see "Replacing the Display Assembly" on page 73). 11 Replace the power button board (see "Replacing the Power Button Board" on page 68). 12 Replace the Mini-Card (see "Replacing the Mini-Card" on page 61). 13 Replace the memory module(s) (see "Replacing the Memory Module(s)" on page 27). 14 Replace the keyboard (see "Replacing the Keyboard" on page 57).
26 Turn on the computer. NOTE: After you have replaced the system board, enter the computer Service Tag into the BIOS of the replacement system board. 27 Enter the service tag (see "Entering the Service Tag in the BIOS" on page 99). 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.
System Board
System Setup 24 Configuring the System Setup The System Setup options allow you to: • Change the system configuration information after you add, change or remove any hardware in your laptop. • Set or change a user-selectable option. • View the installed amount of memory or set the type of hard drive installed. Before you use System Setup, it is recommended that you write down the current System Setup information for future reference.
Key functions appear at the bottom of the BIOS Setup Utility window and lists keys and their functions within the active field. System Setup Options NOTE: Depending on your computer and installed devices, the items listed in this section may not appear, or may not appear exactly as listed. Main Menu System Time (hh:mm:ss) Displays the system time. System Date (mm/dd/yyyy) Displays the system date. Alienware Displays the model number of your computer.
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. Virtualization Allows you to enable or disable the Intel Virtualization technology. USB Emulation Allows you to enable or disable the USB emulation feature. This feature defines how the BIOS, in the absence of a USB-aware operating system, handles USB devices. USB emulation is always enabled during POST.
Integrated Network High Definition Audio Allows you to enable or disable the onboard LAN controller. • Disabled: Internal LAN is disabled and is not visible to the operating system. • Enabled: Internal LAN is enabled. Allows you to enable or disable the internal high definition audio device. • Disabled: The internal audio device is disabled and is not visible to the operating system. • Enabled: The internal audio device is enabled.
Adapter Warnings Charger Behavior • Allows you to choose if the computer should display warning messages when you use AC adapters that are not supported by your computer. • Enabled: BIOS will detect unsupported AC adapters and display an error on the screen. Allows you to enable or disable battery charging. Advanced Menu—Performance Options Overclocking Feature Allows you to enable or disable the global overclocking feature. • Disabled: The overclocking feature is disabled.
Memory Override Support Allows you to enable or disable the memory override option support. • Disabled: The memory override support is disabled. • Enabled: Displays additional memory override support options. Memory Voltage Allows you to increase memory voltage. Memory Frequency Allows you to set memory frequency. DIMM Profile (XMP) Allows you to configure different XMP options. Wireless Menu Bluetooth Wireless Network Allows you to enable or disable the internal Bluetooth device.
User Password Displays if the user password is clear or set. Set Service Tag Displays the service tag of the computer when the service tag is present. Displays a field to input the service tag manually when the service tag is absent. Set Supervisor Password Allows you to set the supervisor password. The supervisor password controls access to the system setup utility. Set User Password Allows you to set the user password. The user password controls access to the computer at boot.
Discard Changes 108 System Setup Allows you to load previous values from CMOS for all Setup items.
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 the computer. If you have your computer’s Service Tag: a Click Enter a Tag.
7 Click Close if the Download Complete window appears. The file icon appears on your desktop and is titled the same as the downloaded BIOS update file. 8 Double-click the file icon on the desktop and follow the instructions on the screen.
