Dell MRRVX Specification Sheet
XPS 15 9500
Service Manual
Regulatory Model: P91F
Regulatory Type: P91F001
June 2020
Rev. A01
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
Chapter 1: Working inside your computer..........................................................................................5
Before working inside your computer................................................................................................................................. 5
Safety instructions................................................................................................................................................................ 5
Electrostatic discharge—ESD protection.......................................................................................................................... 6
ESD field service kit ..............................................................................................................................................................6
Transporting sensitive components.................................................................................................................................... 7
After working inside your computer.................................................................................................................................... 7
Chapter 2: Removing and installing components................................................................................8
Recommended tools..............................................................................................................................................................8
Screw list................................................................................................................................................................................ 8
Major components of XPS-15 9500................................................................................................................................... 9
Base cover............................................................................................................................................................................. 11
Removing the base cover.............................................................................................................................................. 11
Installing the base cover................................................................................................................................................ 14
Battery...................................................................................................................................................................................15
Lithium-ion battery precautions................................................................................................................................... 15
Removing the battery....................................................................................................................................................16
Installing the battery.......................................................................................................................................................17
Memory modules.................................................................................................................................................................. 17
Removing the memory...................................................................................................................................................17
Installing the memory.....................................................................................................................................................18
Solid-state drive................................................................................................................................................................... 19
Removing the solid-state drive1................................................................................................................................... 19
Installing the solid-state drive1.....................................................................................................................................20
Removing the solid-state drive2...................................................................................................................................21
Installing the solid-state drive2.................................................................................................................................... 22
Installing the M.2 2230 solid-state drive.....................................................................................................................23
Fans.......................................................................................................................................................................................24
Removing the left fan................................................................................................................................................... 24
Installing the left fan......................................................................................................................................................25
Removing the right fan................................................................................................................................................. 26
Installing the right fan....................................................................................................................................................27
Heat sink...............................................................................................................................................................................28
Removing the heat sink................................................................................................................................................ 28
Installing the heat sink...................................................................................................................................................29
Speakers............................................................................................................................................................................... 30
Removing the speakers................................................................................................................................................ 30
Installing the speakers....................................................................................................................................................31
I/O board.............................................................................................................................................................................. 32
Removing the I/O board...............................................................................................................................................32
Installing the I/O board................................................................................................................................................. 33
Display assembly..................................................................................................................................................................34
Removing the display assembly................................................................................................................................... 34
Contents 3
Installing the display assembly......................................................................................................................................36
System board.......................................................................................................................................................................39
Removing the system board........................................................................................................................................ 39
Installing the system board............................................................................................................................................41
Palm-rest and keyboard assembly.................................................................................................................................... 45
Removing the palm-rest and keyboard assembly......................................................................................................45
Installing the palm-rest and keyboard assembly........................................................................................................ 46
Chapter 3: Drivers and downloads...................................................................................................47
Chapter 4: System setup............................................................................................................... 48
Entering BIOS setup program............................................................................................................................................48
Navigation keys....................................................................................................................................................................48
Boot Sequence.................................................................................................................................................................... 48
One time boot menu........................................................................................................................................................... 49
System setup options......................................................................................................................................................... 49
Clearing CMOS settings.....................................................................................................................................................58
Clearing BIOS (System Setup) and System passwords.................................................................................................58
Chapter 5: Troubleshooting........................................................................................................... 60
SupportAssist diagnostics.................................................................................................................................................. 60
Built-in self-test (BIST)...................................................................................................................................................... 60
System board built-in self-test (M-BIST)................................................................................................................... 61
Display panel power rail built-in self-test (L-BIST).................................................................................................... 61
Display panel built-in self-test (LCD-BIST)................................................................................................................ 62
Outcome......................................................................................................................................................................... 62
System diagnostic lights.....................................................................................................................................................63
Recovering the operating system..................................................................................................................................... 64
Flashing the BIOS................................................................................................................................................................ 64
Flashing BIOS (USB key)....................................................................................................................................................64
Backup media and recovery options.................................................................................................................................65
WiFi power cycle................................................................................................................................................................. 65
Flea power release.............................................................................................................................................................. 65
Chapter 6: Getting help and contacting Dell.................................................................................... 66
4
Contents
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 >
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:
the network device.
To disconnect a network cable, first unplug the cable from your computer and then unplug the cable from
Power > Shut down.
1
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.
Working inside your computer 5
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 antistatic 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. ESDsensitive 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.
6
Working inside your computer
• 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.
Working inside your computer
7
Removing and installing components
Recommended tools
The procedures in this document may require the following tools:
• Phillips screwdriver #0
• Phillips screwdriver #1
• Torx #5 (T5) screwdriver
• 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.
2
NOTE: Screw color may vary with the configuration ordered.
Table 1. Screw list
Component Secured to Screw type Quantity Screw image
Base cover Palm-rest and
keyboard assembly
Battery Palm-rest and
keyboard assembly
Battery Palm-rest and
keyboard assembly
Right fan System board and
palm-rest and
keyboard assembly
I/O board shield I/O board M2x4 1
Left fan System board and
palm-rest and
keyboard assembly
Solid-state drive1 System board M2x2 1
M2x3 8
M2x3 4
M2x4 4
M2x4 1
M2x4 2
solid-state drive2 System board M2x2 1
Speakers Palm-rest and
keyboard assembly
8 Removing and installing components
M2x2 4
Table 1. Screw list (continued)
Component Secured to Screw type Quantity Screw image
Graphics card-processor
thermal shield cover
Type-C bracket Palm-rest and
Display-assembly cable
bracket
Display-assembly cable
holder
Left hinge System board and
Right hinge System board and
Wireless-card bracket System board M1.6x3 1
System board Palm-rest and
System board M2x2 2
M2x4 2
keyboard assembly
System board M2x2 3
Palm-rest and
keyboard assembly
palm-rest and
keyboard assembly
palm-rest and
keyboard assembly
keyboard assembly
M1.6x3 2
M2.5x5.5 4
M2.5x5.5 4
M2x4 2
Touchpad Palm-rest and
keyboard assembly
Touchpad Palm-rest and
keyboard assembly
M1.6x2.5 4
M2x2 4
Major components of XPS-15 9500
The following image shows the major components of XPS-15 9500.
Removing and installing components
9
1. Base cover
2. Battery
3. Heat sink
4. Memory module
5. Right fan
6. USB Type-C bracket
7. System board
8. Graphics card-processor thermal bracket
9. Speaker
10. Display assembly
11. Palm-rest and keyboard assembly
12. Wireless-card bracket
13. I/O-board shield
14. I/O board
15. USB Type-C port bracket
16. I/O-board cable
17. Left fan
18. Display-assembly cable bracket
19. Solid-state drive 2
20. Solid-state drive 2 thermal bracket
21. Solid-state drive 1
22. Solid-state drive 1 thermal bracket
10
Removing and installing components
NOTE: Dell provides a list of components and their part numbers for the original system configuration purchased. These
parts are available according to warranty coverages purchased by the customer. Contact your Dell sales representative
for purchase options.
Base cover
Removing the base cover
Prerequisites
1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer.
About this task
The following images indicate the location of the base cover and provide a visual representation of the removal procedure.
Removing and installing components 11
12 Removing and installing components
Steps
1. Remove the eight screws (M2x3) that secure the base cover to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.
CAUTION:
base cover.
CAUTION: The base cover is preassembled with the audio-daughter board. The pins at the bottom of the base cover
are fragile. They ground the antennas and audio-daughter board. Place the base cover on a clean surface to avoid
damage to the pins.
Do not pull on or pry the base cover at the side where the hinges are located; doing so may damage the
2. Starting from the bottom-left corner, use a plastic scribe to pry the base cover in the direction of the arrows to release the base cover
from the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.
3. Grasp the left side and the right side of the base cover and remove the base cover from the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.
The following steps are applicable only if you want to further remove any other component from your
NOTE:
computer.
Removing and installing components 13
NOTE: Disconnecting the battery cable, removing the battery, or draining the flea power clears the CMOS and resets
the BIOS settings on your computer.
NOTE: After your computer is reassembled and powered on, it prompts for the Real Time Clock (RTC) reset. When
the RTC reset cycle occurs, the computer restarts several times and then an error message is displayed– "Time of
day not set". Enter the BIOS when this error appears and set the date and time on your computer to resume normal
functionality.
4. Disconnect the battery cable from the system board.
5. Turn your computer over and press the power button for 15 seconds to drain the flea power.
Installing the base cover
Prerequisites
If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure.
About this task
The following images indicate the location of the base cover and provide a visual representation of the installation procedure.
14 Removing and installing components
Steps
1. Connect the battery cable to the system board, if applicable.
2. Align the screw holes on the base cover with the screw holes on the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.
3. Starting from the bottom-right corner snap the base cover. Work your way around to the middle of the base cover and then to the
bottom-left corner and snap the base cover into place.
4. Replace the eight screws (M2x3) that secure the base cover to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.
Next steps
NOTE:
After your computer is reassembled and powered on, it prompts for the Real Time Clock (RTC) reset. When the
RTC reset cycle occurs, the computer restarts several times and then an error message is displayed- "Time of day not
set". Enter the BIOS when this error appears and set the date and time on your computer to resume normal
functionality.
1. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer.
Battery
Lithium-ion battery precautions
CAUTION:
• Exercise caution when handling Lithium-ion batteries.
Removing and installing components 15
• 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 Before working inside your computer.
2. Remove the base cover.
NOTE:
Disconnecting the battery cable, removing the battery, or draining the flea power clears the CMOS and resets
the BIOS settings on your computer.
About this task
The following image indicates the location of the battery and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure.
Steps
1. Disconnect the battery cable from the system board, if it was not disconnected earlier.
2. Remove the four screws (M2x4) that secure the battery to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.
3. Remove the four screws (M2x3) that secure the battery to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.
16
Removing and installing components
4. Peel the tapes that secure the speaker cable to the battery.
5. Lift the battery off the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.
Installing the battery
Prerequisites
If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure.
About this task
The following image indicates the location of the battery and provides a visual representation of the installation procedure.
Steps
1. Align the screw holes on the battery with the screw holes on the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.
2. Adhere the tapes that secure the speaker cable to the battery.
3. Replace the four screws (M2x3) that secure the battery to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.
4. Replace the four screws (M2x4) that secure the battery to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.
5. Connect the battery cable to the system board.
Next steps
1. Install the base cover.
2. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer.
Memory modules
Removing the memory
Prerequisites
1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer.
2. Remove the base cover.
Removing and installing components
17
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. Slide and remove the memory module from the memory-module slot.
NOTE: Repeat step 1 and step 2 to remove the other memory module if available on your computer.
Installing the memory
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.
18
Removing and installing components
Steps
1. Align the notch on the memory module with the tab on the memory-module slot.
2. Slide the memory module firmly at an angle, into the memory-module slot.
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 step 1 to step 3 to install the other memory module if available on your computer.
Next steps
1. Install the base cover.
2. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer.
Solid-state drive
Removing the solid-state drive1
Prerequisites
1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer.
CAUTION: Solid-state drives are fragile. Exercise care when handling the solid-state drive.
CAUTION: To avoid data loss, do not remove the solid-state drive while the computer is turned on or is in sleep state.
2. Remove the base cover.
About this task
The following image indicates the location of the solid-state drive1 and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure.
Removing and installing components
19
Steps
1. Remove the screw (M2x2) that secures the solid-state drive thermal bracket and the solid-state drive1 to the system board.
2. Slide the solid-state drive thermal bracket from the alignment post and lift it from the system board.
3. Slide and remove the solid-state drive1 from the solid-state drive slot.
NOTE:
The size of the solid-state drive thermal bracket varies based on the storage type. A solid-state drive thermal
bracket that is designed for an M.2 2280 drive cannot accommodate an M.2 2230 drive and vice versa.
Installing the solid-state drive1
Prerequisites
If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure.
CAUTION: Solid-state drives are fragile. Exercise care when handling the solid-state drive.
About this task
The following image indicates the location of the solid-state drive1 and provides a visual representation of the installation procedure.
20
Removing and installing components
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