Dell XPS 15 9550 User Manual

XPS 15

Service Manual

Regulatory Model: P56F

Regulatory Type: P56F001

November 2020

Rev. A03

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.

© 2016-2020 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: Before working inside your computer............................................................................	7
Before you begin .................................................................................................................................................................	7
Safety instructions..............................................................................................................................................................	7
Recommended tools...........................................................................................................................................................	8
Chapter 2: After working inside your computer.............................................................................	9
Chapter 3: Removing the base cover............................................................................................	10
Procedure............................................................................................................................................................................	10
Chapter 4: Replacing the base cover............................................................................................	12
Procedure.............................................................................................................................................................................	12
Chapter 5: Removing the battery.................................................................................................	13
Prerequisites........................................................................................................................................................................	13
Procedure.............................................................................................................................................................................	13
Chapter 6: Replacing the battery.................................................................................................	14
Procedure.............................................................................................................................................................................	14
Post-requisites....................................................................................................................................................................	14
Chapter 7: Removing the hard drive.............................................................................................	15
Prerequisites.......................................................................................................................................................................	15
Procedure............................................................................................................................................................................	15
Chapter 8: Replacing the hard drive.............................................................................................	18
Procedure.............................................................................................................................................................................	18
Post-requisites....................................................................................................................................................................	18
Chapter 9: Removing the solid-state drive (half-length)..............................................................	19
Prerequisites........................................................................................................................................................................	19
Procedure.............................................................................................................................................................................	19
Chapter 10: Replacing the solid-state drive (half-length).............................................................	21
Procedure.............................................................................................................................................................................	21
Post-requisites....................................................................................................................................................................	21
Chapter 11: Removing the solid-state drive (full-length).............................................................	22
Prerequisites.......................................................................................................................................................................	22
Procedure............................................................................................................................................................................	22
Chapter 12: Replacing the solid-state drive (full-length).............................................................	24
Procedure............................................................................................................................................................................	24

Contents 3

Post-requisites...................................................................................................................................................................	24
Chapter 13: Removing the speakers.............................................................................................	25
Prerequisites.......................................................................................................................................................................	25
Procedure............................................................................................................................................................................	25
Chapter 14: Replacing the speakers.............................................................................................	26
Procedure............................................................................................................................................................................	26
Post-requisites...................................................................................................................................................................	26
Chapter 15: Removing the wireless card......................................................................................	27
Prerequisites.......................................................................................................................................................................	27
Procedure............................................................................................................................................................................	27
Chapter 16: Replacing the wireless card......................................................................................	29
Procedure............................................................................................................................................................................	29
Post-requisites...................................................................................................................................................................	29
Chapter 17: Removing the fans....................................................................................................	30
Prerequisites.......................................................................................................................................................................	30
Procedure............................................................................................................................................................................	30
Chapter 18: Replacing the fans....................................................................................................	33
Procedure............................................................................................................................................................................	33
Post-requisites...................................................................................................................................................................	33
Chapter 19: Removing the heat-sink assembly.............................................................................	34
Prerequisites.......................................................................................................................................................................	34
Procedure............................................................................................................................................................................	34
Chapter 20: Replacing the heat-sink assembly............................................................................	35
Procedure............................................................................................................................................................................	35
Post-requisites...................................................................................................................................................................	35
Chapter 21: Removing the memory modules................................................................................	36
Prerequisites.......................................................................................................................................................................	36
Procedure............................................................................................................................................................................	36
Chapter 22: Replacing the memory modules................................................................................	38
Procedure............................................................................................................................................................................	38
Post-requisites...................................................................................................................................................................	39
Chapter 23: Removing the system board.....................................................................................	40
Prerequisites.......................................................................................................................................................................	40
Procedure............................................................................................................................................................................	40
Chapter 24: Replacing the system board.....................................................................................	43
Procedure............................................................................................................................................................................	43

4 Contents

Post-requisites...................................................................................................................................................................	44
Chapter 25: Removing the audio daughter board.........................................................................	45
Prerequisites.......................................................................................................................................................................	45
Procedure............................................................................................................................................................................	45
Chapter 26: Replacing the audio daughter board.........................................................................	47
Procedure............................................................................................................................................................................	47
Post-requisites...................................................................................................................................................................	47
Chapter 27: Removing the coin-cell battery.................................................................................	48
Prerequisites.......................................................................................................................................................................	48
Procedure............................................................................................................................................................................	48
Chapter 28: Replacing the coin-cell battery................................................................................	50
Procedure............................................................................................................................................................................	50
Post-requisites...................................................................................................................................................................	50
Chapter 29: Removing the keyboard............................................................................................	51
Prerequisites.......................................................................................................................................................................	51
Procedure............................................................................................................................................................................	51
Chapter 30: Replacing the keyboard............................................................................................	53
Procedure............................................................................................................................................................................	53
Post-requisites...................................................................................................................................................................	53
Chapter 31: Removing the display assembly.................................................................................	54
Prerequisites.......................................................................................................................................................................	54
Procedure............................................................................................................................................................................	54
Chapter 32: Replacing the display assembly................................................................................	56
Procedure............................................................................................................................................................................	56
Post-requisites...................................................................................................................................................................	56
Chapter 33: Removing the power-adapter port............................................................................	57
Prerequisites.......................................................................................................................................................................	57
Procedure............................................................................................................................................................................	57
Chapter 34: Replacing the power-adapter port............................................................................	58
Procedure............................................................................................................................................................................	58
Post-requisites...................................................................................................................................................................	58
Chapter 35: Removing the antenna cover....................................................................................	59
Prerequisites.......................................................................................................................................................................	59
Procedure............................................................................................................................................................................	59
Chapter 36: Replacing the antenna cover.....................................................................................	61
Procedure.............................................................................................................................................................................	61

Contents 5

Post-requisites....................................................................................................................................................................	61
Chapter 37: Removing the display hinges....................................................................................	62
Prerequisites.......................................................................................................................................................................	62
Procedure............................................................................................................................................................................	62
Chapter 38: Replacing the display hinges....................................................................................	64
Procedure............................................................................................................................................................................	64
Post-requisites...................................................................................................................................................................	64
Chapter 39: Removing the antenna module.................................................................................	65
Prerequisites.......................................................................................................................................................................	65
Procedure............................................................................................................................................................................	65
Chapter 40: Replacing the antenna module..................................................................................	67
Procedure............................................................................................................................................................................	67
Post-requisites...................................................................................................................................................................	67
Chapter 41: Removing the palm-rest assembly............................................................................	68
Prerequisites.......................................................................................................................................................................	68
Procedure............................................................................................................................................................................	68
Chapter 42: Replacing the palm-rest assembly............................................................................	69
Procedure............................................................................................................................................................................	69
Post-requisites...................................................................................................................................................................	69
Chapter 43: Flashing the BIOS.....................................................................................................	70
Chapter 44: Getting help and contacting Dell...............................................................................	71

6 Contents

Before working inside your computer

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

Topics:

•Before you begin

•Safety instructions

•Recommended tools

Before you begin

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

2.Shut down your computer.

The shut-down instruction varies depending on the operating system installed on your computer.

●Windows 10: Click Start > Power > Shut down.

●Windows 8.1: On the Start screen, Click the power icon > Shut down.

●Windows 7: Click Start > Shut down.

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

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

4.Disconnect all 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.

6.Close the display and turn the computer over.

Safety instructions

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

NOTE: 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.

NOTE: Disconnect all power sources before opening the computer cover or panels. After you finish working inside the computer, replace all covers, panels, and screws before connecting to the electrical outlet.

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

CAUTION: Handle components and cards with care. Do not touch the components or contacts on a card. Hold a card by its edges or by its metal mounting bracket. Hold a component such as a processor by its edges, not by its pins.

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 using a wrist grounding strap or by periodically 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.

Before working inside your computer

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.

Recommended tools

The procedures in this document may require the following tools:

●Philips screwdriver

●Flat-head screwdriver

●Torx #5 (T5) screwdriver

●Plastic scribe

8 Before working inside your computer

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.

After working inside your computer

Removing the base cover

NOTE: 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.

Topics:

•Procedure

Procedure

1.Close the display and turn the computer over.

2.Turn the system badge over and place it on the base cover.

3.Remove the screws that secure the base cover to the palm-rest assembly.

a.base cover

b.system badge

c.screws (12)

4.Using your fingertips, gently pry the base cover off the palm-rest assembly.

10 Removing the base cover

a. base cover

Removing the base cover

Replacing the base cover

Topics:

•Procedure

Procedure

1.Place the base cover on the palm-rest assembly and snap it into place.

2.Replace the screws that secure the base cover to the palm-rest assembly.

3.Turn the system badge over and snap it into place.

4.Turn the computer over.

12 Replacing the base cover

Removing the battery

Topics:

•Prerequisites

•Procedure

Prerequisites

Remove the base cover.

Procedure

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

1.Remove the screws that secure the battery to the palm-rest assembly.

2.Disconnect the battery cable from the system board.

3.Lift the battery off the palm-rest assembly.

1.	battery cable	2.	screws (4)
3.	battery	4.	palm-rest assembly

4. Turn the computer over, open the display, and press the power button for five seconds to ground the system board.

Removing the battery

Replacing the battery

Topics:

•Procedure

•Post-requisites

Procedure

1.Align the screw holes on the battery with the screw holes on the palm-rest assembly.

2.Replace the screws that secure the battery to the palm-rest assembly.

3.Connect the battery cable to the system board.

Post-requisites

Replace the base cover.

14 Replacing the battery

Removing the hard drive

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.

Topics:

•Prerequisites

•Procedure

Prerequisites

1.Remove the base cover.

2.Remove the battery.

Procedure

1.Remove the screws that secure the hard-drive assembly to the palm-rest assembly.

2.Lift the hard-drive cage off the hard-drive assembly.

a.screws (4)

b.hard-drive cage

c.hard-drive assembly

Removing the hard drive

3.Using the pull tab disconnect the hard-drive cable from the system board.

4.Lift the hard-drive assembly off the palm-rest assembly.

a.pull tab

b.hard-drive assembly

5.Disconnect the hard-drive interposer from the hard-drive assembly.

a.hard-drive assembly

b.hard-drive interposer

6.Remove the hard-drive covers away from the hard drive.

16 Removing the hard drive

a.hard-drive covers (2)

b.hard drive

Removing the hard drive

Replacing the hard drive

CAUTION: Hard drives are fragile. Exercise care when handling the hard drive.

Topics:

•Procedure

•Post-requisites

Procedure

1.Replace the hard-drive covers on the hard drive.

2.Connect the hard-drive interposer to the hard-drive assembly.

3.Place the hard-drive assembly on the palm-rest assembly.

4.Connect the hard-drive cable to the system board.

5.Align the screw holes on the hard-drive cage with the screw holes on the hard-drive assembly.

6.Replace the screws that secure the hard-drive cage to the palm-rest assembly.

Post-requisites

1.Replace the battery.

2.Replace the base cover.

18 Replacing the hard drive

Removing the solid-state drive (half-length)

CAUTION: Solid-state drives are fragile. Exercise care when handling the solid-state drive.

CAUTION: To avoid data loss, do not remove the solid-state drive while the computer is in sleep or on state.

Topics:

•Prerequisites

•Procedure

Prerequisites

1.Remove the base cover.

2.Remove the battery.

Procedure

1.Remove the screw that secures the solid-state drive assembly to the system board.

2.Lift and slide the solid-state drive assembly from the system board.

1. screw

2. solid-state drive assembly

Removing the solid-state drive (half-length)

3. solid-state drive slot

4. system board

3. Remove the screw that secures the solid-state drive to the solid-state drive bracket.

a.solid-state drive bracket

b.screw

c.solid-state drive

4.Lift the solid-state drive off the solid-state drive bracket.

20 Removing the solid-state drive (half-length)

Replacing the solid-state drive (half-length)

CAUTION: Solid-state drives are fragile. Exercise care when handling the solid-state drive.

Topics:

•Procedure

•Post-requisites

Procedure

1.Align the screw hole on the solid-state drive bracket with the screw hole on the solid-state drive.

2.Replace the screw that secures the solid-state drive to the solid-state drive bracket

3.Align the notches on the solid-state drive assembly with the tabs in the solid-state drive slot.

4.Slide the solid-state drive assembly at an angle into the solid-state drive slot.

5.Press the other end of the solid-state drive down and replace the screw that secures the solid-state drive to the system board.

Post-requisites

1.Replace the battery.

2.Replace the base cover.

Replacing the solid-state drive (half-length)

Removing the solid-state drive (full-length)

CAUTION: Solid-state drives are fragile. Exercise care when handling the solid-state drive.

CAUTION: To avoid data loss, do not remove the solid-state drive while the computer is in sleep or on state.

Topics:

•Prerequisites

•Procedure

Prerequisites

1.Remove the base cover.

2.Remove the battery.

Procedure

1.Remove the screw that secures the solid-state drive to the system board.

2.Lift and slide the solid-state drive from the system board.

1. screw

2. thermal pad

22 Removing the solid-state drive (full-length)

+ 49 hidden pages