Dell Alienware M14x Service Manual

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Manual (122 pages)

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Page 1 Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and is used by Dell under license. Other trademarks and trade names may be used in this document to refer to either the entities claiming the marks and names or their products. Dell Inc. disclaims any proprietary interest in trademarks and trade names other than its own.
Page 2: Removing The Battery Pack
To avoid electrostatic discharge, ground yourself by using a wrist grounding strap or by periodically touching an unpainted metal surface (such as a connector on your computer). CAUTION: Only a certified service technician should perform repairs on your computer. Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by your warranty. CAUTION: To avoid damage to the computer, use only the battery designed for this particular Alienware computer.
Page 3 ...
Page 4: Before You Begin
Use the following safety guidelines to help protect your computer from potential damage and to help to ensure your own personal safety. WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer. For additional safety best practices information, see the Regulatory Compliance Homepage at dell.com/regulatory_compliance. CAUTION: To avoid electrostatic discharge, ground yourself by using a wrist grounding strap or by periodically touching an unpainted metal surface (such as a connector on your computer).
Page 5: Contacting Alienware
For customers in the United States/Canada, call 1-800-ALIENWARE. NOTE: If you do not have an active Internet connection, you can find contact information on your purchase invoice, packing slip, bill, or Dell product catalog. Dell provides several online and telephone-based support and service options. Because availability varies by country and product, some services may not be available in your area.
Page 6: Configuring The System Setup
Back to Contents Page System Setup Alienware® M14x Service Manual Configuring the System Setup Configuring the System Setup The System Setup options allow you to: Change the system configuration information after you add, change or remove any hardware in your laptop. Set or change a user-selectable option.
Page 7 Advanced Menu Allows you to enable or disable the Intel SpeedStep technology. Disabling this feature may improve performance, but will Intel SpeedStep greatly reduce battery life. Allows you to enable or disable the Intel Virtualization technology. Virtualization Allows you to enable or disable the USB emulation feature. This feature defines how the BIOS, in the absence of a USB-aware USB Emulation operating system, handles USB devices.
Page 8 Once: The new bus clock frequency is applied once until the next reboot. Permanently: The new bus clock frequency is applied permanently after the next reboot. Memory Overclocking Memory Override Allows you to enable or disable the memory override option support. Support Disabled: The memory override support is disabled.
Page 9: Removing The Base Cover
(such as a connector on your computer). CAUTION: Only a certified service technician should perform repairs on your computer. Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by your warranty. Removing the Base Cover ...
Page 10: Internal Card With Bluetooth® Wireless Technology
To avoid electrostatic discharge, ground yourself by using a wrist grounding strap or by periodically touching an unpainted metal surface (such as a connector on your computer). CAUTION: Only a certified service technician should perform repairs on your computer. Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by your warranty. CAUTION:...
Page 11 1. Follow the instructions in Before You Begin 2. Align the screw hole on the Bluetooth card with the screw hole on the system board. 3. Replace the screw that secures the Bluetooth card to the computer base. ...
Page 12: Removing The Coin-Cell Battery
To avoid electrostatic discharge, ground yourself by using a wrist grounding strap or by periodically touching an unpainted metal surface (such as a connector on your computer). CAUTION: Only a certified service technician should perform repairs on your computer. Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by your warranty. CAUTION:...
Page 13 5. Replace the keyboard (see Replacing the Keyboard). 6. Replace the center-control cover (see Replacing the Center-Control Cover). 7. Replace the battery pack (see Replacing the Battery Pack). 8. Replace the base cover (see Replacing the Base Cover).
Page 14: Removing The Display Assembly
To avoid electrostatic discharge, ground yourself by using a wrist grounding strap or by periodically touching an unpainted metal surface (such as a connector on your computer). CAUTION: Only a certified service technician should perform repairs on your computer. Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by your warranty. CAUTION:...
Page 15: Replacing The Display Assembly
13. Gently slide the Mini-Card antenna cables out through the slot on the computer base. 14. Lift the display assembly off the computer. display assembly screws (4) display cable touch-screen board cable Replacing the Display Assembly 1. Follow the instructions in Before You Begin.
Page 16: Removing The Thermal Fan
Removing the Thermal Fan Replacing the Thermal Fan WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer. For additional safety best practices information, see the Regulatory Compliance Homepage at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance. CAUTION: Only a certified service technician should perform repairs on your computer. Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell™ is not covered by your warranty.
Page 17 6. Follow the instructions from step 5 step 20 in Replacing the System Board. CAUTION: Before turning on the computer, replace all screws and ensure that no stray screws remain inside the computer. Failure to do so may result in damage to the computer. Back to Contents Page ...
Page 18: Flashing The Bios
Alienware® M14x Service Manual 1. Turn on the computer. 2. Go to support.dell.com/support/downloads. 3. Locate the BIOS update file for your computer: NOTE: The Service Tag for your computer is located on a label at the bottom of the computer.
Page 19: Removing The Hard Drive
Dell or Alienware does not guarantee compatibility or provide support for hard drives from sources other than Dell. NOTE: If you are installing a hard drive from a source other than Dell or Alienware, you need to install an operating system, drivers, and utilities on the new hard drive.
Page 20: Replacing The Hard Drive
pull-tab hard-drive assembly 8. Remove the four screws that secure the hard-drive bracket to the hard drive. 9. Lift the hard-drive bracket away from the hard drive. pull tab screws (4) hard-drive bracket CAUTION: When the hard drive is not in the computer, store it in protective antistatic packaging (see "Protecting Against Electrostatic Discharge" in the safety instructions that shipped with your computer).
Page 21: Removing The Thermal Cooling Assembly
If you remove the heat sink from the computer when the heat sink is hot, do not touch the metal housing of the heat sink. CAUTION: Only a certified service technician should perform repairs on your computer. Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by your warranty. ...
Page 22 Back to Contents Page ...
Page 23: Removing The Center-Control Cover
To avoid electrostatic discharge, ground yourself by using a wrist grounding strap or by periodically touching an unpainted metal surface (such as a connector on your computer). CAUTION: Only a certified service technician should perform repairs on your computer. Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by your warranty. CAUTION:...
Page 24: Replacing The Center-Control Cover
center-control cover Replacing the Center-Control Cover 1. Follow the instructions in Before You Begin. 2. Align the tabs on the center-control cover with the slots on the palm rest assembly. 3. Gently press around the edges of the center control cover till it snaps in place. ...
Page 25: Removing The Mini-Card Board
To avoid electrostatic discharge, ground yourself by using a wrist grounding strap or by periodically touching an unpainted metal surface (such as a connector on your computer). CAUTION: Only a certified service technician should perform repairs on your computer. Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by your warranty. CAUTION:...
Page 26 3. Replace the three screws that secure the mini-card board to the computer base. 4. Replace the palm-rest assembly (see Replacing the Palm-Rest Assembly). 5. Replace the keyboard (see Replacing the Keyboard). 6. Replace the center-control cover (see Replacing the Center-Control Cover).
Page 27: Removing The Keyboard
To avoid electrostatic discharge, ground yourself by using a wrist grounding strap or by periodically touching an unpainted metal surface (such as a connector on your computer). CAUTION: Only a certified service technician should perform repairs on your computer. Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by your warranty. CAUTION:...
Page 28: Replacing The Keyboard
keyboard cable backlit keyboard cable Replacing the Keyboard 1. Follow the instructions in Before You Begin. 2. Slide the keyboard cable and backlit keyboard cable into the connectors on the system board and press down on the connector latches to secure the cables.
Page 29: Removing The Status-Light Board
Replacing the Status-Light Board WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer. For additional safety best practices information, see the Regulatory Compliance Homepage at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance. CAUTION: To avoid electrostatic discharge, ground yourself by using a wrist grounding strap or by periodically touching an unpainted metal surface (such as a connector on your computer).
Page 30: Replacing The Status-Light Board
status-light board screw Replacing the Status-Light Board 1. Follow the instructions in Before You Begin. 2. Align the slot on the status-light board with the alignment post on the palm rest assembly. 3. Replace the screw that secures the status-light board to the palm-rest assembly. ...
Page 31: Removing The Memory Module(S)
To avoid electrostatic discharge, ground yourself by using a wrist grounding strap or by periodically touching an unpainted metal surface (such as a connector on your computer). CAUTION: Only a certified service technician should perform repairs on your computer. Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by your warranty. CAUTION:...
Page 32: Replacing The Memory Module(S)
memory-module connector securing clips (2) memory module 7. Remove the memory module from the memory-module connector. Replacing the Memory Module(s) 1. Follow the instructions in Before You Begin. NOTE: If you need to install memory modules in two connectors, install a memory module in the lower connector before you install a memory module in the upper connector.
Page 33 As the computer boots, it detects the additional memory and automatically updates the system configuration information. To confirm the amount of memory installed in the computer: Click Start ® Control Panel® System and Security® System. Back to Contents Page ...
Page 34: Wireless Mini-Card(S)
NOTE: Dell or Alienware does not guarantee compatibility or provide support for Mini-Cards from sources other than Dell or Alienware. If you ordered a wireless Mini-Card with your computer, the card is already installed. Your computer supports two Mini-Card slots: One full Mini-Card slot —...
Page 35: Replacing The Mini-Card(S)
8. Install the drivers and utilities for your computer, as required. NOTE: If you are installing a Mini-card from a source other than Dell or Alienware, you must install the appropriate drivers and utilities. Back to Contents Page ...
Page 36: Removing The Optical Drive
Regulatory Compliance Homepage at dell.com/regulatory_compliance. CAUTION: Only a certified service technician should perform repairs on your computer. Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by your warranty. CAUTION: To avoid electrostatic discharge, ground yourself by using a wrist grounding strap or by periodically touching an unpainted metal surface (such as a connector on your computer).
Page 37: Replacing The Optical Drive
screws (2) optical-drive cable connector optical-drive cable 10. Remove the four screws that secure the optical-drive bracket to the optical drive. 11. Using the pull-tab, lift the optical-drive bracket off the optical drive. screws (4) optical-drive bracket pull tab Replacing the Optical Drive ...
Page 38 CAUTION: Before turning on the computer, replace all screws and ensure that no stray screws remain inside the computer. Failure to do so may result in damage to the computer. Back to Contents Page ...
Page 39: Removing The Palm-Rest Assembly
To avoid electrostatic discharge, ground yourself by using a wrist grounding strap or by periodically touching an unpainted metal surface (such as a connector on your computer). CAUTION: Only a certified service technician should perform repairs on your computer. Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by your warranty. CAUTION:...
Page 40: Replacing The Palm-Rest Assembly
12. Lift the palm-rest assembly off the computer base. 1 touch-pad cable connector 2 speakers cable 3 stauts-light board cable 4 screws (2) 5 palm-rest assembly 6 power-button board cable connector Replacing the Palm-Rest Assembly 1. Follow the instructions in Before You Begin.
Page 41: Removing The Processor Module
Regulatory Compliance Homepage at dell.com/regulatory_compliance. CAUTION: Only a certified service technician should perform repairs on your computer. Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by your warranty. CAUTION: To avoid electrostatic discharge, ground yourself by using a wrist grounding strap or by periodically touching an unpainted metal surface (such as a connector on your computer).
Page 42: Replacing The Processor Module
Replacing the Processor Module NOTE: If a new processor module is installed, you will receive a new thermal cooling assembly, which will include an affixed thermal pad, or you will receive a new thermal pad along with documentation to illustrate proper installation. ...
Page 43: Removing The Power-Button Board
To avoid electrostatic discharge, ground yourself by using a wrist grounding strap or by periodically touching an unpainted metal surface (such as a connector on your computer). CAUTION: Only a certified service technician should perform repairs on your computer. Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by your warranty. CAUTION:...
Page 44 4. Replace the two screws that secure the power-button board to the palm- rest assembly. 5. Adhere the power-button board cable to the palm-rest assembly. 6. Replace the palm-rest assembly (see Replacing the Palm-Rest Assembly). 7. Replace the keyboard (see Replacing the Keyboard).
Page 45: Removing The Speakers
To avoid electrostatic discharge, ground yourself by using a wrist grounding strap or by periodically touching an unpainted metal surface (such as a connector on your computer). CAUTION: Only a certified service technician should perform repairs on your computer. Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by your warranty. CAUTION:...
Page 46 1. Follow the instructions in Before You Begin. 2. Align the screw holes on the speakers with the screw holes on the palm-rest assembly and route the speakers cable through the routing guides. 3. Replace the four screws that secure the speakers to the palm-rest assembly. ...
Page 47: Removing The Subwoofer
To avoid electrostatic discharge, ground yourself by using a wrist grounding strap or by periodically touching an unpainted metal surface (such as a connector on your computer). CAUTION: Only a certified service technician should perform repairs on your computer. Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by your warranty. CAUTION:...
Page 48 3. Route the subwoofer cable through the routing guides. 4. Connect the subwoofer cable to the connector on the system board. 5. Replace the palm-rest assembly (see Replacing the Palm-Rest Assembly). 6. Replace the keyboard (see Replacing the Keyboard).
Page 49: Removing The System Board
To avoid electrostatic discharge, ground yourself by using a wrist grounding strap or by periodically touching an unpainted metal surface (such as a connector on your computer). CAUTION: Only a certified service technician should perform repairs on your computer. Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by your warranty. CAUTION:...
Page 50: Replacing The System Board
1 system board 2 screws (5) 3 subwoofer cable connector 4 coin-cell battery cable connector 5 hard-drive cable connector 6 Bluetooth card cable connector 7 touch-screen board cable connector 8 display-cable connector 17. Turn the system board over. 18.
Page 51: Entering The Service Tag In The Bios
14. Replace the memory module(s) (see Replacing the Memory Module(s)). 15. Follow the instructions from step 5 step 7 Replacing the Hard Drive. 16. Follow the instructions from step 7 step 9 Replacing the Optical Drive. 17.
Page 52 Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and is used by Dell under license. Other trademarks and trade names may be used in this document to refer to either the entities claiming the marks and names or their products. Dell Inc. disclaims any proprietary interest in trademarks and trade names other than its own.

Dell Alienware M14x Service Manual

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