Dell Alienware x17 R1 Service Manual 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. Lift the fan and heat-sink assembly from the system board.
CAUTION: Do not use an alcohol wipe to clean the Element 31 thermal grease off the surface of the CPU,
the alcohol solution from the wipes will dissolve the Element 31 grease into conductive metal particles. If
these conductive metal particles come into contact with the surface of the system board, it will cause the an
electrical short when system is powered on.
Installing the fan and heat-sink assembly
Prerequisites
If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation process.
About this task
NOTE: If either the system board or the fan and heat-sink assembly 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 fan and heat-sink assembly and provides a visual representation of the
installation procedure.
Removing and installing components 59