Dell Alienware m15 R3 Service Manual
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Dell Alienware m15 R3 Service Manual

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Alienware m15 R3
Service Manual
Regulatory Model: P87F
Regulatory Type: P87F002

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Summary of Contents for Dell Alienware m15 R3

  • Page 1 Alienware m15 R3 Service Manual Regulatory Model: P87F Regulatory Type: P87F002...
  • Page 2 WARNING: A WARNING indicates a potential for property damage, personal injury, or death. © 2020 Dell Inc. or its subsidiaries. All rights reserved. Dell, EMC, and other trademarks are trademarks of Dell Inc. or its subsidiaries. Other trademarks may be trademarks of their respective owners.

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    Contents 1 Working inside your computer......................6 Before working inside your computer..........................6 Safety instructions.................................6 Electrostatic discharge—ESD protection..........................7 ESD field service kit ................................7 Transporting sensitive components............................8 After working inside your computer............................8 2 Removing and installing components....................9 Recommended tools................................9 Screw list....................................
  • Page 4 Installing the right I/O-board............................41 System board..................................43 Removing the system board............................43 Installing the system board............................45 Left I/O-board...................................48 Removing the left I/O-board............................48 Installing the left I/O-board............................49 Fan and heat-sink assembly...............................50 Removing the fan and heat-sink assembly........................50 Installing the fan and heat-sink assembly........................
  • Page 5 WiFi power cycle................................80 6 Getting help............................81 Contacting Dell...................................81...

  • Page 6: Working Inside Your Computer

    CAUTION: You should only perform troubleshooting and repairs as authorized or directed by the Dell technical assistance team. Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by your warranty. See the safety instructions that is shipped with the product or at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.

  • Page 7: Electrostatic Discharge-Esd Protection

    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 8: Transporting Sensitive Components

    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 9: 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 10: Base Cover

    Component Secured to Screw type Quantity Screw image Right I/O-board cable M2x3 • System board • Right I/O-board Right I/O-board Palm-rest assembly M2x3 M.2 solid-state drive System board M2x4.5 (SSD) frame Fan and heat-sink Palm-rest assembly M2x4.5 assembly Fan and heat-sink Palm-rest assembly M2x3 assembly...
  • Page 12 Steps 1. Remove the two screws (M2x5) that secure the base cover to the palm-rest assembly.

  • Page 13: Installing The Base Cover

    2. Loosen the six captive screws. 3. Using a plastic scribe, pry the base cover from the bottom left and continue to work on the sides to open the base cover. 4. Lift and slide the base cover off the palm-rest assembly. 5.

  • Page 15: Battery

    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 16: Installing The Battery

    Steps 1. Ensure that the battery cable has been disconnected from the system board. 2. Remove the four screws (M2x4) that secure the battery to the palm-rest assembly. 3. Remove the four screws (M2x3) that secure the battery to the palm-rest assembly. 4.

  • Page 17: M.2 Solid-State Drive

    Steps 1. Place the battery on the palm-rest assembly. 2. Align the screw holes on the batery to the screw holes on the palm-rest assembly. 3. Replace the four screws (M2x4) that secure the battery to the palm-rest assembly. 4. Replace the four screws (M2x3) that secure the battery to the palm-rest assembly. Next steps 1.

  • Page 19: Installing The M.2 2230 Solid-State Drive

    Steps 1. Remove the screw (M2x2.5) that secures the M.2 thermal shield to the M.2 2230 mounting bracket. 2. Remove the M.2 2230 thermal shield from the M.2 2230 solid-state drive. 3. Lift and remove the M.2 2230 solid-state drive from the M.2 card slot on the system board. 4.
  • Page 20 The following image(s) indicate the location of the M.2 2230 solid-state drive and provides a visual representation of the installation procedure.

  • Page 21: Removing The M.2 2280 Solid-State Drive

    Steps 1. Place the M.2 2230 mounting bracket on the palm-rest assembly. 2. Align the screw hole on the M.2 2230 mounting bracket to the screw hole on the palm-rest assembly. 3. Replace the screw (M2x2.5) that secures the M.2 2230 mounting bracket to the palm-rest assembly. 4.
  • Page 22 2. Remove the base cover. About this task NOTE: This procedure applies only to computers shipped with a M.2 2280 solid-state drive installed in the following M.2 card slots: • M.2 card slot 1 • M.2 card slot 2 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 23: Installing The M.2 2280 Solid-State Drive

    Steps 1. Remove the screw (M2x2.5) that secures the M.2 2280 thermal shield to the palm-rest assembly. 2. Lift and remove the M.2 2280 thermal shield off the M.2 2280 solid-state drive. 3. Slide and remove the M.2 2280 solid-state drive from the M.2 card slot on the system board. Installing the M.2 2280 solid-state drive Prerequisites If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation process.

  • Page 24: M.2 2230 Wwan/Solid-State Drive

    Steps 1. Align the notch on the M.2 2280 solid-state drive with the tab on the M.2 card slot on the system board. 2. Slide the M.2 2280 solid-state drive into the M.2 card slot on the system board. 3. Slide the M.2 2280 thermal shield into the slot on the M.2 SSD frame. 4.

  • Page 25: Installing The M.2 2230 Wwan/Solid-State Drive

    Steps 1. Remove the screw (M2x2.5) that secures the M.2 2230 thermal shield to the left I/O-board. 2. Remove the M.2 2230 thermal shield from the M.2 2230 WWAN/solid-state drive. 3. Lift and remove the M.2 2230 WWAN/solid-state drive from the M.2 card slot on the left I/O-board. Installing the M.2 2230 WWAN/solid-state drive Prerequisites If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation process.

  • Page 26: Rear-I/O Cover

    Steps 1. Align the notch on the M.2 2230 WWAN/solid-state drive with the tab on the M.2 card slot on the left I/O-board. 2. Slide the M.2 2230 WWAN/solid-state drive into the M.2 card slot on the left I/O-board. 3. Place the M.2 2230 thermal shield on the M.2 2230 WWAN/solid-state drive. 4.
  • Page 27 Steps 1. Peel and lift the Mylar covering the system board. 2. Disconnect and peel the Tron light cable from the system board. 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 28: Installing The Rear I/O-Cover

    3. Remove the two screws (M2.5x5) that secure the rear I/O-cover to the palm-rest assembly. 4. Remove the two screws (M2.5x4) that secure the rear I/O-cover to the palm-rest assembly. 5. Firmly grasp the sides of your computer with both hands and push the rubber feet on the rear I/O-cover outwards with your thumbs to release the rear I/O-cover from the palm-rest assembly.

  • Page 29: Display Assembly

    Steps 1. 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. 2.
  • Page 30 2. Remove the base cover. 3. Remove the rear IO-cover. About this task The following image(s) indicate the location of the display assembly and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure.
  • Page 31 Steps 1. Peel the Mylar covering the system board. 2. Remove the screw (M2x3) that secures the wireless card bracket to the left I/O-board. 3. Lift the wireless card bracket off the left I/O-board. 4. Disconnect the antenna cables from the wireless card. 5.

  • Page 32: Installing The Display Assembly

    12. Remove the eight screws (M2.5x4) securing the display assembly to the palm-rest assembly. 13. Lift the display assembly off the palm-rest assembly. 14. After performing the steps above you are left with the display assembly. Installing the display assembly Prerequisites If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation process.
  • Page 34 Steps 1. Ensure that the palm-rest assembly is placed face up with the keyboard facing you. 2. Gently place the display assembly on the palm-rest assembly. NOTE: Ensure tha the screw holes on the display hinges are aligned with the screw holes on the palm-rest assembly. 3.

  • Page 35: Speakers

    9. Connect the display cable to the connector on the system board and close the latch. 10. Route the antenna cables to the routing guides on the left fan and system board. 11. Adhere the tapes that secure the antenna cables to system board and left fan. 12.

  • Page 36: Installing The Speakers

    Steps 1. Disconnect the speaker cable from the right I/O-board. 2. Lift the right speaker off the palm-rest assembly. 3. Remove the speaker cables from the routing guides on the palm-rest assembly. 4. Lift the left speaker off the palm-rest assembly. Installing the speakers Prerequisites If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation process.

  • Page 37: Touchpad

    Touchpad Removing the touchpad Prerequisites 1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer. 2. Remove the base cover. 3. Remove the battery. About this task The following image(s) indicate the location of the touchpad and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure. Steps 1.

  • Page 38: Keyboard-Controller Board

    Steps 1. Place the touchpad into the slot on the palm-rest assembly. NOTE: Turn the computer over and open the display. Ensure that the touchpad is equally aligned along all four sides. 2. Replace the four (M2x1.9) screws that secure the touchpad to the palm-rest assembly. 3.

  • Page 39: Installing The Keyboard-Controller Board

    Steps 1. Open the latch and disconnect the keyboard-backlight cable from the keyboard-controller board. 2. Open the latch and disconnect the keyboard-controller board cable from the keyboard-controller board. 3. Open the latch and disconnect the keyboard cable from the keyboard-controller board. 4.

  • Page 40: Right I/O-Board

    Steps 1. Using the alignment posts, adhere the keyboard-controller board into place on the palm-rest assembly. 2. Replace the two screws (M2x1.9) that secure the keyboard-controller board to the palm-rest assembly. 3. Connect the keyboard-controller board-cable to the keyboard-controller board and close the connector latch. 4.

  • Page 41: Installing The Right I/O-Board

    Steps 1. Peel and lift the Mylar covering the system board. 2. Disconnect the speaker cable from the right I/O-board. 3. Remove the two screws (M2x3) that secure the right I/O-board cable connecting the right I/O-board and the system board. 4.
  • Page 42 Steps 1. Using the alignment posts, place the right I/O-board in place on the palm-rest assembly. 2. Replace the two screws (M2x3) that secure the right I/O-board to the palm-rest asssembly. 3. Connect the speaker cable to the connector on the right I/O-board. 4.

  • Page 43: System Board

    System board Removing the system board Prerequisites 1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer. 2. Remove the base cover. 3. Remove the battery. 4. Remove the M.2 2230 solid-state drive. (if applicable) 5. Remove the M.2 2280 solid-state drive.
  • Page 44 Steps 1. Peel the Mylar covering the system board. 2. Remove the screw (M2x3) that secures the wireless card bracket to the left I/O-board. 3. Lift the wireless-card bracket off the left I/O-board. 4. Disconnect the antenna cables from the wireless card on the left I/O-board. 5.

  • Page 45: Installing The System Board

    15. Remove the two (M2x4.5) screws that secure the fan and heat-sink assembly to the palm-rest assembly. 16. Remove the three (M2x3) screws that secure the fan and heat-sink assembly to the palm-rest assembly. 17. Remove the five (M2x3) screws that secure the system board to the palm-rest assembly. 18.
  • Page 47 Steps 1. Install the fan and heat-sink assembly. 2. Install the left I/O-board. 3. Turn the system-board assembly over and place the system-board assembly on the palm-rest assembly. NOTE: When the system board is installed it is removed as an assembly consisting of: •...

  • Page 48: Left I/O-Board

    NOTE: This step is only applicable to computers shipped with a Tobii eye tracker. 11. Connect the display cable to the connector on the system board and close the latch. 12. Connect the touchpad cable to the touchpad and close the latch. 13.

  • Page 49: Installing The Left I/O-Board

    Steps 1. Flip the system-board assembly over. 2. Remove the four screws (M2x4.5) that secure the left-I/O board 3. Lift the left I/O-board from the system-board assembly. 4. Lift the left I/O-board connector board from the system-board assembly. Installing the left I/O-board Prerequisites If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation process.

  • Page 50: Fan And Heat-Sink Assembly

    Steps 1. Using the alignment posts, connect the left I/O-board connector board to the system-board assembly NOTE: The I/O-board connector board is polarity sensitive. To prevent damaging your computer, utilize the alignment pins to correctly replace the I/O-board connector board. 2.
  • Page 51 About this task NOTE: The heat sink may become hot during normal operation. Allow sufficient time for the heat sink to cool before you touch it. NOTE: For maximum cooling of the processor, do not touch the heat transfer areas on the heat sink. The oils in your skin can reduce the heat transfer capability of the thermal grease.

  • Page 52: Installing The Fan And Heat-Sink Assembly

    Steps 1. Disconnect the left and right fan cables from the system board. 2. Flip the system-board assembly over. 3. In reverse sequential order (10>9>8>7>6>5>4>3>2>1) remove the 10 screws (M2x3) that secure the fan and heat-sink assembly to the system board. NOTE: Depending on the discrete graphics processing unit installed in your computer, the number of screws securing the fan and heat-sink assembly to the system board may be 8 or 10.
  • Page 53 Steps 1. Place the fan and heat-sink assembly on the system board. 2. Align the screw holes on the fan and heat-sink assembly to the screw holes on the system board.

  • Page 54: Power-Adapter Port

    3. In sequential order (1>2>3>4>5>6>7>8>9>10) replace the 10 screws (M2x3) that secure the fan and heat-sink assembly to the system board. NOTE: Depending on the discrete graphics processing unit installed in your computer, the number of screws securing the fan and heat-sink assembly to the system board may be 8 or 10. 4.

  • Page 55: Installing The Power-Adapter Port

    Steps 1. Remove the two screws (M2x3) that secure the power-adapter port bracket to the palm-rest assembly. 2. Lift the power-adapter port bracket off the palm-rest assembly. 3. Lift the power-adapter port along with its cable off the palm-rest assembly. Installing the power-adapter port Prerequisites If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation process.

  • Page 56: Power-Button Assembly

    Steps 1. Place the power-adapter port into the slot on the palm-rest assembly. 2. Place the power-adapter port bracket on the power-adapter port. 3. Align the screw holes on the power-adapter port bracket to the screw holes on the palm-rest assembly. 4.

  • Page 57: Installing The Power-Button Assembly

    About this task The following image(s) indicate the location of the power-button assembly and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure. Steps 1. Remove the three (M2x1.9) screws that secure the power-button bracket to the palm-rest assembly. 2. Lift the power-button bracket off the power-button assembly. 3.

  • Page 58: Keyboard

    Steps 1. Place the power-button assembly and its cable in the slot on the palm-rest assembly. 2. Place the power-button bracket on the power-button assembly. 3. Align the screw holes on the power-button bracket to the screw holes on the palm-rest assembly. 4.
  • Page 59 10. Remove the power-adapter port. About this task The following image(s) indicate the location of the keyboard and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure.

  • Page 60: Installing The Keyboard

    Steps 1. Open the latch and disconnect the keyboard-backlight cable from the keyboard-controller board. 2. Open the latch and disconnect the keyboard-controller board cable from the keyboard-controller board. 3. Open the latch and disconnect the keyboard cable from the keyboard-controller board. 4.
  • Page 61 About this task The following image(s) indicate the location of the keyboard and provides a visual representation of the installation procedure.

  • Page 62: Palmrest

    Steps 1. Place the keyboard and its cables on the palmrest. 2. Align the screw holes on the keyboard to the screw holes on the palmrest. 3. Replace the 19 screws (M1.2x1.6) that secure the keyboard to the palmrest. 4. Place the keyboard bracket on the keyboard. 5.

  • Page 63: Installing The Palmrest

    3. Remove the battery. 4. Remove the M.2 2230 solid-state drive. (if applicable) 5. Remove the M.2 2280 solid-state drive. (if applicable) 6. Remove the rear I/O-cover. 7. Remove the display assembly. 8. Remove the speakers. 9. Remove the touchpad. 10.
  • Page 64 Steps To install the palmrest perform the post-requisites. Next steps 1. Install the keyboard. 2. Install the power-button assembly. 3. Install the power-adapter port. 4. Follow the procedure from step 3 to step 24 in Installing the system board. 5. Install the right I/O-board.

  • Page 65: 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 66: 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: Depending on the computer and its installed devices, the items listed in this section may or may not be displayed. NOTE: Before you change BIOS Setup program, it is recommended that you write down the BIOS Setup program screen information for future reference.

  • Page 67: System Setup Options

    • Optical Drive (if available) • SATA Hard Drive (if available) • Diagnostics NOTE: Choosing Diagnostics, will display the ePSA diagnostics screen. The boot sequence screen also displays the option to access the System Setup screen. System setup options Main Table 5.
  • Page 68 Option Description Intel Speed Shift Technology Enables or disables the Intel Speed Shift Technology. This option enables the operating system to select the appropriate processor performance automatically. • Enabled Default: Enabled Hyper-Thread Control Allows you to enable or disable the HyperThreading in the processor.

  • Page 69: Security

    Option Description • RAID On: SATA is configured to support RAID mode Default: RAID On Adapter Warnings Enables or disables the system setup (BIOS) warning messages when you use certain power adapters. • Enable Adapter Warnings Default: Enabled Function Key Behavior Enables you to set function key or multimedia key as the default function key behavior.
  • Page 70 Option Description The entries to set password are: • Enter the old password: • Enter the new password: • Confirm new password: Click OK once you set the password. NOTE: For the first time login, "Enter the old password:" field is marked to "Not set". Hence, password has to be set for the first time you login and then you can change or delete the password.

  • Page 71: Secure Boot

    Option Description PPI Bypass for Clear Enables you to control the TPM Physical Presence Interface (PPI). When enabled, this setting will Command allow the OS to skip BIOS PPI user prompts when issuing the Clear command. Changes to this setting take effect immediately.

  • Page 72: Updating The Bios In Windows

    NOTE: If BitLocker is enabled, it must be suspended prior to updating the system BIOS, and then re-enabled after the BIOS update is completed. Steps 1. Restart the computer. 2. Go to Dell.com/support. • Enter the Service Tag or Express Service Code and click Submit. •...

  • Page 73: Updating Bios On Systems With Bitlocker Enabled

    Most Dell systems built after 2012 have this capability and you can confirm by booting your system to the F12 One-Time Boot Menu to see if BIOS FLASH UPDATE is listed as a boot option for your system. If the option is listed, then the BIOS supports this BIOS...
  • Page 74 USB key formatted to the FAT32 file system (key does not have to be bootable) • BIOS executable file that you downloaded from the Dell Support website and copied to the root of the USB key • AC power adapter connected to the system •...
  • Page 75 4. Select external USB device. 5. Once the file is selected, Double click the flash target file, then press submit.

  • Page 76: System And Setup Password

    6. Click the Update BIOS then system will reboot to flash the BIOS. 7. Once complete, the system will reboot and the BIOS update process is completed. System and setup password Table 10. System and setup password Password type Description System password Password that you must enter to log in to your system.

  • Page 77: Assigning A System Setup Password

    Assigning a system setup password Prerequisites You can assign a new System or Admin Password only when the status is in Not Set. About this task To enter the system setup, press F2F12 immediately after a power-on or reboot. Steps 1.

  • Page 78: Clearing Bios (System Setup) And System Passwords

    Clearing BIOS (System Setup) and System passwords About this task 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...

  • Page 79: Troubleshooting

    You can also download it from the Dell Support website to troubleshoot and fix your computer when it fails to boot into their primary operating system due to software or hardware failures.

  • Page 80: Flea Power Release

    Camera status light: Indicates whether the camera is in use. • Solid—Camera is in use. • Off—Camera is not in use. Caps Lock status light: Indicates whether Caps Lock is enabled or disabled. • Solid—Caps Lock enabled. • Off—Caps Lock disabled. Flea power release About this task Flea power is the residual static electricity that remains on the computer even after it has been powered off and the battery has been...
  • Page 81 About this task Dell provides several online and telephone-based support and service options. Availability varies by country and product, and some services may not be available in your area. To contact Dell for sales, technical support, or customer service issues: Steps 1.

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