Acer Predator PTX17-71 User manual

LIFECYCLE EXTENSION
GUIDE
Predator
PTX17-71

i
Self-Repair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1
Disassembly Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3
Electronic Boards Diagrams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-35
Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-36
FRU (Field Replaceable Unit) List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-37
Exploded Diagrams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-38
Software Update . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-41
Personal Data Removal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-42

Self-Repair 1-1
Self-Repair
This chapter highlights the limited self-repair capabilities of the product.
Prior performing self-repair, familiarize yourself with the Safety Guidelines and
Recommended Equipment sections first as described in the chapter "Disassembly
Procedures".
Depending on model, the following key components are eligible for self-repair (if
applicable);
Battery pack
HDD / SSD module
DIMM module(s)
WLAN module
LTE module
If a particular key component is listed and thus would be eligible for self-repair, but is
not described in the "Disassembly Procedures" section, then this component is either not
present on the respective model, or it is present but embedded on the motherboard and
therefore not eligible for self-repair.
NOTE:
NOTE:
Do not attempt to replace other components than those listed above.
NOTE:
NOTE:
For replacement parts, always use only Acer certified components in order to
safeguard quality, optimum system performance, stability and reliability of the
product.
NOTE:
NOTE:
Any damage to the product that occur during self-repair, or which has occurred as
a result of a careless or unsuccessful self-repair attempt, is not covered by the
standard product warranty.

1-2 Self-Repair
System BIOS & Driver Updates 0
Visit http://www.acer.com/support to discover the available system BIOS and Drivers for
this product. After selecting the desired country/language, either enter the model name
or product serial number, or select the product from the list of suggested models in
order to get access to product-specific software and documentation.
To update the system BIOS:
Download the desired system BIOS version from the website
Unzip the downloaded file to your computer
Double-click the extracted file in order to initiate the update process
The update process itself is fully automated and its progress is visualized by means
of a progress indicator
A visual notification is shown when the update is complete
NOTE:
NOTE:
Upgrading the system BIOS incorrectly, or intermittence of the system BIOS update
process could harm the product.
NOTE:
NOTE:
System BIOS upgrades or downgrades, if not performed by an Acer Service Center
or authorized Service Partner, are at own risk.
To update Drivers:
Run Windows Update in order to get the latest drivers from Acer:
Select the Start button
Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update
Available Drivers will automatically be listed on the screen. Press Download to
start the download of the respective driver
Installation of the driver will start automatically once the download is completed
Software Recovery 0
This product has embedded software recovery tools which can be used to either perform
a partial or full software recovery, but also to create a Factory Default recovery media.
For more information about the software recovery options, how to perform a software
recovery or creating a Factory Default recovery media, please refer to the chapter
"Recovery" which is available in the User Manual of the product.
NOTE:
NOTE:
In the event of not being able to create a Factory Default recovery media, it is
possible to obtain a copy of the recovery media through Acer Customer Service
(http://www.acer.com/support)
This is not a free of charge service.

Disassembly Procedures 1-3
Disassembly Procedures
Safety Guidelines 0
This chapter contains step by step procedures on how to remove and de-install
components from the computer. Use the following safety guidelines to ensure your
personal safety. Each procedure included in this chapter assumes that you are preparing
your computer for recycling and disposal. By performing any of these procedures you
acknowledge that any remaining warranty applicable to your computer will be voided.
Before you start any of the procedures in this chapter, make sure to read the following
safety guidelines and the respective instructions within the chapter.
CAUTION!
Turn off your computer and disconnect all power sources before opening the
computer cover or panels.
To avoid electrostatic discharge, ground yourself by using a wrist grounding strap
or by periodically touching an unpainted metal surface at the same time as
touching a connector on the back of the computer.
Take off any metal objects on your arms or fingers such as bracelets, rings or
watches and make sure your hands are completely dry. Even if your unit is
unplugged, there may still be some remaining electric charge.
If a component does not come out easily, do not forcefully remove it. Instead,
check that you are removing it correctly and that no wires or other parts are in the
way.
When you disconnect a cable, pull on its connector or on its pull-tab, not on the
cable itself. Some cables have connectors with locking tabs; if you are
disconnecting this type of cable, press in on the locking tabs before you disconnect
the cable.
Recommended Equipment 0
The following equipment are recommended to do the following maintenance
procedures:
Wrist grounding strap and conductive mat
Flat screwdriver
Philips screwdriver
Polydrive screwdriver
Plastic tweezers
Flat plastic pry
Torx screwdriver

1-4 Disassembly Procedures
WEEE Annex VII Component 0
These components are classified as requiring selective treatment:
Battery pack
WLAN module
Touchpad module
Mainboard
RTC battery
DIMM modules
SSD module
Turbo key board
LCD panel

Disassembly Procedures 1-5
Pre-disassembly Instructions 0
Do the following prior to starting any maintenance procedures:
1. Place the system on a stable work surface.
2. Remove the AC adapter from the DC-in jack (A) or the power adapter from the USB
Type-C port (B) as shown in Figure 1-1 or Figure 1-2.
3. Remove all cables from system.
Figure 1-1. Adapter Outlet
4. Remove the SD card from the SD card slot (C) (Figure 1-2).
Figure 1-2. Adapter Outlet and SD Card Removal
NOTE:
NOTE:
Make sure the system is completely powered off.
A B
C
B

1-6 Disassembly Procedures
Base Cover Removal 0
1. Remove eleven (11) screws from the base cover (Figure 1-3).
Figure 1-3. Base Cover Removal
2. Carefully pry up the base cover starting from the bottom side to release the latches as
shown in Figure 1-4.
Figure 1-4. Base Cover Removal

Disassembly Procedures 1-7
3. Continue to release the remaining latches. Then remove the base cover from the
system (Figure 1-5).
Figure 1-5. Base Cover Removal

1-8 Disassembly Procedures
Battery Pack Removal 0
Prerequisite:
Base Cover Removal
1. Find the battery pack (A) in the system (Figure 1-6).
2. Detach the transparent mylar (B) securing the battery cable (Figure 1-6).
3. Detach the acetate tape (C) securing the battery cable to the mainboard connector
(Figure 1-6).
Figure 1-6. Battery Pack Removal
4. Disconnect the battery cable from the mainboard connector (D) (Figure 1-7).
Figure 1-7. Battery Pack Removal
A
BC
D

Disassembly Procedures 1-9
5. Lift the battery pack to release it from the compartment studs (highlighted with the
green lines) (Figure 1-8). Then remove the battery pack.
Figure 1-8. Battery Pack Removal
IMPORTANT:
+
Follow local regulations for battery disposal.
WEEE Annex VII Component:
Battery Pack

1-10 Disassembly Procedures
WLAN Module Removal 0
Prerequisite:
Battery Pack Removal
1. Find the WLAN module (A) on the top assembly (Figure 1-9).
Figure 1-9. WLAN Module Location
2. Disconnect the WLAN antennas cables from the WLAN module connectors (B)
(Figure 1-10).
3. Remove one (1) screw securing the WLAN module (Figure 1-10).
Figure 1-10. WLAN Module Removal
A
B

Disassembly Procedures 1-11
4. Disconnect the WLAN module from the mainboard connector (C) (Figure 1-11). Then
remove the WLAN module.
Figure 1-11. WLAN Module Removal
C
WEEE Annex VII Component:
WLAN Module

1-12 Disassembly Procedures
Touchpad Module Removal 0
Prerequisite:
Battery Pack Removal
1. Disconnect the touchpad FFC (A) from the mainboard and touchpad module
connectors (Figure 1-12). Then remove the FFC.
2. Disconnect the fingerprint FFC (B) from the mainboard and touchpad module
connectors (Figure 1-12). Then remove the FFC.
3. Disconnect the Per-Key FFC from the mainboard connector (C) (Figure 1-12).
Figure 1-12. Touchpad Module Removal
CAUTION:
!
Touchpad FFC (Flexible Flat Circuit), fingerprint FFC, and Per-Key FFC, can be
damaged if removed while the touchpad module and mainboard connectors
are locked.
AB
C

Disassembly Procedures 1-13
4. Slightly detach and lift the mylar. Then detach the conductive tape (D) from the
touchpad module and top assembly (Figure 1-13).
Figure 1-13. Touchpad Module Removal
5. Remove two (2) screws securing the touchpad arm brackets (Figure 1-14).
Figure 1-14. Touchpad Module Removal
D

1-14 Disassembly Procedures
6. Release the touchpad arm brackets (E) from the guide pins (F) on the top assembly
(Figure 1-15). Then remove the brackets.
Figure 1-15. Touchpad Module Removal
7. Remove three (3) screws securing the touchpad module (Figure 1-16).
Figure 1-16. Touchpad Module Removal
F F
E

Disassembly Procedures 1-15
8. Push the upper part of the touchpad module (G) to release it from the guide pins (H)
(Figure 1-17).
9. Slide the touchpad module slightly to disengage it from the bottom latches
(highlighted by green line), and then remove the touchpad module from the top
assembly (Figure 1-17).
Figure 1-17. Touchpad Module Removal
G
WEEE Annex VII Component:
Touchpad Module
H

1-16 Disassembly Procedures
LCD Module Removal 0
Prerequisite:
Battery Pack Removal
1. Disconnect the LVDS cable from the mainboard connector (A). Then unroute and
detach the cable from the routing path as shown in Figure 1-18.
Figure 1-18. LCD Module Removal
2. Remove eight (8) screws securing the LCD hinges (Figure 1-19).
Figure 1-19. LCD Module Removal
A

Disassembly Procedures 1-17
3. Lift the top assembly until it is fully open. Then remove the LCD module (B) away
from the top assembly (Figure 1-20).
Figure 1-20. LCD Module Removal
B

1-18 Disassembly Procedures
Mainboard Removal 0
Prerequisite:
WLAN Module Removal
1. Disconnect the logo board cable from the mainboard connector (A) (Figure 1-21).
2. Disconnect the LED board FFC from the mainboard connector (B) (Figure 1-21).
3. Disconnect the right speaker cable from the mainboard connector (C) (Figure 1-21).
4. Pry to detach the adhesive tape underneath the RTC battery (D) (Figure 1-21).
5. Disconnect the touchpad FFC from the mainboard connector (E) (Figure 1-21).
6. Disconnect the fingerprint FFC from the mainboard connector (F) (Figure 1-21).
7. Disconnect the Per-Key FFC from the mainboard connector (G) (Figure 1-21).
8. Disconnect the left speaker cable from the mainboard connector (H) (Figure 1-21).
9. Disconnect the turbo key board FFC from the mainboard connector (I) (Figure 1-21).
10. Disconnect the LVDS cable from the mainboard connector (J) (Figure 1-21).
Figure 1-21. Mainboard Removal
CAUTION:
!
LED board FFC (Flexible Flat Circuit), touchpad FFC, fingerprint FFC, Per-Key
FFC, and turbo key board FFC, can be damaged if removed while the
mainboard connectors are locked.
BCE
I
F
H
AG
D
J