Dell Alienware Area-51m R2 Service Manual

Alienware Area-51m R2 Service Manual

Regulatory Model: P38E Regulatory Type: P38E002

June 2020 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.

© 2020 Dell Inc. or its subsidiaries. All rights reserved. Dell, EMC, and other trademarks are trademarks of Dell Inc. or its subsidiaries. Other trademarks may be trademarks of their respective owners.

Contents

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

2 Removing and installing components................................................................................................... 9

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

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

Base cover............................................................................................................................................................................11

Removing the base cover...............................................................................................................................................11

Installing the base cover................................................................................................................................................13

Battery.................................................................................................................................................................................14

Lithium-ion battery precautions................................................................................................................................... 14

Removing the battery....................................................................................................................................................15

Installing the battery .....................................................................................................................................................15

Memory modules.................................................................................................................................................................16

Removing the memory modules....................................................................................................................................16

Installing the memory modules......................................................................................................................................17

Solid-state drive—M.2 slot one......................................................................................................................................... 18

Removing the M.2 2280 solid-state drive from M.2 slot one.....................................................................................18

Installing the M.2 2280 solid-state drive in M.2 slot one........................................................................................... 19

Removing the M.2 2230 solid-state drive from M.2 slot one.................................................................................... 20

Installing the M.2 2230 solid-state drive in M.2 slot one............................................................................................21

Solid-state drive—M.2 slot two.........................................................................................................................................23

Removing the M.2 2280 solid-state drive from M.2 slot two.................................................................................... 23

Installing the M.2 2280 solid-state drive in M.2 slot two...........................................................................................24

Removing the M.2 2230 solid-state drive from M.2 slot two.................................................................................... 25

Installing the M.2 2230 solid-state drive in M.2 slot two...........................................................................................25

Solid state drive—M.2 slot three....................................................................................................................................... 27

Removing the M.2 2280 solid-state drive from M.2 slot three..................................................................................27

Installing the M.2 2280 solid-state drive in M.2 slot three.........................................................................................27

Solid state drive—M.2 slot four.........................................................................................................................................28

Removing the M.2 2280 solid-state drive from M.2 slot four....................................................................................28

Installing the M.2 2280 solid-state drive in M.2 slot four.......................................................................................... 29

Solid-state drive interposer board.................................................................................................................................... 30

Removing the solid-state drive interposer board........................................................................................................30

Installing the solid-state drive interposer board.......................................................................................................... 31

Wireless card.......................................................................................................................................................................33

Removing the wireless card.......................................................................................................................................... 33

Installing the wireless card............................................................................................................................................ 33

Hard drive...........................................................................................................................................................................35

Removing the hard drive.............................................................................................................................................. 35

Installing the hard drive................................................................................................................................................ 36

Rear-I/O cover...................................................................................................................................................................37

Removing the rear-I/O cover.......................................................................................................................................37

Installing the rear-I/O cover........................................................................................................................................ 38

Audio daughter-board...................................................................................................................................................... 39

Removing the audio daughter-board..........................................................................................................................39

Installing the audio daughter-board........................................................................................................................... 40

Speakers.............................................................................................................................................................................. 41

Removing the speakers................................................................................................................................................. 41

Installing the speakers .................................................................................................................................................. 41

Card-reader board.............................................................................................................................................................42

Removing the card-reader board................................................................................................................................ 42

Installing the card-reader board.................................................................................................................................. 43

Coin-cell battery................................................................................................................................................................ 44

Removing the coin-cell battery....................................................................................................................................44

Installing the coin-cell battery..................................................................................................................................... 45

Computer base...................................................................................................................................................................46

Removing the computer base...................................................................................................................................... 46

Installing the computer base.........................................................................................................................................48

Touchpad............................................................................................................................................................................50

Removing the touchpad...............................................................................................................................................50

Installing the touchpad..................................................................................................................................................51

Display assembly.................................................................................................................................................................53

Removing the display assembly....................................................................................................................................53

Installing the display assembly..................................................................................................................................... 55

Heat-sink assembly.............................................................................................................................................................58

Removing the heat-sink assembly................................................................................................................................ 58

Installing the heat-sink assembly .................................................................................................................................59

Processor............................................................................................................................................................................ 60

Removing the processor...............................................................................................................................................60

Installing the processor.................................................................................................................................................60

Graphics card..................................................................................................................................................................... 62

Removing the graphics card.........................................................................................................................................62

Installing the graphics card...........................................................................................................................................62

Left power-adapter port................................................................................................................................................... 63

Removing the left power-adapter port....................................................................................................................... 63

Installing the left power-adapter port.........................................................................................................................64

System board......................................................................................................................................................................65

Removing the system board......................................................................................................................................... 65

Installing the system board .......................................................................................................................................... 68

Right power-adapter port..................................................................................................................................................71

Removing the right power-adapter port......................................................................................................................71

Installing the right power-adapter port.......................................................................................................................72

Keyboard.............................................................................................................................................................................73

Removing the keyboard................................................................................................................................................73

Installing the keyboard................................................................................................................................................. 75

Palm-rest assembly............................................................................................................................................................. 76

Removing the palm-rest assembly................................................................................................................................76

Installing the palm-rest assembly..................................................................................................................................77

3 Drivers and downloads........................................................................................................................79

4 System setup....................................................................................................................................... 80

Entering BIOS setup program........................................................................................................................................... 80

Navigation keys..................................................................................................................................................................80

One time boot menu.......................................................................................................................................................... 80

System setup options.......................................................................................................................................................... 81

Main................................................................................................................................................................................81

Advanced...................................................................................................................................................................... 82

Security..........................................................................................................................................................................84

Boot............................................................................................................................................................................... 86

Exit.................................................................................................................................................................................86

Updating the BIOS in Windows ....................................................................................................................................... 87

Updating your system BIOS using a USB flash drive...................................................................................................87

Flashing the BIOS from the F12 One-Time boot menu.................................................................................................... 88

System and setup password............................................................................................................................................... 89

Assigning a system setup password..............................................................................................................................89

Deleting or changing an existing system setup password.......................................................................................... 89

Clearing CMOS settings...............................................................................................................................................90

Clearing BIOS (System Setup) and System passwords...............................................................................................90

5 Troubleshooting...................................................................................................................................91

SupportAssist diagnostics...................................................................................................................................................91

Recovering the operating system.......................................................................................................................................91

System diagnostic lights..................................................................................................................................................... 91

Flea power release............................................................................................................................................................. 92

WiFi power cycle................................................................................................................................................................92

Real Time Clock—RTC reset.............................................................................................................................................. 93

6 Getting help and contacting Alienware.............................................................................................94

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.

NOTE: 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.

NOTE: 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 thumb-screws 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: antistatic 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.

Lifting equipment

Adhere to the following guidelines when lifting heavy weight equipment:

CAUTION: Do not lift greater than 50 pounds. Always obtain additional resources or use a mechanical lifting device.

1. Get a firm balanced footing. Keep your feet apart for a stable base, and point your toes out.

2. Tighten stomach muscles. Abdominal muscles support your spine when you lift, offsetting the force of the load.

3. Lift with your legs, not your back.

4. Keep the load close. The closer it is to your spine, the less force it exerts on your back.

5. Keep your back upright, whether lifting or setting down the load. Do not add the weight of your body to the load. Avoid twisting

your body and back.

6. Follow the same techniques in reverse to set the load down.

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

Recommended tools

The procedures in this document may require the following tools:

• Phillips screwdriver #1

• 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 surface when replacing a component.

NOTE: Screw color may vary with the configuration ordered.

Table 1. Screw list

Component Secured to Screw type Quantity Screw image

Audio daughter-board Palm-rest assembly M2.5x2.5 3

Battery Palm-rest assembly M2.5x5 6

Computer base Palm-rest assembly M2.5x12 1

Computer base Palm-rest assembly M2.5x8 14

Display-cable bracket System board M2x3 1

Display assembly Computer base M2.5x8 2

Display assembly Palm-rest assembly M2.5x2.5 4

Graphics card System board M2x3 3

Graphics-card cable Graphics card M2x3 2

Graphics-card cable System board M2x3 2

Table 1. Screw list(continued)

Component Secured to Screw type Quantity Screw image

Heat-sink assembly Palm-rest assembly M2.5x5 2

Per key keyboard Palm-rest assembly M1.2x2.5 57

Hard-drive assembly Palm-rest assembly M2x3 4

Hard-drive bracket Hard drive M3x3 4

Power-adapter port bracket

Rear-I/O cover Computer base M2.5x2.5 4

Rear-I/O cover Palm-rest assembly M2.5x7 2

System board Palm-rest assembly M2.5x5 4

M.2 2280 solid-state drive in M.2 slot one

M.2 2280 solid-state drive in M.2 slot two

M.2 2230 solid-state drive in M.2 slot one

M.2 2230 solid-state drive in M.2 slot two

Solid-state drive mounting bracket

Palm-rest assembly M2x3 1

Palm-rest assembly M2x3 2

M.2 2280 solid-state drive in M.2 slot three

M.2 2280 solid-state drive in M.2 slot four

Solid-state drive interposer board

Card-reader board Palm-rest assembly M2.5x2.5 3

Touchpad bracket Palm-rest assembly M2x3 5

Wireless-card bracket System board M2x3 1

Solid-state drive interposer board

Solid-state drive interposer board bracket

Palm-rest assembly M2x3 4

M2x3 2

M2x3 3

Base cover

Removing the base cover

Prerequisites

1. Follow the procedure in

About this task

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

Before working inside your computer.

Steps

1. Loosen the six captive screws that secure the base cover to the computer base to open a gap between the two parts.

2. Starting from the middle of the bottom side, lift open the base cover with your fingertips.

3. Release the tabs on the base cover from the slots on the computer base.

4. Slide the base cover off the computer base.

5. Disconnect the battery cable from the system board.

6. Press and hold the power button for five seconds to ground the system board.

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 image indicates the location of the base cover and provides a visual representation of the installation procedure.

Steps

1. Connect the battery cable to the system board.

2. Slide the tabs on the base cover into the slots on the computer base and snap the base cover into place.

3. Tighten the six captive screws that secure the base cover to the computer base.

Next steps

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

Battery

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

Prerequisites

1. Follow the procedure in

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.

Before working inside your computer.

Steps

1. Using the pull tab, disconnect the battery cable from the system board and remove it from the routing guides on the computer

base, if applicable.

2. Remove the six screws (M2.5x5) that secure the battery to the palm-rest assembly.

3. Lift the battery off the palm-rest 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. Align the screw holes on the battery with the screw holes on the palm-rest assembly.

2. Replace the six screws (M2.5x5) that secure the battery to the palm-rest assembly.

3. Route the battery cable through the routing guides on the computer base and connect the battery cable to the system board.

Next steps

1. Install the

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

base cover.

Memory modules

Removing the memory modules

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 modules and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure.

Steps

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

pops up.

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

NOTE: Repeat steps 1 and 2 to remove any other memory modules installed in your computer.

Installing the memory modules

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 modules and provides a visual representation of the installation procedure.

Steps

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

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

3. Press the memory module down until it clicks into place.

NOTE: If you do not hear the click, remove the memory module and reinstall it.

NOTE: Repeat steps 1 to 3 if you are installing two memory modules.

Next steps

1. Install the base cover.

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

Solid-state drive—M.2 slot one

Removing the M.2 2280 solid-state drive from M.2 slot one

Prerequisites

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

2. Remove the base cover.

About this task

NOTE: This procedure applies only to computers shipped with an M.2 2280 solid-state drive installed in M.2 slot one.

NOTE: Depending on the configuration ordered, the computer may have up to four M.2 solid-state drive installed. The solid-state drive configurations that are supported on M.2 slot one are as follows:

• M.2 2230 solid-state drive

• M.2 2280 solid-state drive

The following image indicates the location of the M.2 2280 solid-state drive in M.2 slot one and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure.

Steps

1. Remove the screw (M2x3) that secures the thermal shield and the solid-state drive to the computer base.

2. Slide and lift the thermal shield from the computer base.

3. Slide and remove the M.2 2280 solid-state drive from the M.2 solid-state drive slot on the system board.

Installing the M.2 2280 solid-state drive in M.2 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 an M.2 2280 solid-state drive installed in M.2 slot one.

NOTE: Depending on the configuration ordered, the computer may have up to four M.2 solid-state drive installed. The solid-state drive configurations that are supported on M.2 slot one are as follows:

• M.2 2230 solid-state drive

• M.2 2280 solid-state drive

NOTE: Install the solid-state drive to M.2 slot one before installing the solid-state drive to M.2 slot two on the system board.

The following image indicates the location of the M.2 2280 solid-state drive in M.2 slot one and provides a visual representation of the installation procedure.

Steps

1. Align the notch on the M.2 2280 solid-state drive with the tab on the M.2 solid-state drive slot on the system board.

2. Slide the M.2 2280 solid-state drive into the M.2 solid-state drive slot on the system board.

3. Slide the tab on the thermal shield into the slot on the computer base to secure the thermal shield in place.

4. Align the screw holes on the thermal shield with the screw holes on the computer base.

5. Replace the screw (M2x3) that secures the solid-state drive and the thermal shield to the computer base.

Next steps

1. Install the

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

base cover.

Removing the M.2 2230 solid-state drive from M.2 slot one

Prerequisites

1. Follow the procedure in

2. Remove the base cover.

About this task

NOTE: This procedure applies only to computers shipped with an M.2 2230 solid-state drive installed in M.2 slot one.

NOTE: Depending on the configuration ordered, the computer may have up to four M.2 solid-state drive installed. The solid-state drive configurations that are supported on M.2 slot one are as follows:

Before working inside your computer.

• M.2 2230 solid-state drive

• M.2 2280 solid-state drive

The following image indicates the location of the M.2 2230 solid-state drive in M.2 slot one and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure.

Steps

1. Remove the screw (M2x3) that secures the M.2 thermal shield to the palm-rest assembly and system board.

2. Lift the M.2 thermal shield from the palm-rest assembly and system board.

3. Remove the screw (M2x3) that secures the M.2 2230 solid-state drive to the palm-rest assembly.

4. Slide and remove the M.2 2230 solid-state drive from the M.2 solid-state drive slot on the system board.

5. Remove the two screws (M2x3) that secure the solid-state drive mounting bracket to the computer base.

6. Lift the solid-state drive mounting bracket off the computer base.

Installing the M.2 2230 solid-state drive in M.2 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 an M.2 2230 solid-state drive installed in M.2 slot one.

NOTE: Depending on the configuration ordered, the computer may have up to four M.2 solid-state drive installed. The solid-state drive configurations that are supported on M.2 slot one are as follows:

• M.2 2230 solid-state drive

• M.2 2280 solid-state drive

NOTE: Install the solid-state drive to the M.2 slot one before installing the solid-state drive to the M.2 slot two on the system board.

The following image indicates the location of the M.2 2230 solid-state drive in M.2 slot one and provides a visual representation of the installation procedure.

Steps

1. Using the alignment posts, place the solid-state drive mounting bracket in the slot on the computer base.

2. Align the screw holes on the solid-state drive mounting bracket with the screw holes on the computer base.

3. Replace the two screws (M2x3) that secure the solid-state drive mounting bracket to the computer base.

4. Align the notch on the M.2 2230 solid-state drive with the tab on the M.2 solid-state drive slot on the system board.

5. Slide the M.2 2230 solid-state drive into the M.2 solid-state drive slot on the system board.

6. Replace the screw (M2x3) that secures the M.2 2230 solid-state drive to the palm-rest assembly.

7. Slide the tab on the thermal shield into the slot on the computer base to secure the thermal shield in place.

8. Align the screw holes of the M.2 thermal shield with the screw holes on the palm-rest assembly and system board.

9. Replace the screw (M2x3) that secures the M.2 thermal shield to the palm-rest assembly and system board.

Next steps

1. Install the base cover.

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

Solid-state drive—M.2 slot two

Removing the M.2 2280 solid-state drive from M.2 slot two

Prerequisites

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

2. Remove the base cover.

About this task

NOTE: This procedure applies only to computers shipped with an M.2 2280 solid-state drive installed in M.2 slot two.

NOTE: Depending on the configuration ordered, the computer may have up to four M.2 solid-state drive installed. The solid-state drive configurations that are supported on M.2 slot two are as follows:

• M.2 2230 solid-state drive

• M.2 2280 solid-state drive

The following image indicates the location of the M.2 2280 solid-state drive in M.2 slot two and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure.

Steps

1. Remove the screw (M2x3) that secures the thermal shield and the solid-state drive to the computer base.

2. Slide and lift the thermal shield from the computer base.

3. Slide and remove the M.2 2280 solid-state drive from the M.2 solid-state drive slot on the system board.

Installing the M.2 2280 solid-state drive in M.2 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 an M.2 2280 solid-state drive installed in M.2 slot two.

NOTE: Depending on the configuration ordered, the computer may have up to four M.2 solid-state drive installed. The solid-state drive configurations that are supported on M.2 slot two are as follows:

• M.2 2230 solid-state drive

• M.2 2280 solid-state drive

NOTE: Install the solid-state drive to M.2 slot one before installing the solid-state drive to M.2 slot two on the system board.

The following image indicates the location of the M.2 2280 solid-state drive in M.2 slot two and provides a visual representation of the installation procedure.

Steps

1. Align the notch on the M.2 2280 solid-state drive with the tab on the M.2 solid-state drive slot on the system board.

2. Slide the M.2 2280 solid-state drive into the M.2 solid-state drive slot on the system board.

3. Slide the tab on the thermal shield into the slot on the computer base to secure the thermal shield in place.

4. Align the screw holes on the thermal shield with the screw holes on the computer base.

5. Replace the screw (M2x3) that secures the solid-state drive and the thermal shield to the computer base.

Next steps

1. Install the base cover.

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

Removing the M.2 2230 solid-state drive from M.2 slot two

Prerequisites

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

2. Remove the base cover.

About this task

NOTE: This procedure applies only to computers shipped with an M.2 2230 solid-state drive installed in M.2 slot two.

NOTE: Depending on the configuration ordered, the computer may have up to four M.2 solid-state drive installed. The solid-state drive configurations that are supported on M.2 slot two are as follows:

• M.2 2230 solid-state drive

• M.2 2280 solid-state drive

The following image indicates the location of the M.2 2230 solid-state drive in M.2 slot two and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure.

Steps

1. Remove the screw (M2x3) that secures the M.2 thermal shield to the palm-rest assembly and system board.

2. Lift the M.2 thermal shield from the palm-rest assembly and system board.

3. Remove the screw (M2x3) that secures the M.2 2230 solid-state drive to the palm-rest assembly.

4. Slide and remove the M.2 2230 solid-state drive from the M.2 solid-state drive slot on the system board.

5. Remove the two screws (M2x3) that secure the solid-state drive mounting bracket to the computer base.

6. Lift the solid-state drive mounting bracket off the computer base.

Installing the M.2 2230 solid-state drive in M.2 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 an M.2 2230 solid-state drive installed in M.2 slot two.

NOTE: Depending on the configuration ordered, the computer may have up to four M.2 solid-state drive installed. The solid-state drive configurations that are supported on M.2 slot two are as follows:

• M.2 2230 solid-state drive

• M.2 2280 solid-state drive

NOTE: Install the solid-state drive to the M.2 slot one before installing the solid-state drive to the M.2 slot two on the system board.

The following image indicates the location of the M.2 2230 solid-state drive in M.2 slot two and provides a visual representation of the installation procedure.