Dell Alienware m15 Service Manual
Alienware m15
Service Manual
Computer Model: Alienware m15
Regulatory Model: P79F
Regulatory Type: P79F001
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.
© 2018-2019 Dell Inc. or its subsidiaries. All rights reserved. Dell, EMC, and other trademarks are trademarks of Dell Inc. or its
subsidiaries. Other trademarks may be trademarks of their respective owners.
2019 - 03
Rev. A02
Contents
Before working inside your computer................................................................................8
Before you begin ................................................................................................................................................8
After working inside your computer..................................................................................9
Safety instructions............................................................................................................ 10
Electrostatic discharge—ESD protection.............................................................................................................10
ESD eld service kit ...........................................................................................................................................11
Components of an ESD eld service kit..........................................................................................................11
ESD protection summary .............................................................................................................................. 11
Transporting sensitive components......................................................................................................................12
Lifting equipment ........................................................................................................................................12
Recommended tools.......................................................................................................... 13
Screw list............................................................................................................................14
Removing the base cover.................................................................................................. 16
Procedure......................................................................................................................................................... 16
Replacing the base cover.................................................................................................. 19
Procedure......................................................................................................................................................... 19
Removing the battery (half-length).................................................................................22
Prerequisites..................................................................................................................................................... 22
Procedure.........................................................................................................................................................22
Replacing the battery (half-length).................................................................................23
Procedure ........................................................................................................................................................ 23
Post-requisites...................................................................................................................................................23
Removing the battery (full-length)..................................................................................24
Prerequisites..................................................................................................................................................... 24
Procedure.........................................................................................................................................................24
Replacing the battery (full-length)..................................................................................25
Procedure ........................................................................................................................................................25
Post-requisites.................................................................................................................................................. 25
Removing the hard drive.................................................................................................. 26
Prerequisites..................................................................................................................................................... 26
Procedure.........................................................................................................................................................26
3
Replacing the hard drive.................................................................................................. 28
Procedure.........................................................................................................................................................28
Post-requisites.................................................................................................................................................. 30
Removing the memory modules........................................................................................31
Prerequisites......................................................................................................................................................31
Procedure..........................................................................................................................................................31
Replacing the memory modules....................................................................................... 33
Procedure ........................................................................................................................................................ 33
Post-requisites...................................................................................................................................................33
Removing the heat sink.................................................................................................... 34
Prerequisites..................................................................................................................................................... 34
Procedure.........................................................................................................................................................34
Replacing the heat sink.....................................................................................................36
Procedure ........................................................................................................................................................36
Post-requisites...................................................................................................................................................37
Removing the fans............................................................................................................ 38
Prerequisites..................................................................................................................................................... 38
Procedure.........................................................................................................................................................38
Replacing the fans............................................................................................................ 40
Procedure ........................................................................................................................................................40
Post-requisites...................................................................................................................................................41
Removing the wireless card..............................................................................................42
Prerequisites..................................................................................................................................................... 42
Procedure.........................................................................................................................................................42
Replacing the wireless card..............................................................................................44
Procedure.........................................................................................................................................................44
Post-requisites.................................................................................................................................................. 45
Removing the solid-state drive/Intel Optane memory module..................................... 46
Prerequisites..................................................................................................................................................... 46
Procedure to remove M.2 2230 solid-state drive................................................................................................46
Procedure to remove M.2 2280 solid-state drive................................................................................................ 47
Replacing the solid-state drive/Intel Optane memory module..................................... 49
Procedure to replace M.2 2230 solid-state drive................................................................................................49
Procedure to replace M.2 2280 solid-state drive.................................................................................................51
Post-requisites.................................................................................................................................................. 52
4
Removing the I/O board..................................................................................................53
Prerequisites..................................................................................................................................................... 53
Procedure.........................................................................................................................................................53
Replacing the I/O board..................................................................................................55
Procedure.........................................................................................................................................................55
Post-requisites.................................................................................................................................................. 56
Removing the coin-cell battery........................................................................................57
Prerequisites..................................................................................................................................................... 57
Procedure.........................................................................................................................................................57
Replacing the coin-cell battery........................................................................................ 58
Procedure.........................................................................................................................................................58
Post-requisites.................................................................................................................................................. 58
Removing the touchpad....................................................................................................59
Prerequisites.....................................................................................................................................................59
Procedure.........................................................................................................................................................59
Replacing the touchpad....................................................................................................60
Procedure........................................................................................................................................................ 60
Post-requisites...................................................................................................................................................61
Removing the speakers.....................................................................................................62
Prerequisites..................................................................................................................................................... 62
Procedure.........................................................................................................................................................62
Replacing the speakers.....................................................................................................63
Procedure ........................................................................................................................................................63
Post-requisites...................................................................................................................................................63
Removing the power-adapter port.................................................................................. 64
Prerequisites..................................................................................................................................................... 64
Procedure.........................................................................................................................................................64
Replacing the power-adapter port.................................................................................. 65
Procedure.........................................................................................................................................................65
Post-requisites.................................................................................................................................................. 65
Removing the display assembly....................................................................................... 66
Prerequisites.....................................................................................................................................................66
Procedure.........................................................................................................................................................66
5
Replacing the display assembly....................................................................................... 69
Procedure.........................................................................................................................................................69
Post-requisites................................................................................................................................................... 71
Removing the system board............................................................................................. 72
Prerequisites..................................................................................................................................................... 72
Procedure.........................................................................................................................................................72
Replacing the system board............................................................................................. 76
Procedure ........................................................................................................................................................ 76
Post-requisites...................................................................................................................................................78
Entering the Service Tag in the BIOS setup program............................................................................................78
Removing the power-button board..................................................................................79
Prerequisites..................................................................................................................................................... 79
Procedure.........................................................................................................................................................79
Replacing the power-button board................................................................................. 80
Procedure.........................................................................................................................................................80
Post-requisites.................................................................................................................................................. 80
Removing the keyboard....................................................................................................81
Prerequisites......................................................................................................................................................81
Procedure..........................................................................................................................................................81
Replacing the keyboard....................................................................................................83
Procedure.........................................................................................................................................................83
Post-requisites.................................................................................................................................................. 90
Removing the palm rest.................................................................................................... 91
Prerequisites......................................................................................................................................................91
Procedure......................................................................................................................................................... 91
Replacing the palm rest.................................................................................................... 93
Procedure.........................................................................................................................................................93
Post-requisites...................................................................................................................................................93
Device drivers................................................................................................................... 95
Intel Chipset Software Installation Utility............................................................................................................95
Video drivers.................................................................................................................................................... 95
Intel Serial IO driver.......................................................................................................................................... 95
Intel Trusted Execution Engine Interface.............................................................................................................95
Intel Virtual Button driver..................................................................................................................................95
Wireless and Bluetooth drivers...........................................................................................................................95
6
System setup.....................................................................................................................96
BIOS overview..................................................................................................................................................96
Entering BIOS setup program............................................................................................................................96
Navigation keys................................................................................................................................................ 96
Boot Sequence................................................................................................................................................. 96
System setup options......................................................................................................................................... 97
Clearing CMOS settings..................................................................................................................................100
Clearing BIOS (System Setup) and System passwords........................................................................................ 101
Troubleshooting.............................................................................................................. 102
Flashing the BIOS............................................................................................................................................102
Flashing BIOS (USB key)................................................................................................................................. 102
Enhanced Pre-Boot System Assessment (ePSA) diagnostics...............................................................................102
Running the ePSA diagnostics.................................................................................................................... 103
System diagnostic lights...................................................................................................................................103
Enabling Intel Optane memory........................................................................................................................ 104
Disabling Intel Optane memory........................................................................................................................104
WiFi power cycle............................................................................................................................................ 104
Flea power release.......................................................................................................................................... 105
Getting help and contacting Alienware.........................................................................106
Self-help resources..........................................................................................................................................106
Contacting Alienware......................................................................................................................................106
7
Before working inside your computer
NOTE: The images in this document may dier from your computer depending on the conguration you ordered.
Before you begin
1 Save and close all open les and exit all open applications.
2 Shut down your computer. Click Start → Power → Shut down.
NOTE: If you are using a dierent operating system, see the documentation of your operating system for shut-
down instructions.
3 Disconnect your computer and all attached devices from their electrical outlets.
4 Disconnect all attached network devices and peripherals, such as keyboard, mouse, and monitor from your computer.
5 Remove any media card and optical disc from your computer, if applicable.
8
After working inside your computer
CAUTION: Leaving stray or loose screws inside your computer may severely damage your computer.
1 Replace all screws and ensure that no stray screws remain inside your computer.
2 Connect any external devices, peripherals, or cables you removed before working on your computer.
3 Replace any media cards, discs, or any other parts that you removed before working on your computer.
4 Connect your computer and all attached devices to their electrical outlets.
5 Turn on your computer.
9
Safety instructions
Use the following safety guidelines to protect your computer from potential damage and ensure your personal safety.
WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer. For
more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.
WARNING: Disconnect all power sources before opening the computer cover or panels. After you nish working
inside the computer, replace all covers, panels, and screws before connecting to the electrical outlet.
CAUTION: To avoid damaging the computer, ensure that the work surface is at and clean.
CAUTION: To avoid damaging the components and cards, handle them by their edges, and avoid touching pins and
contacts.
CAUTION: You should only perform troubleshooting and repairs as authorized or directed by the Dell technical
assistance team. Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by your warranty. See the
safety instructions that shipped with the product or at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.
CAUTION: Before touching anything inside your computer, ground yourself by touching an unpainted metal surface,
such as the metal at the back of the computer. While you work, periodically touch an unpainted metal surface to
dissipate static electricity, which could harm internal components.
CAUTION: When you disconnect a cable, pull on its connector or on its pull tab, not on the cable itself. Some cables
have connectors with locking tabs or thumb-screws that you must disengage before disconnecting the cable. When
disconnecting cables, keep them evenly aligned to avoid bending any connector pins. When connecting cables,
ensure that the ports and connectors are correctly oriented and aligned.
CAUTION: Press and eject any installed card from the media-card reader.
Electrostatic discharge—ESD protection
ESD is a major concern when you handle electronic components, especially sensitive components such as expansion cards,
processors, memory DIMMs, and system boards. Very slight charges can damage circuits in ways that may not be obvious, such
as intermittent problems or a shortened product life span. As the industry pushes for lower power requirements and increased
density, ESD protection is an increasing concern.
Due to the increased density of semiconductors used in recent Dell products, the sensitivity to static damage is now higher than
in previous Dell products. For this reason, some previously approved methods of handling parts are no longer applicable.
Two recognized types of ESD damage are catastrophic and intermittent failures.
• Catastrophic – Catastrophic failures represent approximately 20 percent of ESD-related failures. The damage causes an
immediate and complete loss of device functionality. An example of catastrophic failure is a memory DIMM that has
received a static shock and immediately generates a "No POST/No Video" symptom with a beep code emitted for missing
or nonfunctional memory.
• Intermittent – Intermittent failures represent approximately 80 percent of ESD-related failures. The high rate of
intermittent failures means that most of the time when damage occurs, it is not immediately recognizable. The DIMM
receives a static shock, but the tracing is merely weakened and does not immediately produce outward symptoms related to
the damage. The weakened trace may take weeks or months to melt, and in the meantime may cause degradation of
memory integrity, intermittent memory errors, etc.
The more dicult type of damage to recognize and troubleshoot is the intermittent (also called latent or "walking wounded")
failure.
Perform the following steps to prevent ESD damage:
• Use a wired ESD wrist strap that is properly grounded. The use of wireless anti-static straps is no longer allowed; they do
not provide adequate protection. Touching the chassis before handling parts does not ensure adequate ESD protection on
parts with increased sensitivity to ESD damage.
• Handle all static-sensitive components in a static-safe area. If possible, use anti-static oor pads and workbench pads.
10
• When unpacking a static-sensitive component from its shipping carton, do not remove the component from the anti-static
packing material until you are ready to install the component. Before unwrapping the anti-static packaging, ensure that you
discharge static electricity from your body.
• Before transporting a static-sensitive component, place it in an anti-static container or packaging.
ESD eld service kit
The unmonitored Field Service kit is the most commonly used service kit. Each Field Service kit includes three main
components: anti-static mat, wrist strap, and bonding wire.
Components of an ESD eld service kit
The components of an ESD eld service kit are:
• Anti-Static Mat – The anti-static mat is dissipative and parts can be placed on it during service procedures. When using an
anti-static mat, your wrist strap should be snug and the bonding wire should be connected to the mat and to any bare metal
on the system being worked on. Once deployed properly, service parts can be removed from the ESD bag and placed
directly on the mat. ESD-sensitive items are safe in your hand, on the ESD mat, in the system, or inside a bag.
• Wrist Strap and Bonding Wire – The wrist strap and bonding wire can be either directly connected between your wrist
and bare metal on the hardware if the ESD mat is not required, or connected to the anti-static mat to protect hardware that
is temporarily placed on the mat. The physical connection of the wrist strap and bonding wire between your skin, the ESD
mat, and the hardware is known as bonding. Use only Field Service kits with a wrist strap, mat, and bonding wire. Never use
wireless wrist straps. Always be aware that the internal wires of a wrist strap are prone to damage from normal wear and
tear, and must be checked regularly with a wrist strap tester in order to avoid accidental ESD hardware damage. It is
recommended to test the wrist strap and bonding wire at least once per week.
• ESD Wrist Strap Tester – The wires inside of an ESD strap are prone to damage over time. When using an unmonitored kit,
it is a best practice to regularly test the strap prior to each service call, and at a minimum, test once per week. A wrist strap
tester is the best method for doing this test. If you do not have your own wrist strap tester, check with your regional oce to
nd out if they have one. To perform the test, plug the wrist-strap's bonding-wire into the tester while it is strapped to your
wrist and push the button to test. A green LED is lit if the test is successful; a red LED is lit and an alarm sounds if the test
fails.
• Insulator Elements – It is critical to keep ESD sensitive devices, such as plastic heat sink casings, away from internal parts
that are insulators and often highly charged.
• Working Environment – Before deploying the ESD Field Service kit, assess the situation at the customer location. For
example, deploying the kit for a server environment is dierent than for a desktop or portable environment. Servers are
typically installed in a rack within a data center; desktops or portables are typically placed on oce desks or cubicles.
Always look for a large open at work area that is free of clutter and large enough to deploy the ESD kit with additional
space to accommodate the type of system that is being repaired. The workspace should also be free of insulators that can
cause an ESD event. On the work area, insulators such as Styrofoam and other plastics should always be moved at least 12
inches or 30 centimeters away from sensitive parts before physically handling any hardware components.
• ESD Packaging – All ESD-sensitive devices must be shipped and received in static-safe packaging. Metal, static-shielded
bags are preferred. However, you should always return the damaged part using the same ESD bag and packaging that the
new part arrived in. The ESD bag should be folded over and taped shut and all the same foam packing material should be
used in the original box that the new part arrived in. ESD-sensitive devices should be removed from packaging only at an
ESD-protected work surface, and parts should never be placed on top of the ESD bag because only the inside of the bag is
shielded. Always place parts in your hand, on the ESD mat, in the system, or inside an anti-static bag.
• Transporting Sensitive Components – When transporting ESD sensitive components such as replacement parts or parts to
be returned to Dell, it is critical to place these parts in anti-static bags for safe transport.
ESD protection summary
It is recommended that all eld service technicians use the traditional wired ESD grounding wrist strap and protective antistatic mat at all times when servicing Dell products. In addition, it is critical that technicians keep sensitive parts separate from
all insulator parts while performing service and that they use anti-static bags for transporting sensitive components.
11
Transporting sensitive components
When transporting ESD sensitive components such as replacement parts or parts to be returned to Dell, it is critical to place
these parts in anti-static bags for safe transport.
Lifting equipment
Adhere to the following guidelines when lifting heavy weight equipment:
CAUTION: Do not lift greater than 50 pounds. Always obtain additional resources or use a mechanical lifting device.
1 Get a rm balanced footing. Keep your feet apart for a stable base, and point your toes out.
2 Tighten stomach muscles. Abdominal muscles support your spine when you lift, osetting the force of the load.
3 Lift with your legs, not your back.
4 Keep the load close. The closer it is to your spine, the less force it exerts on your back.
5 Keep your back upright, whether lifting or setting down the load. Do not add the weight of your body to the load. Avoid
twisting your body and back.
6 Follow the same techniques in reverse to set the load down.
12
Recommended tools
The procedures in this document may require the following tools:
• Philips screwdriver #1
• Flat-head screwdriver
• Plastic scribe
13
Screw list
NOTE: When removing screws from a component, it is recommended to note the screw type, the quantity of screws,
and then place them in a screw storage box. This is to ensure that the correct number of screws and correct screw
type is restored when the component is replaced.
NOTE: Some computers have magnetic surfaces. Ensure that the screws are not left attached to such surface when
replacing a component.
NOTE: Screw color may vary with the conguration ordered.
Table 1. Screw list
Component Secured to Screw type Quantity Screw image
Base cover Palm-rest assembly M2.5x10 6
Base cover Palm-rest assembly M2.5x10 2
Battery (Half-length) Palm-rest assembly M2x5 4
Battery (Full-length) Palm-rest assembly M2x5 6
Hard-drive assembly Palm-rest assembly M2x5 4
Heat-sink assembly System board M2x3 5
Heat-sink assembly System board M2x5 1
Fan Heat sink M2x3 2
Wireless-card bracket System board M2x3 1
Solid-state drive bracket Palm-rest assembly M2x3 1
Solid-state drive Solid-state drive bracket M2x2 1
I/O board Palm-rest assembly M2x5 1
Touchpad Palm-rest assembly M2x2.5 4
14
Component Secured to Screw type Quantity Screw image
Hinges Palm-rest assembly M2.5x2.5 2
Power-adapter port System board and palm-
rest assembly
Power-button board Palm-rest assembly M2x3 3
USB Type-C port
bracket
System board Palm-rest assembly M2x2 5
Keyboard bracket Palm-rest assembly M1.2x2.2 8
Keyboard Palm-rest assembly M1.2x1.9 33
System board M2x3 1
M2x3 1
15
Removing the base cover
WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and
follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions
in
After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at
www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.
Procedure
1 Loosen the three captive screws on the base cover.
2 Remove the six screws (M2.5x10) that secure the base cover to the palm-rest assembly.
3 Remove the two screws (M2.5x10) from the back that secure the base cover to the palm-rest assembly.
4 Using a plastic scribe, pry the base cover from the computer base.
16
5 Rotate the base cover from front to back and remove the base cover o the palm-rest assembly.
17
6 Using the pull tab, disconnect the battery cable from the system board.
7 Press and hold the power button for 5 seconds to ground the computer and drain the ea power.
18
Replacing the base cover
WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and
follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions
in
After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at
www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.
Procedure
1 Connect the battery cable to the system board.
19
2 Rotate the cover from back to front and place the base cover on the palm-rest assembly, and snap the base cover into
place.
3 Tighten the captive screws on the base cover.
4 Replace the six screws (M2.5x10)that secure the base cover to the palm-rest assembly.
20
5 Replace the two screws (M2.5x10) in the back that secure the base cover to the palm-rest assembly.
21
Removing the battery (half-length)
WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and
follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions
in
After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at
www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.
Prerequisites
Remove the base cover.
Procedure
1 Using the pull tab, disconnect the battery cable from the system board (applicable only if not disconnected earlier).
2 Remove the four screws (M2x5) that secure the battery to the palm-rest assembly.
3 Lift the battery o the palm-rest assembly.
22
Replacing the battery (half-length)
WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and
follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions
in
After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at
www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.
Procedure
1 Align the screw holes on the battery with the screw holes on the palm-rest assembly.
2 Replace the four screws (M2x5) that secure the battery to the palm-rest assembly.
3 Connect the battery cable to the system board.
Post-requisites
Replace the base cover.
23
Removing the battery (full-length)
WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and
follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions
in
After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at
www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.
Prerequisites
Remove the base cover.
Procedure
1 Using the pull tab, disconnect the battery cable from the system board (applicable only if not disconnected earlier).
2 Remove the six screws (M2x5) that secure the battery to the palm-rest assembly.
3 Lift the battery o the palm-rest assembly.
24
Replacing the battery (full-length)
WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and
follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions
in
After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at
www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.
Procedure
1 Align the screw holes on the battery with the screw holes on the palm-rest assembly.
2 Replace the six screws (M2x5) that secure the battery to the palm-rest assembly.
3 Connect the battery cable to the system board.
Post-requisites
Replace the base cover.
25
Removing the hard drive
If your computer is using a SATA storage device accelerated by Intel Optane memory, disable Intel Optane before removing
the SATA storage device. For more information about disabling the Intel Optane, see Disabling Intel Optane.
WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and
follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions
in
After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at
www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.
CAUTION: Hard drives are fragile. Exercise care when handling the hard drive.
CAUTION: To avoid data loss, do not remove the hard drive while the computer is in sleep or on state.
Prerequisites
Remove the base cover.
Procedure
NOTE: The hard drive is not available on systems shipped with 6-cell (full-length) battery.
1 Using the pull tab, disconnect the hard-drive cable from the system board.
2 Remove the four screws (M2x5) that secure the hard-drive assembly to the palm-rest assembly.
3 Lift the hard-drive assembly along with its cable o the palm-rest assembly.
26
4 Remove the four screws (M3x3) that secure the hard-drive bracket to the hard drive.
5 Lift the hard drive o the hard-drive bracket.
6 Disconnect the interposer from the hard-drive assembly.
27
Replacing the hard drive
Enable Intel Optane after replacing the SATA storage. For more information about enabling the Intel Optane, see Enabling
Intel Optane.
WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and
follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions
in
After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at
www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.
CAUTION: Hard drives are fragile. Exercise care when handling the hard drive.
Procedure
NOTE: The hard drive is not available on systems shipped with 6-cell (full-length) battery.
1 Connect the interposer to the hard-drive assembly.
Place the hard-drive bracket on the hard drive and align the screw holes on the hard-drive bracket with the screw holes on
2
the hard drive.
28
3 Replace the four screws (M3x3) that secure the hard-drive bracket to the hard drive.
4 Align the screw holes on the hard-drive assembly with the screw holes on the palm-rest assembly.
5 Replace the four screws (M2x5) that secure the hard-drive assembly to the palm-rest assembly.
6 Connect the hard-drive cable to the system board.
29
Post-requisites
Replace the base cover.
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