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Dell Alienware x16 R2 Owner's Manual

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Alienware x16 R2
Owner's Manual
Regulatory Model: P120F
Regulatory Type: P120F007/P120F008
February 2024
Rev. A00

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Summary of Contents for Dell Alienware x16 R2

  • Page 1 Alienware x16 R2 Owner's Manual Regulatory Model: P120F Regulatory Type: P120F007/P120F008 February 2024 Rev. A00...
  • Page 2 WARNING: A WARNING indicates a potential for property damage, personal injury, or death. © 2024 Dell Inc. or its subsidiaries. All rights reserved. Dell Technologies, Dell, 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

    Chapter 1: Views of Alienware x16 R2....................7 Top......................................7 Front...................................... 8 Back.......................................8 Bottom....................................10 Service Tag..................................10 Chapter 2: Set up your Alienware x16 R2..................... 12 Chapter 3: Specifications of Alienware x16 R2..................13 Dimensions and weight...............................13 Processor....................................13 Chipset....................................14 Operating system................................14 Memory....................................
  • Page 4 Recommended tools................................28 Screw list..................................... 28 Major components of Alienware x16 R2........................... 30 Chapter 6: Removing and installing Customer Replaceable Units (CRUs)......... 33 Base cover................................... 33 Removing the base cover..............................33 Installing the base cover............................... 35 Solid state drive.................................. 37 Removing the M.2 2230 solid state drive (SSD)......................37 Installing the M.2 2230 solid state drive (SSD)......................
  • Page 5 Clearing BIOS (System Setup) and System passwords....................126 Chapter 9: Troubleshooting......................... 127 Handling swollen rechargeable Li-ion batteries......................127 Locate the Service Tag or Express Service Code of your Dell computer ..............127 Dell SupportAssist Pre-boot System Performance Check diagnostics................128 Running the SupportAssist Pre-Boot System Performance Check................128 Built-in self-test (BIST)..............................
  • Page 6 System-diagnostic lights..............................130 Wi-Fi power cycle................................131 Drain residual flea power (perform hard reset)......................132 Chapter 10: Getting help and contacting Alienware................133...

  • Page 7: Chapter 1: Views Of Alienware X16 R2

    Views of Alienware x16 R2 1. Power button with optional fingerprint reader Press to turn on the computer if it is turned off, in sleep state, or in hibernate state. When the computer is turned on, press the power button to put the computer into sleep state; press and hold the power button for 10 seconds to force shut-down the computer.

  • Page 8: Front

    Front 1. Left microphone Provides digital sound input for audio recording and voice calls. 2. Infrared emitter Emits infrared light, which enables the infrared camera to sense and track motion. 3. Infrared camera (optional) Enhances security when paired with Windows Hello face authentication. 4.
  • Page 9 1. Headset port Connect headphones or a headset (headphone and microphone combo). 2. microSD card slot Reads from and writes to the microSD card. The computer supports the following card types: ● microSecure Digital (microSD) ● microSecure Digital High Capacity (microSDHC) ●...

  • Page 10: Bottom

    The Service Tag is a unique alphanumeric identifier that enables Dell service technicians to identify the hardware components in your computer and access warranty information. Service Tag The service tag is a unique alphanumeric identifier that allows Dell service technicians to identify the hardware components in your computer and access warranty information.

  • Page 12: Chapter 2: Set Up Your Alienware X16 R2

    Set up your Alienware x16 R2 About this task NOTE: The images in this document may differ from your computer depending on the configuration you ordered. Steps 1. Connect the power adapter and press the power button. 2. Connect the USB Type-C Ethernet dongle to the Thunderbolt 4 port of your computer for wired network (optional).

  • Page 13: Chapter 3: Specifications Of Alienware X16 R2

    NOTE: The weight of your computer depends on the ● 2.66 kg (5.86 lb) — minimum configuration that is ordered and manufacturing variability. Processor The following table lists the details of the processors that are supported for your Alienware x16 R2. Table 2. Processor  Description Option one...

  • Page 14: Chipset

    Option one Processor cache 24 MB Integrated graphics Intel Arc Graphics Chipset The following table lists the details of the chipset that is supported for your Alienware x16 R2. Table 3. Chipset  Description Values Chipset Integrated in the processor Processor...

  • Page 15: External Ports

    NOTE: To learn more about the features of different types of M.2 cards, search in the Knowledge Base Resource at www.dell.com/support. Wireless module The following table lists the Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) module that is supported on your Alienware x16 R2. Table 7. Wireless module specifications  Description Values...

  • Page 16: Audio

    Storage This section lists the storage options on your Alienware x16 R2. Your Alienware x16 R2 supports two M.2 2230/2280 solid state drives. The primary drive of your Alienware x16 R2 is slot 1. Table 9. Storage specifications  Storage type...

  • Page 17: Media-Card Reader

    Media-card reader The following table lists the media cards that are supported on your Alienware x16 R2. Table 10. Media-card reader specifications  Description Values Media-card type One microSD card slot Media-cards supported ● microSecure Digital (mSD) ● microSecure Digital High Capacity (mSDHC) ●...
  • Page 18 The keys F1-F12 at the top row of the keyboard are function keys for multimedia control, as indicated by the icon at the bottom of the key. Press the function key to invoke the task represented by the icon. For example, pressing F1 disable or enable performance boost (see the table below).

  • Page 19: Camera

    Table 14. List of keys to control audio features (continued) Keys Description Decrease volume Camera The following table lists the camera specifications of your Alienware x16 R2. Table 15. Camera specifications  Description Values Number of cameras Camera type FHD RGB+IR camera...

  • Page 20: Power Adapter

    For more information about touchpad gestures available on Windows, see the Microsoft Knowledge Base article at support.microsoft.com. Power adapter The following table lists the power adapter specifications of your Alienware x16 R2. Table 17. Power adapter specifications  Description Values Type...

  • Page 21: Display

    CAUTION: Dell Technologies recommends that you charge the battery regularly for optimal power consumption. If your battery charge is depleted, connect the power adapter, turn on your computer, and then restart your computer to reduce the power consumption.

  • Page 22: Gpu-Integrated

    Power consumption (maximum) 7.2 W Anti-glare vs glossy finish Anti-glare GPU—Integrated The following table lists the specifications of the integrated Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) supported by your Alienware x16 R2. Table 20. GPU—Integrated  Controller Memory size Processor Intel Arc Graphics...

  • Page 23: External Display Support

    External display support The following table lists the external display support for your Alienware x16 R2. Table 22. External display support  Graphics card Supported external displays with laptop Supported external displays with laptop display enabled display disabled Intel Arc Graphics...

  • Page 24: Chapter 4: Alienware Command Center

    Center. Supports key peripheral settings and associates with other functions such as profiles, macros, AlienFX, and game library. AWCC also supports Sound Management, Thermal Controls, CPU, GPU, Memory (RAM) monitoring. For more information about AWCC, see the Alienware Command Center Online Help or search in the Knowledge Base Resource at www.dell.com/support.

  • Page 25: Chapter 5: 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 26: Safety Precautions

    NOTE: Ensure that your computer is shut down and the AC adapter is disconnected. a. Hold the <B> key on the keyboard and press the power button for 3 seconds or until the Dell logo appears on the screen. b. Press any key to continue.

  • Page 27: Esd Field Service Kit

    ESD mat, in the computer, or inside an anti-static bag. ● Transporting Sensitive Components – When transporting ESD sensitive components such as replacement parts or parts to be returned to Dell, it is critical to place these parts in anti-static bags for safe transport.

  • Page 28: Transporting Sensitive Components

    Transporting sensitive components When transporting ESD sensitive components such as replacement parts or parts to be returned to Dell, it is critical to place these parts in anti-static bags for safe transport. After working inside your computer About this task CAUTION: Leaving stray or loose screws inside your computer may severely damage your computer.
  • Page 29 Table 24. Screw list (continued) Component Secured to Screw type Quantity Screw image Base cover Palm-rest and keyboard M2.5x5 (Captive assembly screw) Battery Palm-rest and keyboard M2x4 assembly Wireless-card thermal Wireless card and palm- M2x4 shield rest and keyboard assembly Wireless-card bracket Wireless card and palm- M2x3 rest and keyboard...

  • Page 30: Major Components Of Alienware X16 R2

    Palm-rest and keyboard M2x4 assembly Fan and heat-sink System board M2x3 assembly I/O-board Palm-rest and keyboard M2x2.5 assembly Power button Palm-rest and keyboard M1.2x2 assembly Major components of Alienware x16 R2 The following image shows the major components of Alienware x16 R2.
  • Page 31 1. Rear I/O-cover 2. Base cover 3. M.2 2330 solid state drive 4. M.2 2230 solid state drive thermal shield 5. Solid state drive mounting bracket 6. Wireless-card bracket 7. Solid state drive bracket 8. USB Type-C bracket 9. Wireless card 10.
  • Page 32 29.M.2 2280 solid state drive thermal shield 30.Power button NOTE: Dell provides a list of components and their part numbers for the original computer configuration purchased. These parts are available according to warranty coverage purchased by the customer. Contact your Dell sales representative for purchase...

  • Page 33: Chapter 6: Removing And Installing Customer Replaceable Units (Crus)

    Removing and installing Customer Replaceable Units (CRUs) The replaceable components in this chapter are Customer Replaceable Units (CRUs). CAUTION: Customers can replace only the Customer Replaceable Units (CRUs) following the safety precautions and replacement procedures. NOTE: The images in this document may differ from your computer depending on the configuration you ordered. Base cover Removing the base cover Prerequisites...
  • Page 34 Steps 1. Remove the two screws (M2.5x5) that secure the base cover to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 2. Loosen the four captive screws (M2.5x5) that secure the base cover to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 3. Using a plastic scribe, pry the base cover from the gap that is created after loosening the captive screws in the bottom left and continue to work on the sides to open the base cover.

  • Page 35: Installing The Base Cover

    4. Lift the base cover by holding it in the center at the bottom and slide the base cover off the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 5. Disconnect the battery cable from the system board. 6. Press and hold the power button for 20 seconds to ground the computer and drain the flea power.

  • Page 37: Solid State Drive

    NOTE: If the battery is not a pre-requisite and if you have disconnected the battery cable, ensure to connect the battery cable. To connect the battery cable, follow step 1 and step 2 in the procedure. Steps 1. Connect the battery cable to the system board. 2.

  • Page 38: Installing The M.2 2230 Solid State Drive (Ssd)

    Steps 1. Remove the screw (M2x4) that secures the SSD thermal shield to the SSD and palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 2. Remove the SSD thermal shield off the SSD. 3. Slide and remove the SSD from the SSD slot. NOTE: Repeat step 1 to step 3 to remove the SSD on the SSD-1 slot on your computer. Installing the M.2 2230 solid state drive (SSD) Prerequisites If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation process.

  • Page 39: Removing The M.2 2280 Solid State Drive (Ssd)

    Steps 1. Align the notch on the SSD with the tab on the SSD slot. 2. Slide the SSD into the SSD slot. 3. Slide the SSD thermal shield into the SSD slot. 4. Align the screw hole on the SSD thermal shield with the screw hole on the SSD and palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 5.

  • Page 40: Installing The M.2 2280 Solid State Drive (Ssd)

    Steps 1. Remove the screw (M2x4) that secures the SSD thermal shield to the SSD and palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 2. Lift and remove the SSD thermal shield off the SSD. 3. Slide and remove the SSD from the SSD slot. NOTE: Repeat step 1 to step 3 to remove the SSD on the SSD-2 slot on your computer.
  • Page 41 ● M.2 2280 SSD The following images indicate the location of the M.2 2280 SSD in SSD-1 and provide a visual representation of the installation procedure. Steps 1. Align the notch on the SSD with the tab on the SSD slot. 2.

  • Page 42: Solid State Drive Bracket

    Solid state drive bracket Removing the solid state drive bracket Prerequisites 1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer. 2. Remove the base cover. 3. Remove the M.2 2230 solid state drive M.2 2280 solid state drive, as applicable. About this task The following images indicate the location of the solid state drive bracket and provide a visual representation of the removal procedure.

  • Page 43: Installing The Solid State Drive Bracket

    2. Lift the solid state drive bracket off the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. Installing the solid state drive bracket About this task The following images indicate the location of the solid state drive bracket and provide a visual representation of the installation procedure.

  • Page 44: Wireless Card

    NOTE: For computers shipped with an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080 graphics card, replace the single screw (M2x4) that secures the solid state drive bracket to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. Next steps 1. Install the M.2 2230 solid state drive M.2 2280 solid state drive, as applicable.

  • Page 46: Installing The Wireless Card

    Steps 1. Remove the two screws (M2x4) that secures the wireless card thermal shield to the wireless card and palm-rest and keyboard assembly. NOTE: The thermal shield is applicable for computers that are shipped with certain configurations only. 2. Lift the wireless card thermal shield off the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 3.
  • Page 47 About this task The following images indicate the location of the wireless card and provide a visual representation of the installation procedure.
  • Page 48 Steps 1. Connect the antenna cables to the wireless card. The following table provides the antenna-cable color scheme for the wireless card that is supported by your computer. Table 25. Antenna-cable color scheme  Connectors on the wireless Antenna-cable color Silkscreen marking card △...

  • Page 49: Rear I/O-Cover

    Rear I/O-cover Removing the rear I/O-cover Prerequisites 1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer. 2. Remove the base cover. About this task The following images indicate the location of the rear I/O-cover and provide a visual representation of the removal procedure. NOTE: To prevent damaging your computer, ensure that the Tron-light cable has been disconnected from the system board before removing the rear I/O-cover.

  • Page 50: Installing The Rear I/O-Cover

    Installing the rear I/O-cover Prerequisites If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation process. About this task The following images indicate the location of the rear I/O-cover and provide a visual representation of the installation procedure. NOTE: To avoid damaging your computer, ensure that the Tron-light cable is not pinched when sliding the rear I/O-cover into the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.

  • Page 51: Chapter 7: Removing And Installing Field Replaceable Units (Frus)

    CAUTION: To avoid any potential damage to the component or loss of data, ensure that an authorized service technician replaces the Field Replaceable Units (FRUs). CAUTION: Dell Technologies recommends that this set of repairs, if needed, to be conducted by trained technical repair specialists.

  • Page 52: Installing The Battery

    Prerequisites 1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer. 2. Remove the base cover. About this task CAUTION: Removing the battery resets the BIOS setup settings to default. It is recommended that you note the BIOS setup settings before removing the battery. The following images indicate the location of the battery and provide a visual representation of the removal procedure.
  • Page 53 Prerequisites If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation process. About this task The following images indicate the location of the battery and provide a visual representation of the installation procedure. Steps 1. Using the alignment posts, place the battery on the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 2.

  • Page 54: Battery Cable

    Battery cable Removing the battery cable CAUTION: The information in this removal section is intended for authorized service technicians only. Prerequisites 1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer. 2. Remove the base cover. 3. Remove the battery. NOTE: If the battery is disconnected from the system board for service, then there is a delay during boot as the computer undergoes RTC battery reset.

  • Page 55: Installing The Battery Cable

    2. Disconnect the battery cable from the connector on the battery. 3. Lift the battery cable off the battery. Installing the battery cable CAUTION: The information in this installation section is intended for authorized service technicians only. Prerequisites If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure. About this task The following images indicate the location of the battery cable and provide a visual representation of the installation procedure.

  • Page 56: Touchpad

    2. Install the base cover. 3. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer. Touchpad Removing the touchpad Prerequisites CAUTION: The information in this removal section is intended for authorized service technicians only. 1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer.
  • Page 57 Steps 1. Lift and place the two speakers off the palm-rest and keyboard assembly to access the touchpad. NOTE: Do not remove the speaker cables from the routing guides on the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 2. Peel the Mylar and lift the Mylar off the keyboard-controller board. 3.

  • Page 58: Installing The Touchpad

    NOTE: Your computer may be shipped with a touchpad-light cable depending on the configuration you have ordered. 10. Peel the tape that secures the touchpad to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 11. Remove the nine screws (M1.6x1.8) that secure the touchpad to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 12.
  • Page 59 Steps 1. Align and place the touchpad into the slot on the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. NOTE: Turn the computer over and open the display. Ensure that the touchpad is equally aligned along all four sides.

  • Page 60: Headset Port

    2. Replace the nine screws (M1.6x1.8) that secure the touchpad to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 3. Adhere the tape that secures the touchpad to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 4. Fold down the touchpad cable. 5. Slide the touchpad cable into its connector on the touchpad and close the latch to secure the cable. 6.

  • Page 61: Installing The Headset Port

    Steps 1. Disconnect the microSD-card reader cable from the system board. 2. Peel the tape that secures the headset-port cable to the system board. 3. Open the latch and disconnect the headset-port cable from the system board. 4. Peel the tape that secures the headset-port cable to the fan and heat-sink assembly. 5.

  • Page 62: Microsd-Card Reader

    Steps 1. Align and place the headset port into the slot on the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 2. Replace the screw (M1.6x3) that secures the headset port to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 3. Adhere the tape that secures the headset-port cable to the fan and heat-sink assembly. 4.
  • Page 63 Steps 1. Remove the two screws (M2x2.5) that secures the display-cable bracket to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 2. Lift the display-cable bracket off the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 3. Disconnect the microSD-card reader cable from the micorSD-card reader board. 4.

  • Page 64: Installing The Microsd-Card Reader

    Installing the microSD-card reader CAUTION: The information in this installation section is intended for authorized service technicians only. Prerequisites If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation process. About this task The following images indicate the location of the microSD-card reader and provide a visual representation of the installation procedure.

  • Page 65: Keyboard-Controller Board

    Steps 1. Align the screw hole on the microSD card-reader along with the screw hole on the display-cable holder. 2. Replace the screw (M1.6x3) that secure the microSD-card reader to the display-cable holder. 3. Rotate the display-cable holder to 180 degrees so that the microSD card-reader aligns with the microSD-card reader slot on the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.
  • Page 66 NOTE: For models shipped with a per-key or mechanical keyboard, the computer will require a keyboard language and keyboard color setup after keyboard-controller board is replaced. When the computer is reassembled and turned on, an error message is displayed. Press F2 to go to the Keyboard section of the BIOS Setup Utility to set up the keyboard language and keyboard color.

  • Page 67: Installing The Keyboard-Controller Board

    Installing the keyboard-controller board CAUTION: The information in this installation section is intended for authorized service technicians only. Prerequisites If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation process. About this task The following images indicate the location of the keyboard-controller board and provide a visual representation of the installation procedure.

  • Page 68: Display Assembly

    6. Slide the touchpad-light cable into the connector on the keyboard-controller board and close the latch to secure the cable. NOTE: Your computer may be shipped with a touchpad-light cable depending on the configuration you have ordered. 7. Slide the keyboard-backlight cable into the connector on the keyboard-controller board and close the latch to secure the cable. 8.
  • Page 71 Steps 1. Remove the four screws (M2.5x4) that secure the left and right display hinge to the bottom side of the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 2. Remove the two screws (M2x2.5) that secures the display-cable bracket to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 3.

  • Page 72: Installing The Display Assembly

    13. Remove the four screws (M2.5x4) that secure the left and right display hinge to the top side of the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 14. Lift the display assembly off the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 15. After performing the steps above, you are left with the display assembly. Installing the display assembly CAUTION: The information in this installation section is intended for authorized service technicians only.
  • Page 75 NOTE: Place the computer on a soft and clean surface to avoid scratching the display. Steps 1. Align the screw holes on the display assembly with the screw holes on the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 2. Gently slide the display cable through the plastic strip between the palm-rest and keyboard assembly and rear-I/O cover. 3.

  • Page 76: Antennas

    10. Replace the screw (M1.6x3) that secures the microSD-card reader to the display-cable holder. 11. Route the display cable through the opening on the rear side of the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 12. Rotate the display-cable holder to 180 degrees so that the microSD card-reader aligns with the microSD-card reader slot on the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.

  • Page 77: Installing The Antennas

    Steps 1. Remove the four screws (M1.6x3) that secures the left and right antennas to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 2. Peel the tape that secures the antenna cables to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 3. Remove the antenna cables from the routing guides on the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 4.

  • Page 78: Processor Fan

    Steps 1. Align and place the left and right antennas on the slot on the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 2. Route the antenna cables onto the routing guides on the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 3. Adhere the tape that secures the antenna cables to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 4.

  • Page 79: Installing The Processor Fan

    Steps 1. Disconnect the processor-fan cable and speaker cable from the system board. 2. Remove the speaker cable and the antenna cables through the routing guides on the bottom of the processor fan. 3. Remove the two screws (M2x4) that secure the processor fan to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 4.

  • Page 80: Graphics-Card Fan

    Steps 1. Align and place the processor fan into the slot on the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 2. Replace the two screws (M2x4) that secure the processor fan to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 3. Route the speaker cable and the antenna cable through the routing guides on the bottom of the processor fan. 4.

  • Page 81: Installing The Graphics-Card Fan

    Steps 1. Disconnect the graphics-card fan cable from the system board. 2. Remove the speaker cable and antenna cables from the routing guides on the bottom of the graphics-card fan. 3. Remove the two screws (M2x4) that secure the graphics-card fan to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 4.

  • Page 82: Power-Adapter Port

    Steps 1. Align and place the graphics-card fan into the slot on the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 2. Connect the graphics-card fan cable to the system board. 3. Replace the two screws (M2x4) that secure the graphics-card fan to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 4.

  • Page 83: Installing The Power-Adapter Port

    Steps 1. Remove the two screws (M2x2.5) that secure the power-adapter port bracket to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 2. Lift the power-adapter port bracket off the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 3. Using the pull tab, disconnect the power-adapter port cable from the system board. 4.

  • Page 84: System Board

    Steps 1. Align and place the power-adapter port into the slot on the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 2. Connect the power-adapter port cable to the system board. 3. Adhere the tape that secures the power-adapter port to the fan and heat-sink assembly. 4.
  • Page 85 9. Remove the rear I/O-cover. 10. Remove the power-adapter port. About this task NOTE: When installing this component, see the tech sheet that is bundled with the service kit. The presence of Element 31 grease in the computer depends on the discrete Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) configuration installed. To determine if your computer has Element 31 grease applied on the CPU or GPU, see the following table.
  • Page 86 12. Headset-port connector 13. Power-button cable connector 14. Left-fan cable connector 15. I/O-board cable connector 16. Micro-SD-card reader cable connector 17. Display-cable connector The following images indicate the location of the system board and provide a visual representation of the removal procedure.
  • Page 88 Steps 1. Remove the two screws (M2x2.5) that secure the display-cable bracket to the system board and palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 2. Remove the display-cable bracket off the system board and palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 3. Open the latch and disconnect the microSD-card reader cable from the system board. 4.
  • Page 89 17. Turn the system-board assembly over. 18. Remove the fan and heat-sink assembly. 19. Remove the screw (M2x3) that secures the USB Type-C bracket to the system board. 20.Lift the USB Type-C bracket off the system board. NOTE: The USB Type-C bracket on the bottom of the system board must be transferred to the replacement system board. 21.

  • Page 90: Installing The System Board

    CAUTION: Once the system board assembly has been removed from the computer, follow the instructions in the tech sheet that is dispatched with the replacement system board assembly. CAUTION: Do not use an alcohol wipe to clean the Element 31 thermal grease from the processor (CPU) chip which is surrounded by the processor (CPU) barrier sheet.
  • Page 91 1. Right-fan cable connector 2. Power-adapter port cable connector 3. Graphics-card fan cable connector 4. Battery-cable connector 5. Keyboard-controller board cable connector 6. Solid state drive slot 1 (SSD-1) 7. Solid state drive slot 2 (SSD-2) 8. Left tron-light cable connector 9.
  • Page 93 Steps 1. Turn the system board over. 2. Align the screw hole on the USB Type-C bracket with the screw hole on the system board. 3. Replace the screw (M2x3) that secures the USB Type-C bracket to the system board. 4.

  • Page 94: Fan And Heat-Sink Assembly

    NOTE: When installing the system-board assembly, align the system-board assembly to the positioning pins on the palm-rest and keyboard assembly and the extensions of the heat sink to the top edge of the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 6. Align the screw holes on the system-board assembly with the screw holes on the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 7.
  • Page 95 About this task NOTE: When installing this component, see the Tech Sheet that is bundled with the service kit. The presence of Element 31 grease in the computer depends on the discrete Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) configuration installed. To determine if your computer has Element 31 grease applied on the CPU or GPU, see the following table. Table 28.
  • Page 96 Steps 1. Disconnect the left and right fan cables from the system board. 2. Turn the system-board assembly over. 3. 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.

  • Page 97: Installing The Fan And Heat-Sink Assembly

    Installing the fan and heat-sink assembly CAUTION: The information in this installation section is intended for authorized service technicians only. Prerequisites If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation process. About this task NOTE: When installing this component, see the Tech Sheet that is bundled with the service kit. The presence of Element 31 grease in the computer depends on the discrete Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) configuration installed.
  • Page 98 Steps CAUTION: Do not use an alcohol wipe to clean the Element 31 thermal grease off the surface of the CPU or GPU, the alcohol solution from the wipes 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 causes an electrical short when your computer is turned on.

  • Page 99: I/O Board

    Next steps 1. Follow the procedure from step 5 to step 20 in Replacing the system board. NOTE: The system board can be removed and installed along with the heat sink. This simplifies the removal and installation procedure and avoids breaking the thermal bond between the system board and heat sink. 2.

  • Page 100: Installing The I/O Board

    Steps 1. Remove the four screws (M2x2.5) that secure the I/O board to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 2. Remove the tape that secures the I/O daughter board cable to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 3. Disconnect and remove the I/O daughter board cable from the I/O daughter board. 4.
  • Page 101 Steps 1. Align the screw holes on the I/O board with the screw holes on the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 2. Replace the four screws (M2x2.5) that secure the I/O board to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 3. Connect and remove the I/O daughter board cable from the I/O daughter board. 4.

  • Page 102: Power Button

    11. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer. Power button Removing the power button CAUTION: The information in this removal section is intended for authorized service technicians only. Prerequisites 1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer.

  • Page 103: Installing The Power Button

    Installing the power button CAUTION: The information in this installation section is intended for authorized service technicians only. Prerequisites If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation process. About this task The following images indicate the location of the power button and provide a visual representation of the installation procedure. Steps 1.

  • Page 104: Palm-Rest And Keyboard Assembly

    Palm-rest and keyboard assembly Removing the palm-rest and keyboard assembly CAUTION: The information in this removal section is intended for authorized service technicians only. Prerequisites 1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer. 2. Remove the base cover. 3.

  • Page 105: Installing The Palm-Rest And Keyboard Assembly

    NOTE: When replacing the palm-rest and keyboard assembly for computers with a M.2 2230 solid state drive installed, ensure that the M.2 2230 solid state drive mounting bracket has been removed from the palm-rest and keyboard assembly and installed on the new palm-rest and keyboard assembly. Installing the palm-rest and keyboard assembly CAUTION: The information in this installation section is intended for authorized service technicians only.
  • Page 106 Prerequisites If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation process. About this task NOTE: When replacing the palm-rest and keyboard assembly for computers with a M.2 2230 solid state drive installed, ensure that the M.2 2230 solid state drive mounting bracket has been removed from the palm-rest and keyboard assembly and installed on the new palm-rest and keyboard assembly.
  • Page 107 Steps 1. Using the alignment posts, place the left and right speakers into their slots on the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 2. Peel off the protective film to expose the adhesive on the back of the tweeters. 3. Align and install the left and right tweeters into their slots on the palm-rest and keyboard assembly as shown in the image. 4.
  • Page 108 Next steps 1. Install the power button. 2. Install the board. 3. Follow the procedure from step 5 to step 20 in Replacing the system board. NOTE: The system board can be removed and installed along with the heat sink. This simplifies the removal and installation procedure and avoids breaking the thermal bond between the system board and heat sink.

  • Page 109: Chapter 8: Bios Setup

    BIOS Setup CAUTION: Unless you are an expert computer user, do not change the settings in the BIOS Setup. Certain changes can make your computer work incorrectly. NOTE: Depending on the computer and its installed devices, the items that are listed in this section may or may not be displayed.

  • Page 110: System Setup Options

    NOTE: Depending on your computer and its installed devices, the items that are listed in this section may or may not be displayed. Table 31. System setup options—Overview menu  Overview Alienware x16 R2 BIOS Version Displays the BIOS version number. Service Tag Displays the Service Tag of the computer.
  • Page 111 The computer stops booting to the operating system when a component is not authenticated during the boot process. Secure Boot can be enabled in BIOS setup or using management interfaces like Dell Command|Configure, but can only be disabled from BIOS setup.
  • Page 112 By default, the Enable Microsoft UEFI CA option is enabled. For additional security, Dell Technologies recommends keeping the Microsoft UEFI CA option enabled to ensure the broadest compatibility with devices and operating systems.
  • Page 113 Table 33. System setup options—Integrated Devices menu (continued) Integrated Devices By default, the Enable External USB Ports option is enabled. Enable Thunderbolt Boot Support Enable Thunderbolt Boot Support Enables the Thunderbolt adapter-peripheral device and USB devices that are connected to the Thunderbolt adapter to be used during BIOS Preboot. By default, the Enable Thunderbolt Boot Support option is disabled.
  • Page 114 USB PowerShare Wake on Dell USB-C Dock When enabled, connecting a Dell USB-C Dock wakes the computer from Standby, Hibernate, and Power Off. By default, the Wake on Dell USB-C Dock option is enabled. Block Sleep Enables or disables the computer from entering Sleep (S3) mode in the operating system.
  • Page 115 BIOS. This option returns to the disabled state when the computer restarts. By default, the Clear option is disabled. Dell Technologies recommends enabling the Clear option only when PTT fTPM data needs to be cleared. SMM Security Mitigation Enables or disables additional UEFI SMM Security Mitigation protections.
  • Page 116 By default, the Start Data Wipe option is disabled. Absolute Absolute Software provides various cyber security solutions, some requiring software preloaded on Dell computers and integrated into the BIOS. To use these features, you must enable the Absolute BIOS setting and contact Absolute for configuration and activation.
  • Page 117 ● The computer password is not prompted when the computer resumes from standby mode. Dell Technologies recommends using the computer password in situations where it is likely that a computer may be lost or stolen. Hard Drive Password The Hard Drive Password can be set to prevent unauthorized access of the data stored on the hard drive.
  • Page 118 For additional security, Dell Technologies recommends keeping the Admin Setup Lockout option disabled. Recovery Password The Recovery Password can be used when a system owner forgets the administrator, system, or hard drive password. You can get an unlock code from Dell Support over...
  • Page 119 Master Password Lockout can be changed. By default, the Enable Master Password Lockout option is disabled. Dell does not recommend enabling the Master Password Lockout unless you have implemented your own password recovery computer. Table 40. System setup options—Update, Recovery menu ...
  • Page 120 Table 40. System setup options—Update, Recovery menu (continued) Update, Recovery By default, the Dell Auto OS Recovery Threshold value is set to 2. Table 41. System setup options—System Management menu  System Management Service Tag Displays the Service Tag of the computer.
  • Page 121 ● Intel Virtualization Technology - X ● Intel Virtualization Technology - Direct By default, the Intel Trusted Execution Technology (TXT) option is enabled. For additional security, Dell Technologies recommends keeping the Intel Trusted Execution Technology (TXT) option enabled. DMA Protection...
  • Page 122 Table 44. System setup options—Virtualization menu (continued) Virtualization Support For additional security, Dell Technologies recommends keeping the Enable Pre- Boot DMA Support option enabled. NOTE: This option is provided only for compatibility purposes, since some older hardware is not DMA capable.

  • Page 123: Updating The Bios

    7. After the download is complete, browse the folder where you saved the BIOS update file. 8. Double-click the BIOS update file icon and follow the on-screen instructions. For more information about how to update the system BIOS, search in the Knowledge Base Resource at www.dell.com/support. Updating the BIOS using the USB drive in Windows Steps 1.

  • Page 124: Updating The Bios In Linux And Ubuntu

    Boot menu on the computer. Most of the Dell computers built after 2012 have this capability, and you can confirm by booting your computer to the F12 One Time Boot Menu to see if BIOS FLASH UPDATE is listed as a boot option for your computer. If the option is listed, then the BIOS supports this BIOS update option.

  • Page 125: Assigning A System Setup Password

    CAUTION: The password features provide a basic level of security for the data on your computer. CAUTION: Anyone can access the data that is stored on your computer, when not locked and left unattended. NOTE: System and setup password feature is disabled. Assigning a System Setup password Prerequisites You can assign a new System or Admin Password only when the status is in Not Set.

  • Page 126: 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 about how to reset Windows or application passwords, see the documentation accompanying Windows...

  • Page 127: Chapter 9: Troubleshooting

    ● Using a non-Dell or incompatible battery may increase the risk of fire or explosion. Replace the battery only with a compatible battery purchased from Dell that is designed to work with your Dell computer. Do not use a battery from other computers with your computer.

  • Page 128: Dell Supportassist Pre-Boot System Performance Check Diagnostics

    About this task SupportAssist diagnostics (also known as system diagnostics) performs a complete check of your hardware. The Dell SupportAssist Pre-boot System Performance Check diagnostics is embedded with the BIOS and launched by the BIOS internally. The embedded system diagnostics provides options for particular devices or device groups allowing you to: ●...

  • Page 129: Lcd Power Rail Test (L-Bist)

    LCD Built-in Self-Test (BIST) Dell laptops have a built-in diagnostic tool that helps you determine if the screen abnormality you are experiencing is an inherent problem with the LCD (screen) of the Dell laptop or with the video card (GPU) and computer settings.

  • Page 130: System-Diagnostic Lights

    System-diagnostic lights This section lists the system-diagnostic lights of your Alienware x16 R2. Table 49. System-diagnostic lights  Blinking pattern Amber White Problem description Suggested resolution TPM detection failure Replace the system board. Unrecoverable SPI Flash Replace the system board. Failure EC unable to program i-Fuse Replace the system board.

  • Page 131: Wi-Fi Power Cycle

    HECI message. NOTE: Blinking 3-3-3 LEDs on Lock LED (Caps-Lock or Num-Lock), Power button LED (without Fingerprint reader), and Diagnostic LED indicates failure to provide input during LCD panel test on Dell SupportAssist Pre-boot System Performance Check diagnostics. Wi-Fi power cycle About this task If your computer is unable to access the Internet due to Wi-Fi connectivity issues a Wi-Fi power cycle procedure may be performed.

  • Page 132: Drain Residual Flea Power (Perform Hard Reset)

    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, search in the Knowledge Base Resource at www.dell.com/ support.

  • Page 133: Chapter 10: Getting Help And Contacting Alienware

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

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