Table of Contents
Advertisement
Alienware Aurora Service Manual
Before You Begin
Left Side-Panel
Technical Overview
Drive(s)
Shrouds
PCI-Express Card(s)
Memory Module(s)
Fans
Processor Liquid-Cooling Assembly
Processor
Power Supply
Coin-Cell Battery
Notes, Cautions, and Warnings
NOTE:
A NOTE indicates important information that helps you make better use of your computer.
CAUTION:
A CAUTION indicates potential damage to hardware or loss of data if instructions are not followed.
WARNING:
A WARNING indicates a potential for property damage, personal injury, or death.
Information in this document is subject to change without notice.
© 2010 Dell Inc. All rights reserved.
Reproduction of these materials in any manner whatsoever without the written permission of Dell Inc. is strictly forbidden.
Trademarks used in this text: Dell™ and the DELL logo are trademarks of Dell Inc. Alienware® is a registered trademark of Alienware Corporation. Intel® and SpeedStep® are
registered trademarks of Intel Corporation in the U.S. and other countries. Microsoft®, Windows®, and the Windows start button logo
trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. Bluetooth® is a registered trademark owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and is used by Dell under
license.
Other trademarks and trade names may be used in this document to refer to either the entities claiming the marks and names or their products. Dell Inc. disclaims any
proprietary interest in trademarks and trade names other than its own.
Regulatory model D0IM Regulatory type D0IM001; D0IM002; D0IM003
December 2010 Rev. A00
Theater-Lighting Batteries (Alienware Aurora ALX Only)
System Board
Master I/O Board
Top Lighting-Board
Right Side-Panel(s)
Top Vent
Front Bezel
Back Bezel
WiFi/Bluetooth Assembly
Top I/O Panel
System Setup
Flashing the BIOS
are either trademarks or registered
Advertisement
Table of Contents
Related Manuals for Dell Alienware Aurora R3
Summary of Contents for Dell Alienware Aurora R3
- Page 1 Other trademarks and trade names may be used in this document to refer to either the entities claiming the marks and names or their products. Dell Inc. disclaims any proprietary interest in trademarks and trade names other than its own.
-
Page 2: Removing The Back Bezel
CAUTION: Only a certified service technician should perform repairs on your computer. Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by your warranty. ... -
Page 3: Replacing The Back Bezel
screws (2) back bezel tabs Replacing the Back Bezel 1. Follow the instructions in Before You Begin. 2. Align the tabs on the back bezel with the slots on the chassis. 3. Push the back bezel into place. ... -
Page 4: Before You Begin
WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer. For additional safety best practices information, see the Regulatory Compliance Homepage at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance. WARNING: Disconnect all power sources before opening the enclosure to replace, remove, or install accessories. After the installation is completed, the enclosure must be replaced and all fasteners installed before connecting to the power source. - Page 5 CAUTION: To disconnect a network cable, first unplug the cable from your computer and then unplug the cable from the network device. 3. Disconnect all telephone or network cables from the computer. 4. Disconnect your computer and all attached devices from their electrical outlets. ...
-
Page 6: Flashing The Bios
The BIOS may require flashing when an update is available or when replacing the system board. To flash the BIOS: 1. Turn on the computer. 2. Go to support.dell.com/support/downloads. 3. Locate the BIOS update file for your computer: NOTE: The Service Tag for your computer is located on a label at the bottom of your computer. -
Page 7: Wifi/Bluetooth Assembly
CAUTION: Only a certified service technician should perform repairs on your computer. Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by your warranty. ... -
Page 8: Replacing The Wifi/Bluetooth Card
1 thumbscrew 2 WiFi/Bluetooth assembly Replacing the WiFi/Bluetooth Card 1. Follow the instructions in Before You Begin. 2. Align the tab on the WiFi/Bluetooth assembly with the slot on the chassis. 3. Tighten the thumbscrew that secures the WiFi/Bluetooth assembly to the chassis. ... -
Page 9: Removing The Coin-Cell Battery
Discard used batteries according to the manufacturer's instructions. CAUTION: Only a certified service technician should perform repairs on your computer. Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by your warranty. CAUTION: To avoid electrostatic discharge, ground yourself by using a wrist grounding strap or by periodically touching an unpainted metal surface (such as a connector on your computer). - Page 10 3. Replace the PCI-Express card(s) (see Replacing the PCI-Express Card(s)). 4. Close the PCI shroud (see Closing the PCI Shroud). 5. Replace the left side-panel (see Replacing the Left Side-Panel). CAUTION: Before turning on the computer, replace all screws and ensure that no stray screws remain inside the computer. Failure to do so may result in damage to the computer.
-
Page 11: Removing The Memory Fan
CAUTION: Only a certified service technician should perform repairs on your computer. Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by your warranty. ... -
Page 12: Removing The Hard-Drive Fan Assembly
5. Connect your computer and all attached devices to electrical outlets, and turn them on. Removing the Hard-Drive Fan Assembly 1. Follow the instructions in Before You Begin. 2. Remove the left side-panel (see Removing the Left Side-Panel). ... -
Page 13: Replacing The Pci-Fan Assembly
4. Remove the drive-bay shroud (see Removing the Drive-Bay Shroud). 5. Remove full-length PCI-Express card(s), if any (see Removing the PCI-Express Card(s)). 6. Disconnect the PCI-fan assembly cable from the connector on the master I/O board. 7. -
Page 14: Removing The Front Bezel
CAUTION: Only a certified service technician should perform repairs on your computer. Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by your warranty. ... -
Page 15: Replacing The Front Bezel
front bezel screws (3) Replacing the Front Bezel 1. Follow the instructions in Before You Begin. 2. Align the front bezel with the front of the chassis. 3. Replace the three screws on the right side that secure the front bezel to the chassis. ... -
Page 16: Removing The Hard Drive(S)
Dell does not guarantee compatibility or provide support for hard drives from sources other than Dell or Alienware. NOTE: If you are installing a hard drive from a source other than Dell or Alienware, you need to install an operating system, drivers, and utilities on the new hard drive. -
Page 17: Replacing The Hard Drive(S)
1 hard-drive assembly 2 release tabs (2) 5. Release the tabs on the hard-drive bracket and lift the hard drive out of the bracket (if applicable). hard drive tabs (4) Replacing the Hard Drive(s) 1. Follow the instructions in Before You Begin. -
Page 18: Replacing The Optical Drive(S)
3. Remove the left side-panel (see Removing the Left Side-Panel). 4. Disconnect the power and data cables from the optical drive (if applicable). 5. Lift the securing tab and push the optical drive to slide it out through the front of the computer. power cable data cable securing tab... -
Page 19: Replacing The Media Card Reader
FlexBay USB cable securing tab Media Card Reader 7. Remove the four screws that secure the Media Card Reader to the FlexBay dock. 8. Slide the Media Card Reader out of the FlexBay dock. Media Card Reader screws (4) FlexBay dock Replacing the Media Card Reader ... -
Page 20: Removing The Master I/O Board
CAUTION: Only a certified service technician should perform repairs on your computer. Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by your warranty. ... - Page 21 4. Route and connect the cables that you removed from the connectors on the master I/O board. NOTE: For information on master I/O board connectors, see Master I/O Board Components. 5. Replace the PCI-fan assembly (see Replacing the PCI-Fan Assembly).
-
Page 22: Removing The Left Side-Panel
CAUTION: Only a certified service technician should perform repairs on your computer. Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by your warranty. ... -
Page 23: Replacing The Left Side-Panel
Replacing the Left Side-Panel 1. Follow the instructions in Before You Begin. 2. Align the tabs on the left side-panel with the slots on the side of the computer and push the panel into place. 3. Slide the latch to lock the release panel. ... -
Page 24: Removing Memory Modules
If you remove the original memory module(s) from your computer during a memory upgrade, keep them separate from any new module(s) that you may have, even if you purchased the new module(s) from Dell. If possible, do not pair an original memory module with a new memory module. - Page 25 1. Follow the instructions in Before You Begin. Recommended memory configuration: Type Slots 1333 MHz,1600 MHz, and 1866 MHz DDR3 Slots 1 and 2 or slots 1 — 4 2. Align the notch on the bottom of the memory module with the tab on the memory-module connector. cutouts (2) notch memory module...
- Page 26 Check the amount of memory (RAM) listed. Back to Contents Page ...
-
Page 27: Removing The Pci-Express Card(S)
CAUTION: Only a certified service technician should perform repairs on your computer. Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by your warranty. ... -
Page 28: Replacing The Pci-Express Card(S)
Replacing the PCI-Express Card(s) 1. Follow the instructions in Before You Begin. 2. Remove the screw that secures the filler bracket and remove the filler bracket to create a card-slot opening (if applicable). filler bracket screw CAUTION: To prevent damage to the PCI-Express card ensure that the memory module securing clips are in the closed position. - Page 29 ...
-
Page 30: Removing The Processor Liquid-Cooling Assembly
CAUTION: Only a certified service technician should perform repairs on your computer. Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by your warranty. ... - Page 31 1. Follow the instructions in Before You Begin. 2. Align the screw holes on the processor liquid-cooling assembly with the screw holes on the chassis rear wall. 3. Replace the four screws that secure the processor liquid-cooling assembly to the chassis rear wall. ...
-
Page 32: Removing The Processor
CAUTION: Only a certified service technician should perform repairs on your computer. Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by your warranty. ... -
Page 33: Replacing The Processor
1 socket 2 processor Replacing the Processor CAUTION: When replacing the processor, do not touch any of the pins inside the socket or allow any objects to fall on the pins in the socket. CAUTION: Ground yourself by touching an unpainted metal surface on the back of the computer. ... - Page 34 CAUTION: Ensure that you apply new thermal grease. New thermal grease is critical for ensuring adequate thermal bonding, which is a requirement for optimal processor operation. 9. Apply the new thermal grease to the top of the processor. 10.
-
Page 35: Removing The Power Supply
CAUTION: Only a certified service technician should perform repairs on your computer. Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by your warranty. ... -
Page 36: Replacing The Power Supply
power supply 2 captive screws (4) 8. Remove the four screws that secure the power supply to the bezel. 9. Remove the bezel from the power supply. bezel screws (4) power supply Replacing the Power Supply 1. Follow the instructions in Before You Begin. -
Page 37: Right Side-Panel(S)
CAUTION: Only a certified service technician should perform repairs on your computer. Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by your warranty. ... -
Page 38: Replacing The Right-Side Top Panel
right-side top panel Replacing the Right-Side Top Panel 1. Follow the instructions in Before You Begin. 2. Align the tabs on the right-side top panel with the slots on the chassis and slide the panel into position. 3. -
Page 39: Removing The Right-Side Middle Panel
lighting board screws (3) Replacing the Lighting Board 1. Follow the instructions in Before You Begin. 2. Route the lighting-board cable through the slot on the computer. 3. Connect the lighting-board cable to the connector on the master I/O board. ... -
Page 40: Replacing The Right-Side Middle Panel
1 screws (2) 2 right-side middle panel Replacing the Right-Side Middle Panel 1. Follow the instructions in Before You Begin. 2. Align the right-side middle panel on top of the right-side bottom panel. 3. Replace the two screws that secure the right-side middle panel to the chassis. ... -
Page 41: Replacing The Right-Side Bottom Panel
screws (2) 7. Remove the lighting board (see Removing the Lighting Board). 8. Remove the right-side middle panel (see Removing the Right-Side Middle Panel). 9. Slide and pull the right-side bottom panel away from the chassis. 1 right-side bottom panel Replacing the Right-Side Bottom Panel ... - Page 42 5. Replace the two screws that secure the right-side bottom panel to the chassis. 6. Replace the right-side top panel (see Replacing the Right-Side Top Panel). 7. Connect the DC wire harness to the power supply. 8.
-
Page 43: Opening The Pci Shroud
CAUTION: Only a certified service technician should perform repairs on your computer. Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by your warranty. ... -
Page 44: Replacing The Drive-Bay Shroud
2. Remove the left side-panel (see Removing the Left Side-Panel). 3. Open the PCI shroud (see Opening the PCI Shroud). 4. Press the tabs and slide the drive-bay shroud towards the back of the chassis. tabs (2) drive-bay shroud Replacing the Drive-Bay Shroud ... -
Page 45: Removing The System Board
CAUTION: Only a certified service technician should perform repairs on your computer. Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by your warranty. ... -
Page 46: Replacing The System Board
latch screws (2) Replacing the System Board 1. Follow the instructions in Before You Begin. 2. Align the connectors on the system board with the slots on the chassis and place the system board in position. 3. Slide the system board towards the back of the chassis and engage the latches that secure it to the chassis. ... -
Page 47: System Setup
Back to Contents Page System Setup Alienware Aurora Service Manual Overview Clearing Forgotten Passwords and CMOS Settings Overview Use the system setup utility to: Change the system configuration information after you add, change, or remove any hardware in your computer Set or change a user-selectable option such as the user password Set the type of hard drive installed Read the current amount of memory or set the type of hard drive installed... - Page 48 CPU Information Displays the processor type. CPU Type Displays the processor identification code. CPU ID Displays the processor speed. CPU Speed Displays the processor L2 cache size. Cache L2 Displays the processor L3 cache size. Cache L3 Advanced — Standard CMOS Features Displays current date.
- Page 49 Allows you to change the Advance DRAM Configuration. Advance DRAM Configuration Allows you to access the Overclock Configuration submenu. Overclock Configuration Allows you to access the Overvoltage Configuration submenu. Overvoltage Configuration Allows you to load Level 1 default setting. Load Level 1 Defaults ...
-
Page 50: Clearing Forgotten Passwords And Cmos Settings
The computer must be disconnected from the electrical outlet to clear the password setting. CAUTION: Only a certified service technician should perform repairs on your computer. Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by your warranty. ... - Page 51 Password: 4. Replace the left side-panel (see Replacing the Left Side-Panel). 5. Connect your computer and devices to electrical outlets and then turn them on. Back to Contents Page ...
-
Page 52: Technical Overview
CAUTION: Only a certified service technician should perform repairs on your computer. Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by your warranty. ... -
Page 53: Master I/O Board Components
processor power connector processor socket (CPU1) (PWR2) heat-sink fan connector processor fan connector (VRM_FAN) (CPU_FAN) memory-module connector memory-module connector (DIMM1) (DIMM2) memory-module connector memory-module connector (DIMM3) (DIMM4) main power connector (PWR1) 10 front USB connector (FUSB3_0) 11 battery socket (BAT1) 12 serial ATA drive connectors (SATA1_2) 13 serial ATA drive connectors... - Page 54 FlexBay connector (FLEXBAY) drive-bay shroud battery connector (FRONT_BEZEL) AlienHead connector (HEAD1) PCI-fan connector (FAN_PCI) left side-panel contact board WiFi/Bluetooth connector connector (SIDE_L) (BLUETOOTH) power-LED board connector wireless connector (WIRELESS) (BLINK) hard-drive LED connector 10 hard-drive LED connector (HDD_LED1) (HDD_LED2) 11 USB connector (MB_USB) 12 main-power connector (PWR1) 13 system-board lighting 14 hard-drive fan connector (FAN_HDD)
-
Page 55: Removing The Theater-Lighting Batteries
Discard used batteries according to the manufacturer's instructions. CAUTION: Only a certified service technician should perform repairs on your computer. Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by your warranty. CAUTION: To avoid electrostatic discharge, ground yourself by using a wrist grounding strap or by periodically touching an unpainted metal surface (such as a connector on your computer). - Page 56 CAUTION: Before turning on the computer, replace all screws and ensure that no stray screws remain inside the computer. Failure to do so may result in damage to the computer. 7. Connect your computer and devices to electrical outlets, and then turn them on. Back to Contents Page ...
- Page 57 Other trademarks and trade names may be used in this document to refer to either the entities claiming the marks and names or their products. Dell Inc. disclaims any proprietary interest in trademarks and trade names other than its own.
-
Page 58: Removing The Top Lighting-Board
CAUTION: Only a certified service technician should perform repairs on your computer. Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by your warranty. ... - Page 59 4. Connect the cables to the connectors on the top lighting-board. 5. Replace the Media Card Reader (if applicable) (see Replacing the Media Card Reader). 6. Replace the optical drive(s) (if applicable) (see Replacing the Optical Drive(s)). ...
-
Page 60: Removing The Top Vent
CAUTION: Only a certified service technician should perform repairs on your computer. Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by your warranty. ... -
Page 61: Replacing The Top Vent
screws (3) top panel top-panel screws (2) top vent Replacing the Top Vent 1. Follow the instructions in Before You Begin. 2. Align the screw holes on the top vent with the screw holes on the chassis. 3. -
Page 63: Removing The Top I/O Panel
CAUTION: Only a certified service technician should perform repairs on your computer. Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by your warranty. ... -
Page 64: Replacing The Top I/O Panel
panel insert top I/O panel screws (4) top panel Replacing the Top I/O Panel 1. Follow the instructions in Before You Begin. 2. Slide the tabs on the top I/O panel into the slots on the chassis. 3.