Dell Alienware m15 R2 Service Manual
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Dell Alienware m15 R2 Service Manual

Dell Alienware m15 R2 Service Manual

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Alienware m15 R2
Service Manual
Regulatory Model: P87F
Regulatory Type: P87F001

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Summary of Contents for Dell Alienware m15 R2

  • Page 1 Alienware m15 R2 Service Manual Regulatory Model: P87F Regulatory Type: P87F001...

  • Page 2: Table Of Contents

    Contents Safety instructions......................5 ........................5 Before working inside your computer ............................5 Before you begin ......................5 Electrostatic discharge—ESD protection ............................6 ESD field service kit ......................6 Components of an ESD field service kit ..........................7 ESD protection summary ........................7 Transporting sensitive components ............................7 Lifting equipment ........................7...
  • Page 3 .........................32 Installing the left I/O-board ............................... 34 Right I/O-board ........................34 Removing the right I/O-board ........................35 Installing the right I/O-board ................................36 Speakers ..........................36 Removing the speakers ..........................37 Installing the speakers ..............................38 System board ..........................38 Removing the system board ..........................41 Installing the system board ..........................
  • Page 4 System diagnostic lights ........................... 68 Flashing BIOS (USB key) ..............................68 Flashing the BIOS ........................69 Backup media and recovery options .............................. 69 WiFi power cycle ............................69 Flea power release Getting help and contacting Dell..................70 ............................70 Self-help resources ..............................70 Contacting Dell...

  • Page 5: Safety Instructions

    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 For this reason, some previously approved methods of handling parts are no longer applicable.

  • Page 6: Esd Field Service Kit

    • 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.

  • Page 7: 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.

  • Page 8: Removing And Installing Components

    Removing and installing components Recommended tools The procedures in this document may require the following tools: • Philips screwdriver #1 • Flat-head 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.

  • Page 9: Base Cover

    Component Secured to Screw type Quantity Screw image Left I/O-board M2x3 • System board connector • Left I/O-board Left I/O-board Palm-rest assembly M2x3 Right I/O-board M2x3 • System board connector • Right I/O-board Right I/O-board Palm-rest assembly M2x3 Fans Palm-rest assembly M2.5x5 System board Palm-rest assembly...

  • Page 11: Installing The Base Cover

    Steps Remove the two screws (M2.5x5) that secure the base cover to the palm-rest assembly. Loosen the six captive screws. Using a plastic scribe, pry the base cover from the bottom-left corner and continue to work on the sides to open the base cover.
  • Page 12 Steps Connect the battery cable to the system board.

  • Page 13: Solid-State Drive

    Slide the notches on the top of the base cover under the rear I/O-cover and snap the base cover into place on the palm- rest assembly. Tighten the six captive screws on the base cover. Replace the two screws (M2.5x5) that secure the base cover to the palm-rest assembly. Next step Follow the procedure in After working inside your...

  • Page 14: Installing The M.2 2230 Solid-State Drive

    Steps Remove the screw (M2x3) that secures the M.2 thermal shield to the mounting bracket. Remove the M.2 2230 thermal shield from the M.2 2230 solid-state drive. Lift and remove the M.2 2230 solid-state drive from the M.2 card slot on the system board. Remove the screw (M2x3) that secures the M.2 2230 mounting bracket to the palm-rest assembly.
  • Page 15 If these configurations are installed After Point-of-Sale (APOS), contact Dell support for the thermal shield. NOTE: Before replacing the M.2 card take note that there are two M.2 card slots present on your computer, for: •...

  • Page 16: Removing The M.2 2280 Solid-State Drive

    If these configurations are installed After Point-of-Sale (APOS), contact Dell support for the thermal shield. NOTE: Before replacing the M.2 card take note that there are two M.2 card slots present on your computer, for: •...

  • Page 17: Installing The M.2 2280 Solid-State Drive

    If these configurations are installed After Point-of-Sale (APOS), contact Dell support for the thermal shield. NOTE: Before replacing the M.2 card take note that there are two M.2 card slots present on your computer, for: •...

  • Page 18: Rear-I/O Cover

    Slide the M.2 2280 solid-state drive into the M.2 card slot on the system board. Slide and align the screw hole of the M.2 thermal shield with the screw hole on the palm-rest assembly. NOTE: This step is only applicable when installing a PCIe M.2 card. Replace the screw (M2x3) that secures the M.2 2280 solid-state drive to the palm-rest assembly.

  • Page 19: Installing The Rear I/O-Cover

    Steps Peel and lift the Mylar covering the system board. Disconnect and peel the Tron light cable from the system board and route the cable through the slot on the Mylar. NOTE: To prevent damaging your computer ensure the Tron light cable has been disconnected from the system board before removing the rear I/O-cover.

  • Page 20: Display Assembly

    Steps Push the rear I/O-cover into the palm-rest assembly snapping it into place. NOTE: To avoiding damaging your computer, ensure the Tron light cable is not pinched and that the Mylar is pasted on the system board before snapping the rear I/O-cover into place. Replace the two screws (M2.5x5) that secure the rear I/O-cover to the palm-rest assembly.

  • Page 21: Removing The Display Assembly

    Removing the display assembly Prerequisites Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer. Remove the base cover. Remove the rear I/O-cover. About this task NOTE: The display assembly is a Hinge-up Display (HUD) and cannot be further disassembled. If components within the display assembly need to be replaced, the entire display assembly is to be replaced.
  • Page 22 Steps Peel the Mylar covering the system board. Remove the screw (M2x3) that secures the wireless card bracket to the left I/O-board. Lift the wireless card bracket off the left I/O-board. Disconnect the antenna cables from the wireless card. Peel the tapes securing the antenna cables to system board and left fan. Remove the antenna cables from the routing guides on the left fan and system board.

  • Page 23: Installing The Display Assembly

    11 Remove the following cables from the routing guides on the palm-rest assembly. – Display cable – G-sensor cable – Tobii eye tracker cable – Antenna cables 12 Remove the six screws (M2.5x5) securing the display assembly to the palm-rest assembly. 13 Gently lift the display assembly from the palm-rest assembly.
  • Page 24 Steps Ensure that the palm-rest assembly is placed face up with the keyboard facing you. Gently place the display assembly on the palm-rest assembly and align the screw holes on the display assembly to the screw holes on the palm-rest assembly. Replace the six screws (M2.5x5) that secure the display assembly to the palm-rest assembly.

  • Page 25: Battery

    Route the antenna cables to the routing guides on the left fan and system board. 10 Adhere the tapes that secure the antenna cables to system board and left fan. 11 Connect the antenna cables to the wireless card. The following table provides the antenna-cable color scheme for the wireless card supported by your computer. Table 2.

  • Page 26: Installing The Battery

    Steps Ensure that the battery cable has been disconnected from the system board. Remove the six screws (M2x4.5) that secure the battery to the palm-rest assembly. Remove the battery from the palm-rest assembly. Installing the battery Prerequisite 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.

  • Page 27: Coin-Cell Battery

    Steps Place the battery on the palm-rest assembly. Replace the six screws (M2x4.5) that secure the battery to the palm-rest assembly. Next steps Install the 2230 solid-state drive. (if applicable) Install the 2280 solid-state drive. (if applicable) Install the battery. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer.

  • Page 28: Installing The Coin-Cell Battery

    Steps Disconnect the coin-cell battery cable from the connector on the system board. Peel the tapes securing the coin-cell battery cable to the right I/O-board and palm-rest assembly. Peel and lift the coin-cell battery off the palm-rest assembly along with its cable. Disconnect the coin-cell battery from the coin-cell battery cable.

  • Page 29: Keyboard-Controller Board

    Steps Connect the coin-cell battery to the coin-cell battery cable. Adhere the coin-cell battery into its slot on the palm-rest assembly. Adhere the tapes securing the coin-cell battery cable to the right I/O-board and palm-rest assembly. Connect the coin-cell battery cable to the connector on the system board. Next steps Install the battery.

  • Page 30: Removing The Keyboard-Controller Board

    Removing the keyboard-controller board Prerequisites Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer. Remove the base cover. Remove the 2230 solid-state drive. (If applicable) Remove the 2280 solid-state drive. (If applicable) Remove the battery. About this task The following image indicates the location of the keyboard-controller board and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure.

  • Page 31: Left I/O-Board

    Steps Using the alignment posts, adhere the keyboard-controller board into place on the palm-rest assembly. Connect the keyboard-controller board-cable to the keyboard-controller board and close the connector latch. Connect the keyboard cable to the keyboard-controller board and close the connector latch. Connect the keyboard-backlight cable to the keyboard-controller board .

  • Page 32: Installing The Left I/O-Board

    Steps Peel the Mylar covering the system board. Remove the screw (M2x3) that secures the wireless-card bracket to the left I/O-board. Lift the wireless-card bracket off the left I/O-board. Remove the two screws (M2x3) that secure the left I/O-board cable connecting the left I/O-board and the system board. Lift the left I/O-board cable from the left I/O-board and the system board.
  • Page 33 About this task The following image indicates the location of the left I/O-board and provides a visual representation of the installation procedure. Steps Using the alignment post, place the left I/O-board on the palm-rest assembly. Replace the screw (M2x3) that secures the left I/O-board to the palm-rest assembly. Connect the power-button assembly-cable to the left I/O-board and close the latch.

  • Page 34: Right I/O-Board

    Using the alignment pins, connect the left I/O-board cable on the left I/O-board and the system board. NOTE: The I/O-board cable is polarity sensitive. To prevent damage to your computer ensure that the MB UMT end of the cable is connected to the system board. Replace the two screws (M2x3) that secure the left I/O-board cable to the left I/O-board and the system board.

  • Page 35: Installing The Right I/O-Board

    Steps Remove the two screws (M2x3) that secure the right I/O-board cable connecting the right I/O-board and the system board. Lift the right I/O-board cable off the right I/O-board and system board. Disconnect the speaker cable from the right I/O-board. Peel the tape securing the coin-cell battery cable to the right I/O-board.

  • Page 36: Speakers

    Steps Using the alignment posts, place the right I/O-board in place on the palm-rest assembly. Replace the two screws (M2x3) that secure the right I/O-board to the palm-rest asssembly. Connect the speaker cable to the connector on the right I/O-board. Using the alignment pins, connect the right I/O-board cable on the right I/O-board and the system board.

  • Page 37: Installing The Speakers

    Remove the battery. About this task The following image indicates the location of the speakers and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure. Steps Disconnect the speaker cable from the right I/O-board. Lift the right speaker off the palm-rest assembly. Remove the speaker cables from the routing guides on the palm-rest assembly.

  • Page 38: System Board

    Steps Using the alignment posts, place the left speaker on the palm-rest assembly. NOTE: Ensure that the alignment posts are threaded through the rubber grommets on the speaker. Route the speaker cable through the routing guides on the palm-rest assembly. Using the alignment posts, place the right speaker on the palm-rest assembly.
  • Page 39 About this task The following image indicates the location of the system board and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure.

  • Page 41: Installing The System Board

    Steps Peel the Mylar covering the system board. Remove the screw (M2x3) that secures the wireless card bracket to the left I/O-board. Lift the wireless-card bracket off the left I/O-board. Disconnect the antenna cables from the wireless card. Remove the two screws (M2x3) that secure the left I/O-board cable to the left I/O-board and the system board. Lift the left I/O-board cable off the left I/O-board and the system board.
  • Page 42 About this task The following image indicates the location of the system board and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure.
  • Page 44 Steps Install the fan and heat-sink assembly. Connect the touchpad cable to the system board and close the latch. Turn the system board over and place the system board on the palm-rest assembly. Replace the five (M2.5x5) screws that secure the fans to the palm-rest assembly. Replace the four (M2x3) screws that secure the system board to the palm-rest assembly.

  • Page 45: Fan And Heat-Sink Assembly

    14 Replace the screw (M2x4.5) that secures the M.2 connector shield to the system board. 15 Using the alignment pins, connect the left I/O-board cable to the left I/O-board and the system board. NOTE: The I/O-board cable is polarity sensitive. To prevent damage to your computer ensure that the MB UMT end of the cable is connected to the system board.
  • Page 46 Steps Disconnect the left and right fan cables from the system board. In the reverse sequential order (6>5>4>3>2>1) remove the six screws (M2x3) that secure the fan and heat-sink assembly to the system board. Lift the fan and heat-sink assembly from the system board.

  • Page 47: Installing The Fan And Heat-Sink Assembly

    Installing the fan and heat-sink assembly Prerequisite If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure. CAUTION: If either the processor or the heat sink is replaced, use the thermal grease provided in the kit to ensure that thermal conductivity is achieved.

  • Page 48: Touchpad

    Next step Install the system board. Install the right I/O-board. Install the battery. Install the rear I/O-cover. Install the 2230 solid-state drive. (if applicable) Install the 2280 solid-state drive. (if applicable) Install the base cover. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer.

  • Page 49: Installing The Touchpad

    Lift the keyboard-controller board-cable off the palm-rest assembly. Open the latch and disconnect the keyboard cable from the keyboard-controller board. Fold up the keyboard cable. Open the latch and disconnect the touchpad cable from the touchpad. Lift the touchpad cable from the palm-rest assembly. Remove the two (M2x1.9) screws that secure the solid-state drive support bracket to the palm-rest assembly.

  • Page 50: Power-Adapter Port

    Next steps Install the system board. (only applicable when the touchpad cable has been replaced) Install the right I/O-board. (only applicable when the touchpad cable has been replaced) Install the battery. Install the rear I/O-cover. Install the 2230 solid-state drive. (if applicable) Install the 2280 solid-state drive.

  • Page 51: Installing The Power-Adapter Port

    Steps Remove the two screws (M2x3) that secure the power-adapter port bracket to the palm-rest assembly. Lift the power-adapter port bracket off the palm-rest assembly. Lift the power-adapter port along with its cable off the palm-rest assembly. Installing the power-adapter port Prerequisite If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure.

  • Page 52: Power-Button Assembly

    Power-button assembly Removing the power-button assembly Prerequisites Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer. Remove the base cover. Remove the 2230 solid-state drive. (if applicable) Remove the 2280 solid-state drive. (if applicable) Remove the rear I/O-cover. Remove the battery. Remove the left I/O-board.

  • Page 53: Keyboard

    About this task The following image indicates the location of the power-button assembly and provides a visual representation of the installation procedure. Steps Place the power-button assembly and its cable in the slot on the palm-rest assembly. Place the power-button bracket on the power-button assembly. Replace the three (M2x1.9) screws that secure the power-button bracket to the palm-rest assembly.
  • Page 54 Remove the 2230 solid-state drive. (if applicable) Remove the 2280 solid-state drive. (if applicable) Remove the rear I/O-cover. Remove the battery. Remove the left I/O-board. Remove the right I/O-board. Remove the system board. Remove the power-button assembly. About this task The following image indicates the location of the keyboard and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure.

  • Page 55: Installing The Keyboard

    Steps Remove the two (M2x1.9) screws that secure the keyboard-backlight cable to the keyboard-controller board. Disconnect the keyboard-backlight cable from the keyboard-controller board. Lift the latch and disconnect the keyboard cable from the keyboard-controller board. Remove the nine (M1.2x2.1) screws that secure the keyboard bracket to the keyboard. Lift the keyboard bracket off the keyboard.
  • Page 57 Steps Place the keyboard on the palm-rest assembly. Replace the 33 (M1.2x1.6) screws that secure the keyboard to the palm-rest assembly. Place the keyboard bracket on the keyboard. Replace the nine (M1.2x2.1) screws that secure the keyboard bracket to the keyboard. Connect the keyboard cable to the keyboard-controller board and close the latch.

  • Page 58: Palm Rest

    Palm rest Removing the palm rest Prerequisites Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer. Remove the base cover. Remove the 2230 solid-state drive. (if applicable) Remove the 2280 solid-state drive. (if applicable) Remove the rear I/O-cover. Remove the battery. Remove the display assembly.

  • Page 59: Installing The Palm Rest

    Installing the palm rest Prerequisite If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure. Step To install the palm rest perform the post-requisites. Next steps Install the keyboard. Install the power-button assembly. Install the power-adapter port.

  • Page 60: Device Drivers

    Device drivers Intel Chipset Software Installation Utility In the Device Manager, check if the chipset driver is installed. Install the Intel chipset updates from www.dell.com/support. Video drivers In the Device Manager, check if the video driver is installed. Install the video driver update from www.dell.com/support.

  • Page 61: System Setup

    Turn on (or restart) your computer. During POST, when the DELL logo is displayed, watch for the F2 prompt to appear, and then press F2 immediately. NOTE: The F2 prompt indicates that the keyboard is initialized. This prompt can appear very quickly, so you must watch for it, and then press F2.

  • Page 62: System Setup Options

    The one-time boot menu displays the devices that you can boot from including the diagnostic option. The boot menu options are: • Removable Drive (if available) • STXXXX Drive (if available) NOTE: XXX denotes the SATA drive number. • Optical Drive (if available) •...
  • Page 63 Table 6. System setup options—Advanced menu Advanced Intel(R) SpeedStep(TM) Enables you to enable or disable Intel Speedstep Technology. Default: Enabled NOTE: If enabled, the processor clock speed and core voltage are adjusted dynamically based on the processor load. Integrated NIC Enables you to enable or disable the on-board LAN controller.
  • Page 64 Enable or disable BIOS Auto-Recovery. Default: Disabled SupportAssist System Resolution Auto OS Recovery Threshold Control the automatic boot flow for SupportAssist System Resolution Console and for Dell OS Recovery tool. Default: 2 SupportAssist OS Recovery Enable or disable SupportAssist OS recovery. Default: Enabled...

  • Page 65: Clearing Cmos Settings

    Security BIOS PPI user prompts when issuing the Clear command. Changes to this setting take effect immediately. Default: Enabled UEFI Capsule Firmware Updates Enable or disable BIOS updates through UEFI capsule update packages. Default: Enabled Table 8. System setup options—Boot menu Boot Boot List Option Displays the available boot options.

  • Page 66: Clearing Bios (System Setup) And System Passwords

    Clearing BIOS (System Setup) and System passwords To clear the system or BIOS passwords, contact Dell technical support as described at www.dell.com/contactdell. NOTE: For information on how to reset Windows or application passwords, refer to the documentation accompanying Windows or your application.

  • Page 67: Troubleshooting

    Running the ePSA diagnostics Turn on your computer. As the computer boots, press the F12 key as the Dell logo appears. On the boot menu screen, select the Diagnostics option. Click the arrow at the bottom left corner.

  • Page 68: Flashing Bios (Usb Key)

    Copy the BIOS setup program file to the bootable USB drive. Connect the bootable USB drive to the computer that needs the BIOS update. Restart the computer and press F12 when the Dell logo is displayed on the screen. Boot to the USB drive from the One Time Boot Menu.

  • Page 69: Backup Media And Recovery Options

    Double-click the BIOS update file icon and follow the instructions on the screen. Backup media and recovery options Dell proposes multiple options for recovering Windows operating system on your Dell PC. For more information. see Dell Windows Backup Media and Recovery Options.

  • Page 70: Getting Help And Contacting Dell

    Getting help and contacting Dell Self-help resources You can get information and help on Dell products and services using these self-help resources: Table 11. Self-help resources Self-help resources Resource location Information about Dell products and services www.dell.com My Dell Tips...

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