Table of Contents
- Alienware Area-51m Service Manual
- Before working inside your computer
- After working inside your computer
- Safety instructions
- Recommended tools
- Screw list
- Removing the base cover
- Replacing the base cover
- Removing the battery
- Replacing the battery
- Removing the memory modules
- Replacing the memory modules
- Removing the wireless card
- Replacing the wireless card
- Removing the solid-state drives
- Replacing the solid-state drives
- Removing the hard drive
- Replacing the hard drive
- Removing the rear-I/O cover
- Replacing the rear-I/O cover
- Removing the audio daughter-board
- Replacing the audio daughter-board
- Removing the speakers
- Replacing the speakers
- Removing the coin-cell battery
- Replacing the coin-cell battery
- Removing the touchpad
- Replacing the touchpad
- Removing the display assembly
- Replacing the display assembly
- Removing the computer base
- Replacing the computer base
- Removing the heat-sink assembly
- Replacing the heat-sink assembly
- Removing the left power-adapter port
- Replacing the left power-adapter port
- Removing the processor
- Replacing the processor
- Removing the graphics card
- Replacing the graphics card
- Removing the system board
- Replacing the system board
- Removing the right power-adapter port
- Replacing the right power-adapter port
- Removing the keyboard
- Replacing the keyboard
- Removing the macro keys
- Replacing the macro keys
- Removing the palm-rest assembly
- Replacing the palm-rest assembly
- Device drivers
- System setup
- Troubleshooting
Alienware Area-51m User Manual
Displayed below is the user manual for Area-51m by Alienware which is a product in the Notebooks category. This manual has pages.
Related Manuals
Alienware Area-51m
Service Manual
Computer Model: Alienware Area-51m
Regulatory Model: P38E
Regulatory Type: P38E001
Notes, cautions, and warnings
NOTE: A NOTE indicates important information that helps you make better use of your product.
CAUTION: A CAUTION indicates either potential damage to hardware or loss of data and tells you how to avoid
the problem.
WARNING: A WARNING indicates a potential for property damage, personal injury, or death.
© 2019 Dell Inc. or its subsidiaries. All rights reserved. Dell, EMC, and other trademarks are trademarks of Dell Inc. or its subsidiaries.
Other trademarks may be trademarks of their respective owners.
2019 - 01
Rev. A00
Contents
Before working inside your computer................................................................................8
Before you begin ................................................................................................................................................8
After working inside your computer..................................................................................9
Safety instructions............................................................................................................ 10
Electrostatic discharge—ESD protection.............................................................................................................10
ESD eld service kit ...........................................................................................................................................11
Components of an ESD eld service kit..........................................................................................................11
ESD protection summary .............................................................................................................................. 11
Transporting sensitive components......................................................................................................................12
Lifting equipment ........................................................................................................................................12
Recommended tools.......................................................................................................... 13
Screw list............................................................................................................................14
Removing the base cover.................................................................................................. 16
Procedure......................................................................................................................................................... 16
Replacing the base cover.................................................................................................. 17
Procedure..........................................................................................................................................................17
Removing the battery....................................................................................................... 19
Lithium-ion battery precautions..........................................................................................................................19
Prerequisites......................................................................................................................................................19
Procedure......................................................................................................................................................... 19
Replacing the battery........................................................................................................21
Procedure .........................................................................................................................................................21
Post-requisites................................................................................................................................................... 21
Removing the memory modules....................................................................................... 22
Prerequisites..................................................................................................................................................... 22
Procedure.........................................................................................................................................................22
Replacing the memory modules....................................................................................... 24
Procedure ........................................................................................................................................................24
Post-requisites.................................................................................................................................................. 24
Removing the wireless card..............................................................................................25
Prerequisites..................................................................................................................................................... 25
Procedure.........................................................................................................................................................25
3
Replacing the wireless card..............................................................................................27
Procedure.........................................................................................................................................................27
Post-requisites...................................................................................................................................................28
Removing the solid-state drives.......................................................................................29
Prerequisites..................................................................................................................................................... 29
Procedure to remove M.2 2230 card................................................................................................................. 29
Procedure to remove M.2 2280 card................................................................................................................. 30
Replacing the solid-state drives....................................................................................... 31
Procedure to replace M.2 2230 card.................................................................................................................. 31
Procedure to replace M.2 2280 card..................................................................................................................32
Post-requisites...................................................................................................................................................33
Removing the hard drive.................................................................................................. 34
Prerequisites..................................................................................................................................................... 34
Procedure.........................................................................................................................................................34
Replacing the hard drive.................................................................................................. 36
Procedure.........................................................................................................................................................36
Post-requisites...................................................................................................................................................38
Removing the rear-I/O cover.......................................................................................... 39
Prerequisites..................................................................................................................................................... 39
Procedure.........................................................................................................................................................39
Replacing the rear-I/O cover.......................................................................................... 40
Procedure.........................................................................................................................................................40
Post-requisites.................................................................................................................................................. 40
Removing the audio daughter-board............................................................................... 41
Prerequisites......................................................................................................................................................41
Procedure......................................................................................................................................................... 41
Replacing the audio daughter-board...............................................................................42
Procedure.........................................................................................................................................................42
Post-requisites.................................................................................................................................................. 42
Removing the speakers.....................................................................................................43
Prerequisites..................................................................................................................................................... 43
Procedure.........................................................................................................................................................43
Replacing the speakers.....................................................................................................44
Procedure ........................................................................................................................................................44
Post-requisites.................................................................................................................................................. 44
4
Removing the coin-cell battery........................................................................................ 46
Prerequisites..................................................................................................................................................... 46
Procedure.........................................................................................................................................................46
Replacing the coin-cell battery........................................................................................ 47
Procedure.........................................................................................................................................................47
Post-requisites...................................................................................................................................................47
Removing the touchpad....................................................................................................48
Prerequisites..................................................................................................................................................... 48
Procedure.........................................................................................................................................................48
Replacing the touchpad....................................................................................................50
Procedure........................................................................................................................................................ 50
Post-requisites.................................................................................................................................................. 50
Removing the display assembly....................................................................................... 52
Prerequisites..................................................................................................................................................... 52
Procedure.........................................................................................................................................................52
Replacing the display assembly....................................................................................... 55
Procedure.........................................................................................................................................................55
Post-requisites.................................................................................................................................................. 56
Removing the computer base...........................................................................................57
Prerequisites..................................................................................................................................................... 57
Procedure.........................................................................................................................................................57
Replacing the computer base...........................................................................................60
Procedure........................................................................................................................................................ 60
Post-requisites................................................................................................................................................... 61
Removing the heat-sink assembly....................................................................................62
Prerequisites..................................................................................................................................................... 62
Procedure.........................................................................................................................................................62
Replacing the heat-sink assembly....................................................................................64
Procedure ........................................................................................................................................................64
Post-requisites.................................................................................................................................................. 65
Removing the left power-adapter port............................................................................66
Prerequisites..................................................................................................................................................... 66
Procedure.........................................................................................................................................................66
5
Replacing the left power-adapter port............................................................................67
Procedure.........................................................................................................................................................67
Post-requisites...................................................................................................................................................67
Removing the processor................................................................................................... 69
Prerequisites..................................................................................................................................................... 69
Procedure.........................................................................................................................................................69
Replacing the processor....................................................................................................71
Procedure..........................................................................................................................................................71
Post-requisites................................................................................................................................................... 71
Removing the graphics card............................................................................................. 72
Prerequisites..................................................................................................................................................... 72
Procedure.........................................................................................................................................................72
Replacing the graphics card............................................................................................. 74
Procedure......................................................................................................................................................... 74
Post-requisites...................................................................................................................................................74
Removing the system board............................................................................................. 76
Prerequisites......................................................................................................................................................76
Procedure......................................................................................................................................................... 76
Replacing the system board............................................................................................. 80
Procedure ........................................................................................................................................................80
Post-requisites...................................................................................................................................................82
Entering the Service Tag in the BIOS setup program........................................................................................... 82
Removing the right power-adapter port......................................................................... 83
Prerequisites..................................................................................................................................................... 83
Procedure.........................................................................................................................................................83
Replacing the right power-adapter port......................................................................... 85
Procedure.........................................................................................................................................................85
Post-requisites.................................................................................................................................................. 85
Removing the keyboard....................................................................................................87
Prerequisites......................................................................................................................................................87
Procedure......................................................................................................................................................... 87
Replacing the keyboard....................................................................................................90
Procedure........................................................................................................................................................ 90
Post-requisites................................................................................................................................................... 91
6
Removing the macro keys.................................................................................................92
Prerequisites..................................................................................................................................................... 92
Procedure.........................................................................................................................................................92
Replacing the macro keys.................................................................................................94
Procedure.........................................................................................................................................................94
Post-requisites.................................................................................................................................................. 94
Removing the palm-rest assembly................................................................................... 96
Prerequisites..................................................................................................................................................... 96
Procedure.........................................................................................................................................................96
Replacing the palm-rest assembly................................................................................... 98
Procedure.........................................................................................................................................................98
Post-requisites...................................................................................................................................................98
Device drivers................................................................................................................. 100
Intel Chipset Software Installation Utility.......................................................................................................... 100
Video drivers.................................................................................................................................................. 100
Intel Serial IO driver........................................................................................................................................ 100
Intel Trusted Execution Engine Interface...........................................................................................................100
Intel Virtual Button driver................................................................................................................................ 100
Wireless and Bluetooth drivers.........................................................................................................................100
System setup....................................................................................................................101
System setup....................................................................................................................................................101
Entering BIOS setup program...........................................................................................................................101
Navigation keys............................................................................................................................................... 101
Boot Sequence................................................................................................................................................ 101
System setup options....................................................................................................................................... 102
Clearing CMOS settings...................................................................................................................................107
Clearing BIOS (System Setup) and System passwords........................................................................................107
Troubleshooting.............................................................................................................. 108
Flashing the BIOS............................................................................................................................................108
Flashing BIOS (USB key)................................................................................................................................. 108
Enhanced Pre-Boot System Assessment (ePSA) diagnostics...............................................................................108
Running the ePSA diagnostics.................................................................................................................... 109
System diagnostic lights...................................................................................................................................109
Enabling Intel Optane memory......................................................................................................................... 110
Disabling Intel Optane memory........................................................................................................................ 110
WiFi power cycle..............................................................................................................................................111
Flea power release............................................................................................................................................111
7
Before working inside your computer
NOTE: The images in this document may dier from your computer depending on the conguration you ordered.
Before you begin
1 Save and close all open les and exit all open applications.
2 Shut down your computer. Click Start → Power → Shut down.
NOTE: If you are using a dierent 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 attached network devices and peripherals, such as keyboard, mouse, and monitor from your computer.
5 Remove any media card and optical disc from your computer, if applicable.
8
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.
9
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.
WARNING: Disconnect all power sources before opening the computer cover or panels. After you nish 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 at 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.
Electrostatic discharge—ESD protection
ESD is a major concern when you handle electronic components, especially sensitive components such as expansion cards,
processors, memory DIMMs, and system boards. Very slight charges can damage circuits in ways that may not be obvious, such
as intermittent problems or a shortened product life span. As the industry pushes for lower power requirements and increased
density, ESD protection is an increasing concern.
Due to the increased density of semiconductors used in recent Dell products, the sensitivity to static damage is now higher than
in previous Dell products. For this reason, some previously approved methods of handling parts are no longer applicable.
Two recognized types of ESD damage are catastrophic and intermittent failures.
•Catastrophic – Catastrophic failures represent approximately 20 percent of ESD-related failures. The damage causes an
immediate and complete loss of device functionality. An example of catastrophic failure is a memory DIMM that has
received a static shock and immediately generates a "No POST/No Video" symptom with a beep code emitted for missing
or nonfunctional memory.
•Intermittent – Intermittent failures represent approximately 80 percent of ESD-related failures. The high rate of
intermittent failures means that most of the time when damage occurs, it is not immediately recognizable. The DIMM
receives a static shock, but the tracing is merely weakened and does not immediately produce outward symptoms related to
the damage. The weakened trace may take weeks or months to melt, and in the meantime may cause degradation of
memory integrity, intermittent memory errors, etc.
The more dicult type of damage to recognize and troubleshoot is the intermittent (also called latent or "walking wounded")
failure.
Perform the following steps to prevent ESD damage:
• Use a wired ESD wrist strap that is properly grounded. The use of wireless anti-static straps is no longer allowed; they do
not provide adequate protection. Touching the chassis before handling parts does not ensure adequate ESD protection on
parts with increased sensitivity to ESD damage.
• Handle all static-sensitive components in a static-safe area. If possible, use anti-static oor pads and workbench pads.
10
• When unpacking a static-sensitive component from its shipping carton, do not remove the component from the anti-static
packing material until you are ready to install the component. Before unwrapping the anti-static packaging, ensure that you
discharge static electricity from your body.
• Before transporting a static-sensitive component, place it in an anti-static container or packaging.
ESD eld service kit
The unmonitored Field Service kit is the most commonly used service kit. Each Field Service kit includes three main
components: anti-static mat, wrist strap, and bonding wire.
Components of an ESD eld service kit
The components of an ESD eld service kit are:
•Anti-Static Mat – The anti-static mat is dissipative and parts can be placed on it during service procedures. When using an
anti-static mat, your wrist strap should be snug and the bonding wire should be connected to the mat and to any bare metal
on the system being worked on. Once deployed properly, service parts can be removed from the ESD bag and placed
directly on the mat. ESD-sensitive items are safe in your hand, on the ESD mat, in the system, or inside a bag.
•Wrist Strap and Bonding Wire – The wrist strap and bonding wire can be either directly connected between your wrist
and bare metal on the hardware if the ESD mat is not required, or connected to the anti-static mat to protect hardware that
is temporarily placed on the mat. The physical connection of the wrist strap and bonding wire between your skin, the ESD
mat, and the hardware is known as bonding. Use only Field Service kits with a wrist strap, mat, and bonding wire. Never use
wireless wrist straps. Always be aware that the internal wires of a wrist strap are prone to damage from normal wear and
tear, and must be checked regularly with a wrist strap tester in order to avoid accidental ESD hardware damage. It is
recommended to test the wrist strap and bonding wire at least once per week.
•ESD Wrist Strap Tester – The wires inside of an ESD strap are prone to damage over time. When using an unmonitored kit,
it is a best practice to regularly test the strap prior to each service call, and at a minimum, test once per week. A wrist strap
tester is the best method for doing this test. If you do not have your own wrist strap tester, check with your regional oce to
nd out if they have one. To perform the test, plug the wrist-strap's bonding-wire into the tester while it is strapped to your
wrist and push the button to test. A green LED is lit if the test is successful; a red LED is lit and an alarm sounds if the test
fails.
•Insulator Elements – It is critical to keep ESD sensitive devices, such as plastic heat sink casings, away from internal parts
that are insulators and often highly charged.
•Working Environment – Before deploying the ESD Field Service kit, assess the situation at the customer location. For
example, deploying the kit for a server environment is dierent than for a desktop or portable environment. Servers are
typically installed in a rack within a data center; desktops or portables are typically placed on oce desks or cubicles.
Always look for a large open at work area that is free of clutter and large enough to deploy the ESD kit with additional
space to accommodate the type of system that is being repaired. The workspace should also be free of insulators that can
cause an ESD event. On the work area, insulators such as Styrofoam and other plastics should always be moved at least 12
inches or 30 centimeters away from sensitive parts before physically handling any hardware components.
•ESD Packaging – All ESD-sensitive devices must be shipped and received in static-safe packaging. Metal, static-shielded
bags are preferred. However, you should always return the damaged part using the same ESD bag and packaging that the
new part arrived in. The ESD bag should be folded over and taped shut and all the same foam packing material should be
used in the original box that the new part arrived in. ESD-sensitive devices should be removed from packaging only at an
ESD-protected work surface, and parts should never be placed on top of the ESD bag because only the inside of the bag is
shielded. Always place parts in your hand, on the ESD mat, in the system, or inside an anti-static bag.
•Transporting Sensitive Components – When transporting ESD sensitive components such as replacement parts or parts to
be returned to Dell, it is critical to place these parts in anti-static bags for safe transport.
ESD protection summary
It is recommended that all eld service technicians use the traditional wired ESD grounding wrist strap and protective anti-
static mat at all times when servicing Dell products. In addition, it is critical that technicians keep sensitive parts separate from
all insulator parts while performing service and that they use anti-static bags for transporting sensitive components.
11
Transporting sensitive components
When transporting ESD sensitive components such as replacement parts or parts to be returned to Dell, it is critical to place
these parts in anti-static bags for safe transport.
Lifting equipment
Adhere to the following guidelines when lifting heavy weight equipment:
CAUTION: Do not lift greater than 50 pounds. Always obtain additional resources or use a mechanical lifting device.
1 Get a rm balanced footing. Keep your feet apart for a stable base, and point your toes out.
2 Tighten stomach muscles. Abdominal muscles support your spine when you lift, osetting the force of the load.
3 Lift with your legs, not your back.
4 Keep the load close. The closer it is to your spine, the less force it exerts on your back.
5 Keep your back upright, whether lifting or setting down the load. Do not add the weight of your body to the load. Avoid
twisting your body and back.
6 Follow the same techniques in reverse to set the load down.
12
Recommended tools
The procedures in this document may require the following tools:
• Philips screwdriver #1
• Flat-head screwdriver
• Plastic scribe
13
Screw list
NOTE: When removing screws from a component, it is recommended to note the screw type, the quantity of screws,
and then place them in a screw storage box. This is to ensure that the correct number of screws and correct screw
type is restored when the component is replaced.
NOTE: Some computers have magnetic surfaces. Ensure that the screws are not left attached to such surface when
replacing a component.
NOTE: Screw color may vary with the conguration ordered.
Table 1. Screw list
Component Secured to Screw type Quantity Screw image
Audio daughter-board Palm-rest assembly M2.5x2.5 3
Battery Palm-rest assembly M2.5x5 6
Computer base Palm-rest assembly M2.5x12 1
Computer base Palm-rest assembly M2.5x8 14
Display-cable bracket Graphics card M2x3 1
Display assembly Computer base M2.5x8 2
Display assembly Palm-rest assembly M2.5x2.5 4
Graphics card System board M2x3 3
Graphics-card cable Graphics card M2x3 2
Graphics-card cable System board M2x3 2
Heat-sink assembly Palm-rest assembly M2.5x5 2
Keyboard bracket Palm-rest assembly M2x3 15
Keyboard bracket Keyboard M2.5x2.5 3
14
Component Secured to Screw type Quantity Screw image
Hard-drive assembly Palm-rest assembly M2.5x5 4
Hard-drive bracket Hard drive M3x3 4
Power-adapter port
bracket
Palm-rest assembly M2x3 1
Rear-I/O cover Computer base M2.5x2.5 4
Rear-I/O cover Palm-rest assembly M2.5x7 2
System board Palm-rest assembly M2.5x5 2
Solid-state drive Palm-rest assembly M2x3 2
Touchpad bracket Palm-rest assembly M2x3 5
Wireless-card bracket System board M2x3 1
15
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 Loose the six captive screws that secure the base cover to the computer base.
2 Starting from the middle of the bottom side, pry open the base cover with a plastic scribe.
3 Slide the base cover o the computer base.
4 Disconnect the battery cable from the system board.
5 Press and hold the power button for ve seconds to ground the system board.
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 Connect the battery cable to the system board.
2 Slide the tabs on the base cover into the slots on the computer base and snap the base cover into place.
17
3 Tighten the six captive screws that secure the base cover to the computer base.
18
Removing the 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.
Lithium-ion battery precautions
CAUTION:
• Exercise caution when handling Lithium-ion batteries.
• Discharge the battery as much as possible before removing it from the system. This can be done by disconnecting the
AC adapter from the system to allow the battery to drain.
• Do not crush, drop, mutilate, or penetrate the battery with foreign objects.
• Do not expose the battery to high temperatures, or disassemble battery packs and cells.
• Do not apply pressure to the surface of the battery.
• Do not bend the battery.
• Do not use tools of any kind to pry on or against the battery.
• If a battery gets stuck in a device as a result of swelling, do not try to free it as puncturing, bending, or crushing a
Lithium-ion battery can be dangerous. In such an instance, the entire system should be replaced. Contact https://
www.dell.com/support for assistance and further instructions.
• Always purchase genuine batteries from https://www.dell.com or authorized Dell partners and re-sellers.
Prerequisites
Remove the base cover.
Procedure
1 Using the pull tab, disconnect the battery cable from the system board and remove it from the routing guides on the
computer base (applicable only if not disconnected earlier).
2 Remove the six screws (M2.5x5) that secure the battery to the palm-rest assembly.
19
3 Lift the battery o the palm-rest assembly.
20
Replacing the 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 Align the screw holes on the battery with the screw holes on the palm-rest assembly.
2 Replace the six screws (M2.5x5) that secure the battery to the palm-rest assembly.
3 Route the battery cable through the routing guides on the computer base and connect the battery cable to the system
board.
Post-requisites
Replace the base cover.
21
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
Remove the base cover.
Procedure
1 Locate the memory modules on your computer.
2 Use your ngertips to carefully spread apart the securing-clips on each end of the memory-module slot until the memory
module pops up.
22
3 Remove the memory module from the memory-module slot.
23
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.
2 Slide the memory module rmly into the slot at an angle.
3 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.
Post-requisites
Replace the base cover.
24
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
Remove the base cover.
Procedure
1 Locate the wireless card on your computer.
2 Remove the screw (M2x3) that secures the wireless-card bracket to the system board.
3 Slide and remove the wireless-card bracket from the wireless card.
4 Slide and remove the wireless card from the wireless-card slot.
25
5 Disconnect the antenna cables from the wireless card.
26
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 Connect the antenna cables to the wireless card.
The following table provides the antenna-cable color scheme for the wireless card that is supported by your computer.
Table 2. Antenna-cable color scheme
Connectors on the wireless card Antenna-cable color
Main (white triangle) White
Auxiliary (black triangle) Black
2 Slide and replace the wireless-card bracket on the wireless-card.
3 Align the notch on the wireless card with the tab on the wireless-card slot and insert the wireless card at an angle into the
wireless-card slot.
4 Replace the screw (M2x3) that secures the wireless-card bracket to the system board.
27
Removing the solid-state drives
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
Remove the base cover.
Procedure to remove M.2 2230 card
NOTE: This procedure applies only to computers shipped with a M.2 2230 card installed.
NOTE: Depending on the conguration ordered the computer may have up to two M.2 cards installed. Supported
card congurations per M.2 card slot:
• M.2 2230 solid-state drive
• M.2 2280 solid-state drive/Intel Optane storage
1 Remove the screw (M2x3) that secures the M.2 thermal shield to the palm-rest assembly and system board.
2 Lift the M.2 thermal shield from the palm-rest assembly and system board.
3 Remove the screw (M2x3) that secures the M.2 2230 card to the palm-rest assembly.
29
4 Slide and remove the M.2 2230 solid-state drive from the M.2 solid-state drive slot on the system board.
Procedure to remove M.2 2280 card
NOTE: This procedure applies only to computers shipped with a M.2 2280 card installed.
NOTE: Depending on the conguration ordered, the computer may have up to two M.2 cards installed. Supported
card congurations per M.2 card slot:
• M.2 2230 solid-state drive
• M.2 2280 solid-state drive/Intel Optane storage
1 Remove the screw (M2x3) that secures the thermal shield and the solid-state drive to the computer base.
2 Slide and lift the thermal shield from the computer base.
3 Slide and remove the M.2 2280 solid-state drive from the M.2 solid-state drive slot on the system board.
30
Replacing the solid-state drives
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 to replace M.2 2230 card
NOTE: This procedure applies only to computers shipped with a M.2 2230 card installed.
NOTE: Depending on the conguration ordered the computer may have up to two M.2 cards installed. Supported
card congurations per M.2 card slot:
• M.2 2230 solid-state drive
• M.2 2280 solid-state drive/Intel Optane storage
1 Align the notch on the M.2 2230 solid-state drive with the tab on the M.2 solid-state drive slot on the system board.
2 Slide the M.2 2230 solid-state drive into the M.2 solid-state drive slot on the system board.
3 Replace the screw (M2x3) that secures the M.2 2230 solid-state drive to the palm-rest assembly.
4 Align the screw holes of the M.2 thermal shield with the screw holes on the palm-rest assembly and system board.
31
5 Replace the screw (M2x3) that secures the M.2 thermal shield to the palm-rest assembly and system board.
Procedure to replace M.2 2280 card
NOTE: This procedure applies only to computers shipped with a M.2 2280 card installed.
NOTE: Depending on the conguration ordered, the computer may have up to two M.2 cards installed. Supported
card congurations per M.2 card slot:
• M.2 2230 solid-state drive
• M.2 2280 solid-state drive/Intel Optane storage
NOTE: Install the solid-state drive to the SSD1 slot before installing the solid-state drive to the SSD2 slot on the
system board.
1 Align the notch on the M.2 2280 solid-state drive with the tab on the M.2 solid-state drive slot on the system board.
2 Slide the M.2 2280 solid-state drive into the M.2 solid-state drive slot on the system board.
3 Align the screw holes on the thermal shield with the screw holes on the computer base.
32
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 Using the pull tab, disconnect the hard-drive cable from the system board.
2 Remove the hard-drive cable from the routing guides on the computer base.
3 Remove the four screws (M2.5x5) that secure the hard-drive assembly to the palm-rest assembly.
4 Lift the hard-drive assembly along with its cable o the palm-rest assembly.
34
5 Disconnect the interposer from the hard-drive assembly.
6 Remove the four screws (M3x3) that secure the hard-drive bracket to the hard drive.
7 Lift the hard drive o the hard-drive bracket.
35
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 Place the hard drive on the hard-drive bracket and align the screw holes on the hard-drive bracket with the screw holes on
the hard drive.
2 Replace the four screws (M3x3) that secure the hard-drive bracket to the hard drive.
36
3 Connect the interposer to the hard-drive assembly.
4 Align the screw holes on the hard-drive assembly with the screw holes on the palm-rest assembly.
5 Replace the four screws (M2.5x5) that secure the hard-drive assembly to the palm-rest assembly.
6 Route the hard-drive cable through the routing guides on the computer base.
7 Connect the hard-drive cable to the system board.
37
Removing the rear-I/O 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
1 Disconnect the tron-light cable from the system board and peel it o from the computer base.
2 Remove the four screws (M2.5x2.5) that secure the rear I/O cover to the computer base.
3 Remove the two screws (M2.5x7) that secure the rear I/O cover to the palm-rest assembly.
4 Push the rubber feet on the rear I/O cover to remove it from the palm-rest assembly.
39
Replacing the rear-I/O 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 tabs on the rear I/O cover with the slots on the computer base and snap the rear I/O cover into place.
2 Replace the two screws (M2.5x7) that secure the rear I/O cover to the palm-rest assembly.
3 Replace the four screws (M2.5x2.5) that secure the rear I/O cover to the computer base.
4 Adhere the tron-light cable to the computer base and connect the tron-light cable to the system board.
Post-requisites
Replace the base cover.
40
Removing the audio daughter-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 Follow the procedure from step 1 to step 4 in Removing the hard drive.
Procedure
1 Disconnect the speaker cable from the audio daughter-board.
2 Peel the tape that secures the audio daughter-board cable to the audio daughter-board.
3 Open the latch and disconnect the audio daughter-board cable from the audio daughter-board.
4 Remove the three screws (M2.5x2.5) that secure the audio daughter-board to the palm-rest assembly.
5 Lift the audio daughter-board at an angle o the palm-rest assembly.
41
Replacing the audio daughter-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 Slide the audio daughter-board at an angle into the slot on the palm-rest assembly.
2 Replace the three screws (M2.5x2.5) that secure the audio daughter-board to the palm-rest assembly.
3 Connect the audio daughter-board cable to the connector on the audio daughter-board and close the latch to secure the
cable.
4 Adhere the tape that secures the audio daughter-board cable.
5 Connect the speaker cable to the audio daughter-board.
Post-requisites
1 Replace the base cover.
2 Follow the procedure from step 4 to step 7 in Replacing the hard drive.
42
Removing the speakers
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 battery.
3 Remove the solid-state drive (in SSD2 slot).
4 Follow the procedure from step 1 to step 4 in Removing the hard drive.
Procedure
1 Disconnect the speaker cable from the audio daughter-board.
2 Using the tab on the right speaker, slightly pull the right speaker upwards to release the it from the palm-rest assembly.
Slide the right speaker in a clockwise direction to remove it from the palm-rest assembly.
3 Note the speaker cable routing and remove the speaker cable from the routing guides on palm-rest assembly.
4 Using the tab on the left speaker, slightly pull the left speaker upwards to release the it from the palm-rest assembly. Slide
the left speaker in a clockwise direction to remove it from the palm-rest assembly.
43
Replacing the speakers
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
NOTE: If the rubber grommets are pushed out of the speakers when removing the speakers, push them back in place
before replacing the speakers.
1 Using the alignment posts and rubber grommets, place the right speaker in the slot on the palm-rest assembly.
2 Holding the tab on the right speaker, rotate the right speaker into place and secure it using the alignment posts.
3 Route the speaker cable through the routing guides on the palm-rest assembly.
4 Using the alignment posts and rubber grommets, place the left speaker in the slot on the palm-rest assembly.
5 Holding the tab on the left speaker, rotate the left speaker into place and secure it using the alignment posts.
6 Connect the speaker cable to the system board.
Post-requisites
1 Follow the procedure from step 4 to step 7 in Replacing the hard drive.
2 Replace the solid-state drive (in SSD2 slot).
3 Replace the battery.
44
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 battery.
3 Remove the solid-state drive (in SSD2 slot).
Procedure
1 Disconnect the coin-cell battery cable from the system board.
2 Using a plastic scribe, pry o the coin-cell battery from the system board.
46
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 slot on the palm-rest assembly.
2 Connect the coin-cell battery to the system board.
Post-requisites
1 Replace the solid-state drive (in SSD2 slot).
2 Replace the base cover.
3 Replace the battery.
47
Removing the touchpad
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 battery.
3 Remove the solid-state drive (in SSD2 slot).
4 Follow the procedure from step 1 to step 4 in Removing the hard drive.
5 Remove the speakers.
6 Remove the computer base.
Procedure
1 Open the latch and disconnect the touchpad cable from the system board.
2 Peel o the touchpad cable from the touchpad bracket.
3 Open the latch and disconnect the touchpad-button cable from the touchpad.
4 Remove the ve screws (M2x2.5) that secure the touchpad bracket to the palm-rest assembly.
5 Slide the touchpad bracket at an angle and lift it o the palm-rest assembly.
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6 Lift the touchpad o the palm-rest assembly.
49
Replacing the touchpad
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 Place the touchpad into the slot on the palm-rest assembly. Ensure to align the touchpad using the alignment pins on the
palm-rest assembly.
2 Slide and place the touchpad bracket into the slot on the palm-rest assembly.
3 Replace the ve screws (M2x2.5) that secure the touchpad bracket to the palm-rest assembly.
4 Slide the touchpad-button cable into the connector on the touchpad and close the latch to secure the touchpad-button
cable.
5 Adhere the touchpad cable to the touchpad bracket.
6 Slide the touchpad cable into the connector on the system board and close the latch to secure the touchpad cable.
Post-requisites
1 Replace the computer base.
50
Removing the display assembly
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 wireless card.
3 Remove the rear-I/O cover.
Procedure
1 Remove the screw (M2x3) that secures the display-cable bracket to the system board.
2 Lift the display-cable bracket o the system board.
3 Using the pull tab, disconnect the display cable from the system board.
4 Disconnect the camera cable from the system board.
5 Peel o the display cable and the camera cable from the computer base.
6 Disconnect the tobii cable from the system board.
7 Remove the antenna cables from the routing guides on the computer base.
8 Peel o the tobii cable from the computer base.
52
9 Remove the two screws (M2.5x8) that secures the computer base to the display assembly.
10 Turn the computer over.
11 Remove the four screws (M2.5x2.5) that secure the display hinges to the palm-rest assembly.
53
12 Lift the display assembly o the palm-rest assembly.
54
Replacing the display assembly
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 display hinges with the screw holes on the palm-rest assembly.
2 Replace the four screws (M2.5x2.5) that secure the display assembly to the palm-rest assembly.
3 Turn the computer over.
4 Replace the two screws (M2.5x8) that secure the computer base to the display assembly.
5 Adhere the tobii cable to the computer base.
6 Route the antennas cable through the routing guides on the computer base.
7 Connect the tobii cable to the system board.
8 Adhere the display cable and the camera cable to the computer base.
9 Connect the camera cable to the system board.
10 Connect the display cable to the system board.
11 Align the screw hole on the display-cable bracket with the screw hole on the system board.
55
Removing the computer base
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 battery.
3 Remove the wireless card.
4 Remove the solid-state drive (in SSD1 slot).
5 Remove the rear-I/O cover.
Procedure
1 Using the pull tab, disconnect the hard-drive cable.
2 Remove the hard-drive cable from the routing guides on the computer base.
3 Disconnect the tobii cable from the system board.
4 Remove the antenna cables from the routing guides on the computer base.
5 Peel o the tobii cable from the system board.
6 Remove the screw (M2x3) that secures the display-cable bracket on the system board.
7 Lift the display-cable bracket o the system board.
8 Using the pull tab, disconnect the display cable from the system board.
9 Disconnect the camera cable from the system board.
57
10 Peel o the display cable and the camera cable from the computer base.
11 Remove the screw (M2.5x12) that secures the computer base to the palm-rest assembly.
12 Remove the 14 screws (M2.5x8) that secure the computer base to the palm-rest assembly.
58
13 Lift the computer base o the palm-rest assembly.
59
Replacing the computer base
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 computer base with the screw holes on the palm-rest assembly.
2 Replace the screw (M2.5x12) that secures the computer base to the palm-rest assembly.
3 Replace the 14 screws (M2.5x8) that secure the computer base to the palm-rest assembly.
4 Adhere the display cable and camera cable to the computer base.
5 Connect the camera cable to the system board.
6 Connect the display cable to the system board.
7 Align the screw hole on the display-cable bracket with the screw hole on the system board.
8 Replace the screw (M2x3) that secures the display-cable bracket to the system board.
9 Adhere the tobii cable to the computer base.
10 Route the antennas cable through the routing guides on the computer base.
11 Connect the tobii cable to the system board.
12 Route the hard-drive cable through routing guides on the computer base.
60
Removing the heat-sink assembly
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.
WARNING: The heat sink may become hot during normal operation. Allow sucient time for the heat sink to cool
before you touch it.
CAUTION: For maximum cooling of the processor, do not touch the heat transfer areas on the heat sink. The oils in
your skin can reduce the heat transfer capability of the thermal grease.
Prerequisites
1 Remove the base cover.
2 Remove the battery.
3 Remove the wireless card.
4 Remove the solid-state drive (in SSD1 slot).
5 Remove the rear-I/O cover.
6 Remove the computer base.
Procedure
1 Disconnect the fan cables from the system board.
2 Remove the two screws (M2.5x5) that secure the heat-sink assembly to the palm-rest assembly.
3 In the reverse sequential order (8>7>6>5>4>3>2>1), loosen the eight captive screws that secure the heat-sink assembly
to the system board.
62
4 Lift the heat-sink assembly o the system board.
63
Replacing the heat-sink assembly
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: Incorrect alignment of the heat sink can damage the system board and processor.
NOTE: If either the system board or the fan and heat-sink assembly is replaced, use the thermal pad provided in the
kit to ensure that thermal conductivity is achieved.
Procedure
1 Place the heat-sink assembly on the palm-rest assembly and align the screw holes on the heat-sink assembly with the screw
holes on the palm-rest assembly.
2 Tighten the captive screws in the sequential order (1>2>3>4>5>6>7>8) to secure the heat-sink assembly to the palm-
rest assembly.
3 Replace the two screws (M2.5x5) that secure the heat-sink assembly to the palm-rest assembly.
4 Connect the fan cables to the system board.
64
Removing the left power-adapter 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 battery.
3 Remove the wireless card.
4 Remove the solid-state drive (in SSD1 slot).
5 Remove the rear-I/O cover.
6 Remove the computer base.
7 Remove the heat-sink assembly.
Procedure
1 Remove the screw (M2x3) that secures the power-adapter port bracket to the palm-rest assembly.
2 Slide the power-adapter port bracket o the palm-rest assembly.
3 Lift both power-adapter ports o the palm-rest assembly to uncross the cables.
4 Disconnect the right power-adapter port cable from the system board.
66
Replacing the left power-adapter 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 Route the right power-adapter port cable under the left power-adapter port cable and place both power-adapter ports
into the slots on the palm-rest assembly.
2 Connect the right power-adapter port cable to the system board.
3 Slide and place the power-adapter board bracket on the palm-rest assembly.
4 Replace the screw (M2x3) that secures the power-adapter port bracket to the palm-rest assembly.
Post-requisites
1 Replace the heat-sink assembly.
2 Replace the computer base.
3 Replace the rear I/O cover
4 Replace the wireless card.
5 Replace the solid-state drive (in SSD1 slot).
6 Replace the battery.
67
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 battery.
3 Remove the wireless card.
4 Remove the solid-state drive (in SSD1 slot).
5 Remove the rear-I/O cover.
6 Remove the computer base.
7 Remove the heat-sink assembly.
Procedure
1 Locate the processor on the system board.
2 Push down on the lever on the processor cover and move it away from the processor.
3 Pull the lever back to open the processor cover.
69
4 Lift the processor straight up to remove it from the system board.
70
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.
NOTE: A new processor ships with a thermal pad in the package. In some cases, the processor may ship with the
thermal pad attached to it.
Procedure
1 Align the triangle on the processor with the triangle on the processor socket.
2 Place the processor in the processor socket on the system board.
3 Close the processor cover.
4 Push the lever on the processor cover and lock it in place to secure the processor.
Post-requisites
1 Replace the heat-sink assembly.
2 Replace the computer base.
3 Replace the rear I/O cover
4 Replace the wireless card.
5 Replace the solid-state drive (in SSD1 slot).
6 Replace the battery.
7 Replace the base cover.
71
Removing the graphics 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 battery.
3 Remove the wireless card.
4 Remove the solid-state drive (in SSD1 slot).
5 Remove the rear-I/O cover.
6 Remove the computer base.
7 Remove the heat-sink assembly.
Procedure
1 Disconnect the graphics-card power cable from the system board.
2 Disconnect the graphics-card power cable from the graphics card.
3 Remove the two screws (M2x3) that secure the two graphics-card cable to the graphics card.
4 Remove the three screws (M2x3) that secure the graphics card to the system board.
72
5 Lift the graphics card o the system board.
73
Replacing the graphics 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
1 Place the graphics card on the system board and align the screw holes on the graphics card with the screw holes on the
system board.
2 Replace the three screws (M2x3) that secure the graphics card to the system board.
3 Replace the two screws (M2x3) that secure the two graphics-card cables to the graphics card.
4 Connect the graphics-card power cable to the graphics card.
5 Connect the graphics-card power cable to the system board.
Post-requisites
1 Replace the heat-sink assembly.
2 Replace the computer base.
3 Replace the rear I/O cover
4 Replace the wireless card.
5 Replace the solid-state drive (in SSD1 slot).
74
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 battery.
3 Remove the memory modules.
4 Remove the wireless card.
5 Remove the solid-state drive.
6 Remove the rear-I/O cover.
7 Remove the computer base.
8 Remove the coin-cell battery.
9 Remove the heat-sink assembly.
10 Remove the right power-adapter port.
11 Remove the graphics card.
12 Remove the processor.
Procedure
1 Place the palm-rest assembly on a clean and at surface with keyboard facing up, disconnect the power-button board
cable.
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2 Turn the palm-rest assembly over.
3 Remove the two screws (M2x3) that secure the graphics card cables on the system board.
4 Lift the two graphics card cables o the system board.
5 Peel the tape that secures the audio daughter-board cable to the system board.
6 Open the latch and disconnect the audio daughter-board cable from the system board.
7 Open the latch and disconnect the touchpad cable from the system board.
8 Open the latch and disconnect the keyboard cable from the system board.
9 Remove the two screws (M2.5x5) that secure the system board to the palm-rest assembly.
10 Lift the system board o the palm-rest assembly along with the right power-adapter port.
77
12 After performing all the above steps, you are left with the system board.
79
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
1 Replace the left power-adapter port.
2 Turn the system board over and place it into the slot on the palm-rest assembly.
NOTE: Do not keep the power-button board cable under the system board.
3 Replace the two screws (M2.5x5) that secure the system board to the palm-rest assembly.
4 Connect the keyboard cable to the system board and close the latch to secure the cable.
5 Connect the touchpad cable to the system board and close the latch to secure the cable.
6 Connect the audio daughter-board cable to the system board and close the latch to secure the cable.
7 Adhere the tape that secures the audio daughter-board cable to the system board.
8 Connect the connectors marked "MB" on the two graphics card cables to the system board.
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9 Replace the two screws (M2x3) that secure the graphics card cables to the system board.
10 Turn the palm-rest assembly over.
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11 Connect the power-button board cable to the system board.
Post-requisites
1 Replace the processor.
2 Replace the graphics card.
3 Replace the right power-adapter port.
4 Replace the heat-sink assembly.
5 Replace the coin-cell battery.
6 Replace the computer base.
7 Replace the rear I/O cover
8 Replace the wireless card.
9 Replace the solid-state drive.
10 Replace the memory modules.
11 Replace the battery.
12 Replace the base cover.
Entering the Service Tag in the BIOS setup program
1 Turn on or restart your computer.
2 Press F2 when the Dell logo is displayed to enter the BIOS setup program.
3 Navigate to the Main tab and enter the Service Tag in the Service Tag Input eld.
NOTE: Service tag is the alphanumeric identier located at the back side of your computer.
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Removing the right power-adapter 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 battery.
3 Remove the memory modules.
4 Remove the wireless card.
5 Remove the solid-state drive.
6 Remove the rear-I/O cover.
7 Remove the computer base.
8 Remove the right power-adapter port.
9 Remove the graphics card.
10 Remove the processor.
11 Remove the system board.
Procedure
Disconnect the left power-adapter port cable from the system board.
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Replacing the right power-adapter 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
Connect the left power-adapter port cable to the system board.
Post-requisites
1 Replace the system board.
2 Replace the processor.
3 Replace the graphics card.
4 Replace the right power-adapter port.
5 Replace the computer base.
6 Replace the rear I/O cover
7 Replace the wireless card.
8 Replace the solid-state drive.
9 Replace the memory modules.
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Removing the keyboard
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 battery.
3 Remove the memory modules.
4 Remove the wireless card.
5 Remove the solid-state drive.
6 Follow the procedure from step 1 to step 4 in Removing the hard drive.
7 Remove the rear-I/O cover.
8 Remove the computer base.
9 Remove the heat-sink assembly.
10 Remove the right power-adapter port.
11 Remove the system board.
Procedure
1 Open the latch and disconnect the keyboard cable from the keyboard.
2 Remove the 15 screws (M2x3) that secure the keyboard bracket to the palm-rest assembly.
3 Remove the three screws (M2.5x2.5) that secure the keyboard bracket to the palm-rest assembly.
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4 Lift the keyboard bracket from the macro side and slide out of clips on the opposite side.
5 Open the latch and disconnect the macro-keys cable from the keyboard.
6 Open the latch and disconnect the macro-keys backlight cable from the keyboard.
7 Peel o the macro-keys cable and the macro-keys backlight cable from the keyboard.
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8 Lift the keyboard from bottom and slide out of the clips at top.
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Replacing the keyboard
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 Insert the tabs on the top side of the keyboard into the slots on the palm-rest assembly. Ensure that the openings at the
bottom of the keyboard t into the studs on the palm-rest assembly.
2 Adhere the macro-keys cable and the macro-keys backlight cable to the keyboard.
3 Connect the macro-keys backlight cable to the keyboard and close the latch to secure the cable.
4 Connect the macro-keys cable to the keyboard and close the latch to secure the cable.
5 Slide the keyboard bracket into the slots on the palm-rest assembly.
6 Replace the three screws (M2.5x2.5) that secure the keyboard bracket to the palm-rest assembly.
7 Replace the 15 screws (M2x3) that secure the keyboard bracket to the palm-rest assembly.
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8 Connect the keyboard cable to the keyboard and close the latch to secure the cable.
Post-requisites
1 Replace the system board.
2 Replace the right power-adapter port.
3 Replace the heat-sink assembly.
4 Replace the computer base.
5 Replace the rear I/O cover
6 Follow the procedure from step 4 to step 7 in Replacing the hard drive.
7 Replace the wireless card.
8 Replace the solid-state drive.
9 Replace the memory modules.
10 Replace the battery.
11 Replace the base cover.
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Removing the macro keys
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 battery.
3 Remove the memory modules.
4 Remove the wireless card.
5 Remove the solid-state drive.
6 Follow the procedure from step 1 to step 4 in Removing the hard drive.
7 Remove the rear-I/O cover.
8 Remove the computer base.
9 Remove the heat-sink assembly.
10 Remove the right power-adapter port.
11 Remove the system board.
12 Remove the keyboard.
Procedure
Lift the macro keys from bottom and slide out of slot on top.
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Replacing the macro keys
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
Insert the tabs on the top side of the macro keys into the slots on the palm-rest assembly. Ensure that the openings at the
bottom of the macro keys t into the studs on the palm-rest assembly.
Post-requisites
1 Replace the keyboard.
2 Replace the system board.
3 Replace the right power-adapter port.
4 Replace the heat-sink assembly.
5 Replace the computer base.
6 Replace the rear I/O cover
7 Follow the procedure from step 4 to step 7 in Replacing the hard drive.
8 Replace the wireless card.
9 Replace the solid-state drive.
10 Replace the memory modules.
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Removing the palm-rest assembly
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 battery.
3 Remove the memory modules.
4 Remove the wireless card.
5 Remove the solid-state drive.
6 Follow the procedure from step 1 to step 4 in Removing the hard drive.
7 Remove the audio daughter-board.
8 Remove the speakers.
9 Remove the coin-cell battery.
10 Remove the touchpad.
11 Remove the rear-I/O cover.
12 Remove the display assembly.
13 Remove the computer base.
14 Remove the heat-sink assembly.
15 Remove the right power-adapter port.
16 Remove the system board.
17 Remove the left power-adapter port.
18 Remove the keyboard.
19 Remove the macro keys.
Procedure
After performing the steps in the pre-requisites, we are left with the palm-rest assembly.
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Replacing the palm-rest assembly
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
Place the palm-rest assembly on a clean and at surface.
Post-requisites
1 Replace the macro keys.
2 Replace the keyboard.
3 Replace the left power-adapter port.
4 Replace the system board.
5 Replace the right power-adapter port.
6 Replace the heat-sink assembly.
7 Replace the computer base.
8 Replace the display assembly.
9 Replace the rear I/O cover
10 Replace the touchpad.
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11 Replace the coin-cell battery.
12 Replace the speakers.
13 Replace the coin-cell battery.
14 Follow the procedure from step 4 to step 7 in Replacing the hard drive.
15 Replace the wireless card.
16 Replace the solid-state drive.
17 Replace the memory modules.
18 Replace the battery.
19 Replace the base cover.
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Device drivers
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.
Intel Serial IO driver
In the Device Manager, check if the Intel Serial IO driver is installed.
Install the driver updates from www.dell.com/support.
Intel Trusted Execution Engine Interface
In the Device Manager, check if the Intel Trusted Execution Engine Interface driver is installed.
Install the driver update from www.dell.com/support.
Intel Virtual Button driver
In the Device Manager, check if the Intel Virtual Button driver is installed.
Install the driver updates from www.dell.com/support.
Wireless and Bluetooth drivers
In the Device Manager, check if the network card driver is installed.
Install the driver updates from www.dell.com/support.
In the Device Manager, check if the Bluetooth driver is installed.
Install the driver updates from www.dell.com/support.
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System setup
NOTE: Depending on the computer and its installed devices, the items listed in this section may or may not be
displayed.
System setup
CAUTION: Unless you are an expert computer user, do not change the settings in the BIOS Setup program. Certain
changes can make your computer work incorrectly.
NOTE: Before you change BIOS Setup program, it is recommended that you write down the BIOS Setup program
screen information for future reference.
Use the BIOS Setup program for the following purposes:
• Get information about the hardware installed in your computer, such as the amount of RAM and the size of the hard drive.
• Change the system conguration information.
• Set or change a user-selectable option, such as the user password, type of hard drive installed, and enabling or disabling
base devices.
Entering BIOS setup program
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 is 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 desktop. Then, turn o your
computer and try again.
Navigation keys
NOTE: For most of the System Setup options, changes that you make are recorded but do not take eect until you
restart the system.
Keys Navigation
Up arrow Moves to the previous eld.
Down arrow Moves to the next eld.
Enter Selects a value in the selected eld (if applicable) or follow the link in the eld.
Spacebar Expands or collapses a drop-down list, if applicable.
Tab Moves to the next focus area.
NOTE: For the standard graphics browser only.
Esc Moves to the previous page until you view the main screen. Pressing Esc in the main screen displays a
message that prompts you to save any unsaved changes and restarts the system.
Boot Sequence
Boot Sequence allows you to bypass the System Setup–dened boot device order and boot directly to a specic device (for
example: optical drive or hard drive). During the Power-on Self Test (POST), when the Dell logo appears, you can:
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• Access System Setup by pressing F2 key
• Bring up the one-time boot menu by pressing F12 key
The one-time boot menu displays the devices that you can boot from including the diagnostic option. The boot menu options
are:
• Removable Drive (if available)
• STXXXX Drive
NOTE: XXX denotes the SATA drive number.
• Optical Drive (if available)
• SATA Hard Drive (if available)
• Diagnostics
NOTE: Choosing Diagnostics, will display the ePSA diagnostics screen.
The boot sequence screen also displays the option to access the System Setup screen.
System setup options
NOTE: Depending on this computer and its installed devices, the items listed in this section may or may not appear.
Table 3. System setup options—System information menu
General-System Information
System Information
BIOS Version Displays the BIOS version number.
Service Tag Displays the Service Tag of the computer.
Asset Tag Displays the Asset Tag of the computer.
Ownership Tag Displays the ownership tag of the computer.
Manufacture Date Displays the manufacture date of the computer.
Ownership Date Displays the ownership date of the computer.
Express Service Code Displays the express service code of the computer.
Memory Information
Memory Installed Displays the total computer memory installed.
Memory Available Displays the total computer memory available.
Memory Speed Displays the memory speed.
Memory Channel Mode Displays single or dual channel mode.
Memory Technology Displays the technology used for the memory.
DIMM A Size Displays the DIMM A memory size.
DIMM B Size Displays the DIMM B memory size.
Processor Information
Processor Type Displays the processor type.
Core Count Displays the number of cores on the processor.
Processor ID Displays the processor identication code.
Current Clock Speed Displays the current processor clock speed.
Minimum Clock Speed Displays the minimum processor clock speed.
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General-System Information
Maximum Clock Speed Displays the maximum processor clock speed.
Processor L2 Cache Displays the processor L2 Cache size.
Processor L3 Cache Displays the processor L3 Cache size.
HT Capable Displays whether the processor is HyperThreading (HT) capable.
64-Bit Technology Displays whether 64-bit technology is used.
Device Information
SATA-0 Displays the M.2 SATA SSD-0 device information of the computer.
SATA-1 Displays the M.2 SATA SSD-1 device information of the computer.
M.2 PCIe SSD-0 Displays the M.2 PCIe SSD-0 device information of the computer.
M.2 PCIe SSD-1 Displays the M.2 PCIe SSD-1 device information of the computer.
Video Controller Displays the video controller type of the computer.
dGPU Video Controller Displays the discrete graphics information of the computer.
Video BIOS Version Displays the video BIOS version of the computer.
Video Memory Displays the video memory information of the computer.
Panel Type Displays the Panel Type of the computer.
Native Resolution Displays the native resolution of the computer.
Audio Controller Displays the audio controller information of the computer.
Wi-Fi Device Displays the wireless device information of the computer.
Bluetooth Device Displays the bluetooth device information of the computer.
Battery Information Displays the battery health information.
Boot Sequence
Boot Sequence Displays the boot sequence.
Boot List Option Displays the available boot options.
Advanced Boot Options
Enable Legacy Option ROMs Enable or disable the Legacy Option ROMs.
Enable UEFI Network Stack Enable or disable the UEFI Network Stack.
Enable Attempt Legacy Boot Enable or disable Legacy Boot.
UEFI Boot Path Security Enable or disable the system to prompt the user to enter the Admin password
when booting a UEFI boot path from the F12 boot menu.
Date/Time Displays the current date in MM/DD/YY format and current time in
HH:MM:SS AM/PM format.
Table 4. System setup options—System Conguration menu
System Conguration
SATA Operation Congure operating mode of the integrated SATA hard drive controller.
Drives Enable or disable various drives on board.
SMART Reporting Enable or disable SMART Reporting during system startup.
USB Conguration
Enable Boot Support Enable or disable booting from USB mass storage devices such as external
hard drive, optical drive, and USB drive.
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System Conguration
Enable External USB Port Enable or disable booting from USB mass storage devices connected to
external USB port.
Audio Enable or disable the integrated audio controller.
Keyboard Illumination Enables you to choose the operating mode of the keyboard illumination
feature.
Keyboard Backlight Timeout on AC When the backlight is enabled, this feature denes the timeout value for the
keyboard backlight when an AC adapter is plugged into the computer.
Keyboard Backlight Timeout on Battery When the backlight is enabled, this feature denes the timeout value for the
keyboard backlight when the computer is running only on battery power.
Miscellaneous Devices Enable or disable various onboard devices.
Table 5. System setup options—Video menu
Video
LCD Brightness Set the panel brightness independently for Battery and AC power.
Dynamic Backlight Control Enable or disable the dynamic backlight control.
Table 6. System setup options—Security menu
Security
Admin Password Set, change, or delete the administrator password.
System Password Set, change, or delete the system password.
Internal HDD-0 Password Set, change, or delete the internal hard-disk drive password.
Strong Password Enable or disable strong passwords.
Password Conguration Control the minimum and maximum number of characters allowed for Admin
and System passwords.
Password Bypass Bypass the System (Boot) Password and the internal HDD password prompts
during a system restart.
Password Change Enable or disable changes to the System and Hard Disk passwords when an
administrator password is set.
Non-Admin Setup Changes Determines whether changes to the setup option are permitted when an
administrator password is set.
UEFI Capsule Firmware Updates Enable or disable BIOS updates through UEFI capsule update packages.
PTT Security Enable or disable Platform Trust Technology (PTT) visibility to the operating
system.
Computrace(R) Enable or disable the BIOS module interface of the optional Computrace(R)
Service from Absolute Software.
Admin Setup Lockout Enable to prevent users from entering Setup when an Admin Password is set.
Master Password Lockout Disables the master password support. Hard Disk passwords need to be
cleared before changing the setting.
SMM Security Mitigation Enable or disable the SMM Security Mitigation.
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Table 7. System setup options—Secure Boot menu
Secure Boot
Secure Boot Enable Enable or disable the secure boot feature.
Secure Boot Mode Modies the behavior of Secure Boot to allow evaluation or enforcement of
UEFI driver signatures.
Expert Key Management
Expert Key Management Enable or disable Expert Key Management.
Custom Mode Key Management Select the custom values for expert key management.
Table 8. System setup options—Intel Software Guard Extensions menu
Intel Software Guard Extensions
Intel SGX Enable Enable or disable Intel Software Guard Extensions.
Enclave Memory Size Set the Intel Software Guard Extensions Enclave Reserve Memory Size.
Performance
Multi Core Support Enable multiple cores.
Default: Enabled.
Intel SpeedStep Enable or disable Intel Speedstep Technology.
Default: Enabled.
NOTE: If enabled, the processor clock speed and core voltage are
adjusted dynamically based on the processor load.
C-States Control Enable or disable additional processor sleep states.
Default: Enabled.
Intel TurboBoost Enable or disable Intel TurboBoost mode of the processor.
Default: Enabled.
HyperThread control Enable or disable HyperThreading in the processor.
Default: Enabled.
Power Management
AC Behavior Enables the system to turn on automatically, when AC power is supplied.
Enable Intel Speed Shift Technology Enable or disable Intel Speed Shift Technology.
Auto On Time Enable to set the computer to turn on automatically every day or on a
preselected date and time. This option can be congured only if the Auto On
Time is set to Everyday, Weekdays or Selected Days.
Default: Disabled.
USB Wake Support Enable the USB devices to wake the computer from Standby.
Block Sleep Enable or disable Block Sleep.
Advanced Battery Charge Conguration Enable Advanced Battery Charge Conguration from the beginning of the
day to a specied work period.
Primary Battery Charge Conguration Set the primary battery charge settings with a preselected custom charge start
and stop.
Default: Adaptive.
POST Behavior
Adapter Warnings Enable adapter warnings.
Default: Enabled.
Numlock Enable Enables the NumLock funcltion when computer boots.
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Intel Software Guard Extensions
Fn Lock Options Enable or disable the Fn lock mode.
Fastboot Enable to set the speed of the boot process.
Default: Thorough.
Extend BIOS POST Time Congure additional pre-boot delay.
Full Screen Logo Enable or disable to display full screen logo.
Warnings and Errors Sets the boot process to pause when Warnings or Errors are detected.
Table 9. System setup options—Virtualization Support menu
Virtualization Support
Virtualization Specify whether a Virtual Machine Monitor (VMM) can utilize the additional
hardware capabilities provided by Intel Virtualization Technology.
VT for Direct I/O Specify whether a Virtual Machine Monitor (VMM) can utilize the additional
hardware capabilities provided by Intel Virtualization Technology for Direct
I/O.
Table 10. System setup options—Wireless menu
Wireless
Wireless Switch Determine which wireless devices can be controlled by the Wireless Switch.
Wireless Device Enable Enable or disable internal wireless devices.
Table 11. System setup options—Maintenance menu
Maintenance
Service Tag Display the system’s Service Tag.
Asset Tag Create a system Asset Tag.
BIOS Downgrade Control ashing of the system rmware to previous revisions.
Data Wipe Enable to securely erase data from all internal storage devices.
BIOS Recovery Enable the user to recover from certain corrupted BIOS conditions from a
recovery le on the user primary hard drive or an external USB key.
First Power On Date Disable the First Power On Date
Table 12. System setup options—System Logs menu
System Logs
BIOS Events Display BIOS events.
Thermal Events Display Thermal events.
Power Events Display Power events.
Table 13. System setup options—SupportAssist System Resolution menu
SupportAssist System Resolution
Auto OS Recovery Threshold Control the automatic boot ow for SupportAssist System Resolution Console
and for Dell OS Recovery tool.
SupportAssist OS Recovery Enable or disable the boot ow for SupportAssist OS Recovery tool in the
even of certain system errors.
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Clearing CMOS settings
CAUTION: Clearing CMOS settings will reset the BIOS settings on your computer.
1 Remove the base cover.
2 Disconnect the battery cable from the system board.
3 Remove the coin-cell battery.
4 Wait for one minute.
5 Replace the coin-cell battery.
6 Connect the battery cable to the system board.
7 Replace the base cover.
Clearing BIOS (System Setup) and System passwords
To clear the system or BIOS passwords, contact Dell technical support as described at www.dell.com/contactdell.
NOTE: For information on how to reset Windows or application passwords, refer to the documentation
accompanying Windows or your application.
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Troubleshooting
Flashing the BIOS
You may need to ash (update) the BIOS when an update is available or when you replace the system board.
Follow these steps to ash the BIOS:
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 Select the operating system installed on your computer.
6 Scroll down the page and expand BIOS.
7 Click Download to download the latest version of the BIOS for your computer.
8 After the download is complete, navigate to the folder where you saved the BIOS update le.
9 Double-click the BIOS update le icon and follow the instructions on the screen.
Flashing BIOS (USB key)
1 Follow the procedure from step 1 to step 7 in "Flashing the BIOS" to download the latest BIOS setup program le.
2 Create a bootable USB drive. For more information see the knowledge base article SLN143196 at www.dell.com/support.
3 Copy the BIOS setup program le to the bootable USB drive.
4 Connect the bootable USB drive to the computer that needs the BIOS update.
5 Restart the computer and press F12 when the Dell logo is displayed on the screen.
6 Boot to the USB drive from the One Time Boot Menu.
7 Type the BIOS setup program lename and press Enter.
8 The BIOS Update Utility appears. Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the BIOS update.
Enhanced Pre-Boot System Assessment (ePSA) diagnostics
CAUTION: Use the ePSA diagnostics to test only your computer. Using this program with other computers may
cause invalid results or error messages.
The ePSA diagnostics (also known as system diagnostics) performs a complete check of your hardware. The ePSA is embedded
with the BIOS and is launched by the BIOS internally. The embedded system diagnostics provides a set of options for particular
devices or device groups allowing you to:
• Run tests automatically or in an interactive mode
• Repeat tests
• Display or save test results
• Run thorough tests to introduce additional test options to provide extra information about the failed device(s)
• View status messages that inform you if tests are completed successfully
• View error messages that inform you of problems encountered during testing
NOTE: Some tests for specic devices require user interaction. Always ensure that you are present at the computer
terminal when the diagnostic tests are performed.
For more information, see Dell EPSA Diagnostic 3.0.
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Running the ePSA diagnostics
1 Turn on your computer.
2 As the computer boots, press the F12 key as the Dell logo appears.
3 On the boot menu screen, select the Diagnostics option.
4 Click the arrow at the bottom left corner.
Diagnostics front page is displayed.
5 Click the arrow in the lower-right corner to go to the page listing.
The items detected are listed.
6 To run a diagnostic test on a specic device, press Esc and click Yes to stop the diagnostic test.
7 Select the device from the left pane and click Run Tests.
8 If there are any issues, error codes are displayed.
Note the error code and validation number and contact Dell.
System diagnostic lights
Power and battery-status light/hard-drive activity light
Indicates the battery-charge status or the hard-drive activity.
NOTE: Press Fn+H to toggle this light between power and battery-status light and hard-drive activity light.
Hard-drive activity light
Turns on when the computer reads from or writes to the hard drive.
NOTE: Hard-drive activity light is supported only on computers shipped with hard drive.
Power and battery-status light
Indicates the power and battery-charge status
Solid white — Power adapter is connected and the battery has more than 5 percent charge.
Amber — Computer is running on battery and the battery has less than 5 percent charge.
O
• Power adapter is connected and the battery is fully charged.
• Computer is running on battery and the battery has more than 5 percent charge.
• Computer is in sleep state, hibernation, or turned o
NOTE: Hard-drive activity light is supported only on computers shipped with hard drive.
The power and battery-status light blinks amber along with beep codes indicating failures.
For example, the power and battery-status light blinks amber two times followed by a pause, and then blinks white three times
followed by a pause. This 2,3 pattern continues until the computer is turned o indicating no memory or RAM is detected.
The following table shows dierent light patterns and describes what they indicate.
Table 14. Diagnostics
Light pattern Problem description
2,1 CPU failure
2,2 System board: BIOS and ROM failure
2,3 No memory or RAM detected
2,4 Memory or RAM failure
2,5 Invalid memory installed
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Light pattern Problem description
2,6 System board or chipset error
2,7 LCD failure
3,1 CMOS battery failure
3,2 PCI or video card or chip failure
3,3 Recovery image not found
3,4 Recovery image found but invalid
3,5 Power rail failure
3,6 SBIOS ash corruption
3,7 Timeout waiting on ME to reply to HECI message
Camera status light: Indicates whether the camera is in use.
• Solid white — Camera is in use.
•O — Camera is not in use.
Caps Lock status light: Indicates whether Caps Lock is enabled or disabled.
• Solid white — Caps Lock enabled.
•O — Caps Lock disabled.
Enabling Intel Optane memory
1 On the taskbar, click the search box, and then type Intel Rapid Storage Technology.
2 Click Intel Rapid Storage Technology.
The Intel Rapid Storage Technology window is displayed.
3 On the Status tab, click Enable to enable the Intel Optane memory.
4 On the warning screen, select a compatible fast drive, and then click Yes to continue enabling Intel Optane memory.
5 Click Intel Optane memory → Reboot to complete enabling your Intel Optane memory.
NOTE: Applications may take up to three subsequent launches after enablement to see the full performance
benets.
Disabling Intel Optane memory
CAUTION: After disabling Intel Optane memory, do not uninstall the driver for Intel Rapid Storage Technology as it
will result in a blue screen error. The Intel Rapid Storage Technology user interface can be removed without
uninstalling the driver.
NOTE: Disabling Intel Optane memory is required before removing the SATA storage device accelerated by the Intel
Optane memory module from the computer.
1 On the taskbar, click the search box, and then type Intel Rapid Storage Technology.
2 Click Intel Rapid Storage Technology.
The Intel Rapid Storage Technology window is displayed.
3 On the Intel Optane memory tab, click Disable to disable the Intel Optane memory.
NOTE: For computers in which Intel Optane memory acts as a primary storage, do not disable the Intel Optane
memory. The Disable option will be grayed out.
4 Click Yes if you accept the warning.
The disabling progress is displayed.
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5 Click Reboot to complete disabling your Intel Optane memory and restart your computer.
WiFi power cycle
If your computer is unable to access the internet due to WiFi connectivity issues a WiFi power cycle procedure may be
performed. The following procedure provides the instructions on how to conduct a WiFi power cycle:
NOTE: Some ISPs (Internet Service Providers) provide a modem/router combo device.
1 Turn o your computer.
2 Turn o the modem.
3 Turn o the wireless router.
4 Wait for 30 seconds.
5 Turn on the wireless router.
6 Turn on the modem.
7 Turn on your computer.
Flea power release
Flea power is the residual static electricity that remains on the computer even after it has been powered o and the battery has
been removed. The following procedure provides the instructions on how to conduct ea power release:
1 Turn o your computer.
2 Disconnect the power adapter from your computer.
3 Press and hold the power button for 15 seconds to drain the ea power.
4 Connect the power adapter to your computer.
5 Turn on your computer.
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