Dell Alienware x17 R1 Service Manual
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Dell Alienware x17 R1 Service Manual

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Alienware x17 R1
Service Manual
Regulatory Model: P48E
Regulatory Type: P48E001
June 2021
Rev. A01

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Summary of Contents for Dell Alienware x17 R1

  • Page 1 Alienware x17 R1 Service Manual Regulatory Model: P48E Regulatory Type: P48E001 June 2021 Rev. A01...
  • Page 2 A WARNING indicates a potential for property damage, personal injury, or death. © 2021 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

    Transporting sensitive components..........................7 After working inside your computer..........................8 Chapter 2: Removing and installing components................9 Recommended tools................................9 Screw list....................................9 Major components of Alienware x17 R1........................10 Disassembly and reassembly ............................12 Base cover..................................12 Memory module................................17 Solid-state drive................................19 Battery...................................
  • Page 4 Clearing CMOS settings.............................76 Clearing BIOS (System Setup) and System passwords..................76 Chapter 5: Troubleshooting......................77 Locate the Service Tag or Express Service Code of your Dell computer ..........77 System-diagnostic lights..............................77 SupportAssist diagnostics............................... 78 Recovering the operating system..........................78 Flashing BIOS (USB key)..............................78 Flashing the BIOS................................

  • Page 5: Chapter 1: Working Inside Your Computer

    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 6: Electrostatic Discharge-Esd Protection

    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 7: 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 8: After Working Inside Your Computer

    After working inside your computer About this task CAUTION: Leaving stray or loose screws inside your computer may severely damage your computer. Steps 1. Replace all screws and ensure that no stray screws remain inside your computer. 2. Connect any external devices, peripherals, or cables you removed before working on your computer. 3.

  • 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, #1 ● Plastic scribe Screw list NOTE: When removing screws from a component, it is recommended to note the screw type, the quantity of screws, and...

  • Page 10: Major Components Of Alienware X17 R1

    System board M2x3 System board M2x4 Fan and heat-sink assembly M2x3 Power-button bracket M1.6x2 I/O board M2x3 Keyboard bracket M1.2x2 Major components of Alienware x17 R1 The following image shows the major components of Alienware x17 R1. Removing and installing components...
  • Page 11 1. Base cover 2. I/O board 3. Right fan 4. Fan and heat-sink assembly 5. Heat pipe 6. Power-adapter port-bracket 7. Power-adapter port 8. Battery 9. Keyboard bracket 10. Keyboard 11. Palm rest 12. Touchpad 13. Keyboard-controller board 14. Speakers 15.

  • Page 12: Disassembly And Reassembly

    26. Rear I/O-cover NOTE: Dell provides a list of components and their part numbers for the original computer configuration purchased. These parts are available according to warranty coverages purchased by the customer. Contact your Dell sales representative for purchase options.
  • Page 13 Removing and installing components...
  • Page 14 Removing and installing components...
  • Page 15 Steps 1. Remove the two screws (M2.5x9) that secure the base cover to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 2. Remove the two screws (M2.5x5) that secure the base cover to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 3. Loosen the four captive screws (M2.5x5) that secure the base cover to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 4.
  • Page 16 Removing and installing components...

  • Page 17: Memory Module

    Steps 1. Connect the battery cable to the system board. 2. Place and slide the base cover into place on the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 3. Tighten the four captive screws (M2.5x5) that secure the base cover to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 4.
  • Page 18 About this task The following image(s) indicate the location of the memory and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure. Steps 1. Using your fingertips, carefully spread apart the securing-clips on each end of the memory-module slot until the memory module pops-up.

  • Page 19: Solid-State Drive

    Steps 1. Align the notch on the memory module with the tab on the memory-module slot on the system board. 2. Slide the memory module into the memory-module slot on the system board. 3. Press down on the memory module till the securing clips click, locking the memory module in place. NOTE: Repeat steps 1 to 3 for the second memory module being installed into your computer.
  • Page 20 Steps 1. Remove the screw (M2x3) that secures the M.2 thermal shield to the M.2 2230 mounting bracket. 2. Slide and lift the M.2 thermal shield off the system board. 3. Slide and lift the M.2 2230 solid-state drive off the system board. NOTE: Your computer has up to two M.2 2230 solid-state drives installed.
  • Page 21 Steps 1. Align the notch on the M.2 2230 solid-state drive with the tab on the M.2 card slot on the system board. 2. Slide the M.2 2230 solid-state drive into the M.2 card slot on the system board. 3. Slide the tab on the M.2 thermal shield into the M.2 card slot and align the screw hole on the thermal shield to the screw hole on the system board.
  • Page 22 Steps 1. Remove the screw (M2x3) that secures the M.2 thermal shield to the system board. 2. Slide and lift the M.2 thermal shield from the M.2 card slot on the system board. 3. Slide and lift the M.2 2280 solid-state drive from the M.2 card slot on the system board. NOTE: Your computer has up to two M.2 2280 solid-state drives installed.
  • Page 23 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 tab on the M.2 thermal shield into the M.2 card slot and align the screw hole on the thermal shield to the screw hole on the system board.

  • Page 24: 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 25 will occur. When an RTC Reset cycle occurs, the computer turns on and off three times. An "Invalid Configuration" error message is displayed prompting you to enter the BIOS and configure the date and time. The computer starts functioning normally after setting the date and time. NOTE: Removing the battery resets the BIOS setup program's settings to default.

  • Page 26: Battery Cable

    ● 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 27 ● Always purchase genuine batteries from www.dell.com or authorized Dell partners and resellers. Removing the battery cable Prerequisites 1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer. 2. Remove the base cover. 3. Remove the battery. About this task...

  • Page 28: Rear-I/O Cover

    Steps 1. Connect the battery cable to the battery. 2. Adhere the battery cable to the battery. 3. Turn the battery over. Next steps 1. Install the base cover. 2. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer. Rear-I/O cover Removing the rear-I/O cover Prerequisites 1.
  • Page 29 Steps 1. Remove the two screws (M2.5x5) that secure the rear I/O-cover to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 2. Lift the latch and disconnect the Right Tron-light cable from the system board. 3. Lift the latch and disconnect the left Tron-light cable from the system board. NOTE: To prevent damaging your computer ensure the right and left Tron-light cables have been disconnected from the system board before removing the rear I/O-cover.

  • Page 30: Power-Adapter Port

    Steps 1. Push the rear I/O-cover into the palm-rest and keyboard assembly snapping it into place. NOTE: To avoiding damaging your computer, ensure the right and left Tron-light cables are not pinched before snapping the rear I/O-cover into place. 2. Replace the two screws (M2.5x5) that secure the rear I/O-cover to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 3.
  • Page 31 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 (M2.5x5) that secure the power-adapter port bracket to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 2.

  • Page 32: Headset Port

    Steps 1. Connect the power-adapter port cable to the system board. 2. Slide the power-adapter port at an angle into the slot on the palm-rest and keyboard assembly and adhere the power- adapter port cable to the system board. 3. Adhere the tapes that secure the power-adapter port cable to the system board. 4.
  • Page 33 Steps 1. Using the pull tab, disconnect the I/O-board cable from the system board. 2. Move the I/O-board cable off the system board and headset-port cable. 3. Using the pull tab, disconnect the headset-port cable from the system board. 4. Peel the headset-port cable off the palm-rest and keyboard assembly and lift the headset port and its cable off the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.

  • Page 34: Speakers

    Steps 1. Place the headset port into the slot on the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 2. Adhere the headset-port cable to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 3. Connect the headset-port cable to the system board. 4. Move the I/O-board cable back into place and connect the I/O-board cable to the system board. Next steps 1.
  • Page 35 3. Remove the battery. About this task The following image(s) indicate the location of the speakers and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure. Steps 1. Disconnect the speaker cable from the system board. 2. Remove the speaker cables from the routing guides on the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 3.

  • Page 36: Fans

    Steps 1. Using the alignment posts, place the left and right speakers on the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. NOTE: Ensure that the alignment posts are threaded through the rubber grommets on the speaker. 2. Route the speaker cable through the routing guides on the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 3.
  • Page 37 Steps 1. Move the speaker cable and antenna cable off the routing guides on the left fan. 2. Peel the tape that secures the antenna cable to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 3. Disconnect the left-fan cable from the system board. 4.
  • Page 38 Steps 1. Place the fan on the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 2. Align the screw holes on the fan with the screw holes on the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 3. Replace the two screws (M2x3) that secure the fan to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 4.
  • Page 39 Steps 1. Peel the tape that secures the antenna cable to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 2. Move the antenna cable off the routing guides on the right fan. 3. Disconnect the right-fan cable from the system board. 4. Remove the three screws (M2x3) that secure the right fan to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 5.

  • Page 40: Heat Pipe

    Steps 1. Place the right fan on the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 2. Align the screw holes on the right fan with the screw holes on the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 3. Replace the three screws (M2x5) that secure the right fan to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 4.
  • Page 41 Steps 1. Peel the tapes that secure the power-adapter port connector to the system board. 2. Disconnect the power-adapter port from the system board. 3. Peel the power-adapter port-cable from the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 4. Peel the tape that secures the display-cable connector latch to the system board. 5.
  • Page 42 About this task NOTE: If either the system board or the heat pipe is replaced, use the thermal grease provided in the kit to ensure that thermal conductivity is achieved. The following image(s) indicate the location of the heat pipe and provides a visual representation of the installation procedure. Steps 1.

  • Page 43: Display Assembly

    2. 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 The following image(s) indicate the location of the display assembly and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure.
  • Page 44 Steps 1. Remove the two screws (M2.5x5) that secure the left-display hinge to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 2. Peel the tape that secures the camera-cable connector latch to the system board. 3. Lift the latch and disconnect the camera cable from the system board. 4.
  • Page 45 Removing and installing components...
  • Page 46 Steps 1. Place the display assembly over the palm-rest and keyboard assembly and align the screw holes on the display hinges to the screw holes on the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 2. Replace the four screws (M2.5x5) that secure the display assembly to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 3.

  • Page 47: Touchpad

    3. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer. 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 48 4. Lift the keyboard-controller board cable off the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 5. Lift the latches and disconnect the touchpad cable from the keyboard-controller board and the touchpad. 6. Disconnect the touchpad-light cable from the touchpad assembly. 7. Remove the four screws (M1.6x2) that secure the touchpad assembly to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 8.

  • Page 49: Keyboard-Controller Board

    3. Close the display and place the computer in the position shown. 4. Replace the four screws (M1.6x2) that secure the touchpad assembly to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 5. Connect the touchpad-light cable to the touchpad assembly and close the latch. 6.
  • Page 50 Steps 1. Lift the latches and disconnect the keyboard-controller board cable from the system board and keyboard-controller board. 2. Lift the latch and disconnect the keyboard-backlight cable from the keyboard-controller board. 3. Lift the latches and disconnect the touchpad-light cable from the keyboard-controller board and touchpad assembly. 4.

  • Page 51: System Board

    Steps 1. Place the keyboard-controller board on the palm-rest and keyboard assembly and align the screw holes on the keyboard- controller board to the screw holes on the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 2. Replace the two screws (M1.6x1.7) that secures the keyboard-controller board to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 3.
  • Page 52 8. Remove the power-adapter port. 9. Remove the headset port. 10. Remove the left fan. 11. Remove the right fan. 12. Remove the heat pipe. About this task The following image indicates the connectors on your system board. 1. Camera cable 2.
  • Page 53 Removing and installing components...
  • Page 54 Steps 1. Peel the tape that secures the camera-cable connector latch to the system board. 2. Lift the latch and disconnect the camera cable from the system board. 3. Move the camera cable off the system board. 4. Disconnect the left-fan cable from the system board. 5.
  • Page 55 About this task The following image indicates the connectors on your system board. 1. Camera cable 2. Display cable 3. Left Tron-light cable 4. Power-button cable 5. Right fan cable 6. Battery cable 7. Keyboard-controller board cable 8. Speaker cable 9.
  • Page 56 Removing and installing components...
  • Page 57 Steps 1. Turn the system-board assembly over. 2. Install the fan and heat-sink assembly. 3. Using the two alignment posts shown in the image, place the system-board assembly on the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. NOTE: When placing the system-board assembly on the palm-rest and keyboard assembly ensure that the power button cable is placed on top of the system board.

  • Page 58: Fan And Heat-Sink Assembly

    13. Move the headset-port cable over the system board. 14. Connect the headset-port cable to the system board. 15. Move the I/O-board cable over the system board. 16. Connect the I/O-board cable to the system board. 17. Connect the left-fan cable to the system board. 18.
  • Page 59 Steps 1. Turn the system-board assembly over. 2. Disconnect the left and right heat-sink assembly fan cables from the system board. 3. In reverse sequential order (8>7>6>5>4>3>2>1) loosen the eight captive screws (M2x3) that secure the fan and heat-sink assembly to the system board. 4.

  • Page 60: Power Button

    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. 3. In sequential order (1>2>3>4>5>6>7>8) tighten the eight captive screws (M2x3) that secure the fan and heat-sink assembly to the system board.
  • Page 61 4. Remove the rear-I/O cover. 5. Remove the power-adapter port. 6. Remove the headset port. 7. Remove the left fan. 8. Remove the right fan. 9. Remove the heat pipe. 10. Remove the system board. NOTE: The system board can be removed and installed along with the heat sink, memory and solid-state drives. This simplifies the removal and installation procedure and avoids breaking the thermal bond between the system board and heat sink.

  • Page 62: I/O Board

    Steps 1. Using the alignment posts, place the power button into its slot on the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 2. Place the power-button bracket over the power button and align the screw holes on the power-button bracket to the screw holes on the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.
  • Page 63 6. Remove the headset port. 7. Remove the left fan. 8. Remove the right fan. 9. Remove the heat pipe. 10. Remove the system board. NOTE: The system board can be removed and installed along with the heat sink, memory and solid-state drives. This simplifies the removal and installation procedure and avoids breaking the thermal bond between the system board and heat sink.

  • Page 64: Keyboard Bracket

    Steps 1. Place the I/O board on the palm-rest and keyboard assembly and align the screw holes on the I/O board to the screw holes on the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 2. Replace the four screws (M2x3) that secure the I/O board to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. Next steps 1.
  • Page 65 9. Remove the left fan. 10. Remove the right fan. 11. Remove the heat pipe. 12. Remove the display assembly. 13. Remove the touchpad. 14. Remove the keyboard-controller board. 15. Remove the system board. NOTE: The system board can be removed and installed along with the heat sink, memory and solid-state drives. This simplifies the removal and installation procedure and avoids breaking the thermal bond between the system board and heat sink.
  • Page 66 2. Lift the latch and disconnect the keyboard cable from the keyboard. 3. Move the keyboard cable off the keyboard. 4. Peel the tapes that secure the antenna cables to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 5. Move the antenna cables off the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 6.

  • Page 67: Palm-Rest And Keyboard Assembly

    Steps 1. Place the keyboard-bracket on the keyboard. 2. Align the screw holes on the keyboard bracket with the screw holes on the keyboard. 3. Replace the 30 screws (M1.2x2) that secure the keyboard bracket to the keyboard. 4. Move the antenna cables over the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 5.
  • Page 68 17. Remove the board. 18. Remove the keyboard bracket. About this task The following image(s) indicate the location of the palm-rest and keyboard assembly and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure. Steps After performing the pre-requisites you are left with the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. Installing the palm-rest and keyboard assembly Prerequisites If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation process.
  • Page 69 Steps Place the palm-rest and keyboard assembly on a flat and clean surface and perform the post-requisites to install the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. Next steps 1. Install the keyboard bracket. 2. Install the board. 3. Install the power button. 4.

  • Page 70: 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. Drivers and downloads...

  • Page 71: Chapter 4: System Setup

    Boot Sequence allows you to bypass the System Setup–defined boot device order and boot directly to a specific device (for example: optical drive or hard drive). During the Power-on Self Test (POST), when the Dell logo appears, you can: ● Access System Setup by pressing F2 key ●...

  • Page 72: System Setup Options

    ● SATA Hard Drive (if available) ● Diagnostics The boot sequence screen also displays the option to access the System Setup screen. 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.
  • Page 73 Enables BIOS to automatically recover BIOS without user actions. Default: Disabled SupportAssist System Resolution Auto OS Recovery Threshold Controls the automatic boot flow for SupportAssist System Resolution Console and for the Dell operating system Recovery tool. Default: 2 System setup...
  • Page 74 Enables or disables BIOS updates through UEFI capsule update packages. Default: Enabled Secure Boot Enables or disables configuration of platform features on Dell Client Systems with WSMT-enabled BIOS. Default: Enabled Table 6. System setup options—Boot menu Boot Boot List Option Displays the boot options.

  • Page 75: System And Setup Password

    Table 6. System setup options—Boot menu (continued) Boot Default: UEFI File Browser Add Boot Option Allows you to add the boot options. Windows Boot Manager Display boot options in Windows UEFI Boot Enables or disables UEFI boot. Default: Disabled Table 7. System setup options—Exit menu Exit Exit Saving Changes Allows you to exit system setup and save your changes.

  • Page 76: Deleting Or Changing An Existing System Setup Password

    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 Windows or your application.

  • Page 77: Chapter 5: 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.

  • Page 78: Supportassist Diagnostics

    It enables you to diagnose hardware issues, repair your computer, back up your files, or restore your computer to its factory state. 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 79: Flashing The Bios

    Follow these steps to flash the BIOS: Steps 1. Turn on your computer. 2. Go to www.dell.com/support. 3. Click Product support, enter the Service Tag of your computer, and then click Search. NOTE: If you do not have the Service Tag, use the product ID or manually browse for your computer model.
  • Page 80 5. Press and hold the power button for 20 seconds to drain the flea power. 6. Install the battery. 7. Install the base cover. 8. Connect the power adapter to your computer. 9. Turn on your computer. NOTE: For more information about performing a hard reset, see the knowledge base article SLN85632 www.dell.com/support. Troubleshooting...

  • Page 81: Chapter 6: Getting Help And Contacting Alienware

    Tag or Express Service Code. To view relevant support documents. resources for your Dell computer, enter the Service Tag or Express Service Code at www.dell.com/support. For more information on how to find the Service Tag for your...

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