Alienware x15 R1 Service Manual
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Alienware x15 R1 Service Manual

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Alienware x15 R1
Service Manual
Regulatory Model: P111F
Regulatory Type: P111F001
May 2021
Rev. A00

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Summary of Contents for Alienware x15 R1

  • Page 1 Alienware x15 R1 Service Manual Regulatory Model: P111F Regulatory Type: P111F001 May 2021 Rev. A00...
  • Page 2 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.

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    ESD field service kit ................................6 Transporting sensitive components............................7 After working inside your computer............................7 Chapter 2: Removing and installing components..................9 Recommended tools................................9 Screw list....................................9 Major components of Alienware x15 R1..........................10 Disassembly and reassembly ..............................12 Base cover..................................12 Battery....................................16 Battery cable..................................18 Wireless card.................................20 Solid-state drive................................
  • Page 4 Locate the Service Tag or Express Service Code of your Dell computer ..............70 System-diagnostic lights..............................70 SupportAssist diagnostics..............................71 Recovering the operating system............................71 Flashing BIOS (USB key)..............................71 Flashing the BIOS................................72 WiFi power cycle................................72 Drain residual flea power (perform hard reset)........................ 72 Chapter 6: Getting help and contacting Alienware................74...

  • Page 5: Chapter 1: Working Inside Your Computer

    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.

  • Page 6: Electrostatic Discharge-Esd Protection

    CAUTION: Exercise caution when handling Lithium-ion batteries in laptops. Swollen batteries should not be used and should be replaced and disposed properly. 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.

  • Page 7: Transporting Sensitive Components

    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.
  • Page 8 4. Connect your computer and all attached devices to their electrical outlets. 5. Turn on your computer.

  • Page 9: Chapter 2: Removing And Installing Components

    Removing and installing components NOTE: The images in this document may differ from your computer depending on the configuration you ordered. Recommended tools The procedures in this document may require the following tools: ● Phillips screwdriver #0 ● Plastic scribe Screw list NOTE: When removing screws from a component, it is recommended to note the screw type, the quantity of screws, and then place them in a screw storage box.

  • Page 10: Major Components Of Alienware X15 R1

    Palm-rest and antenna M1.2x1.5 assembly Keyboard Palm-rest and antenna M1.2x1.2 assembly Power-button bracket Palm-rest and antenna M1.2x1.5 assembly Power-button bracket Palm-rest and antenna M2x1.9 assembly Major components of Alienware x15 R1 The following image shows the major components of Alienware x15 R1.
  • Page 11 1. Rear I/O-cover 2. Tron-light cable 3. Base cover 4. I/O board 5. Power-adapter port 6. Right fan 7. System board 8. Battery 9. Touchpad 10. Right speaker 11. Display assembly 12. Left speaker 13. Keyboard-controller board 14. Wireless card 15.

  • Page 12: Disassembly And Reassembly

    Disassembly and reassembly NOTE: The images in this document may differ from your computer depending on the configuration you ordered. Base cover Removing the base cover Prerequisites 1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer. About this task NOTE: Before removing the base cover, ensure that there is no micro-SD card that is installed in the micro-SD card slot on your computer.
  • Page 14 Steps 1. Remove the four screws (M2.5x7) that secure the base cover to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 2. Loosen the two captive screws (M2.5x7) that secure the base cover to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 3. Using a plastic scribe, pry the base cover from the gap created after loosening the captive screws in the bottom left or right and continue to work on the sides to open the base cover.

  • Page 16: Battery

    Steps 1. Connect the battery cable to the system board and route the cable through the routing guides on the fan. 2. Slide the tabs on the top of the base cover under the rear I/O-cover and snap the base cover to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.
  • Page 17 ● 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.

  • Page 18: Battery Cable

    Installing the battery Prerequisites If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation process. About this task The following image(s) indicate the location of the battery and provides a visual representation of the installation procedure. Steps 1.
  • Page 19 ● 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.

  • Page 20: Wireless Card

    Steps 1. Align and adhere the battery cable to the battery. 2. Connect the battery cable to the connector on the battery. Next steps 1. Install the battery. 2. Install the base cover. 3. Follow the procedure in After working on your computer.
  • Page 21 Steps 1. Remove the screw (M2x3) that secures the wireless-card bracket to the wireless card and palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 2. Slide and remove the wireless-card bracket off the wireless card. 3. Disconnect the antenna cables from the wireless card. 4.
  • Page 22 Steps 1. Connect the antenna cables to the wireless card. The following table provides the antenna-cable color scheme for the wireless card that is supported by your computer. Table 2. Antenna-cable color scheme Connectors on the Antenna-cable color Silkscreen marking wireless card △...

  • Page 23: Solid-State Drive

    2. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer. Solid-state drive Removing the solid-state drive Prerequisites 1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer. 2. Remove the base cover. About this task NOTE: The following procedure applies only to computers shipped with an M.2 2280 solid-state drive. The following image(s) indicate the location of the M.2 2280 solid-state drive and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure.

  • Page 24: Solid-State Drive Bracket

    The following image(s) indicate the location of the solid-state drive and provides a visual representation of the installation procedure. Steps 1. Align the notch on the solid-state drive with the tab on the solid-state drive slot. 2. Slide the solid-state drive into the solid-state drive slot. 3.
  • Page 25 Steps 1. Remove the screw (M2x4) that secures the solid-state drive bracket to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 2. Lift the solid-state drive bracket off the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. Installing the solid-state drive bracket About this task The following image(s) indicate the location of the solid-state drive bracket and provides a visual representation of the installation procedure.

  • Page 26: Fans

    Steps 1. Align the screw hole on the solid-state drive bracket with the screw hole on the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 2. Replace the screw (M2x4) that secures the solid-state drive bracket to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. Next steps 1.
  • Page 27 Steps 1. Remove the three screws (M2x4) that secure the right fan to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 2. Remove the speaker cable and antenna cable from the routing guides on the right fan. 3. Disconnect the right fan cable from the system board. 4.

  • Page 29: Rear-I/O Cover

    Steps 1. Align and place the left fan into the slot on the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 2. Adhere the left fan cable to the system board and connect the left fan cable to the system board. 3. Replace the three screws (M2x4) that secure the left fan to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 4.
  • Page 30 About this task The following image(s) indicate the location of the rear I/O-cover and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure. Steps 1. Remove the two screws (M2.5x9) that secure the rear I/O-cover to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 2.

  • Page 31: Power-Adapter Port

    CAUTION: To avoid damaging your computer, ensure that the Tron-light cable is not pinched when sliding the rear I/O-cover into palm-rest and keyboard assembly. Steps 1. With the correct orientation, slide the rear I/O-cover into the palm-rest and keyboard assembly, and snap it into place. 2.
  • Page 32 About this task The following image(s) indicate the location of the power-adapter port and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure. Steps 1. Remove the two screws (M2.5x3.5) that secure the power-adapter port bracket to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 2.

  • Page 33: Headset Port

    Steps 1. Align and place the power-adapter port into the slot on the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 2. Adhere the power-adapter port cable to the fan and heat-sink assembly. 3. Connect the power-adapter port cable to the system board. 4. Route the power-adapter port cable through the routing guides on the fan and heat-sink assembly. 5.
  • Page 34 About this task The following image(s) indicate the location of the headset port and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure. Steps 1. Peel the tape that secures the I/O-board cable to the system board. 2. Open the latch and disconnect the I/O-board cable from the system board. 3.
  • Page 35 Steps 1. Slide the headset port into the slot on the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 2. Align the headset port into the slot on the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 3. Adhere the headset-port cable to the fan and heat-sink assembly. 4.

  • Page 36: Display Assembly

    3. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer. Display assembly Removing the display assembly Prerequisites 1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer. 2. Remove the base cover. 3. Remove the rear I/O-cover. About this task NOTE: The display assembly is a Hinge-Up Display (HUD) and cannot be further disassembled.
  • Page 37 Steps 1. Peel the tape that secures the camera cable to the system board and disconnect the camera cable from the system board. 2. Disconnect the Alien head LED cable from the system board and peel the Alien head LED cable from the system board. 3.
  • Page 38 Installing the display assembly Prerequisites If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation process. About this task CAUTION: Place the computer on a soft and clean surface to avoid scratching the display. The following image(s) indicate the location of the display assembly and provides a visual representation of the installation procedure.
  • Page 39 Steps 1. Gently slide and place the display assembly on the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 2. Align the screw holes on the display assembly with the screw holes on the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 3. Replace the six screws (M2.5x3.5) that secure the display assembly to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 4.

  • Page 40: Speakers

    Next steps 1. Install the rear I/O-cover. 2. Install the base cover. 3. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer. Speakers Removing the speakers Prerequisites 1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer. 2. Remove the base cover.

  • Page 41: Touchpad

    About this task The following image(s) indicate the location of the speakers and provides a visual representation of the installation procedure. NOTE: If the rubber grommets are pushed out of the speakers when removing the speakers, push them back in place before replacing the speakers.
  • Page 42 Steps 1. Remove the two screws (M2x1.9) that secure the keyboard-controller board bracket to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 2. Peel the tape that secures the keyboard-controller board bracket to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 3. Lift the keyboard-controller board bracket off the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 4.
  • Page 43 Installing the touchpad Prerequisites If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation process. About this task The following image(s) indicate the location of the touchpad and provides a visual representation of the installation procedure. Steps 1.

  • Page 44: Keyboard-Controller Board

    NOTE: Turn the computer over and open the display. Ensure that the touchpad is equally aligned along all four sides. 2. Replace the two screws (M2x1.9) that secure the touchpad to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 3. Replace the five screws (M1.2x1.5) that secure the touchpad to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 4.
  • Page 45 Steps 1. Remove the two screws (M2x1.9) that secure the keyboard-controller board bracket to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 2. Peel the tape that secures the keyboard-controller board bracket to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 3. Lift the keyboard-controller board bracket off the keyboard-controller board. 4.

  • Page 46: System Board

    Steps 1. Using the alignment posts, place the keyboard-controller board into the slot on the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 2. Replace the two screws (M1.6x1.6) that secure the keyboard-controller board to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 3. Slide the keyboard cable into the connector on the keyboard-controller board and close the latch to secure the cable. 4.
  • Page 47 6. Remove the fans. 7. Remove the rear I/O-cover. 8. Remove the solid-state drive bracket. About this task The following image indicates the connectors on your system board. 1. Display cable 2. Alien head LED cable 3. Camera cable 4. Power-button cable 5.
  • Page 48 Steps 1. Peel the headset port cable from the fan and heat-sink assembly. 2. Disconnect the camera cable from the system board and peel the tape that secures the camera cable to the system board. 3. Disconnect the Alien head LED cable from the system board and peel the cable from the system board. 4.
  • Page 49 11. Remove the power-adapter port cable from the palm-rest and keyboard assembly and peel the power-adapter port cable off the fan and heat-sink assembly. 12. Peel the tape that secures the display cable to the system board. 13. Open the latch and disconnect the display cable from the system board and peel the display cable off the system board. 14.
  • Page 50 1. Display cable 2. Alien head LED cable 3. Camera cable 4. Power-button cable 5. I/O-board cable 6. Headset port cable 7. Speaker cable 8. Keyboard-controller board cable 9. Power-adapter port cable The following image(s) indicate the location of the system board and provides a visual representation of the installation procedure.
  • Page 51 Steps 1. Turn the system board over. 2. Install the fan and heat-sink assembly. 3. Turn the system-board assembly over and place the system-board assembly on the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. NOTE: When installing the system-board assembly, align the system-board assembly to the positioning pins on the palm-rest and keyboard assembly and the extensions of the heat sink to the top edge of the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.

  • Page 52: Fan And Heat-Sink Assembly

    11. Slide the keyboard-controller board cable into the connector on the system board and close the latch to secure the cable. 12. Connect the speaker cable to the system board. 13. Connect the headset port cable to the system board and route it through the routing guides on the fan and heat-sink assembly. 14.
  • Page 53 2. Remove the base cover. 3. Remove the battery. 4. Remove the wireless card. 5. Remove the solid-state drive. 6. Remove the fans. 7. Remove the rear I/O-cover. 8. Remove the solid-state drive bracket. 9. Follow the procedure from step 1 to step 16 in Removing the system board.
  • Page 54 Installing the fan and heat-sink assembly Prerequisites If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation process. About this task NOTE: If either the system board or the heat sink is replaced, use the thermal grease that is provided in the kit to ensure that thermal conductivity is achieved.

  • Page 55: I/O Board

    I/O board Removing the I/O board Prerequisites 1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer. 2. Remove the base cover. 3. Remove the battery. 4. Remove the wireless card. 5. Remove the solid-state drive. 6. Remove the fans. 7.

  • Page 56: Keyboard

    Steps 1. Align the screw holes on the I/O board with the screw holes on the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 2. Replace the four screws (M1.6x1.8) that secure the I/O board to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. Next steps 1. Follow the procedure from step 3 to step 20 in Installing the system board.
  • Page 57 10. Follow the procedure from step 1 to step 16 in Removing the system board. NOTE: The system board can be removed and installed along with the heat sink. This simplifies the removal and installation procedure and avoids breaking the thermal bond between the system board and heat sink. About this task The following image(s) indicate the location of the keyboard bracket and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure.
  • Page 58 Steps 1. Align and place the keyboard bracket on the keyboard. 2. Align the screw holes on the keyboard bracket to the screw holes on the keyboard and palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 3. Replace the 15 screws (M1.2x1.5) that secure the keyboard bracket to the keyboard and palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 4.

  • Page 59: Power Button

    Power button Removing the power button Prerequisites 1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer. 2. Remove the base cover. 3. Remove the battery. 4. Remove the wireless card. 5. Remove the solid-state drive. 6. Remove the fans. 7.
  • Page 60 Installing the power button Prerequisites If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation process. About this task The following image(s) indicate the location of the power button and provides a visual representation of the installation procedure. Steps 1.

  • Page 61: Palm-Rest And Antenna Assembly

    Palm-rest and antenna assembly Removing the palm-rest and keyboard assembly Prerequisites 1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer. 2. Remove the base cover. 3. Remove the battery. 4. Remove the wireless card. 5. Remove the solid-state drive. 6.
  • Page 62 Installing the palm-rest and keyboard assembly Prerequisites If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation process. About this task The following image(s) indicate the location of the palm-rest and keyboard assembly and provides a visual representation of the installation procedure.

  • Page 63: Chapter 3: Drivers And Downloads

    Drivers and downloads When troubleshooting, downloading or installing drivers it is recommended that you read the Dell Knowledge Based article, Drivers and Downloads FAQ SLN128938.

  • Page 64: Chapter 4: System Setup

    System setup CAUTION: Unless you are an expert computer user, do not change the settings in the BIOS Setup program. Certain changes can make your computer work incorrectly. NOTE: Before you change BIOS Setup program, it is recommended that you write down the BIOS Setup program screen information for future reference.

  • Page 65: System Setup Options

    System setup options NOTE: Depending on your computer and its installed devices, the items that are listed in this section may or may not appear. Table 3. System setup options—Main menu Main System Time Displays the current time in hh:mm:ss format. System Date Displays the current date in mm/dd/yyyy format.
  • Page 66 Table 4. System setup options—Advance menu (continued) Advance Default: AHCI Adapter Warnings Allows you to choose if the computer should display warning messages when you use AC adapters that are not supported by your computer. Default: Enabled Function Key Behavior Allows you to set function key or multimedia key as the default function key behavior.
  • Page 67 Table 5. System setup options—Security menu Security Admin Password Displays if the administrator password is clear or set. System Password Displays if the system password is clear or set. Default: Not Set Admin Password Allows you to set the administrator password. The administrator password controls access to the system setup utility.

  • Page 68: System And Setup Password

    Table 7. System setup options—Exit menu Exit Exit Saving Changes Allows you to exit system setup and save your changes. Save Change Without Exit Allows you to save your changes without exiting the BIOS setup. Exit Discarding Changes Allows you to exit the BIOS setup without saving the changes. Load Optimal Defaults Allows you to restore default values for all system setup options.

  • Page 69: Deleting Or Changing An Existing System Setup Password

    Deleting or changing an existing system setup password Prerequisites Ensure that the Password Status is Unlocked (in the System Setup) before attempting to delete or change the existing System and Setup password. You cannot delete or change an existing System or Setup password, if the Password Status is Locked. About this task To enter the System Setup, press F2 immediately after a power-on or reboot.

  • Page 70: Chapter 5: Troubleshooting

    Troubleshooting Locate the Service Tag or Express Service Code of your Dell computer Your Dell computer is uniquely identified by a Service Tag or Express Service Code. To view relevant support resources for your Dell computer, we recommend entering the Service Tag or Express Service Code at www.dell.com/support. For more information on how to find the Service Tag for your computer, see Locate the Service Tag for your Dell Laptop.

  • Page 71: Supportassist Diagnostics

    Table 9. Diagnostic-light LED codes (continued) Diagnostic light codes (Red, Problem description Blue) Power-rail failure System BIOS Flash incomplete Management Engine (ME) error SupportAssist diagnostics About this task The SupportAssist diagnostics (previously known as ePSA diagnostics) performs a complete check of your hardware. The SupportAssist diagnostics is embedded in the BIOS and is launched by it internally.

  • Page 72: Flashing The Bios

    Flashing the BIOS About this task You may need to flash (update) the BIOS when an update is available or when you replace the system board. Follow these steps to flash the BIOS: Steps 1. Turn on your computer. 2. Go to www.dell.com/support. 3.
  • Page 73 Steps 1. Turn off your computer. 2. Disconnect the power adapter from your computer. 3. Remove the base cover. 4. Remove the battery. 5. Press and hold the power button for 20 seconds to drain the flea power. 6. Install the battery. 7.

  • Page 74: Chapter 6: Getting Help And Contacting Alienware

    Getting help and contacting Alienware Self-help resources You can get information and help on Alienware products and services using these online self-help resources: Table 10. Alienware products and online self-help resources Self-help resources Resource location Information about Alienware products and services www.alienware.com...

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