Dell Alienware 17 R3 User manual
Alienware 17
Service Manual
Computer Model: Alienware 17 R3
Regulatory Model: P43F
Regulatory Type: P43F001
Notes, cautions, and warnings
NOTE: A NOTE indicates important information that helps you make better use
of your computer.
CAUTION: A CAUTION indicates either potential damage to
hardware or loss of data and tells you how to avoid the problem.
WARNING: A WARNING indicates a potential for property damage,
personal injury, or death.
Copyright © 2015 Dell Inc. All rights reserved. This product is protected by U.S. and
international copyright and intellectual property laws. Dell™ and the Dell logo are trademarks of
Dell Inc. in the United States and/or other jurisdictions. All other marks and names mentioned
herein may be trademarks of their respective companies.
2015 - 12
Rev. A01
Contents
Before working inside your computer........................ 12
Before you begin ............................................................................................... 12
Safety instructions............................................................................................ 12
Recommended tools..........................................................................................13
After working inside your tablet................................... 14
Removing the base panel................................................. 15
Procedure...........................................................................................................15
Replacing the base panel.................................................. 17
Procedure........................................................................................................... 17
Removing the memory modules................................... 18
Prerequisites......................................................................................................18
Procedure...........................................................................................................18
Replacing the memory modules.................................. 20
Procedure..........................................................................................................20
Post-requisites...................................................................................................21
Removing the solid-state drives.................................. 22
Prerequisites..................................................................................................... 22
Procedure.......................................................................................................... 22
Replacing the solid-state drives.................................. 24
Procedure..........................................................................................................24
Post-requisites..................................................................................................24
3
Removing the hard drive..................................................25
Prerequisites.....................................................................................................25
Procedure..........................................................................................................25
Replacing the hard drive.................................................. 28
Procedure..........................................................................................................28
Post-requisites..................................................................................................28
Removing the palm rest................................................... 29
Prerequisites.....................................................................................................29
Procedure..........................................................................................................30
Replacing the palm rest....................................................36
Procedure..........................................................................................................36
Post-requisites..................................................................................................36
Removing the power-button board............................ 37
Prerequisites..................................................................................................... 37
Procedure.......................................................................................................... 37
Replacing the power-button board............................ 39
Procedure..........................................................................................................39
Post-requisites..................................................................................................39
Removing the status-light board................................ 40
Prerequisites.....................................................................................................40
Procedure..........................................................................................................40
Replacing the status-light board................................. 42
Procedure..........................................................................................................42
Post-requisites..................................................................................................42
4
Removing the keyboard...................................................43
Prerequisites.....................................................................................................43
Procedure..........................................................................................................43
Replacing the keyboard....................................................47
Procedure.......................................................................................................... 47
Post-requisites.................................................................................................. 47
Removing the touch pad..................................................48
Prerequisites.....................................................................................................48
Procedure..........................................................................................................49
Replacing the touch pad....................................................51
Procedure...........................................................................................................51
Post-requisites.................................................................................................. 51
Removing the display assembly...................................52
Prerequisites.....................................................................................................52
Procedure..........................................................................................................52
Replacing the display assembly...................................56
Procedure..........................................................................................................56
Post-requisites.................................................................................................. 57
Removing the battery....................................................... 58
Prerequisites.....................................................................................................58
Procedure..........................................................................................................58
Replacing the battery.........................................................61
Procedure...........................................................................................................61
Post-requisites.................................................................................................. 61
5
Removing the I/O board....................................................62
Prerequisites.....................................................................................................62
Procedure..........................................................................................................62
Replacing the I/O board.................................................... 64
Procedure..........................................................................................................64
Post-requisites..................................................................................................64
Removing the speakers....................................................65
Prerequisites.....................................................................................................65
Procedure..........................................................................................................65
Replacing the speakers.................................................... 68
Procedure..........................................................................................................68
Post-requisites................................................................................................. 68
Removing the front AlienFX LED boards.................. 69
Prerequisites.....................................................................................................69
Procedure..........................................................................................................69
Replacing the front AlienFX LED board...................... 71
Procedure........................................................................................................... 71
Post-requisites...................................................................................................71
Removing the processor fan.......................................... 72
Prerequisites..................................................................................................... 72
Procedure.......................................................................................................... 72
Replacing the processor fan...........................................74
Procedure.......................................................................................................... 74
Post-requisites.................................................................................................. 74
6
Removing the system board.......................................... 75
Prerequisites..................................................................................................... 75
Procedure.......................................................................................................... 75
Replacing the system board...........................................79
Procedure.......................................................................................................... 79
Post-requisites..................................................................................................79
Removing the wireless card............................................ 81
Prerequisites......................................................................................................81
Procedure...........................................................................................................81
Replacing the wireless card............................................83
Procedure..........................................................................................................83
Post-requisites................................................................................................. 84
Removing the heat sink....................................................85
Prerequisites.....................................................................................................85
Procedure..........................................................................................................85
Replacing the heat sink.....................................................87
Procedure.......................................................................................................... 87
Post-requisites..................................................................................................87
Removing the coin-cell battery.................................... 88
Prerequisites.....................................................................................................88
Procedure..........................................................................................................88
Replacing the coin-cell battery.....................................90
Procedure..........................................................................................................90
Post-requisites................................................................................................. 90
7
Removing the video-card fan..........................................91
Prerequisites......................................................................................................91
Procedure...........................................................................................................91
Replacing the video-card fan......................................... 93
Procedure..........................................................................................................93
Post-requisites..................................................................................................93
Removing the power-adapter port............................. 94
Prerequisites.....................................................................................................94
Procedure..........................................................................................................94
Replacing the power-adapter port..............................96
Procedure..........................................................................................................96
Post-requisites..................................................................................................96
Removing the subwoofer.................................................97
Prerequisites..................................................................................................... 97
Procedure.......................................................................................................... 97
Replacing the subwoofer................................................. 99
Procedure..........................................................................................................99
Post-requisites..................................................................................................99
Removing the display bezel......................................... 100
Prerequisites...................................................................................................100
Procedure........................................................................................................100
Replacing the display bezel.......................................... 105
Procedure........................................................................................................ 105
Post-requisites................................................................................................105
8
Removing the display panel......................................... 106
Prerequisites................................................................................................... 106
Procedure........................................................................................................ 106
Replacing the display panel..........................................109
Procedure........................................................................................................ 109
Post-requisites................................................................................................109
Removing the display hinges........................................110
Prerequisites....................................................................................................110
Procedure......................................................................................................... 110
Replacing the display hinges........................................ 113
Procedure......................................................................................................... 113
Post-requisites.................................................................................................113
Removing the computer base...................................... 114
Prerequisites.................................................................................................... 114
Procedure......................................................................................................... 114
Replacing the computer base.......................................116
Procedure......................................................................................................... 116
Post-requisites.................................................................................................116
Removing the logo board................................................ 117
Prerequisites.....................................................................................................117
Procedure......................................................................................................... 118
Replacing the logo board............................................... 120
Procedure........................................................................................................ 120
Post-requisites................................................................................................120
9
Removing the camera.......................................................121
Prerequisites.................................................................................................... 121
Procedure......................................................................................................... 121
Replacing the camera...................................................... 123
Procedure........................................................................................................ 123
Post-requisites................................................................................................ 123
Removing the display-panel AlienFX LEDs............124
Prerequisites................................................................................................... 124
Procedure........................................................................................................ 125
Replacing the display-panel AlienFX LEDs.............127
Procedure.........................................................................................................127
Post-requisites.................................................................................................127
Removing the Alienware AlienHead LED board.. 128
Prerequisites................................................................................................... 128
Procedure........................................................................................................ 128
Replacing the Alienware AlienHead LED board....131
Procedure......................................................................................................... 131
Post-requisites.................................................................................................131
Removing the display back-cover............................. 132
Prerequisites................................................................................................... 132
Procedure........................................................................................................ 132
Replacing the display back-cover..............................135
Procedure........................................................................................................ 135
Post-requisites................................................................................................ 135
10
BIOS setup program..........................................................136
Overview..........................................................................................................136
Entering BIOS setup program ........................................................................ 136
BIOS setup program options...........................................................................136
Boot sequence.................................................................................................142
Boot options.............................................................................................. 142
Changing boot sequence for the current boot......................................... 143
Changing boot sequence for future boots................................................143
Flashing the BIOS............................................................... 144
Getting help and contacting Alienware.................. 145
Self-help resources..........................................................................................145
Contacting Alienware......................................................................................146
11
Before working inside your computer
NOTE: The images in this document may differ from your computer
depending on the configuration you ordered.
Before you begin
1 Save and close all open files and exit all open applications.
2 Shut down your computer.
– Windows 10: Click or tap Start → Power → Shut down.
– Windows 8.1: On the Start screen, click or tap the power icon →
Shut down.
– Windows 7: Click or tap Start → Shut down.
NOTE: If you are using a different operating system, see the
documentation of your operating system for shut-down instructions.
3 Disconnect your computer and all attached devices from their electrical
outlets.
4 Disconnect all cables such as telephone cables, network cables and so on,
from your computer.
5 Disconnect all attached devices and peripherals, such as keyboard, mouse,
monitor, and so on, from your computer.
6 Remove any media card and optical disc from your computer, if applicable.
Safety instructions
Use the following safety guidelines to protect your computer from potential
damage and ensure your personal safety.
WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the
safety information that shipped with your computer. For
more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance
home page at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.
12
WARNING: Disconnect all power sources before opening the
computer cover or panels. After you finish working inside
the computer, replace all covers, panels, and screws before
connecting to the power source.
CAUTION: To avoid damaging the computer, ensure that the
work surface is flat and clean.
CAUTION: To avoid damaging the components and cards,
handle them by their edges and avoid touching pins and
contacts.
CAUTION: You should only perform troubleshooting and
repairs as authorized or directed by the Dell technical
assistance team. Damage due to servicing that is not
authorized by Dell is not covered by your warranty. See the
safety instructions that shipped with the product or at
www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.
CAUTION: Before touching anything inside your computer,
ground yourself by touching an unpainted metal surface,
such as the metal at the back of the computer. While you
work, periodically touch an unpainted metal surface to
dissipate static electricity, which could harm internal
components.
CAUTION: When you disconnect a cable, pull on its connector
or on its pull tab, not on the cable itself. Some cables have
connectors with locking tabs or thumb-screws that you
must disengage before disconnecting the cable. When
disconnecting cables, keep them evenly aligned to avoid
bending any connector pins. When connecting cables,
ensure that the ports and connectors are correctly oriented
and aligned.
CAUTION: Press and eject any installed card from the mediacard reader.
Recommended tools
The procedures in this document may require the following tools:
• Phillips screwdriver
• Plastic scribe
13
After working inside your tablet
CAUTION: Leaving stray or loose screws inside your
computer may severely damage your computer.
1 Replace all screws and ensure that no stray screws remain inside your
tablet.
2 Connect any external devices, peripherals, and cables you removed before
working on your tablet.
3 Replace any media cards, discs, and any other parts that you removed
before working on your tablet.
4 Connect your tablet and all attached devices to their electrical outlets.
5 Turn on your tablet.
14
Removing the base panel
WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the
safety information that shipped with your computer and
follow the steps in
After working inside your computer, follow the instructions
in After working inside your computer. For more safety best
practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at
www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.
Procedure
1 Close the display and turn the computer over.
2 Loosen the captive screws that secure the base panel to the computer
base.
3 Gently release the tabs that secure the base panel to the computer base.
4 Slide and remove the base panel from the computer base.
Before working inside your computer.
1 computer base 2 captive screws (2)
3 base panel
15
5 Disconnect the battery cable from the system board.
1 battery cable
6 Turn the computer over.
7 Press and hold the power button for 5 seconds to ground the system
board.
16
Replacing the base panel
WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the
safety information that shipped with your computer and
follow the steps in
After working inside your computer, follow the instructions
in After working inside your computer. For more safety best
practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at
www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.
Procedure
1 Connect the battery cable to the system board.
2 Slide the tabs on the base panel into the slots on the computer base and
snap the base panel into place.
3 Tighten the captive screws that secure the base panel to the computer
base.
Before working inside your computer.
17
Removing the memory modules
WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the
safety information that shipped with your computer and
follow the steps in
After working inside your computer, follow the instructions
in After working inside your computer. For more safety best
practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at
www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.
Prerequisites
Remove the base panel.
Procedure
1 Using your fingertips, carefully spread apart the securing clips on each end
of the memory-module slot until the memory module pops up.
Before working inside your computer.
18
2 Slide and remove the memory module from the memory-module slot.
1 securing clips (2) 2 memory modules (2)
3 memory-module slot
19
Replacing the memory modules
WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the
safety information that shipped with your computer and
follow the steps in
After working inside your computer, follow the instructions
in After working inside your computer. For more safety best
practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at
www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.
Procedure
1 Align the notch on the memory module with the tab on the memory-
module slot.
Before working inside your computer.
20
2 Slide the memory module firmly into the slot at an angle and press the
memory module down until it clicks into place.
NOTE: If you do not hear the click, remove the memory module and
reinstall it.
1 securing clips (2) 2 memory module
3 memory-module slot 4 notch
5 tab
Post-requisites
Replace the base panel.
21
Removing the solid-state drives
WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the
safety information that shipped with your computer and
follow the steps in
After working inside your computer, follow the instructions
in After working inside your computer. For more safety best
practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at
www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.
CAUTION: Solid-state drives are fragile. Exercise care when
handling the hard drive.
CAUTION: To avoid data loss, do not remove the solid-state
drive while the computer is in sleep or on state.
Prerequisites
Remove the base panel.
Procedure
NOTE: Your computer can accommodate either one 2.5-inch hard drive or
two solid-state drives.
Before working inside your computer.
1 Remove the screw that secures the solid-state drive to the computer base.
22
2 Slide and remove the solid-state drive from the solid-state drive slot.
1 solid-state drive slot 2 solid-state drive
3 screw
23
Replacing the solid-state drives
WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the
safety information that shipped with your computer and
follow the steps in
After working inside your computer, follow the instructions
in After working inside your computer. For more safety best
practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at
www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.
CAUTION: Solid-state drives are fragile. Exercise care when
handling the hard drive.
Procedure
1 Slide the solid-state drive into the solid-state drive slot.
2 Replace the screw that secures the solid-state drive to the computer base.
Post-requisites
Replace the base panel.
Before working inside your computer.
24
Removing the hard drive
WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the
safety information that shipped with your computer and
follow the steps in
After working inside your computer, follow the instructions
in After working inside your computer. For more safety best
practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at
www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.
CAUTION: Hard drives are fragile. Exercise care when
handling the hard drive.
CAUTION: To avoid data loss, do not remove the hard drive
while the computer is in sleep or on state.
Prerequisites
Remove the base panel.
Procedure
NOTE: Your computer can accommodate either one 2.5-inch hard drive or
four solid-state drives.
Before working inside your computer.
1 Using the pull tab, disconnect the hard-drive cable from the system board.
2 Note the hard-drive cable routing and remove the cable from the routing
guides on the computer base.
3 Remove the screws that secure the hard-drive assembly to the computer
base.
25
4 Lift the hard-drive assembly off the computer base.
1 pull tab 2 hard-drive cable
3 screws (4) 4 hard-drive assembly
5 Remove the screws that secure the hard-drive bracket to the hard drive.
6 Lift the hard-drive bracket off the hard-drive assembly.
26
1 hard drive 2 hard-drive bracket
3 screws (4)
7 Disconnect the interposer from the hard drive.
1 interposer 2 hard drive
27
Replacing the hard drive
WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the
safety information that shipped with your computer and
follow the steps in
After working inside your computer, follow the instructions
in After working inside your computer. For more safety best
practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at
www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.
CAUTION: Hard drives are fragile. Exercise care when
handling the hard drive.
Procedure
1 Connect the interposer to the hard drive.
2 Align the screw holes on the hard-drive bracket with the screw holes on
the hard-drive assembly.
3 Replace the screws that secure the hard-drive bracket to the hard-drive
assembly.
4 Align the screw holes on the hard-drive assembly with the screw holes on
the computer base.
5 Replace the screws that secure the hard-drive assembly to the computer
base.
6 Route the hard-drive cable through the routing guides on the computer
base.
7 Connect the hard-drive cable to the system board.
Before working inside your computer.
Post-requisites
Replace the base panel.
28
Removing the palm rest
WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the
safety information that shipped with your computer and
follow the steps in
After working inside your computer, follow the instructions
in After working inside your computer. For more safety best
practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at
www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.
Prerequisites
Remove the base panel.
Before working inside your computer.
29
Procedure
1 Lift the latches and disconnect the keyboard cable, keyboard-backlight
cable, macro-keys cable and macro-keys backlight cable from the system
board.
30
1 keyboard-backlight cable 2 keyboard cable
3 macro-keys cable 4 latches (4)
5 macro-keys backlight cable
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