Table of Contents
- Alienware Alpha R2 Service Manual
- Before working inside your computer
- After working inside your computer
- Technical overview
- Removing the base cover
- Replacing the base cover
- Removing the hard drive
- Replacing the hard drive
- Removing the top cover
- Replacing the top cover
- Removing the bottom USB-port
- Replacing the bottom USB-port
- Removing the power-button board
- Replacing the power-button board
- Removing the processor fan
- Replacing the processor fan
- Removing the processor heat-sink
- Replacing the processor heat-sink
- Removing the video-card fan
- Replacing the video-card fan
- Removing the memory modules
- Replacing the memory modules
- Removing the solid-state drive
- Replacing the solid-state drive
- Removing the processor
- Replacing the processor
- Removing the front-panel light board
- Replacing the front-panel light board
- Removing the wireless card
- Replacing the wireless card
- Removing the antenna modules
- Replacing the antenna modules
- Removing the system board
- Replacing the system board
- Removing the coin-cell battery
- Replacing the coin-cell battery
- BIOS setup program
- Flashing the BIOS
- Technology and components
Alienware Alpha R2 User Manual
Displayed below is the user manual for Alpha R2 by Alienware which is a product in the PCs/Workstations category. This manual has pages.
Related Manuals
Alienware Alpha R2
Service Manual
Computer Model: Alienware Alpha R2
Regulatory Model: D07U
Regulatory Type: D07U002/D07U003
Notes, cautions, and warnings
NOTE: A NOTE indicates important information that helps you make better use of your
computer.
CAUTION: A CAUTION indicates either potential damage to hardware or loss of
data and tells you how to avoid the problem.
WARNING: A WARNING indicates a potential for property damage, personal
injury, or death.
© 2016 Dell Inc. All rights reserved. This product is protected by U.S. and international copyright and
intellectual property laws. Dell and the Dell logo are trademarks of Dell Inc. in the United States and/or
other jurisdictions. All other marks and names mentioned herein may be trademarks of their respective
companies.
2016 - 05
Rev. A00
Contents
Before working inside your computer.......................................... 10
Before You Begin ..............................................................................................10
Safety instructions.............................................................................................. 10
Recommended tools........................................................................................... 11
After working inside your computer............................................ 12
Technical overview......................................................................... 13
Inside View Of Your Computer........................................................................... 13
System-board components...................................................................................14
Removing the base cover............................................................... 15
Procedure.......................................................................................................... 15
Replacing the base cover................................................................17
Procedure.......................................................................................................... 17
Removing the hard drive............................................................... 18
Prerequisites...................................................................................................... 18
Procedure.......................................................................................................... 18
Replacing the hard drive............................................................... 21
Procedure.......................................................................................................... 21
Post-requisites....................................................................................................21
Removing the top cover................................................................. 22
Prerequisites...................................................................................................... 22
Procedure.......................................................................................................... 22
3
Replacing the top cover..................................................................24
Procedure.......................................................................................................... 24
Post-requisites....................................................................................................24
Removing the bottom USB-port....................................................25
Prerequisites...................................................................................................... 25
Procedure.......................................................................................................... 25
Replacing the bottom USB-port....................................................29
Procedure.......................................................................................................... 29
Post-requisites....................................................................................................29
Removing the power-button board...............................................30
Prerequisites...................................................................................................... 30
Procedure.......................................................................................................... 30
Replacing the power-button board............................................... 36
Procedure.......................................................................................................... 36
Post-requisites....................................................................................................36
Removing the processor fan.......................................................... 37
Prerequisites...................................................................................................... 37
Procedure.......................................................................................................... 37
Replacing the processor fan...........................................................39
Procedure.......................................................................................................... 39
Post-requisites....................................................................................................39
Removing the processor heat-sink................................................ 40
Prerequisites...................................................................................................... 40
Procedure.......................................................................................................... 40
4
Replacing the processor heat-sink................................................ 42
Procedure.......................................................................................................... 42
Post-requisites....................................................................................................43
Removing the video-card fan.........................................................44
Prerequisites...................................................................................................... 44
Procedure.......................................................................................................... 45
Replacing the video-card fan.........................................................47
Procedure.......................................................................................................... 47
Post-requisites....................................................................................................47
Removing the memory modules....................................................48
Prerequisites...................................................................................................... 48
Procedure.......................................................................................................... 48
Replacing the memory modules.................................................... 50
Procedure.......................................................................................................... 50
Post-requisites....................................................................................................51
Removing the solid-state drive...................................................... 52
Prerequisites...................................................................................................... 52
Procedure.......................................................................................................... 52
Replacing the solid-state drive...................................................... 54
Procedure.......................................................................................................... 54
Post-requisites....................................................................................................55
Removing the processor.................................................................56
Prerequisites...................................................................................................... 56
Procedure.......................................................................................................... 56
5
Replacing the processor................................................................. 58
Procedure.......................................................................................................... 58
Post-requisites....................................................................................................59
Removing the front-panel light board.......................................... 60
Prerequisites...................................................................................................... 60
Procedure.......................................................................................................... 60
Replacing the front-panel light board.......................................... 63
Procedure.......................................................................................................... 63
Post-requisites....................................................................................................63
Removing the wireless card........................................................... 64
Prerequisites...................................................................................................... 64
Procedure.......................................................................................................... 64
Replacing the wireless card........................................................... 66
Procedure.......................................................................................................... 66
Post-requisites....................................................................................................66
Removing the antenna modules.................................................... 67
Prerequisites...................................................................................................... 67
Procedure.......................................................................................................... 68
Replacing the antenna modules.....................................................70
Procedure.......................................................................................................... 70
Post-requisites....................................................................................................70
Removing the system board...........................................................71
Prerequisites...................................................................................................... 71
Procedure.......................................................................................................... 72
6
Replacing the system board...........................................................75
Procedure.......................................................................................................... 75
Post-requisites....................................................................................................75
Removing the coin-cell battery......................................................77
Prerequisites...................................................................................................... 77
Procedure.......................................................................................................... 77
Replacing the coin-cell battery......................................................79
Procedure.......................................................................................................... 79
Post-requisites....................................................................................................79
BIOS setup program...................................................................... 80
Overview...........................................................................................................80
Entering System Setup ....................................................................................... 80
System setup options.......................................................................................... 80
Boot sequence....................................................................................................86
Changing boot sequence for the current boot................................................... 86
Changing boot sequence for future boots........................................................ 87
Clearing Forgotten Passwords..............................................................................87
Prerequisites.................................................................................................87
Procedure.....................................................................................................87
Post-requisites.............................................................................................. 88
Clearing CMOS Settings.....................................................................................89
Prerequisites.................................................................................................89
Procedure.....................................................................................................89
Post-requisites.............................................................................................. 91
Flashing the BIOS.......................................................................... 92
Technology and components......................................................... 93
Audio................................................................................................................93
Downloading the audio driver........................................................................93
Identifying the audio controller...................................................................... 93
7
Changing the audio settings........................................................................... 94
HDMI............................................................................................................... 94
Graphics............................................................................................................94
Downloading the graphics driver....................................................................94
Identifying the display adapter....................................................................... 95
Changing the screen resolution...................................................................... 95
Rotating the display...................................................................................... 96
USB..................................................................................................................98
Downloading the USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 driver................................................ 98
Enabling or disabling the USB in BIOS setup program.....................................98
Fixing a no-boot issue caused by USB emulation.............................................99
Wi-Fi................................................................................................................ 99
Turning on or off Wi-Fi.................................................................................99
Downloading the Wi-Fi driver....................................................................... 99
Configuring the Wi-Fi.................................................................................100
Bluetooth.........................................................................................................100
Turning on or off Bluetooth......................................................................... 100
Pairing the Bluetooth-enabled devices.......................................................... 101
Removing the Bluetooth device................................................................... 102
Transferring files between devices using Bluetooth........................................102
Hard drive....................................................................................................... 103
Identifying the hard drive............................................................................ 103
Identifying the hard drive in BIOS setup program..........................................103
Power adapter.................................................................................................. 104
Chipset............................................................................................................104
Downloading the chipset driver....................................................................104
Identifying the chipset.................................................................................105
Memory...........................................................................................................105
Checking the system memory in Windows....................................................105
Checking the system memory in BIOS setup program....................................105
Testing memory using ePSA........................................................................105
Processors........................................................................................................106
Identifying the processors in Windows......................................................... 106
8
Checking the processor usage in the task manager......................................... 106
Operating System............................................................................................. 107
Service Tag location......................................................................................... 107
Device driver................................................................................................... 107
Intel Chipset Software Installation Utility..................................................... 108
Video drivers............................................................................................. 108
Intel Serial IO driver................................................................................... 109
Intel Trusted Execution Engine Interface...................................................... 110
Intel Wireless-AC 8260 Wi-Fi and Bluetooth drivers..................................... 111
BIOS overview................................................................................................ 112
Getting help and contacting Alienware............................................................... 112
Self-help resources..................................................................................... 112
Contacting Alienware................................................................................. 112
9
Before working inside your computer
NOTE: The images in this document may differ from your computer depending
on the configuration you ordered.
Before You Begin
1 Save and close all open files and exit all open applications.
2 Shut down your computer.
The shut-down instruction varies depending on the operating system installed on
your computer.
– Windows 10: Click Start → Power → Shut down.
– Console Mode: On the Home screen, click Power → Shut down.
NOTE: If you are using a different operating system, see the documentation
of your operating system for shut-down instructions.
3 Disconnect your computer and all attached devices from their electrical outlets.
4 Disconnect all cables such as telephone cables, network cables and so on, from
your computer.
5 Disconnect all attached devices and peripherals, such as keyboard, mouse, monitor,
and so on, from your computer.
6 Remove any media card and optical disc from your computer, if applicable.
NOTE: Remove the USB dongle from the bottom USB-port.
7 After the computer is unplugged, press and hold the power button for 5 seconds to
ground the system board.
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 more safety best practices,
see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/
regulatory_compliance.
10
WARNING: Disconnect all power sources before opening the computer cover
or panels. After you finish working inside the computer, replace all covers,
panels, and screws before connecting to the electrical outlet.
CAUTION: To avoid damaging the computer, ensure that the work surface is
flat and clean.
CAUTION: To avoid damaging the components and cards, handle them by
their edges, and avoid touching pins and contacts.
CAUTION: You should only perform troubleshooting and repairs as
authorized or directed by the Dell technical assistance team. Damage due to
servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by your warranty. See
the safety instructions that shipped with the product or at www.dell.com/
regulatory_compliance.
CAUTION: Before touching anything inside your computer, ground yourself
by touching an unpainted metal surface, such as the metal at the back of the
computer. While you work, periodically touch an unpainted metal surface to
dissipate static electricity, which could harm internal components.
CAUTION: When you disconnect a cable, pull on its connector or on its pull
tab, not on the cable itself. Some cables have connectors with locking tabs or
thumb-screws that you must disengage before disconnecting the cable. When
disconnecting cables, keep them evenly aligned to avoid bending any
connector pins. When connecting cables, ensure that the ports and connectors
are correctly oriented and aligned.
CAUTION: Press and eject any installed card from the media-card reader.
Recommended tools
The procedures in this document may require the following tools:
• Philips screwdriver
• Flat-head screwdriver
• Plastic scribe
11
After working inside your computer
CAUTION: Leaving stray or loose screws inside your computer may severely
damage your computer.
1 Replace all screws and ensure that no stray screws remain inside your computer.
2 Connect any external devices, peripherals, or cables you removed before working
on your computer.
3 Replace any media cards, discs, or any other parts that you removed before
working on your computer.
4 Connect your computer and all attached devices to their electrical outlets.
5 Turn on your computer.
12
Technical overview
WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety
information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before
working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow
the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best
practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/
regulatory_compliance.
Inside View Of Your Computer
1 video-card fan 2 back panel
3 processor fan 4 power-button module
5 front-panel light module
13
System-board components
1 processor socket (PROCESSOR) 2 processor-fan cable connector
(CPUFAN)
3 M.2 Solid-state drive slot (NGFSSD) 4 jumper plug (P215)
5 memory-module slot (XMM1) 6 video-card fan cable connector
(GPUFAN)
7 front-panel light board cable
connector (LOGOCON)
8 USB-port cable connector
(USBCON)
9 wireless-card slot 10 video card
14
Removing the base cover
WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety
information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before
working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow
the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best
practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/
regulatory_compliance.
Procedure
1 Turn the computer over.
2 Remove the screws that secure the base cover to the top cover.
15
3 Lift the base cover off the top cover.
1 screws (4) 2 base cover
16
Replacing the base cover
WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety
information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before
working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow
the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best
practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/
regulatory_compliance.
Procedure
1 Align the screw holes on the base cover with the screw holes on the top cover and
snap the base cover over the top cover.
2 Replace the screws that secure the base cover to the top cover.
17
Removing the hard drive
WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety
information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before
working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow
the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best
practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/
regulatory_compliance.
CAUTION: Hard drives are fragile. Exercise care when handling the hard
drive.
CAUTION: To avoid data loss, do not remove the hard drive while the
computer is in sleep or on state.
Prerequisites
Remove the base cover.
Procedure
1 Remove the screw that secures the hard-drive assembly to the chassis.
2 Slide the hard-drive assembly towards the back of the computer to disconnect the
hard drive from the system board.
18
3 Lift the hard-drive assembly off the chassis.
1 hard-drive assembly 2 screw
4 Remove the screws that secure the hard-drive bracket to the hard drive.
19
5 Lift the hard drive off the hard-drive bracket.
1 hard-drive bracket 2 hard drive
3 screws (4)
20
Replacing the hard drive
WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety
information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before
working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow
the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best
practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/
regulatory_compliance.
CAUTION: Hard drives are fragile. Exercise care when handling the hard
drive.
Procedure
1 Align the screw holes on the hard drive with the screw holes on the hard-drive
bracket.
2 Replace the screws that secure the hard-drive bracket to the hard drive.
3 Align the slots on the hard-drive assembly with the tabs on the chassis.
4 Slide the hard-drive assembly towards the front of the computer to connect the hard
drive to the system board.
5 Replace the screw that secures the hard-drive assembly to the chassis.
Post-requisites
Replace the base cover.
21
Removing the top cover
WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety
information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before
working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow
the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best
practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/
regulatory_compliance.
Prerequisites
Remove the base cover.
Procedure
CAUTION: The chassis is not secured to the top cover. To avoid damaging
the computer, ensure to hold the chassis and top cover together before
turning it over.
1 Hold the chassis along with the top cover and then turn the computer over.
1 top cover 2 chassis
22
2 Lift the top cover off the chassis.
1 top cover
23
Replacing the top cover
WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety
information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before
working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow
the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best
practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/
regulatory_compliance.
Procedure
1 Align the slots on the top cover with the ports on the chassis and place the top
cover on the chassis.
2 Hold the chassis along with the top cover and then turn the computer over.
Post-requisites
Replace the base cover.
24
Removing the bottom USB-port
WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety
information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before
working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow
the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best
practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/
regulatory_compliance.
Prerequisites
1 Remove the base cover.
2 Remove the top cover.
Procedure
1 Disconnect the USB-port cable from the system board (USBCON).
25
2 Push down the USB-port cable through the cable-routing hole on the chassis.
1 USB-port cable 2 cable-routing hole
3 Turn the computer over.
4 Remove the USB-port cable from the routing guides on the chassis.
5 Remove the screw that secures the USB-port bracket to the chassis.
6 Lift the USB-port bracket at an angle to release the tabs on the USB-port bracket
from the slots on the chassis.
26
7 Lift the USB-port bracket off the chassis.
1 USB-port cable 2 USB-port bracket
3 screw 4 routing guides
5 chassis
8 Remove the screw that secures the USB port to the chassis.
27
9 Slide and remove the USB port, along with the cable, from under the tab on the
chassis.
1 USB-port cable 2 screw
3 tab 4 USB port
5 chassis
28
Replacing the bottom USB-port
WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety
information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before
working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow
the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best
practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/
regulatory_compliance.
Procedure
1 Slide the USB port under the tab on the chassis.
2 Replace the screw that secures the USB port to the chassis.
3 Align and slide the tabs on USB-port bracket in the slots on the chassis.
4 Replace the screw that secures the USB-port bracket to the chassis
5 Route the USB-port cable through the routing guides on the chassis and slide the
cable through the cable-routing hole on the chassis.
6 Turn the computer over.
7 Connect the USB-port cable to the system board.
Post-requisites
1 Replace the top cover.
2 Replace the base cover.
29
Removing the power-button board
WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety
information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before
working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow
the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best
practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/
regulatory_compliance.
Prerequisites
1 Remove the base cover.
2 Remove the top cover.
Procedure
1 Disconnect the power-button board cable from the system board (RIMCON).
30
2 Press the tabs on the power-button module to release the module from the front
panel.
1 tabs (4) 2 power-button module
3 power-button board cable
31
3 Turn the chassis over and remove the antenna cable from the routing guides on the
power-button module.
1 power-button board cable 2 routing guides
4 Use a plastic scribe to release the tabs at the bottom of the power-button module
from the slots on the chassis.
32
5 Remove the power-button module along with its cable through the slot on the front
panel.
1 plastic scribe 2 tabs (2)
3 power-button board
33
6 Push the tab that secures the power-button board to the power-button board bracket.
1 tab 2 power-button board
3 power-button board cable 4 power-button board bracket
7 Lift and slide the power-button board to release it from the power-button board
bracket.
34
8 Remove the power-button board along with its cable off the power-button board
bracket.
1 power-button board cable 2 tab
3 power-button board 4 power-button board bracket
35
Replacing the power-button board
WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety
information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before
working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow
the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best
practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/
regulatory_compliance.
Procedure
1 Use the alignment posts on power-button board bracket to align the power-button
board into the slot on the power-button board bracket.
2 Snap the power-button board in place on the power-button board bracket.
3 Route the power-button board cable through the cable-routing hole on the chassis.
4 Align and snap the power-button module into the slot on the front panel.
5 Connect the power-button board cable to the system board (RIMCON).
6 Turn the chassis over.
7 Route the antenna cable through the routing guides on the power-button board
module.
Post-requisites
1 Replace the top cover.
2 Replace the base cover.
36
Removing the processor fan
WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety
information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before
working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow
the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best
practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/
regulatory_compliance.
Prerequisites
1 Remove the base cover.
2 Remove the top cover.
Procedure
1 Press the tabs and lift the processor fan off the system board.
37
2 Disconnect the processor-fan cable from the system board (CPUFAN).
1 processor fan 2 tabs (2)
3 processor-fan cable
38
Replacing the processor fan
WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety
information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before
working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow
the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best
practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/
regulatory_compliance.
Procedure
1 Connect the processor-fan cable to the system board (CPUFAN).
2 Align and snap the processor fan over the processor heat sink.
Post-requisites
1 Replace the top cover.
2 Replace the base cover.
39
Removing the processor heat-sink
WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety
information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before
working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow
the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best
practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/
regulatory_compliance.
CAUTION: For maximum cooling of the processor, do not touch the heat
transfer areas on the heat sink. The oils in your skin can reduce the heat
transfer capability of the thermal grease.
Prerequisites
1 Remove the base cover.
2 Remove the top cover.
3 Remove the processor fan.
Procedure
NOTE: The original thermal grease can be reused if the original processor and
heat sink are reinstalled together. If either the processor or the heat sink is
replaced, use the thermal grease provided in the kit to make sure that thermal
conductivity is achieved.
1 Loosen the captive screws that secure the processor heat sink to the system board.
40
2 Lift the processor heat sink off system board.
1 captive screws (4) 2 processor heat sink
41
Replacing the processor heat-sink
WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety
information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before
working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow
the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best
practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/
regulatory_compliance.
CAUTION: For maximum cooling of the processor, do not touch the heat
transfer areas on the heat sink. The oils in your skin can reduce the heat
transfer capability of the thermal grease.
Procedure
CAUTION: Incorrect alignment of the heat sink may damage the system
board and processor.
NOTE: The original thermal grease can be reused if the original processor and
heat sink are reinstalled together. If either the processor or the heat sink is
replaced, use the thermal grease provided in the kit to make sure that thermal
conductivity is achieved.
1 Place the processor heat sink over the processor with the arrows facing the back
panel.
42
2 Align the captive screws on the processor heat sink with the screw holes on the
system board.
1 processor heat sink 2 captive screws
3 system board 4 back panel
3 Tighten the captive screws that secure the processor heat sink to the system board.
Post-requisites
1 Replace the processor fan.
2 Replace the top cover.
3 Replace the base cover.
43
Removing the video-card fan
WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety
information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before
working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow
the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best
practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/
regulatory_compliance.
Prerequisites
1 Remove the base cover.
2 Remove the top cover.
44
Procedure
1 Disconnect the video-card fan cable from the system board (GPUFAN).
1 video-card fan cable 2 video-card fan
45
2 Press the tabs and lift the video-card fan off the system board.
1 video-card fan 2 tabs (2)
46
Replacing the video-card fan
WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety
information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before
working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow
the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best
practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/
regulatory_compliance.
Procedure
1 Align and snap the video-card fan over the video-card heat sink.
2 Connect the video-card fan cable to the system board (GPUFAN).
Post-requisites
1 Replace the top cover.
2 Replace the base cover.
47
Removing the memory modules
WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety
information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before
working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow
the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best
practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/
regulatory_compliance.
Prerequisites
1 Remove the base cover.
2 Remove the top cover.
3 Remove the processor fan.
Procedure
1 Using your fingertips, pry apart the securing clips on each end of the memory-
module slot until the memory module pops up.
48
2 Slide and remove the memory module from the memory-module slot.
1 memory module 2 securing clips (2)
3 memory-module slot
49
Replacing the memory modules
WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety
information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before
working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow
the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best
practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/
regulatory_compliance.
Procedure
1 Align the notch on the memory module with the tab on the memory-module slot.
50
2 Slide the memory module into the memory-module slot and press the memory
module down until it clicks into place.
NOTE: If you do not hear the click, remove the memory module and
reinstall it.
1 memory-module slot 2 memory module
3 notch 4 tab
Post-requisites
1 Replace the processor fan.
2 Replace the top cover.
3 Replace the base cover.
51
Removing the solid-state drive
WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety
information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before
working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow
the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best
practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/
regulatory_compliance.
CAUTION: Solid-state drives are fragile. Exercise care when handling the
solid-state drive.
CAUTION: To avoid data loss, do not remove the solid-state drive while the
computer is in sleep or on state.
Prerequisites
1 Remove the base cover.
2 Remove the top cover.
3 Remove the processor fan.
Procedure
1 Remove the screw that secures the M.2 SSD card to the system board.
52
2 Slide and remove the M.2 SSD card from the M.2 SSD card slot.
1 M.2 SSD card slot 2 M.2 SSD card
3 screw 4 system board
53
Replacing the solid-state drive
WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety
information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before
working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow
the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best
practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/
regulatory_compliance.
CAUTION: Solid-state drives are fragile. Exercise care when handling the
solid-state drive.
Procedure
1 Align the notch on the M.2 SSD card with the tab on the M.2 SSD card slot.
2 Slide the M.2 SSD card into the M.2 SSD card slot.
54
Removing the processor
WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety
information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before
working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow
the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best
practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/
regulatory_compliance.
Prerequisites
1 Remove the base cover.
2 Remove the top cover.
3 Remove the processor fan.
4 Remove the processor heat sink.
Procedure
1 Press the release lever down and then push it away from the processor to release it
from the tab.
2 Extend the release lever completely and open the processor cover.
56
3 Lift the processor off the processor socket.
1 release lever 2 tab
3 processor cover 4 processor socket
5 processor
57
Replacing the processor
WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety
information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before
working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow
the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best
practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/
regulatory_compliance.
CAUTION: If either the processor or the heat sink is replaced, use the
thermal grease provided in the kit to ensure that thermal conductivity is
achieved.
Procedure
1 Make sure that the release lever on the processor socket is fully extended and the
processor cover is fully open.
CAUTION: Position the processor correctly in the processor socket to
avoid permanent damage to the processor.
2 Align the pin-1 corner on the processor with the pin-1 corner on the processor
socket, and then place the processor in the processor socket.
CAUTION: Make sure that the processor-cover notch is positioned
underneath the alignment post.
3 When the processor is fully seated in the socket, close the processor cover.
58
Removing the front-panel light board
WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety
information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before
working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow
the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best
practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/
regulatory_compliance.
Prerequisites
1 Remove the base cover.
2 Remove the top cover.
3 Remove the video-card fan.
Procedure
1 Disconnect the front-panel light board cable from the system board (LOGOCON).
60
2 Slide the front-panel light board cable through the routing-hole on the chassis.
1 chassis 2 front-panel light board cable
3 routing hole
61
3 Press the front-panel light module tabs to release the module from the front panel.
1 front-panel light module 2 tabs
3 front panel
4 Lift the front-panel light module, along with its cable, off the front panel.
62
Replacing the front-panel light board
WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety
information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before
working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow
the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best
practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/
regulatory_compliance.
Procedure
1 Align the tabs on the front-panel light module with the slots on the front panel, and
snap the front-panel light module onto the front panel.
2 Route the front-panel light board cable through the cable-routing hole on the
chassis.
3 Connect the front-panel light board cable to the system board (LOGOCON).
Post-requisites
1 Replace the video-card fan.
2 Replace the top cover.
3 Replace the base cover.
63
Removing the wireless card
WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety
information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before
working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow
the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best
practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/
regulatory_compliance.
Prerequisites
1 Remove the base cover.
2 Remove the top cover.
3 Remove the video-card fan.
Procedure
1 Remove the screw that secures the wireless card to the system board.
2 Lift the bracket off the wireless card.
3 Disconnect the antenna cables from the wireless card.
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4 Slide and remove the wireless card out of the wireless-card slot.
1 bracket 2 screw
3 antenna cables (2) 4 wireless card
65
Replacing the wireless card
WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety
information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before
working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow
the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best
practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/
regulatory_compliance.
Procedure
CAUTION: To avoid damage to the wireless card, do not place any cables
under it.
1 Align the notch on the wireless card with the tab on the wireless-card slot.
2 Connect the antenna cables to the wireless card.
A label at the tip of the antenna cables indicates color scheme for the wireless card
supported by your computer.
Connectors on the wireless card Antenna-cable sticker color
Auxiliary (1) Black
Main (2) White
3 Slide the wireless card at an angle into the wireless-card slot.
4 Press the other end of the wireless card down and replace the bracket on the
wireless card.
5 Replace the screw that secures the wireless card to the system board.
Post-requisites
1 Replace the video-card fan.
2 Replace the top cover.
3 Replace the base cover.
66
Removing the antenna modules
WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety
information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before
working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow
the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best
practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/
regulatory_compliance.
Prerequisites
1 Remove the base cover.
2 Remove the top cover.
3 Remove the video-card fan.
4 Remove the wireless card.
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Procedure
1 Slide the antenna cables through the cable-routing hole on the chassis.
1 routing hole 2 antenna cables (2)
2 Turn the computer over.
3 Remove the antenna cable from the routing guides on the power-button module and
chassis.
4 Remove the screws that secure the antenna modules to the chassis.
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5 Using a plastic scribe, pry and slide the antenna modules, and release the tabs on
the antenna modules from the slots on the chassis.
1 antenna cable 2 routing guides
3 antenna modules (2) 4 screws (2)
5 plastic scribe
6 Lift the antenna modules, along with the cable, off the chassis.
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Replacing the antenna modules
WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety
information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before
working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow
the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best
practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/
regulatory_compliance.
Procedure
1 Align and slide the tabs on the antenna modules in the slots on the chassis.
2 Align the screw holes on the antenna modules with the screws hole on the chassis.
3 Replace the screws that secure the antenna modules to the chassis.
4 Route the antenna cable through the routing guides on the chassis and power-button
module.
5 Route the antenna cable through the cable-routing hole on the chassis.
Post-requisites
1 Replace the wireless card.
2 Replace the video-card fan.
3 Replace the top cover.
4 Replace the base cover.
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Removing the system board
WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety
information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before
working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow
the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best
practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/
regulatory_compliance.
NOTE: Your computer’s Service Tag is stored in the system board. You must
enter the Service Tag in the BIOS setup program after you replace the system
board.
NOTE: Replacing the system board removes any changes you have made to the
BIOS using the BIOS setup program. You must make the appropriate changes
again after you replace the system board.
NOTE: Before disconnecting the cables from the system board, note the location
of the connectors so that you can reconnect the cables correctly after you replace
the system board.
Prerequisites
1 Remove the base cover.
2 Remove the top cover.
3 Remove the hard drive.
4 Remove the processor fan.
5 Remove the processor heat sink.
6 Remove the processor.
7 Remove the video-card fan.
8 Remove the memory modules.
9 Remove the wireless card.
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Procedure
NOTE: The system board shipped in your computer may differ from the system
board shown in the images below.
1 Disconnect the USB-port cable, front-panel light board cable, and power-button
board cable from the system board.
For information on the location of connectors, see “System- board components”.
2 Remove the screws that secure the back panel to the chassis.
1 power-button board cable 2 front-panel light board cable
3 USB-port cable 4 screws (2)
5 back panel
3 Turn the chassis over.
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4 Push the tab at the bottom of the back panel and use a plastic scribe to remove the
back panel from the chassis.
1 plastic scribe 2 back panel
3 tab
5 Remove the screws that secure the system board to the chassis.
73
6 Lift the system board at an angle and remove it from the chassis.
1 system board 2 screws (4)
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Replacing the system board
WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety
information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before
working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow
the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best
practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/
regulatory_compliance.
NOTE: Your computer’s Service Tag is stored in the system board. You must
enter the Service Tag in the BIOS setup program after you replace the system
board.
NOTE: Replacing the system board removes any changes you have made to the
BIOS using the BIOS setup program. You must make the appropriate changes
again after you replace the system board.
Procedure
NOTE: Make sure that no cables are under the system board.
1 Slide the system board into the slot on the chassis and align the screw holes on the
system board with the screw holes on the chassis.
2 Replace the screws that secure the system board to the chassis.
3 Align and snap the back panel onto the chassis.
4 Align the screw holes on the back panel with the screw holes on the chassis and
replace the screws that secure the back panel to the chassis.
5 Connect the USB-port cable, front-panel light board cable, and power-button board
cable to the system board.
For more information on the location of connectors, see “System- board
components”.
Post-requisites
1 Replace the wireless card.
2 Replace the memory modules.
3 Replace the video-card fan.
4 Replace the processor.
5 Replace the processor heat sink.
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Removing the coin-cell battery
WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety
information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before
working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow
the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best
practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/
regulatory_compliance.
CAUTION: Removing the coin-cell battery resets the BIOS setup program’s
settings to default. It is recommended that you note the BIOS setup
program’s settings before removing the coin-cell battery.
Prerequisites
1 Remove the base cover.
2 Remove the top cover.
3 Remove the hard drive.
4 Remove the processor fan.
5 Remove the video-card fan.
6 Remove the wireless card.
7 Remove the system board.
Procedure
1 Turn the system board over.
2 Disconnect the coin-cell battery cable from the system board.
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3 Peel off the coin-cell battery from the system board.
1 coin-cell battery 2 coin-cell battery cable
3 system board
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Replacing the coin-cell battery
WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety
information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before
working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow
the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best
practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/
regulatory_compliance.
Procedure
1 Adhere the coin-cell battery to the system board.
2 Connect the coin-cell battery cable to the system board.
Post-requisites
1 Replace the system board.
2 Replace the wireless card.
3 Replace the video-card fan.
4 Replace the processor fan.
5 Replace the hard drive.
6 Replace the top cover.
7 Replace the base cover.
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BIOS setup program
Overview
CAUTION: Unless you are an expert computer user, do not change the
settings in the BIOS setup program. Certain changes can make your
computer work incorrectly.
NOTE: Before you change BIOS setup program, it is recommended that you
write down the BIOS setup program screen information for future reference.
Use BIOS setup program 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.
Entering System Setup
NOTE: You must connect a keyboard and mouse to access and configure system
setup.
1 Turn on (or restart) your computer.
2 During POST, when the Dell logo is displayed, watch for the F2 prompt to appear
and then press F2 immediately.
NOTE: The F2 prompt indicates that the keyboard has initialized. This
prompt can appear very quickly, so you must watch for it, and then press F2.
If you press F2 before the F2 prompt, this keystroke is lost. If you wait too
long and the operating system logo appears, continue to wait until you see the
operating system’s desktop. Then, turn off your computer and try again.
System setup options
NOTE: Depending on your computer and its installed devices, the items listed in
this section may or may not appear.
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Main
BIOS Revision Displays the BIOS version number.
BIOS Build Date Displays the BIOS release date.
System Name Displays the system name.
System Time Displays the current time in hh:mm:ss
format.
System Date Displays the current date in mm/dd/yyy
format.
Service Tag Displays the service tag of your
computer.
Service Tag Input Allows you to enter the service tag of
your computer.
Asset Tag Displays the asset tag of your computer.
Processor Information
Processor Type Displays the processor type.
Processor ID Displays the processor identification
code.
Processor Core Count Displays the number of cores in the
processor.
Processor L1 Cache Displays the processor L1 cache size.
Processor L2 Cache Displays the processor L2 cache size.
Processor L3 Cache Displays the processor L3 cache size.
Memory Information
Memory Installed Displays the total computer memory.
Memory Available Displays the amount of memory
available on the computer.
Memory Running Speed Displays the memory speed.
Memory Technology Displays the type of memory technology
used.
SATA Information
SATA 1 Displays the device connected to SATA
Port1.
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Main
Device Type Displays the type of the connected
device.
Device ID Displays the identification code of the
device.
Device Size Displays the size of the device.
Advanced
Processor Configuration
Intel Hyper-Threading Technology Allows you to enable or disable the
HyperThreading in the processor.
Intel(R) SpeedStep Technology Allows you to enable or disable Intel (R)
SpeedStep Technology.
NOTE: If enabled, the processor
clock speed and core voltage are
adjusted dynamically based on the
processor load.
Intel(R) Virtualization Technology Allows you to enable or disable Intel
Virtualization Technology feature for the
processor.
CPU XD Support Allows you to enable the Execute Disable
mode of the processor.
Limit CPUID Value Allows you to limit the maximum value
the processor standard CPUID function
supports.
Multi Core Support Allows you to enable or disable multi-
core processor.
Intel(R) Turbo Boost Technology Allows you to enable or disable Intel
Turbo Boost Technology mode for the
processor.
USB Configuration
Front USB Ports Allows you to enable or disable the front
USB ports.
Rear USB Ports Allows you to enable or disable the rear
USB ports.
Onboard Device Configuration
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Advanced
Onboard Audio Controller Allows you to enable or disable the
onboard audio controller.
SATA Mode Displays the SATA mode on your
computer.
Onboard LAN Controller Allows you to enable or disable the
onboard LAN controller.
Onboard LAN Boot ROM Allows you to boot your computer from a
network.
Boot
Numlock Key Allows you to set the status of the Num
Lock key during boot to On or Off.
Secure Boot Allows you to enable or disable the
secure boot control.
Load Legacy OPROM Allows you to enable or disable the
Legacy Option ROM.
Keyboard Errors Allows you to enable or disable the
display of keyboard-related errors during
boot.
USB Boot Support Allows you to enable or disable booting
from USB mass storage devices such as
external hard drive, optical drive, USB
drive, and so on.
Boot Mode
Boot Option #1 Displays the first boot device. Default:
UEFI: Windows Boot Manager.
Boot Option #2 Displays the second boot device. Default:
USB Storage Device.
Boot Option #3 Displays the third boot device. Default:
Internal ODD Devices.
Boot Option #4 Displays the fourth boot device. Default:
USB Floppy Device.
Boot Option #5 Displays the fifth boot device. Default:
Onboard NIC Device.
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Boot
Hard Disk Drivers Displays the boot sequence of the hard
drive.
Power
Wake Up by Integrated LAN Allow the computer to be powered on by
special LAN signals.
Deep Sleep Control Allows you to define the controls when
Deep Sleep is enabled.
AC Recovery Sets what action the computer takes
when power is restored.
Auto Power On Allows you to enable or disable the
computer from turning on automatically.
Auto Power On Mode Allows you to set the computer to turn
on automatically every day or on a
preselected date. This option can be
configured only if the Auto Power On
mode is set to Enabled Everyday or
Selected Day .
Auto Power On Date Allows you to set the date on which the
computer must turn on automatically.
This option can be configured only if the
Auto Power On mode is set to Enabled 1
to 31.
Auto Power On Time Allows you to set the time at which the
computer must turn on automatically.
This option can be configured only if the
Auto Power On mode is set to Enabled
hh:mm:ss.
Security
Supervisor Password Displays whether the supervisor
password is set.
User Password Displays whether the user password is
set.
Set Supervisor Password Allows you to set, change, or delete the
supervisor password. The supervisor
password controls access to the system
setup utility.
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Security
NOTE: Deleting the supervisor
password deletes the user
password. Set the supervisor
password before setting the user
password.
User Access Level Allows you to restrict or provide access
to the system setup utility.
• No Access: Restricts users from
editing system setup options
• View Only: Allows users to only
view system setup options
• Limited: Allows users to edit limited
system setup options
• Full Access: Allows users to edit all
system setup options except the
supervisor password
Set User Password Allows you to set, change, or delete the
user password.
Password Check Allows you to enable password
verification either when you attempt to
enter system setup or each time the
computer boots.
NOTE: Password Check option is
visible only when the user
password is set.
Exit
Save Changes and Reset Allows you to exit system setup and
save your changes.
Discard Changes and Reset Allows you to exit system setup and
load previous values for all system setup
options.
Load Defaults Allows you to load default values for all
system setup options.
85
Boot sequence
This feature allows you to change the sequence of devices that your computer attempts
to boot from. If the computer cannot boot from the device you select, it attempts to boot
from the next bootable device. You can use this feature to change the:
• Current Boot Sequence — change the boot sequence for the current boot, for
example, to boot from the optical drive to run Dell Diagnostics from the Drivers and
Utilities disc or to reinstall your operating system using an external media. The
previous boot sequence is restored at the next boot.
• Future Boot Sequence — change the boot sequence for all future boots, for example,
to boot from the primary hard drive.
Changing boot sequence for the current boot
1 If you are booting from a USB device, connect the USB device to a USB port.
2 Turn on (or restart) your computer.
3 When F2 Setup, F12 Boot Options appear in the lower-right corner of the screen,
press F12.
NOTE: If you wait too long and the operating system logo appears, continue
to wait until you see the Microsoft Windows desktop. Then, shut down your
computer and try again.
The Boot Options appears, listing all available boot devices.
4 On the Boot Options, select the device you want to boot from and press Enter.
For example, if you are booting to a USB hard drive, highlight USB Hard Disk
and press Enter.
Boot Options
Following are the devices that your computer can boot from:
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.
USB Storage Device — Insert the memory device into a USB connector and restart the
computer. When F12 Boot Options appear in the lower-right corner of the screen, press
F12. The BIOS detects the device and adds the USB flash option to the boot menu.
NOTE: To boot to a USB device, the device must be bootable. To ensure that
your device is bootable, check the device documentation.
Network — The computer attempts to boot from the network. If no operating system is
found on the network, the computer generates an error message.
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Changing boot sequence for future boots
1 Enter system setup.
See "Entering System Setup".
2 Use the arrow keys to highlight the Boot menu option and press Enter to access the
menu.
NOTE: Note your current boot sequence in case you want to restore it.
3 Navigate to Set Boot Priority to configure the boot priority.
4 Use the arrow keys to highlight the boot priority and press Enter to display the
different devices.
5 Select the device and press Enter to set the boot priority.
Clearing Forgotten Passwords
WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety
information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before
working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow
the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best
practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/
regulatory_compliance.
Prerequisites
1 Remove the base cover.
2 Remove the top cover.
3 Remove the processor fan.
Procedure
1 Locate the password jumper (pin number three and four) on the system board.
For information on the location of the CMOS jumper, see “System- board
components”.
87
2 Remove the jumper plug.
1 jumper plug 2 password jumper (Pin number
three and four)
3 Replace the processor fan.
4 Replace the top cover.
5 Replace the base cover.
6 Turn on your computer and wait till the operating system is completely loaded.
7 Shut down your computer.
8 Remove the base cover.
9 Remove the top cover.
10 Remove the processor fan.
11 Replace the jumper plug on the password jumper (pin number three and four).
Post-requisites
1 Replace the processor fan.
88
2 Replace the top cover.
3 Replace the base cover.
Clearing CMOS Settings
WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety
information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before
working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow
the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best
practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/
regulatory_compliance.
Prerequisites
1 Remove the base cover.
2 Remove the top cover.
3 Remove the processor fan.
4 Remove the video-card fan.
Procedure
1 Locate the CMOS jumper (pin number five and six) on the system board.
For information on the location of the CMOS jumper, see “System- board
components”.
89
2 Remove the jumper plug from the password jumper (pin number three and four)
and place it on the CMOS jumper (pin number five and six).
1 jumper plug 2 CMOS jumper (pin number
five and six)
3 password jumper (pin number
three and four)
3 Replace the video-card fan.
4 Replace the processor fan.
5 Replace the top cover.
6 Replace the base cover.
7 Turn on your computer.
A message is displayed to confirm that the CMOS settings are reset and default
BIOS setup has been loaded.
8 Press F1 to continue and wait till the operating system is completely loaded.
9 Shut down your computer.
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10 Remove the base cover.
11 Remove the top cover.
12 Remove the processor fan.
13 Remove the video-card fan.
14 Remove the jumper plug from the CMOS jumper and replace it on the password
jumper (pin number three and four).
Post-requisites
1 Replace the video-card fan.
2 Replace the processor fan.
3 Replace the top cover.
4 Replace the base cover.
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Flashing the BIOS
NOTE: It is recommended that you connect a keyboard and mouse to flash the
BIOS.
You may need to flash (update) the BIOS when an update is available or when you
replace the system board. To flash the BIOS:
1 Turn on the computer.
2 Go to dell.com/support.
3 If you have your computer's Service Tag, type your computer's Service Tag and
click Submit.
If you do not have your computer's Service Tag, click Detect My Product to allow
automatic detection of the Service Tag.
NOTE: If the Service Tag cannot be detected automatically, select your
product under the product categories.
4 Click Get Drivers and Downloads.
5 Click View All Drivers.
6 In the Operating System drop-down, select the operating system installed on your
computer.
7 Click BIOS.
8 Click Download File to download the latest version of the BIOS for your
computer.
9 On the next page, select Single-file download and click Continue.
10 Save the file and once the download is complete, navigate to the folder where you
saved the BIOS update file.
11 Double-click the BIOS update file icon and follow the instructions on the screen.
92
Technology and components
Audio
Alienware Alpha R2 is shipped with Realtek ALC3234 for optical S/PDIF output.
NOTE: The audio drivers are already installed when you receive your computer.
Downloading the audio driver
1 Turn on your computer.
2 Go to www.dell.com/support.
3 Click Product support, enter the Service Tag of your computer and then click
Submit.
NOTE: If you do not have the Service Tag, use the auto-detect feature or
manually browse for your computer model.
4 Click Drivers & downloads → Find it myself.
5 Scroll down the page and expand Audio.
6 Click Download to download the audio driver for your computer.
7 After the download is complete, navigate to the folder where you saved the audio
driver file.
8 Double-click the audio driver file icon and follow the instructions on the screen to
install the driver.
Identifying the audio controller
1 On the taskbar, click the search box, and then type Device Manager.
2 Click Device Manager.
The Device Manager window is displayed.
3 Expand Sound, video and game controllers to view the audio controller.
Before installation After installation
93
Changing the audio settings
1 On the taskbar, click the search box, and then type Dell Audio.
2 Click Dell Audio and change the audio settings as required.
HDMI
Alienware Alpha R2 supports HDMI-in port to connect a gaming console, Blu‑ray
player, or other HDMI‑out enabled devices.
Alienware Alpha R2 supports HDMI-out port to connect a monitor, TV, or other
HDMI‑in enabled devices. It provides video and audio output.
NOTE: Appropriate converters (sold separately) are required to connect standard
DVI and DisplayPort devices.
Graphics
Alienware Alpha R2 is shipped with the following graphics options:
Controller Memory
NVIDIA GeForce GTX960 GPU 4GB
AMD Radeon R9 M470X 2 GB
Downloading the graphics driver
1 Turn on your computer.
2 Go to www.dell.com/support.
3 Click Product support enter the Service Tag of your computer, and then click
Submit.
NOTE: If you do not have the Service Tag, use the auto-detect feature or
manually browse for your computer model.
4 Click Drivers & downloads → Find it myself.
5 Scroll down the page and expand Video.
6 Click Download to download the graphics driver for your computer.
7 After the download is complete, navigate to the folder where you saved the
graphics driver file.
8 Double-click the graphics driver file icon and follow the instructions on the screen.
94
Identifying the display adapter
1 On the taskbar, click the search box, and then type Device Manager.
2 Click Device Manager.
The Device Manager window is displayed.
3 Expand Display adapters.
For computers shipped with the AMD video card:
Changing the screen resolution
1 Right-click on your desktop and select Display settings.
2 Click Advanced display settings.
3 Select the appropriate resolution from the drop-down list.
4 Click Apply.
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Rotating the display
1 Right-click on your desktop.
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2 Select Graphics Options → Rotation and select from the listed options.
The display can be also rotated by selecting Rotate Display under the Display
menu in the NVIDIA Control Panel.
For computers shipped with the AMD video card, the display can be rotated by
selecting the required rotation on Rotate Desktop tab in the AMD Catalyst
Control Center.
97
USB
The following table shows the USB ports available in Alienware Alpha R2.
Ports Location
USB 3.0 port Two on the front side and two on the back side
USB 2.0 port Beneath USB port cover
NOTE: USB 3.0 needs the driver to be installed before it can detect any USB
devices.
Downloading the USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 driver
1 Turn on your computer.
2 Go to www.dell.com/support.
3 Click Product support enter the Service Tag of your computer, and then click
Submit.
NOTE: If you do not have the Service Tag, use the auto-detect feature or
manually browse for your computer model.
4 Click Drivers & downloads → Find it myself.
5 Scroll down the page and expand Chipset.
6 Click Download to download the USB 2.0 or USB 3.0 driver for your computer.
7 After the download is complete, navigate to the folder where you saved the USB
2.0 or USB 3.0 driver file.
8 Double-click the driver file icon and follow the instructions on screen.
Enabling or disabling the USB in BIOS setup program
1 Turn on or restart your computer.
2 Press F2 when the Dell logo is displayed on the screen to enter the BIOS setup
program.
The BIOS setup program is displayed.
3 On the Advanced tab, select USB Configuration.
4 Select the Front USB Ports or Rear USB Ports options to enable or disable the
ports respectively.
5 Save the BIOS setup program settings and exit.
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Fixing a no-boot issue caused by USB emulation
Sometimes the computer does not boot to the operating system when USB devices are
connected to the computer during startup. This behavior occurs because the computer is
looking for bootable files in the USB devices. Follow these steps to fix the no-boot
issue:
1 Turn on or restart your computer.
2 Press F2 when the Dell logo is displayed on the screen to enter the BIOS setup
program.
The BIOS setup program is displayed.
3 On the Advanced tab, select USB Configuration.
4 Select the USB Boot Support to disable it.
5 Save the settings and exit.
Wi-Fi
Alienware Alpha R2 is shipped with Wi-Fi 802.11a/g/n or Wi-Fi 802.11a/g/n/ac.
Turning on or off Wi-Fi
NOTE: There is no physical switch to enable or disable Wi-Fi. It has to be done
through computer settings.
1 Swipe-in from the right edge of the display, or click the Action Center icon on the
taskbar to access the Action Center.
2 Click Wi-Fi to turn Wi-Fi on or off.
Downloading the Wi-Fi driver
1 Turn on your computer.
2 Go to www.dell.com/support.
3 Click Product support enter the Service Tag of your computer, and then click
Submit.
NOTE: If you do not have the Service Tag, use the auto-detect feature or
manually browse for your computer model.
4 Click Drivers & downloads → Find it myself.
5 Scroll down the page and expand Network.
6 Click Download to download the Wi-Fi driver for your computer.
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7 After the download is complete, navigate to the folder where you saved the Wi-Fi
driver file.
8 Double-click the driver file icon and follow the on-screen instructions to install the
driver.
Configuring the Wi-Fi
1 Turn on Wi-Fi. For more information, see Turning Wi-Fi on or off.
2 Swipe-in from the right edge of the display, or click the Action Center icon on the
taskbar to access the Action Center.
3 Click Wi-Fi, and then click Go to settings.
A list of available networks is displayed.
4 Select your network and click Connect.
NOTE: Type the network security key, if prompted.
Bluetooth
Alienware Alpha R2 is shipped with Bluetooth 4.0.
Turning on or off Bluetooth
NOTE: There is no physical switch to enable or disable Bluetooth. It has to be
done through the computer settings.
1 Swipe-in from the right edge of the display, or click the Action Center icon on the
taskbar to access the Action Center.
2 Click Bluetooth to turn Bluetooth on or off.
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Pairing the Bluetooth-enabled devices
1 Turn on Bluetooth. For more information, see Turning on or off Bluetooth.
2 Swipe-in from the right edge of the display, or click the Action Center icon on the
taskbar to access the Action Center.
3 Click Bluetooth, and then click Go to settings.
4 Select the required Bluetooth device for pairing.
5 Click Pair to pair the bluetooth devices.
6 Click Yes to confirm the passcodes on both the devices.
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Removing the Bluetooth device
1 Swipe-in from the right edge of the display, or click the Action Center icon on the
taskbar to access the Action Center.
2 Click Bluetooth, and then click Go to settings.
3 Click the device you want to remove, and then click Remove device.
Transferring files between devices using Bluetooth
1 Swipe-in from the right edge of the display, or click the Action Center icon on the
taskbar to access the Action Center.
2 Click Bluetooth, and then click Go to settings.
3 Select your Bluetooth device.
4 Click Send or receive files via Bluetooth.
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5 In the Bluetooth File Transfer window, click Send files, and then select the file
you want to transfer.
Hard drive
The following table shows the hard-drive options available in Alienware Alpha R2.
Options Dimensions
SSD One M.2 slot
HDD One 2.5–inch drive
Identifying the hard drive
1 On the taskbar, click the search box, and then type Device Manager.
2 Click Device Manager.
The Device Manager window is displayed.
3 Expand Disk drives.
Identifying the hard drive in BIOS setup program
1 Turn on or restart your computer.
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2 Press F2 when the Dell logo is displayed on the screen to enter the BIOS setup
program.
A list of hard drives is displayed on the Main tab.
Power adapter
Alienware Alpha R2 is shipped with 130 W or 180 W power adapters.
WARNING: When you disconnect the power adapter cable from the
computer, pull on its connector, not the cable itself. When disconnecting
cable, keep it evenly aligned to avoid bending any connector pins. When
connecting the cable, ensure that the port and the connector are correctly
oriented and aligned.
WARNING: The power adapter works with electrical outlets worldwide.
However, power connectors and power strips vary among countries. Using an
incompatible cable or improperly connecting the cable to the power strip or
electrical outlet may cause fire or equipment damage.
NOTE: Depending on the region, two or three pin adapters are available. Please
verify part numbers from SPMD before replacing the power adapter.
Chipset
Alienware Alpha R2 is shipped with the Intel H110 chipset and Intel H170 chipset.
Downloading the chipset driver
1 Turn on your computer.
2 Go to www.dell.com/support.
3 Click Product support, enter the Service Tag of your computer, and then click
Submit.
NOTE: If you do not have the Service Tag, use the auto-detect feature or
manually browse for your computer model.
4 Click Drivers & downloads → Find it myself.
5 Scroll down the page and expand Chipset.
6 Click Download to download the chipset driver for your computer.
7 After the download is complete, navigate to the folder where you saved the chipset
driver file.
8 Double-click the chipset driver file icon and follow the instructions on the screen.
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Identifying the chipset
1 On the taskbar, click the search box, and then type Device Manager.
2 Click Device Manager.
The Device Manager window is displayed.
3 Expand System devices.
Memory
Alienware Alpha R2 has one SODIMM (RAM) slot, which is accessible by removing
the base cover and top cover. Your computer supports 4 GB, 8 GB, and 16 GB DDR4
memory of up to 2133 MHz.
Checking the system memory in Windows
1 Click Start .
2 Select Settings .
3 Click System → About.
Checking the system memory in BIOS setup program
1 Turn on or restart your computer.
2 Press F2 when the Dell logo is displayed on the screen to enter the BIOS setup
program.
On the Main tab, the memory information is displayed. For more information, refer
System setup options.
Testing memory using ePSA
1 Turn on or restart your computer.
2 Press F12 after the Dell logo is displayed on the screen to access the boot menu.
3 Use the arrow keys to highlight the Diagnostics menu option and press Enter.
4 Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the ePSA Pre-boot System
Assessment (PSA).
NOTE: If the operating system logo appears, wait until you see the desktop.
Turn off your computer and try again.
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Processors
Alienware Alpha R2 is shipped with the following processor options:
• 6th Generation Intel Dual Core i3
• 6th Generation Intel Dual Core i5
• 6th Generation Intel Dual Core i7
Identifying the processors in Windows
1 On the taskbar, click the search box, and then type Device Manager.
2 Click Device Manager.
The Device Manager window is displayed.
3 Expand Processors .
Checking the processor usage in the task manager
1 Right-click on the taskbar.
2 Click Task Manager.
The Task Manager window is displayed.
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3 Click Performance tab to display the processor performance details.
Operating System
Alienware Alpha R2 is shipped with the Windows 10 factory installation.
Service Tag location
The service tag is a unique alphanumeric identifier that allows Dell service technicians
to identify the hardware components in your computer and access warranty information.
Device driver
A device driver or software driver is a computer program allowing higher-level
computer programs to interact with a hardware device. For Alienware Alpha R2, all
driver installation for their devices is similar except that some systems may have more
devices than others.
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Intel Chipset Software Installation Utility
In the Device Manager, check if the chipset driver is installed.
Install the Intel chipset updates from www.dell.com/support.
Video drivers
In the Device Manager, check if the video driver is installed.
Install the video driver update from www.dell.com/support.
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BIOS overview
The BIOS manages data flow between the computer's operating system and attached
devices such as hard disk, video adapter, keyboard, mouse, and printer.
Getting help and contacting Alienware
Self-help resources
You can get information and help on Alienware products and services using these online
self-help resources:
Information about Alienware products and
services
www.alienware.com
Troubleshooting information, user
manuals, setup instructions, product
specifications, technical help blogs,
drivers, software updates, and so on
www.alienware.com/gamingservices
Videos providing step-by-step instructions
to service your computer
www.youtube.com/alienwareservices
Contacting Alienware
To contact Alienware for sales, technical support, or customer service issues, see
www.alienware.com.
NOTE: Availability varies by country and product, and some services may not be
available in your country.
NOTE: If you do not have an active internet connection, you can find contact
information on your purchase invoice, packing slip, bill, or Dell product catalog.
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