Alienware m15 R6 User Manual

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Alienware m15 R6 Manual

Alienware m15 R6

Service Manual

Regulatory Model: P109F

Regulatory Type: P109F001/P109F004

April 2021

Rev. A00

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.

trademarks may be trademarks of their respective owners.

Contents

Chapter 1: Working inside your computer..............................................................................................6

Before working inside your computer.................................................................................................................................6

Safety instructions.................................................................................................................................................................6

Electrostatic discharge—ESD protection............................................................................................................................7

ESD field service kit .............................................................................................................................................................7

Transporting sensitive components......................................................................................................................................8

After working inside your computer....................................................................................................................................8

Chapter 2: Removing and installing components....................................................................................9

Recommended tools.............................................................................................................................................................9

Screw list............................................................................................................................................................................... 9

Major components of Alienware m15 R6 ......................................................................................................................... 10

Base cover........................................................................................................................................................................... 12

Removing the base cover.............................................................................................................................................. 12

Installing the base cover................................................................................................................................................15

Battery................................................................................................................................................................................. 18

Battery cable..................................................................................................................................................................18

Removing the battery...................................................................................................................................................20

Installing the battery......................................................................................................................................................21

Battery cable...................................................................................................................................................................... 22

Lithium-ion battery precautions...................................................................................................................................22

Removing the battery cable......................................................................................................................................... 23

Installing the battery cable........................................................................................................................................... 23

Solid-state drive................................................................................................................................................................. 24

Removing the 2230 solid-state drive in SSD slot one................................................................................................ 24

Installing the 2230 solid-state drive in SSD slot one..................................................................................................25

Removing the 2280 solid-state drive in SSD slot one................................................................................................ 26

Installing the 2280 solid-state drive in SSD slot one.................................................................................................. 27

Removing the 2230 solid-state drive in SSD slot two................................................................................................ 28

Installing the 2230 solid-state drive in SSD slot two..................................................................................................29

Removing the 2280 solid-state drive in SSD slot two................................................................................................ 30

Installing the 2280 solid-state drive in SSD slot two...................................................................................................31

Procedure to move the screw mount in SSD slot one................................................................................................. 32

Procedure to move the screw mount in SSD slot two................................................................................................. 33

Speakers..............................................................................................................................................................................34

Removing the speakers.................................................................................................................................................34

Installing the speakers...................................................................................................................................................35

I/O board........................................................................................................................................................................... 36

Removing the I/O board..............................................................................................................................................36

Installing the I/O board................................................................................................................................................37

Memory module..................................................................................................................................................................38

Removing the memory module.....................................................................................................................................38

Installing the memory module...................................................................................................................................... 39

Wireless card.......................................................................................................................................................................41

Removing the wireless card...........................................................................................................................................41

Installing the wireless card............................................................................................................................................42

Rear-I/O cover...................................................................................................................................................................43

Removing the rear I/O-cover...................................................................................................................................... 43

Installing the rear I/O-cover........................................................................................................................................ 44

Touchpad............................................................................................................................................................................45

Removing the touchpad............................................................................................................................................... 45

Installing the touchpad................................................................................................................................................. 47

Power-adapter port........................................................................................................................................................... 48

Removing the power-adapter port..............................................................................................................................48

Installing the power-adapter port............................................................................................................................... 49

Display assembly................................................................................................................................................................ 50

Removing the display assembly................................................................................................................................... 50

Installing the display assembly......................................................................................................................................53

Keyboard-controller board............................................................................................................................................... 56

Removing the keyboard-controller board.................................................................................................................. 56

Installing the keyboard-controller board.................................................................................................................... 56

System board...................................................................................................................................................................... 57

Removing the system board......................................................................................................................................... 57

Installing the system board............................................................................................................................................61

Heat-sink assembly............................................................................................................................................................ 65

Removing the heat-sink assembly................................................................................................................................65

Installing the heat-sink assembly..................................................................................................................................66

USB board.......................................................................................................................................................................... 68

Removing the USB board.............................................................................................................................................68

Installing the USB board...............................................................................................................................................69

Power button......................................................................................................................................................................70

Removing the power button........................................................................................................................................ 70

Installing the power button........................................................................................................................................... 71

Palm-rest and keyboard assembly..................................................................................................................................... 72

Removing the palm-rest and keyboard assembly........................................................................................................72

Installing the palm-rest and keyboard assembly..........................................................................................................73

Chapter 3: Drivers and downloads........................................................................................................ 74

Chapter 4: System setup........................................................................................................................75

BIOS overview....................................................................................................................................................................75

Entering BIOS setup program........................................................................................................................................... 75

Navigation keys..................................................................................................................................................................75

Boot Sequence................................................................................................................................................................... 75

System setup options..........................................................................................................................................................76

System and setup password............................................................................................................................................... 86

Assigning a system setup password..............................................................................................................................86

Deleting or changing an existing system setup password...........................................................................................87

Clearing CMOS settings............................................................................................................................................... 87

Clearing BIOS (System Setup) and System passwords................................................................................................87

Chapter 5: Troubleshooting...................................................................................................................89

System-diagnostic lights.................................................................................................................................................... 89

Flashing BIOS (USB key)...................................................................................................................................................90

Flashing the BIOS.............................................................................................................................................................. 90

Backup media and recovery options.................................................................................................................................90

WiFi power cycle................................................................................................................................................................ 91

Drain residual flea power (perform hard reset).................................................................................................................91

Chapter 6: Getting help and contacting Alienware............................................................................. 92

Working inside your computer

Before working inside your computer

About this task

NOTE: The images in this document may differ from your computer depending on the configuration you ordered.

Steps

1. Save and close all open files and exit all open applications.

2. Shut down your computer. Click Start > Power > Shut down.

NOTE: If you are using a different operating system, see the documentation of your operating system for shut-down

instructions.

3. Disconnect your computer and all attached devices from their electrical outlets.

4. Disconnect all attached network devices and peripherals, such as keyboard, mouse, and monitor from your computer.

CAUTION: To disconnect a network cable, first unplug the cable from your computer and then unplug the cable from

the network device.

5. Remove any media card and optical disc from your computer, if applicable.

Safety instructions

Use the following safety guidelines to protect your computer from potential damage and to ensure your personal safety. Unless

otherwise noted, each procedure included in this document assumes that you have read the safety information that shipped with your

computer.

WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that is shipped with your computer. For

more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.

WARNING: Disconnect your computer from all power sources before opening the computer cover or panels. After you

finish working inside the computer, replace all covers, panels, and screws before connecting your computer to an electrical

outlet.

CAUTION: To avoid damaging the computer, ensure that the work surface is flat, dry, and clean.

CAUTION: To avoid damaging the components and cards, handle them by their edges, and avoid touching the pins and the

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 is 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 it by its connector or its pull tab, not the cable itself. Some cables have

connectors with locking tabs or thumbscrews that you must disengage before disconnecting the cable. When disconnecting

cables, keep them evenly aligned to avoid bending the connector pins. When connecting cables, ensure that the ports and

the connectors are correctly oriented and aligned.

CAUTION: Press and eject any installed card from the media-card reader.

NOTE: The color of your computer and certain components may appear differently than shown in this document.

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 difficult 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 floor pads and workbench pads.

●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 field 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 field service kit

The components of an ESD field 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 office to find 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 different 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 office desks or cubicles. Always look for a large open

flat 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 field 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.

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.

After working inside your computer

About this task

CAUTION: Leaving stray or loose screws inside your computer may severely damage your computer.

Steps

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.

Removing and installing components

NOTE: The images in this document may differ from your computer depending on the configuration you ordered.

Recommended tools

The procedures in this document may require the following tools:

●Phillips screwdriver #0

●Plastic scribe

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 surfaces when replacing a

component.

NOTE: Screw color may vary with the configuration ordered.

Table 1. Screw list

Component Screw type Quantity Screw image

Base cover M2.5x1.7 (captive screw) 4

Base cover M2.5x8.5 (captive screw) 2

Base cover M2.5x5 2

Solid-state drive in SSD Slot one M2x4 2

Solid-state drive in SSD Slot two M2x4 2

I/O board M2x4 1

I/O board M2x2 1

Wireless-card bracket M2x4 1

Display hinges M2.5x5 6

Battery M2x4 4

Table 1. Screw list (continued)

Component Screw type Quantity Screw image

Battery M2x3 4

Touchpad bracket M2.5x2.5 2

Touchpad M2x2 2

Keyboard-controller board M2x2 1

Rear I/O cover M2x4 2

Rear I/O cover M2.5x5 2

Power-adapter port-bracket M2x4 2

System board M2x4 9

Heat-sink assembly M2x4 6

USB board M2x4 2

Power button M2x2 3

Major components of Alienware m15 R6

The following image shows the major components of Alienware m15 R6 .

1. Base cover

2. 2280 solid-state drive thermal shield

3. 2280 solid-state drive

4. 2230 solid-state drive thermal shield

5. 2230 solid-state drive

6. Left fan

7. Heat sink

8. I/O board

9. Battery

10.Left speaker

11. Palm-rest and keyboard assembly

12. Display assembly

13. Touchpad

14. Touchpad bracket

15.Keyboard controller board

16.Right speaker

17. Rear I/O cover

18.USB board

19.Power button

20.Power-button bracket

21. Right fan

22.Memory modules

23.Wireless card

24.Wireless card bracket

25.System board

26.USB Type-C port bracket

NOTE: Dell provides a list of components and their part numbers for the original system configuration purchased. These parts

are available according to warranty coverages purchased by the customer. Contact your Dell sales representative for purchase

options.

Base cover

Removing the base cover

Prerequisites

1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer.

About this task

The following images indicate the location of the base cover and provide a visual representation of the removal procedure.

Steps

1. Remove the two screws (M2.5x5) that secure the base cover to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.

2. Loosen the two captive screws (M2.5x8.5+3.5) that secure the base cover to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.

3. Loosen the four captive screws (M2.5x1.7+3.3) that secure the base cover to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.

NOTE: Loosening the four screws creates a gap, which can be used to pry and lift the base cover off the palm-rest and

keyboard assembly.

4. Using your fingertips, pry open the base cover from the middle of the front edge of base cover, and then pry the left and right

sides of the base cover.

5. Lift the base cover off the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.

NOTE: The following steps are applicable only if you want to further remove any other component from your computer.

6. Disconnect the battery cable from the system board.

7. Turn your computer over and press the power button for 20 seconds to drain the flea power.

Installing the base cover

Prerequisites

If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure.

About this task

The following images indicate the location of the base cover and provide a visual representation of the installation procedure.

Steps

1. Connect the battery cable to the system board.

2. Slide the notches on the top of the base cover under the rear I/O-cover, and snap the base cover into place on the palm-rest and

keyboard assembly.

3. Replace the two screws (M2.5x5) that secure the base cover to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.

4. Tighten the two captive screws (M2.5x8.5+3.5) that secure the base cover to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.

5. Tighten the four captive screws (M2.5x1.7+3.3) that secure the base cover to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.

Next steps

1. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer.

Battery

Battery cable

Lithium-ion battery precautions

CAUTION:

●Exercise caution when handling Lithium-ion batteries.

●Discharge the battery completely before removing it. Disconnect the AC power adapter from the system and operate

the computer solely on battery power—the battery is fully discharged when the computer no longer turns on when the

power button is pressed.

●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.

●Ensure any screws during the servicing of this product are not lost or misplaced, to prevent accidental puncture or

damage to the battery and other system components.

●If the battery gets stuck inside your computer as a result of swelling, do not try to release it as puncturing, bending, or

crushing a lithium-ion battery can be dangerous. In such an instance, contact Dell technical support for assistance. See

www.dell.com/contactdell.

●Always purchase genuine batteries from www.dell.com or authorized Dell partners and resellers.

Removing the battery cable

Prerequisites

1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer.

2. Remove the base cover.

3. Remove the battery.

NOTE: If battery is disconnected from system board for service, then there is a delay during system boot as the computer

undergoes RTC battery reset.

About this task

The following images indicate the location of the battery cable and provide a visual representation of the removal procedure.

Steps

1. Flip the battery and remove the battery cable from the routing guides on the battery.

2. Disconnect the battery cable from the connector on the battery.

3. Lift the battery cable off the battery.

Installing the battery cable

Prerequisites

If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure.

About this task

The following image indicates the location of the battery cable and provides a visual representation of the installation procedure.

Steps

1. Align and place the battery cable on the battery.

2. Route the battery cable through the routing guides on the battery.

3. Connect the battery cable to the connector on the battery.

Next steps

1. Install the battery.

2. Install the base cover.

3. Follow the procedure in After working on your computer.

Removing the battery

Prerequisites

1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer.

2. Remove the base cover.

About this task

The following image indicates the location of the battery and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure.

Steps

1. Disconnect the battery cable from the system board (applicable only if not disconnected earlier).

NOTE: After removing the battery, store the battery cable safely. The replacement battery will not be shipped with the

battery cable. If you want to replace the battery cable, it has to be purchased separately.

2. Remove the four screws (M2x4) that secure the battery to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.

3. Remove the four screws (M2x3) that secure the battery to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.

4. Lift the battery off the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.

Installing the battery

Prerequisites

If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure.

About this task

The following image indicates the location of the battery and provides a visual representation of the installation procedure.

Steps

1. Using the alignment posts, place the battery on the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.

2. Align the screw holes on the battery with the screw holes on the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.

3. Replace the four screws (M2x4) that secure the battery to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.

4. Replace the four screws (M2x3) that secure the battery to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.

5. Connect the battery cable to the system board.

NOTE: If you are replacing your old battery with the new battery, use the battery cable that came with the old battery. If you

want to replace the battery cable, it has to be purchased separately.

Next steps

1. Install the base cover.

2. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer.

Battery cable

Lithium-ion battery precautions

CAUTION:

●Exercise caution when handling Lithium-ion batteries.

●Discharge the battery completely before removing it. Disconnect the AC power adapter from the system and operate

the computer solely on battery power—the battery is fully discharged when the computer no longer turns on when the

power button is pressed.

●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.

●Ensure any screws during the servicing of this product are not lost or misplaced, to prevent accidental puncture or

damage to the battery and other system components.

●If the battery gets stuck inside your computer as a result of swelling, do not try to release it as puncturing, bending, or

crushing a lithium-ion battery can be dangerous. In such an instance, contact Dell technical support for assistance. See

www.dell.com/contactdell.

●Always purchase genuine batteries from www.dell.com or authorized Dell partners and resellers.

Removing the battery cable

Prerequisites

1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer.

2. Remove the base cover.

3. Remove the battery.

NOTE: If battery is disconnected from system board for service, then there is a delay during system boot as the computer

undergoes RTC battery reset.

About this task

The following images indicate the location of the battery cable and provide a visual representation of the removal procedure.

Steps

1. Flip the battery and remove the battery cable from the routing guides on the battery.

2. Disconnect the battery cable from the connector on the battery.

3. Lift the battery cable off the battery.

Installing the battery cable

Prerequisites

If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure.

About this task

The following image indicates the location of the battery cable and provides a visual representation of the installation procedure.

Steps

1. Align and place the battery cable on the battery.

2. Route the battery cable through the routing guides on the battery.

3. Connect the battery cable to the connector on the battery.

Next steps

1. Install the battery.

2. Install the base cover.

3. Follow the procedure in After working on your computer.

Solid-state drive

Removing the 2230 solid-state drive in SSD slot one

Prerequisites

1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer.

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.

2. Remove the base cover.

About this task

NOTE: This procedure applies only to computers shipped with a 2230 solid-state drive installed in SSD slot one.

The following image indicates the location of the 2230 solid-state drive that is installed in SSD slot one and provides a visual

representation of the removal procedure.

Steps

1. Remove the two screws (M2x4) that secure the thermal shield to the solid-state drive and the system board.

2. Lift the thermal shield off the solid-state drive.

3. Slide and lift the solid-state drive off the solid-state drive slot on the system board.

Installing the 2230 solid-state drive in SSD slot one

Prerequisites

If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure.

About this task

NOTE: This procedure applies only to computers shipped with a 2230 solid-state drive installed in SSD slot one.

NOTE: Depending on the configuration ordered, your computer may support either 2230 solid-state drive or 2280 solid-state

drive in SSD slot one.

If you want to replace your 2230 solid-state drive with a 2280 solid-state drive, see procedure to move the screw mount.

The following image indicates the location of the 2230 solid-state drive that is installed in SSD slot one and provides a visual

representation of the installation procedure.

Steps

1. Align the notch on the solid-state drive with the tab on the solid-state drive slot.

2. Slide the solid-state drive into the solid-state drive slot.

3. Place the thermal shield on the solid-state drive.

4. Align the screw holes on the thermal shield with the screw holes on the solid-state drive and system board.

5. Replace the two screws (M2x4) that secure the thermal shield to the solid-state drive and the system board.

Next steps

1. Install the base cover.

2. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer.

Removing the 2280 solid-state drive in SSD slot one

Prerequisites

1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer.

2. 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.

3. Remove the base cover.

About this task

NOTE: This procedure applies only to computers shipped with a 2280 solid-state drive installed in SSD slot one.

The following image indicates the location of the 2280 solid-state drive that is installed in SSD slot one and provides a visual

representation of the removal procedure.

Steps

1. Remove the two screws (M2x4) that secure the thermal shield to the solid-state drive and the system board.

2. Lift the thermal shield off the solid-state drive.

3. Slide and lift the solid-state drive off the solid-state drive slot on the system board.

Installing the 2280 solid-state drive in SSD slot one

Prerequisites

If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure.

About this task

NOTE: This procedure applies only to computers shipped with a 2280 solid-state drive installed in SSD slot one.

NOTE: Depending on the configuration ordered, your computer may support either 2230 solid-state drive or 2280 solid-state

drive in SSD slot one.

If you want to replace your 2230 solid-state drive with a 2280 solid-state drive, see procedure to move the screw mount.

The following image indicates the location of the 2280 solid-state drive that is installed in SSD slot one and provides a visual

representation of the installation procedure.

Steps

1. Align the notch on the solid-state drive with the tab on the solid-state drive slot.

2. Slide the solid-state drive into the solid-state drive slot.

3. Place the thermal shield on the solid-state drive.

4. Align the screw holes on the thermal shield with the screw holes on the solid-state drive and system board.

5. Replace the two screws (M2x4) that secure the thermal shield to the solid-state drive and the system board.

Next steps

1. Install the base cover.

2. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer.

Removing the 2230 solid-state drive in SSD slot two

Prerequisites

1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer.

2. 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.

3. Remove the base cover.

About this task

NOTE: This procedure applies only to computers shipped with a 2230 solid-state drive installed in SSD slot two.

NOTE: Depending on the configuration ordered, your computer may support either 2230 solid-state drive or 2280 solid-state

drive in SSD slot two.

The following image indicates the location of the 2230 solid-state drive that is installed in SSD slot two and provides a visual

representation of the removal procedure.

Steps

1. Remove the two screws (M2x4) that secure the thermal shield to the solid-state drive and system board.

2. Lift the thermal shield off the solid-state drive.

3. Slide and lift the solid-state drive off the solid-state drive slot on the system board.

Installing the 2230 solid-state drive in SSD slot two

Prerequisites

If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure.

About this task

NOTE: This procedure applies only to computers shipped with a 2230 solid-state drive installed in SSD slot two.

NOTE: Depending on the configuration ordered, your computer may support either 2230 solid-state drive or 2280 solid-state

drive in SSD slot two.

If you want to replace your 2280 solid-state drive with a 2230 solid-state drive , see procedure to change the screw mount.

The following image indicates the location of the 2230 solid-state drive installed in SSD slot two and provides a visual representation

of the installation procedure.

Steps

1. Align the notch on the solid-state drive with the tab on the solid-state drive slot.

2. Slide the solid-state drive into the solid-state drive slot.

3. Place the thermal shield on the solid-state drive.

4. Align the screw holes on the thermal shield with the screw holes on the solid-state drive and system board.

5. Replace the two screws (M2x4) that secure the solid-state drive to the system board.

Next steps

1. Install the base cover.

2. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer.

Removing the 2280 solid-state drive in SSD slot two

Prerequisites

1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer.

2. 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.

3. Remove the base cover.

About this task

NOTE: This procedure applies only to computers shipped with a 2280 solid-state drive installed in SSD slot two.

NOTE: Depending on the configuration ordered, your computer may support either 2230 solid-state drive or 2280 solid-state

drive in SSD slot two.

The following image indicates the location of the 2280 solid-state drive that is installed in SSD slot two and provides a visual

representation of the removal procedure.

Steps

1. Remove the two screws (M2x4) that secure the thermal shield to the solid-state drive and system board.

2. Lift the thermal shield off the solid-state drive.

3. Slide and lift the solid-state drive off the solid-state drive slot on the system board.

Installing the 2280 solid-state drive in SSD slot two

Prerequisites

If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure.

About this task

NOTE: This procedure applies only to computers shipped with a 2280 solid-state drive installed in SSD slot two.

NOTE: Depending on the configuration ordered, your computer may support either 2230 solid-state drive or 2280 solid-state

drive in SSD slot two.

If you want to replace your 2280 solid-state drive with a 2230 solid-state drive, see procedure to change the screw mount.

The following image indicates the location of the 2280 solid-state drive installed in SSD slot two and provides a visual representation

of the installation procedure.

Steps

1. Align the notch on the solid-state drive with the tab on the solid-state drive slot.

2. Slide the solid-state drive into the solid-state drive slot.

3. Place the thermal shield on the solid-state drive.

4. Align the screw holes on the thermal shield with the screw holes on the solid-state drive and system board.

5. Replace the two screws (M2x4) that secure the solid-state drive to the system board.

Next steps

1. Install the base cover.

2. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer.

Procedure to move the screw mount in SSD slot one

About this task

This computer supports two solid-state drive form factors in SSD slot one:

●M.2 2230

●M.2 2280

If you are replacing the current solid-state drive in SSD slot one, with another solid-state drive that is of a different form factor, see

the following procedure to move the location of the screw mount in SSD slot one.

Steps

1. Slide to remove the screw mount from the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.

2. Slide the screw mount into the other screw mount slot on the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.

3. To install a 2230 solid-state drive in SSD slot one, see installing the 2230 solid-state drive in SSD slot one.

4. To install a 2280 solid-state drive in SSD slot one, see installing the 2280 solid-state drive in SSD slot one.

Procedure to move the screw mount in SSD slot two

About this task

This computer supports two solid-state drive form factors in SSD slot two:

●M.2 2230

●M.2 2280

If you are replacing the current solid-state drive in SSD slot two, with another solid-state drive that is of a different form factor, see

the following procedure to move the location of the screw mount in SSD slot two.

Steps

1. Slide to remove the screw mount from the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.

2. Slide the screw mount into the other screw mount slot on the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.

3. To install a 2230 solid-state drive in SSD slot two, see installing the 2230 solid-state drive in SSD slot two.

4. To install a 2280 solid-state drive in SSD slot two, see installing the 2280 solid-state drive in SSD slot two.

Speakers

Removing the speakers

Prerequisites

1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer.

2. Remove the base cover.

3. Remove the battery.

4. Remove the 2280 solid-state drive in SSD slot 2.

NOTE: This step is required if the device is shipped with a 2280 solid-state drive in SSD slot 2.

About this task

The following image indicates the location of the speakers and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure.

Steps

1. Disconnect the speaker cable from the system board.

2. Peel the tape that secures the speaker cable to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.

3. Peel the tape that secures the speaker cable to the touchpad bracket.

4. Note the speaker cable routing, and remove the speaker cable from the routing guides on the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.

5. Lift the speakers, along with the cables, off the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.

Installing the speakers

Prerequisites

If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure.

About this task

The following image indicates the location of the speakers and provides a visual representation of the installation procedure.

Steps

1. Using the alignment posts and rubber grommets, place the speakers in the slots on the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.

NOTE: If the rubber grommets are pushed out of the speakers when removing the speakers, push them back in place before

replacing the speakers.

2. Route the speaker cable through the routing guides on the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.

3. Adhere the tape that secures the speaker cable to the touchpad bracket.

4. Adhere the tapes that secure the speaker cable to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.

5. Connect the speaker cable to the system board.

Next steps

1. Install the 2280 solid-state drive 2 in SSD slot 2.

NOTE: This step is required if the device is shipped with a 2280 solid-state drive in SSD slot 2.

2. Install the battery.

3. Install the base cover.

4. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer.

I/O board

Removing the I/O board

Prerequisites

1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer.

2. Remove the base cover.

About this task

The following image indicates the location of the I/O board and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure.

Steps

1. Lift the system board Mylar and open the latch to disconnect the I/O-board cable from the system board.

2. Open the latch to disconnect the I/O-board cable from the I/O board.

3. Remove the screw (M2x4) that secures the I/O board to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.

NOTE: If the device is shipped with the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti discrete GPU controller, there are two screws (M2x4)

that secure the I/O board to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. Remove the two screws (M2x4) and see step 5.

4. Loosen the captive screw (M2x2) that secures the I/O board to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.

NOTE: If your device is shipped with the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti discrete GPU controller, skip this step and see step

5. Lift the I/O board off the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.

Installing the I/O board

Prerequisites

If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure.

About this task

The following image indicates the location of the I/O board and provides a visual representation of the installation procedure.

Steps

1. Peel back the system board Mylar.

2. Align and place the I/O board on the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.

3. Replace the screw (M2x4) that secures the I/O board to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.

NOTE: If the device is shipped with the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti discrete GPU controller, replace the two screws

(M2x4) that secure the I/O board to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. See step 5.

4. Tighten the captive screw (M2x2) that secures the I/O board to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.

NOTE: If the device is shipped with the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti discrete GPU controller, skip this step and see step 5.

5. Connect the I/O-board cable to the I/O board and close the latch to secure the cable.

6. Connect the I/O-board cable to the system board and close the latch to secure the cable.

7. Place the system board Mylar back on the system board.

Next steps

1. Install the base cover.

2. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer.

Memory module

Removing the memory module

Prerequisites

1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer.

2. Remove the base cover.

About this task

The following image indicates the location of the memory module and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure.

Steps

1. Lift the system board Mylar to access the memory module.

2. Use your fingertips to carefully spread apart the securing-clips on each end of the memory-module slot until the memory module

pops up.

3. Remove the memory module from the memory-module slot.

NOTE: Repeat step 1 and step 3 to remove the other memory module, if installed on your computer.

Installing the memory module

Prerequisites

If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure.

About this task

The following image indicates the location of the memory module and provides a visual representation of the installation procedure.

Steps

1. Lift the system board Mylar to access the memory-module slot.

2. Align the notch on the memory module with the tab on the memory-module slot.

3. Slide the memory module firmly into the slot at an angle.

4. 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.

NOTE: Repeat step 1 to step 4 to install the other memory module, if available on your computer.

Next steps

1. Install the base cover.

2. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer.

Wireless card

Removing the wireless card

Prerequisites

1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer.

2. Remove the base cover.

About this task

The following image indicates the location of the wireless card and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure.

Steps

1. Lift the system board Mylar to access the wireless card.

2. Remove the screw (M2x4) that secures the wireless-card bracket to the system board and palm-rest and keyboard assembly.

3. Lift the wireless-card bracket off the wireless card.

4. Disconnect the antenna cables from the wireless card.

5. Slide and remove the wireless card from the wireless-card slot.

Installing the wireless card

Prerequisites

If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure.

About this task

The following image indicates the location of the wireless card and provides a visual representation of the installation procedure.

Steps

1. Lift the system board Mylar to access the wireless-card slot.

2. 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 Silkscreen marking

Main White MAIN △ (white triangle)

Auxiliary Black AUX ▲ (black triangle)

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. Align and place the wireless-card bracket on the wireless card.

5. Replace the screw (M2x4) that secures the wireless-card bracket to the system board and palm-rest and keyboard assembly.

6. Secure the wireless-card cables to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly with the keyboard Mylar.

Next steps

1. Install the base cover.

2. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer.

Rear-I/O cover

Removing the rear I/O-cover

Prerequisites

1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer.

2. Remove the base cover.

About this task

The following image indicates the location of the rear I/O-cover and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure.

Steps

1. Remove the two screws (M2x4) that secure the rear I/O-cover to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.

2. Remove the two screws (M2.5x5) that secure the rear I/O-cover to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.

3. Disconnect the Tron light cable from the system board.

4. Firmly grasp the sides of your computer with both hands and push the rubber feet on the rear I/O-cover outwards with your

thumbs to release the rear I/O-cover from the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.

5. Slide the rear I/O-cover away from the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.

Installing the rear I/O-cover

Prerequisites

If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure.

About this task

The following image indicates the location of the rear I/O-cover and provides a visual representation of the installation procedure.

Steps

1. Slide the rear I/O-cover onto the palm-rest and keyboard assembly until it snaps into place.

2. Replace the two screws (M2x4) that secure the rear I/O-cover to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.

3. Connect the Tron light cable to the system board.

4. Replace the two screws (M2.5x5) that secure the rear I/O-cover to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.

Next steps

1. Install the base cover.

2. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer.

Touchpad

Removing the touchpad

Prerequisites

1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer.

2. Remove the base cover.

3. Remove the battery.

About this task

The following image indicates the location of the touchpad and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure.

Steps

1. Remove the speaker cable from the routing guides on the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.

2. Open the latch and disconnect the touchpad cable from the system board.

3. Open the latch and disconnect the touchpad cable from the touchpad.

4. Remove the two (M2.5x2.5) screws that secure the touchpad bracket to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.

5. Lift the touchpad bracket off the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.

NOTE: Install the touchpad bracket on the replacement palm-rest and keyboard assembly. The touchpad bracket is not

available on the replacement palm-rest and keyboard assembly.

6. Remove the two (M2x2) screws that secure the touchpad to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.

7. Lift the touchpad off the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.

NOTE: After removing the touchpad, if the replacement touchpad is not installed immediately, replace the touchpad bracket

to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.

Installing the touchpad

Prerequisites

If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure.

About this task

The following image indicates the location of the touchpad and provides a visual representation of the installation procedure.

Steps

1. Align and place the touchpad into the slot on the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.

2. Replace the two (M2x2) screws that secure the touchpad to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.

3. Connect the touchpad cable to the system board and close the latch to secure the cable.

4. Connect the touchpad cable to the touchpad and close the latch to secure the cable.

5. Align and place the touchpad bracket into the slot on the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.

6. Replace the two (M2.5x2.5) screws that secure the touchpad bracket to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.

7. Route the speaker cable through the routing guides on the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.

Next steps

1. Install the battery.

2. Install the base cover.

3. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer.

Power-adapter port

Removing the power-adapter port

Prerequisites

1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer.

2. Remove the base cover.

3. Remove the rear I/O-cover.

About this task

The following image indicates the location of the power-adapter port and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure.

Steps

1. Open the latch and disconnect the display cable from the system board.

2. Disconnect the Alienhead LED cable from the system board.

3. Peel the display cable from the system board and remove the display cable from the slot on the system board.

4. Lift the system board Mylar next to the left fan to access the power-adapter port.

5. Remove the two screws (M2x4) on the power-adapter port-bracket that secures the power-adapter port bracket to the system

board.

6. Lift the power-adapter port-bracket off the system board.

7. Disconnect the power-adapter port-cable from the system board.

8. Peel and lift the power-adapter port, along with its cable, off the system board.

Installing the power-adapter port

Prerequisites

If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure.

About this task

The following image indicates the location of the power-adapter port and provides a visual representation of the installation

procedure.

Steps

1. Lift the system board Mylar next to the left fan to access the power-adapter port slot.

2. Place the power-adapter port into the slot on the system board.

3. Connect the power-adapter port cable to the system board.

4. Adhere the power-adapter port cable on the system board.

5. Align the screw holes on the power-adapter port bracket to the screw holes on the system board.

6. Replace the two screws (M2x4) that secure the power-adapter port bracket to the system board.

7. Replace the system board Mylar back to the edge of the left fan.

8. Route the display cable through the opening between the power-adapter port and the heat-sink assembly.

9. Connect the display cable on the system board and close the latch to secure the cable.

10.Connect the Alienhead LED cable to the system board.

11. Adhere the display cable to the system board.

Next steps

1. Install the rear I/O-cover.

2. Install the base cover.

3. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer.

Display assembly

Removing the display assembly

Prerequisites

1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer.

2. Remove the base cover.

3. Remove the rear I/O-cover.

About this task

The following images indicate the location of the display assembly and provide a visual representation of the removal procedure.

Steps

1. Open the latch and disconnect the display cable from the system board.

2. Disconnect the Alienhead LED cable from the system board.

3. Disconnect the RGB-IR camera cable from the USB board.

NOTE: This step applies to devices that are shipped with a hybrid RGB-IR camera module.

4. Lift the system board Mylar and peel the tapes that secure the RGB-IR camera cable to the system board.

NOTE: This step applies to devices that are shipped with a hybrid RGB-IR camera module.

5. Lift the RGB-IR camera cable off the system board.

NOTE: This step applies to devices that are shipped with a hybrid RGB-IR camera module.

6. Turn the computer over and place the computer on a clean and flat surface.

7. Remove the display cable from the routing guides on the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.

8. Remove the RGB-IR camera cable from the routing guides on the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.

NOTE: This step applies to devices that are shipped with a hybrid RGB-IR camera module.

9. Remove the six screws (M2.5x5) that secure the display hinges to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.

10.Lift the display assembly off the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.

11. After performing all the above steps, you are left with the display assembly.

Installing the display assembly

Prerequisites

If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure.

About this task

The following image indicates the location of the display assembly and provides a visual representation of the installation procedure.

Steps

1. Align the screw holes on the display hinges with screw holes on the palm-rest and keyboard assembly and place the display

assembly on the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.

2. Route the display cable through the routing guides on the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.

3. Route the RGB-IR camera cable through the slot on the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.

NOTE: This step applies to devices that are shipped with a hybrid RGB-IR camera module.

4. Replace six screws (M2.5x5) that secure the display hinges to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.

5. Turn the computer over.

6. Connect the display cable to the connector on the system board and close the latch to secure the cable.

7. Connect the Alienhead LED cable to the system board.

8. Adhere the display cable to the system board.

9. Lift the system board Mylar.

10.Adhere the RGB-IR camera cable to the system board along the edge of right fan of the heatsink assembly.

NOTE: This step applies to devices that are shipped with a hybrid RGB-IR camera module.

11. Connect the RGB-IR camera cable to the USB board.

NOTE: This step applies to devices that are shipped with a hybrid RGB-IR camera module.

12. Place the system board Mylar back onto the system board.

Next steps

1. Install the rear I/O-cover.

2. Install the base cover.

3. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer.

Keyboard-controller board

Removing the keyboard-controller board

Prerequisites

1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer.

2. Remove the base cover.

3. Remove the battery.

About this task

The following image indicates the location of the keyboard-controller board and provides a visual representation of the removal

procedure.

Steps

1. Open the latch and disconnect the keyboard-backlight cable from the keyboard-controller board.

2. Open the latch and disconnect the keyboard cable from the keyboard-controller board.

3. Open the latch and disconnect the keyboard-controller board cable from the keyboard-controller board.

4. Remove the screw (M2x2) that secures the keyboard-controller board to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.

5. Remove the keyboard-controller board off the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.

Installing the keyboard-controller board

Prerequisites

If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure.

About this task

The following image indicates the location of the keyboard-controller board and provides a visual representation of the installation

procedure.

Steps

1. Using the alignment posts, adhere the keyboard-controller board into the slot on the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.

2. Align the screw hole on the keyboard-controller board with the screw hole on the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.

3. Replace the screw (M2x2) that secures the keyboard-controller board to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.

4. Connect the keyboard-controller board cable to the keyboard-controller board and close the latch to secure the cable.

5. Connect the keyboard cable to the keyboard-controller board and close the latch to secure the cable.

6. Connect the keyboard-backlight cable to the keyboard-controller board and close the latch to secure the cable.

Next steps

1. Install the battery.

2. Install the base cover.

3. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer.

System board

Removing the system board

Prerequisites

1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer.

NOTE: Replacing the system board removes any changes that you have made to the BIOS using the BIOS setup program.

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.

2. Remove the base cover.

3. Remove the battery.

4. Remove the 2230 solid-state drive or 2280 solid-state drive in SSD slot one, whichever applicable.

5. Remove the 2230 solid-state drive or 2280 solid-state drive in SSD slot two, whichever applicable.

6. Remove the memory module.

7. Remove the wireless card.

8. Remove the rear I/O-cover.

9. Remove the system board Mylar.

About this task

The following image indicates the connectors on your system board.

1. Display cable

2. Alienhead LED cable

3. Speaker cable

4. I/O-board cable

5. Power-adapter port cable

6. Touchpad cable

7. Keyboard-controller board cable

8. RGB-IR camera cable

NOTE: This applies to devices that are shipped with a hybrid RGB-IR camera module.

9. Power-button board cable

The following image indicates the location of the system board and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure.

Steps

1. Peel the system board Mylar off the system board.

2. Remove the two screws (M2x4) that secure the USB Type-C port bracket to the system board.

3. Remove the USB Type-C port bracket from the system board.

4. Open the latch, and disconnect the display cable from the system board.

5. Disconnect the Alienhead LED cable from the system board.

6. Peel the display cable from the system board.

7. Disconnect the power-adapter port cable from the system board.

8. Peel the power-adapter port cable from the system board.

9. Disconnect the I/O-board cable from the system board.

10.Disconnect the speaker cable from the system board.

11. Open the latch, and disconnect the touchpad cable from the system board.

12. Open the latch, and disconnect the keyboard-controller board-cable from the system board.

13. Open the latch, and disconnect the power-button board cable from the USB board.

14. Open the latch, and disconnect the RGB-IR camera cable from the USB board.

NOTE: This step is applicable for devices that are shipped with a hybrid RGB-IR camera module.

15.Peel the RGB-IR camera cable from the system board.

NOTE: This step is applicable for devices that are shipped with a hybrid RGB-IR camera module.

16.Remove the eight (M2x4) screws that secure the system board to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.

NOTE: The USB board and heat sink are attached to the system board.

CAUTION: Before removing the system board, give sufficient time for the heat sink to cool down to avoid injury.

17. Lift the system-board assembly off the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.

18.Place the system-board assembly on a clean and flat surface.

19.Turn the system-board assembly over.

20.Remove the USB board.

21. Remove the heat-sink assembly.

22.After performing all the above steps, you are left with the system board.

Installing the system board

Prerequisites

If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure.

NOTE: When replacing/accessing other parts, the system board can be installed with the heat sink attached in order to simplify

the procedure and preserve the thermal bond between the system board and heat-sink.

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.

About this task

The following image indicates the connectors on your system board.

1. Display cable

2. Alienhead LED cable

3. Speaker cable

4. I/O-board cable

5. Power-adapter port cable

6. Touchpad cable

7. Keyboard cable

8. RGB-IR camera cable

NOTE: This applies to devices that are shipped with a hybrid RGB-IR camera module.

9. Power button cable

The following image indicates the location of the system board and provides a visual representation of the installation procedure.

Steps

1. NOTE: Place the system board on a clean and flat surface.

Replace the USB board.

2. Replace the heat-sink assembly.

3. Turn the system-board assembly over.

4. Align the screw holes on the system-board assembly with the screw holes on the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.

5. Route the power-button board cable under the USB board.

6. Replace the eight screws (M2x4) that secure the system-board assembly to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.

7. Align the screw holes on the USB Type-C port bracket with the screw holes on the system board.

NOTE: The USB Type-C port bracket must be removed from the previous system board and placed at the new system board.

This step is applicable if a new system board is replacing the previous system board.

8. Replace the two screws (M2x4) that secure the USB Type-C bracket to the system board.

9. Connect the display cable to the system board and close the latch to secure the cable.

NOTE: Move in clock-wise direction to connect the cables to the system board.

10.Connect the Alienhead LED cable to the system board.

11. Adhere the display cable to the system board.

12. Adhere the power-adapter port cable to the system board, and connect the power-adapter port cable to the system board.

13. Connect the I/O-board cable to the system board and close the latch to secure the cable.

14. Connect the speaker cable to the system board.

15.Connect the touchpad cable to the system board and close the latch to secure the cable.

16.Connect the keyboard-controller board-cable to the system board and close the latch to secure the cable.

17. Connect the power-button board cable to the USB board and close the latch to secure the cable.

18.Adhere the RGB-IR camera cable to the system board along the edge of right fan of the heatsink assembly.

NOTE: This step is applicable for devices that are shipped with a hybrid RGB-IR camera module.

19.Connect the RGB-IR camera cable to the connector on the USB board and close the latch to secure the cable on the USB board.

NOTE: This step is applicable for devices that are shipped with a hybrid RGB-IR camera module.

20.Replace the system board Mylar on the system board.

Next steps

1. Install the rear I/O-cover.

2. Install the wireless card.

3. Install the memory module.

4. Install the 2230 solid-state drive or 2280 solid-state drive in SSD slot one, whichever applicable.

5. Install the 2230 solid-state drive or 2280 solid-state drive in SSD slot two, whichever applicable.

6. Install the battery.

7. Install the base cover.

8. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer.

Heat-sink assembly

Removing the heat-sink assembly

Prerequisites

1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer.

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.

NOTE: The heat sink may become hot during normal operation. Allow sufficient time for the heat sink to cool before you

touch it.

2. Remove the base cover.

3. Remove the 2230 solid-state drive or 2280 solid-state drive in SSD slot one, whichever applicable.

4. Remove the 2230 solid-state drive or 2280 solid-state drive in SSD slot two, whichever applicable.

5. Remove the I/O board.

6. Remove the memory module.

7. Remove the wireless card.

8. Remove the battery.

9. Remove the rear I/O-cover.

10.Follow the procedure from step 1 to step 16 in Removing the system board.

NOTE: System board can be removed with the heat-sink assembly and USB board attached.

About this task

The following image indicates the location of the heat-sink assembly and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure.

Steps

1. Disconnect the left and right fan cables from the system board.

2. Turn the system-board assembly over.

3. Remove the six screws (M2x4) that secure the heat-sink assembly to the system board.

4. Lift the heat-sink assembly off the system board.

Installing the heat-sink assembly

Prerequisites

If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure.

About this task

The following image indicates the location of the heat-sink assembly and provides a visual representation of the installation

procedure.

CAUTION: Incorrect alignment of the heat sink can damage the system board and processor.

CAUTION: If either the processor or the heat sink is replaced, use the thermal grease that is provided in the kit to ensure

that thermal conductivity is achieved.

Steps

1. Place the heat-sink assembly on the system board.

2. Align the screw holes on the heat-sink assembly with the screw holes on the system board.

3. Replace the six screws (M2x4) that secure the heat-sink assembly to the system board.

4. Turn the system board over, and connect the left and right fan cables.

Next steps

1. Follow the procedure from step 4 to step 20 in Installing the system board.

2. Install the rear I/O-cover.

3. Install the battery.

4. Install the wireless card.

5. Install the memory module.

6. Install the I/O board.

7. Install the 2230 solid-state drive or 2280 solid-state drive in SSD slot one, whichever applicable.

8. Install the 2230 solid-state drive or 2280 solid-state drive in SSD slot two, whichever applicable.

9. Install the base cover.

10.Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer.

USB board

Removing the USB board

Prerequisites

1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer.

2. Remove the base cover.

3. Remove the 2230 solid-state drive or 2280 solid-state drive in SSD slot one, whichever applicable.

4. Remove the 2230 solid-state drive or 2280 solid-state drive in SSD slot two, whichever applicable.

5. Remove the I/O board.

6. Remove the memory module.

7. Remove the wireless card.

8. Remove the battery.

9. Remove the rear I/O-cover.

10.Follow the procedure from step 1 to step 16 in Removing the system board.

NOTE: System board can be removed with the heat sink, I/O board, and USB board attached.

About this task

The following image indicates the location of the USB board and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure.

Steps

1. Turn the system-board assembly over.

2. Remove the two screws (M2x4) that secure the USB board to the system board.

3. Remove the USB board off the system board.

Installing the USB board

Prerequisites

If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure.

About this task

The following image indicates the location of the USB board and provides a visual representation of the installation procedure.

Steps

1. Align the screw holes on the USB board with the screw holes on the system board.

2. Replace the two screws (M2x4) that secure the USB board to the system board.

Next steps

1. Follow the procedure from step 4 to step 20 in Installing the system board.

2. Install the rear I/O cover.

3. Install the battery.

4. Install the wireless card.

5. Install the memory module.

6. Install the I/O board.

7. Install the 2230 solid-state drive or 2280 solid-state drive in SSD slot one, whichever applicable.

8. Install the 2230 solid-state drive or 2280 solid-state drive in SSD slot two, whichever applicable.

9. Install the base cover.

10.Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer.

Power button

Removing the power button

Prerequisites

1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer.

2. Remove the base cover.

3. Remove the 2230 solid-state drive or 2280 solid-state drive in SSD slot one, whichever applicable.

4. Remove the 2230 solid-state drive or 2280 solid-state drive in SSD slot two, whichever applicable.

5. Remove the I/O board.

6. Remove the memory module.

7. Remove the wireless card.

8. Remove the display assembly.

9. Remove the battery.

10.Remove the rear I/O-cover.

11. Follow the procedure from step 1 to step 16 in Removing the system board.

NOTE: System board can be removed with the heat-sink assembly and USB board attached.

About this task

The following images indicate the location of the power button and provide a visual representation of the removal procedure.

Steps

1. Remove the three screws (M2x2) that secure the power-button bracket to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.

2. Lift the power-button bracket off the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.

3. Peel and lift the power button off the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.

Installing the power button

Prerequisites

If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure.

About this task

The following image indicates the location of the power button and provides a visual representation of the installation procedure.

Steps

1. Place the power button on the slot on the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.

2. Align the screw holes on the power-button bracket with the screw holes on the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.

3. Replace the three screws (M2x2) that secure the power-button bracket to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.

Next steps

1. Follow the procedure from step 4 to step 20 in Installing the system board.

2. Install the rear I/O-cover.

3. Install the battery.

4. Install the display assembly.

5. Install the wireless card.

6. Install the memory module.

7. Install the I/O board.

8. Install the 2230 solid-state drive or 2280 solid-state drive in SSD slot one, whichever applicable.

9. Install the 2230 solid-state drive or 2280 solid-state drive in SSD slot two, whichever applicable.

10.Install the base cover.

11. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer.

Palm-rest and keyboard assembly

Removing the palm-rest and keyboard assembly

Prerequisites

1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer.

2. Remove the base cover.

3. Remove the 2230 solid-state drive or 2280 solid-state drive in SSD slot one, whichever applicable.

4. Remove the 2230 solid-state drive or 2280 solid-state drive in SSD slot two, whichever applicable.

5. Remove the I/O board.

6. Remove the memory module.

7. Remove the wireless card.

8. Remove the display assembly.

9. Remove the battery.

10.Remove the rear I/O-cover.

11. Remove the touchpad.

12. Follow the procedure from step 1 to step 16 in Removing the system board.

NOTE: System board can be removed with the heat sink and USB board attached.

13. Remove the power button.

About this task

After performing the steps in the pre-requisites, we are left with the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.

NOTE: When replacing the palm-rest and keyboard assembly, the solid-state drive mounting brackets have to be removed from

the existing palm-rest and keyboard assembly and transferred to the replacement palm-rest and keyboard assembly.

Installing the palm-rest and keyboard assembly

Prerequisites

If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure.

About this task

Place the palm-rest and keyboard assembly on a flat surface.

NOTE: When replacing the palm-rest and keyboard assembly, the solid-state drive mounting brackets have to be transferred

from the old palm-rest and keyboard assembly to the replacement palm-rest and keyboard assembly.

Next steps

1. Install the power button.

2. Follow the procedure from step 4 to step 20 in Installing the system board.

3. Install the touchpad.

4. Install the rear I/O-cover.

5. Install the battery.

6. Install the display assembly.

7. Install the wireless card.

8. Install the memory module.

9. Install the I/O board.

10.Install the 2230 solid-state drive or 2280 solid-state drive in SSD slot one, whichever applicable.

11. Install the 2230 solid-state drive or 2280 solid-state drive in SSD slot two, whichever applicable.

12. Install the base cover.

13. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer.

Drivers and downloads

When troubleshooting, downloading or installing drivers it is recommended that you read the Dell Knowledge Based article, Drivers

and Downloads FAQ SLN128938.

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 configuration information.

●Set or change a user-selectable option, such as the user password, type of hard drive installed, and enabling or disabling base

devices.

BIOS overview

The BIOS manages data flow between the computer's operating system and attached devices such as hard disk, video adapter,

keyboard, mouse, and printer.

Entering BIOS setup program

Steps

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 off 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 effect until you restart the

system.

Keys Navigation

Up arrow Moves to the previous field.

Down arrow Moves to the next field.

Enter Selects a value in the selected field (if applicable) or follow the link in the field.

Spacebar Expands or collapses a drop-down list, if applicable.

Tab Moves to the next focus area.

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–defined boot device order and boot directly to a specific device (for

example: optical drive or hard drive). During the Power-on Self Test (POST), when the Dell logo appears, you can:

●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 (if available)

NOTE: XXX denotes the SATA drive number.

●Optical Drive (if available)

●SATA Hard Drive (if available)

●Diagnostics

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 that are listed in this section may or may not be

displayed.

Table 3. System setup options—System information menu

Overview

Alienware m15 R6

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.

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.

Ownership Tag Displays the ownership tag of the computer.

Signed Firmware Update Displays whether the signed firmware update is enabled.

Default: Enabled

BATTERY

Primary

Battery Level Displays the battery level.

Battery State Displays the battery state.

Health Displays the battery health information.

AC Adapter Displays whether an AC adapter is connected. If connected, the AC adapter type.

PROCESSOR

Processor Type Displays the processor type.

Maximum Clock Speed Displays the maximum processor clock speed.

Minimum Clock Speed Displays the minimum processor clock speed.

Current Clock Speed Displays the current processor clock speed.

Core Count Displays the number of cores on the processor.

Processor ID Displays the processor identification code.

Processor L2 Cache Displays the processor L2 Cache size.

Processor L3 Cache Displays the processor L3 Cache size.

Microcode Version Displays the microcode version.

Intel® Hyper-Threading Capable Displays whether the processor is Hyper-Threading (HT) capable.

Table 3. System setup options—System information menu (continued)

Overview

64-Bit Technology Displays whether 64-bit technology is used.

MEMORY

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 that is used for the memory.

DIMM A Size Displays the memory configuration of DIMM A.

DIMM B Size Displays the memory configuration of DIMM B.

DEVICES

Panel Type Displays the Panel Type of the computer.

Video Controller Displays the integrate graphics information of the computer.

Video Memory Displays the video memory information of the computer.

Wi-Fi Device Displays the Wi-Fi device installed in the computer.

Native Resolution Displays the native resolution of the computer.

Video BIOS Version Displays the video BIOS version of the computer.

Audio Controller Displays the audio controller information of the computer.

Bluetooth® Device Displays whether a Bluetooth device is installed in the computer.

LOM MAC Address Displays the MAC address of the LAN on Motherboard (LOM).

dGPU Video Controller Displays the discrete graphics controller.

Table 4. System setup options—Boot Configuration menu

Boot Configuration

Boot Sequence

Boot Mode: UEFI only Displays the boot mode of this computer.

Boot Sequence Enables or disables Windows Boot Manager and UEFI Hard Drive.

By default, Windows Boot Manager is selected

By default, UEFI Hard Drive is selected

Secure Boot

Enable Secure Boot Enables secure boot using only validated boot software.

Default: OFF

Secure Boot Mode Displays the secure boot mode .

Default: Deployed Mode

Expert Key Management

Enable Custom Mode Allows the PK, KEK, db, and dbx security key databases to be modified.

Default: OFF

Custom Mode Key Management Allows for selection of key database.

Default: PK

Table 5. System setup options—Integrated Devices menu

Integrated Devices

Date/Time

Date Sets the computer date in MM/DD/YYYY format. Changes to the date take

effect immediately.

Time Sets the computer time in HH/MM/SS 24-hour format. You can switch between

12-hour and 24-hour clock. Changes to the time take effect immediately.

Camera

Enable Camera Enables or disables the camera.

By default, Enable Camera is selected.

Audio

Enable Audio Enables or disables all integrated audio controller.

Default: ON

Enable Microphone Enables or disables microphone.

By default, Enable Microphone is selected.

Enable Internal Speaker Enables or disables internal speaker.

By default, Enable Internal Speaker is selected.

USB/Thunderbolt Configuration

Enable External USB Ports Enables or disables all external USB ports in an OS environment.

By default, Enable External USB Ports is selected.

Enable USB Boot Support Enables or disables booting from USB mass storage devices such as external hard

drive, optical drive, and USB drive.

By default, Enable USB Boot Support is selected.

Enable Thunderbolt™ Boot Support Enables or disables Thunderbolt™ adapter peripheral devices and USB devices

connected to the Thunderbolt™ adapter to be used during BIO's pre-boot.

Default: OFF

Enable Thunderbolt™ (and PCIe behind

TBT) pre-boot modules

Enables or disables PCIe devices that are connected through a Thunderbolt™

adapter to run the PCIe device's UEFI Option ROM(s) during pre-boot.

Default: OFF

Table 6. System setup options—Storage menu

Storage

SATA/NVMe Operation

SATA/NVMe Operation Sets the operating mode of the integrated storage device controller.

Default: RAID On

Storage Interface

Port Enablement Enables or disables the onboard drives.

M.2 PCIe SSD-0 Enables or disables the M.2 PCIe SSD-0.

Default: ON

M.2 PCIe SSD-1 Enables or disables the M.2 PCIe SSD-1.

Default: ON

SMART Reporting

Table 6. System setup options—Storage menu (continued)

Storage

Enable SMART Reporting Enables or disables Self-Monitoring, Analysis, and Reporting Technology

(SMART).

Default: OFF

Drive Information Displays the information of various onboard drives.

Table 7. System setup options—Display menu

Display

Display Brightness

Brightness on battery power Sets the screen brightness when the computer is running on battery power.

Default: 50

Brightness on AC power Sets the screen brightness when the computer is running on AC power.

Default: 100

Full Screen Logo

Full Screen Logo When turned on, the full screen logo is displayed if the image matches the screen

resolution.

Default: OFF

Hybrid Graphics / Advanced Optimus Enables or disables the touchscreen.

Default: ON

Enable Hybrid Graphics / Advanced

Optimus (when available) When turned on, the system allows both integrated and discrete graphics

controllers to work together for optimized capability and battery life. When

turned off, the discrete graphics controller will drive all displays to prioritize

graphics capability over battery life.

Default: On

NOTE: Linux is not supported with Hybrid Graphics enabled.

Table 8. System setup options—Connection menu

Connection

Network Controller Configuration

Integrated NIC Controls the onboard LAN controller.

Default: Enabled with PXE

Wireless Device Enable

WLAN Enable or disable internal WLAN devices.

By default, WLAN is selected.

Bluetooth® Enable or disable internal Bluetooth devices.

By default, Bluetooth is selected.

Enable UEFI Network Stack

Enable UEFI Network Stack Enables or disables UEFI networking protocols, if they are installed and available.

Default: ON

HTTP(s) Boot Feature

HTTP(s) Boot Enable or disable HTTP(s) Boot feature.

Default: ON

Table 8. System setup options—Connection menu (continued)

Connection

HTTP(s) Boot Modes Configures HTTP(s) Boot Modes.

Default: Auto Mode. HTTP(s) Boot automatically extracts Boot URL from the

Dynamic Host Configuration (DHCP).

NOTE: Provisioning of the Certificate is required to connect to HTTPs Boot

server.

Table 9. System setup options—Power menu

Power

Battery 1 Charge Mode

Battery 1 Charge Mode Enables the computer to run on battery during peak power usage hours. Use the

below options to prevent AC power usage between certain times of each day.

Default: Adaptive. Battery settings are adaptively optimized based on your typical

battery usage pattern.

Advanced Configuration

Enable Advanced Battery Charge

Configuration

Enables Advanced Battery Charge Configuration from the beginning of the day

to a specified work period. Advanced Battery Charged maximizes battery health

while still supporting heavy use during the work day.

Default: OFF

USB PowerShare

Enable USB PowerShare Enables external devices such as phones and portable music players to be

powered or charged using the stored system battery..

Default: OFF

Thermal Management

Thermal Management Enables the cooling fan and processor heat management to adjust system

performance, noise, and temperature.

Default: Optimized. Standard settings for cooling fan and processor heat

management. This setting is a balance of performance, noise, and temperature.

Block Sleep

Block Sleep Blocks the computer from entering Sleep (S3) mode in the operating system.

Default: OFF

NOTE: If enabled, the computer will not go to sleep, Intel® Rapid Start will be

disabled automatically, and the operating system power option will be blank if

it was set to Sleep.

Lid Switch

Enable Lid Switch Enable or disable the lid switch.

Default: ON

Power On Lid Open Enables the computer to turn on from the off state whenever the lid is opened.

Default: ON

Intel Speed Shift Technology

Intel Speed Shift Technology Enables or disables the Intel Speed Shift Technology support. Setting this

option to enable allows the operating system to select the appropriate processor

performance automatically.

Default: ON

Table 10. System setup options—Security menu

Security

Intel® Platform Trust Technology

Intel® Platform Trust Technology On Enable or disable the Intel® Platform Trust Technology (PPT) feature in the OS.

Default: ON

PPI Bypass for Clear Commands Enables or disables the Trusted Platform Model (TPM) Physical Presence Interface

(PPI). When enabled, the OS will skip BIOS Physical Presence Interface (PPI) user

prompts when issuing the Clear command.

Default: OFF

Clear Enables or disables the computer to clear the PTT owner information, and returns

the PTT to the default state.

Default: OFF

SMM Security Mitigation

SMM Security Mitigation Enables or disables additional UEFI SMM Security Mitigation protections.

Default: OFF

NOTE: This feature may cause compatibility issues or loss of functionality with

some legacy tools and applications.

Data Wipe on Next Boot

Start Data Wipe When enabled, the BIOS will schedule a data wipe cycle for all storage devices

that are connected to the system board on the next reboot.

Default: OFF

Absolute®

Absolute® Enables, disables or permanently disable the BIOS module interface of the

optional Absolute Persistence Module service from Absolute Software.

Default: Enabled

UEFI Boot Path Security

UEFI Boot Path Security Determines if the system will prompt the user to enter the admin password (if set)

when booting to a UEFI boot path device frim the F12 boot menu.

Default: Always Except Internal HDD.

Table 11. System setup options—Passwords menu

Passwords

Admin Password Enables you to set, change, or delete the administrator (admin) password. The

admin password enables several security features

System Password Enables you to set, change, or delete the system password.

M.2 PCIe SSD-0 Enables you to set, change, or delete the M.2 PCIe SSD-0 password.

Password Configuration

Upper Case Letter Enforces password restriction that the password must contain at least one upper

case letter.

Default: OFF

Lower Case Letter Enforces password restriction that the password must contain at least one lower

case letter.

Default: OFF

Digit Enforces password restriction that the password must contain at least one digit.

Table 11. System setup options—Passwords menu (continued)

Passwords

Default: OFF

Special Character Enforces password restriction that the password must contain at least one special

character.

Default: OFF

Minimum Characters Controls the minimum number of characters allowed for password.

Default: 04

Password Bypass

Password Bypass Bypass the System (Boot) Password and the internal hard drive password prompts

during a system restart.

Default: Disabled

Password Changes Bypass the System (Boot) Password and the internal hard drive password prompts

during a system restart.

Default: Disabled

Enable Non-Admin Password Changes Enables or disables the user to change the system and hard drive password

without the need for admin password.

Default: ON

Admin Setup Lockout

Enable Admin Setup Lockout Enables or disables the user from entering BIOS Setup when an Admin Password

is set.

Default: OFF

Master Password Lockout

Enable Master Password Lockout Enables or disables master password support.

Default: OFF

NOTE: Hard drive passwords must be cleared before the setting can be

changed.

Allow Non-Admin PSID Revert

Enable Allow Non-Admin PSID Revert Controls access to the Physical Security ID (PSID) revert of NVMe hard-drives

from the Dell Security Manager prompt.

Default: OFF

Table 12. System setup options—Update,Recovery menu

Update,Recovery

UEFI Capsule Firmware Updates

Enable UEFI Capsule Firmware Updates Enables or disables BIOS updates through UEFI capsule update packages.

Default: ON

BIOS Recovery from Hard Drive

BIOS Recovery from Hard Drive Enables the computer to recover from a bad BIOS image, as long as the Boot

Block portion is intact and functioning.

Default: ON

NOTE: BIOS recovery is designed to fix the main BIOS block and cannot

work if the Boot Block is damaged. In addition, this feature cannot work in

Table 12. System setup options—Update,Recovery menu (continued)

Update,Recovery

the event of EC corruption, ME corruption, or a hardware issue. The recovery

image must exist on an unencrypted partition on the drive.

BIOS Downgrade

Allow BIOS Downgrade Controls flashing of the system firmware to previous revisions.

Default: ON

SupportAssist OS Recovery Enables or disables the boot flow for SupportAssist OS Recovery tool, in the event

of certain system error.

Default: ON

BIOSConnect

BIOSConnect Enables or disables cloud Service OS recovery if the main OS fails to boot within

the number of failures equal or greater than the value specified by Dell Auto OS

Recovery Threshold, and local Service does not boot, or is not installed.

Default: ON

Dell Auto OS Recovery Threshold

Dell Auto OS Recovery Threshold Controls the automatic boot flow for SupportAssist System Resolution Console

and for Dell operating system Recovery tool.

Default: 2.

Table 13. System setup options—System Management menu

System Management

Service Tag Displays the Service Tag of the computer.

Asset Tag Creates a system Asset Tag that can be used by an IT administrator to uniquely

identify a particular system. Once set in BIOS, the Asset Tag cannot be changed.

AC Behavior

Wake on AC Enables or disables basic checks when AC power is applied to the device. The

checks include determining how the AC Recovery option is set. The system will

boot up if Wake on AC is enabled, the system will power off, if Wake on AC is

disabled.

Default: OFF

Auto On Time

Auto On Time Controls automatic powering up of system for defined days and times.

Default: Every Day

First Power On Date

Set Ownership Date Enables the user to configure the Ownership date.

Default: OFF

Table 14. System setup options—Keyboard menu

Keyboard

Fn Lock Options

Fn Lock Options Enables or disables the Fn lock mode.

Default: ON

Lock Mode Controls operation of function keys F1-F12.

Table 14. System setup options—Keyboard menu (continued)

Keyboard

Default: Lock Mode Standard

Keyboard Backlight Timeout on AC

Keyboard Backlight Timeout on AC Enables the user to define the timeout value for the keyboard backlight when an

AC adapter is plugged into the system.

Default: Never

Keyboard Backlight Timeout on Battery

Keyboard Backlight Timeout on Battery Enables the user to define the timeout value for the keyboard backlight when the

system is operating only on battery power.

Default: Never

RGB Per Key Keyboard Language Enables the user to select the language that matches the keyboard installed on the

system.

Default: English US

WARNING: Selecting the incorrect language may cause the keyboard and

lighting malfunction.

RGB Per Key Keyboard Color Enables the user to select the keyboard color that matches the keyboard installed

on the system.

Default: Dark

WARNING: Selecting the incorrect language may cause the keyboard and

lighting malfunction.

Table 15. System setup options—Pre-boot Behavior menu

Pre-boot Behavior

Adapter warnings

Enable Adapter warnings Enables or disables the computer to display adapter warning messages when

adapters with too little power capacity are detected.

Default: ON

Warnings and Errors

Warnings and Errors Selects an action on encountering a warning or error during boot.

Default: Prompt on Warnings and Errors. Stop, prompt, and wait for user input

when warnings or errors are detected.

NOTE: Errors deemed critical to the operation of the computer hardware will

always halt the computer.

USB-C Warnings Specify the maximum number of characters allowed for Admin password.

Default: 32

Enable Dock Warning Messages Enable or disable dock warning messages.

Default: ON

Fastboot

Fastboot Configures the speed of the UEFI boot process.

Default: Thorough. Performs complete hardware and configuration initialization

during boot.

Extend BIOS POST Time

Extend BIOS POST Time Configures the BIOS POST (Power-On Self-Test) load time.

Table 15. System setup options—Pre-boot Behavior menu (continued)

Pre-boot Behavior

Default: 0 seconds

Table 16. System setup options—Virtualization Support menu

Virtualization

Intel® Virtualization Technology

Enable Intel® Virtualization Technology

(VT)

Enables the computer to run a virtual machine monitor (VMM).

Default: ON

VT for Direct I/O

Enable Intel® VT for Direct I/O Enables the computer to perform Virtualization Technology for Direct I/O (VT-d).

VT-d is an Intel method that provides virtualization for memory map I/O.

Default: ON

Table 17. System setup options—Performance menu

Performance

Multi-Core Support

Active Cores Changes the number of CPU cores available to the operating system. The default

value is set to the maximum number of cores.

Default: All

Intel® SpeedStep

Enable Intel® SpeedStep Technology Enables or disables the Intel® SpeedStep Technology to dynamically adjust

processor voltage and core frequency, decreasing average power consumption

and heat production.

Default: ON

C-States Control

Enable C-State Control Enables or disables the CPU's ability to enter and exit low-power states.

Default: ON

Enable Adaptive C-States for Discrete

Graphics

Allows to dynamically detect high usage of discrete graphics and adjust system

parameters for higher performance during that time period.

Default: ON

Intel® Turbo Boost Technology

Enable Intel® Turbo Boost Technology Enabled or disabled the Intel® TurboBoost mode of the processor. If enabled,

the Intel® TurboBoost driver increases the performance of the CPU or graphics

processor.

Default: ON

Intel® Hyper-Threading Technology

Enable Intel® Hyper-Threading

Technology

Enabled or disabled the Intel® Hyper-Threading mode of the processor. If

enabled, the Intel® Hyper-Threading increases the efficiency of the processor

resources when multiple threads run on each core.

Default: ON

Extreme Memory Profile

Extreme Memory Profile Enables the user to select one of two alternate memory time profiles, in order to

take advantage of the fastest possible memory performance.

Default: DIMM profile

Table 17. System setup options—Performance menu (continued)

Performance

TCC Activation Offset

TCC Activation Offset Enables user to adjust CPU's Tcc offset to moderate the performance of the CPU.

Default: 00

Table 18. System setup options—System Logs menu

System Logs

BIOS Event Log

Clear BIOS Event Log Select keep or clear BIOS events.

Default: Keep Log

Thermal Event Log

Clear Thermal Event Log Select keep or clear Thermal events.

Default: Keep Log

Power Event Log

Clear Power Event Log Select keep or clear Power events.

Default: Keep Log

System and setup password

Table 19. System and setup password

Password type Description

System password Password that you must enter to log on to your system.

Setup password Password that you must enter to access and make changes to the

BIOS settings of your computer.

You can create a system password and a setup password to secure your computer.

CAUTION: The password features provide a basic level of security for the data on your computer.

CAUTION: Anyone can access the data stored on your computer if it is not locked and left unattended.

NOTE: System and setup password feature is disabled.

Assigning a system setup password

Prerequisites

You can assign a new System or Admin Password only when the status is in Not Set.

About this task

To enter the system setup, press F2 immediately after a power-on or reboot.

Steps

1. In the System BIOS or System Setup screen, select Security and press Enter.

The Security screen is displayed.

2. Select System/Admin Password and create a password in the Enter the new password field.

Use the following guidelines to assign the system password:

●A password can have up to 32 characters.

●The password can contain the numbers 0 through 9.

●Only lower case letters are valid, upper case letters are not allowed.

●Only the following special characters are allowed: space, (”), (+), (,), (-), (.), (/), (;), ([), (\), (]), (`).

3. Type the system password that you entered earlier in the Confirm new password field and click OK.

4. Press Esc and a message prompts you to save the changes.

5. Press Y to save the changes.

The computer reboots.

Deleting or changing an existing system setup password

Prerequisites

Ensure that the Password Status is Unlocked (in the System Setup) before attempting to delete or change the existing System and

Setup password. You cannot delete or change an existing System or Setup password, if the Password Status is Locked.

About this task

To enter the System Setup, press F2 immediately after a power-on or reboot.

Steps

1. In the System BIOS or System Setup screen, select System Security and press Enter.

The System Security screen is displayed.

2. In the System Security screen, verify that Password Status is Unlocked.

3. Select System Password, alter or delete the existing system password and press Enter or Tab.

4. Select Setup Password, alter or delete the existing setup password and press Enter or Tab.

NOTE: If you change the System and/or Setup password, re enter the new password when prompted. If you delete the

System and Setup password, confirm the deletion when prompted.

5. Press Esc and a message prompts you to save the changes.

6. Press Y to save the changes and exit from System Setup.

The computer restarts.

Clearing CMOS settings

About this task

CAUTION: Clearing CMOS settings will reset the BIOS settings on your computer.

Steps

1. Remove the base cover.

2. Disconnect the battery cable from the system board.

3. Press the power button for 20 seconds.

4. Wait for one minute.

5. Connect the battery cable to the system board.

6. Install the base cover.

Clearing BIOS (System Setup) and System passwords

About this task

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.

Troubleshooting

System-diagnostic lights

Power and battery-status light

The power and battery status light indicates the power and battery status of the computer. These are the power states:

Solid white:Power adapter is connected and the battery has more than 5% charge.

Amber:Computer is running on battery and the battery has less than 5% charge.

Off:

●Power adapter is connected, and the battery is fully charged.

●Computer is running on battery, and the battery has more than 5% charge.

●Computer is in sleep state, hibernation, or turned off.

The power and battery-status light may also blink red or blue according to pre-defined "beep codes" indicating various failures.

For example, the power and battery-status light blinks red two times followed by a pause, and then blinks blue three times followed

by a pause. This 2,3 pattern continues until the computer is turned off, indicating no memory or RAM is detected.

The following table shows different power and battery-status light patterns and associated problems.

NOTE: The following diagnostic light codes and recommended solutions are intended for Dell service technicians to

troubleshoot problems. You should only perform troubleshooting and repairs as authorized or directed by the Dell technical

support team. Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by your warranty.

Table 20. Diagnostic-light LED codes

Diagnostic light codes Problem description

1,1 TPM detection failure

1,2 Unrecoverable SPI Flash Failure

1,3 Short in hinge cable tripped OCP1 (camera/

touchpad)

1,4 Short in hinge cable tripped OCP2 (display)

1,5 EC unable to program i-Fuse

1,6 Generic catch-all for ungraceful EC code flow

errors

2,1 Processor failure

2,2 System board: BIOS or ROM (Read-Only

Memory) failure

2,3 No memory or RAM (Random-Access Memory)

detected

2,4 Memory or RAM (Random-Access Memory)

failure

2,5 Invalid memory installed

2,6 System-board or chipset error

2,7 Display failure - SBIOS message

2,8 Display failure - EC detection of power rail failure

3,1 RTC power failure

3,2 PCI, video card/chip failure

3,3 Recovery image not found

Table 20. Diagnostic-light LED codes (continued)

Diagnostic light codes Problem description

3,4 Recovery image found but invalid

3,5 Power-rail failure

3,6 System BIOS Flash incomplete

3,7 Management Engine (ME) error

Flashing BIOS (USB key)

Steps

1. Follow the procedure from step 1 to step 7 in "Flashing the BIOS" to download the latest BIOS setup program file.

2. Create a bootable USB drive. For more information see the knowledge base article 000145519 at www.dell.com/support.

3. Copy the BIOS setup program file 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 filename and press Enter.

8. The BIOS Update Utility appears. Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the BIOS update.

Flashing the BIOS

About this task

You may need to flash (update) the BIOS when an update is available or when you replace the system board.

Follow these steps to flash the BIOS:

Steps

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 file.

9. Double-click the BIOS update file icon and follow the instructions on the screen.

Backup media and recovery options

It is recommended to create a recovery drive to troubleshoot and fix problems that may occur with Windows. Dell proposes multiple

options for recovering Windows operating system on your Dell PC. For more information. see Dell Windows Backup Media and

Recovery Options.

WiFi power cycle

About this task

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.

Steps

1. Turn off your computer.

2. Turn off the modem.

3. Turn off the wireless router.

4. Wait for 30 seconds.

5. Turn on the wireless router.

6. Turn on the modem.

7. Turn on your computer.

Drain residual flea power (perform hard reset)

About this task

Flea power is the residual static electricity that remains in the computer even after it has been powered off and the battery is

removed.

For your safety, and to protect the sensitive electronic components in your computer, you are requested to drain residual flea power

before removing or replacing any components in your computer.

Draining residual flea power, also known as a performing a "hard reset", is also a common troubleshooting step if your computer does

not power on or boot into the operating system.

To drain residual flea power (perform a hard reset)

Steps

1. Turn off your computer.

2. Disconnect the power adapter from your computer.

3. Remove the base cover.

4. Remove the battery.

5. Press and hold the power button for 20 seconds to drain the flea power.

6. Install the battery.

7. Install the base cover.

8. Connect the power adapter to your computer.

9. Turn on your computer.

NOTE: For more information about performing a hard reset, see the knowledge base article SLN85632 at www.dell.com/

support.

Getting help and contacting Alienware

Self-help resources

You can get information and help on Alienware products and services using these online self-help resources:

Table 21. Alienware products and online self-help resources

Self-help resources Resource location

Information about Alienware products and services www.alienware.com

My Dell app

Tips

Contact Support In Windows search, type Contact Support, and press Enter.

Online help for operating system www.dell.com/support/windows

Access top solutions, diagnostics, drivers and downloads, and

learn more about your computer through videos, manuals and

documents.

Your Alienware computer is uniquely identified by a Service Tag

or Express Service Code. To view relevant support resources for

your Dell computer, enter the Service Tag or Express Service

Code at www.dell.com/support.

For more information on how to find the Service Tag for your

computer, see Locate the Service Tag on your computer.

VR Support www.dell.com/VRsupport

Videos providing step-by-step instructions to service your

computer

www.youtube.com/alienwareservices

Contacting Alienware

To contact Alienware for sales, technical support, or customer service issues, see www.alienware.com.

NOTE: Availability varies by country/region and product, and some services may not be available in your country/region.

NOTE: If you do not have an active Internet connection, you can find contact information about your purchase invoice, packing

slip, bill, or Dell product catalog.

Table of Contents

Alienware m15 R6 User Manual

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