Alienware Area-51 R3 Threadripper Edition User manual

Alienware Area-51 R3
Threadripper Edition
Service Manual
Computer Model: Alienware Area-51 R3
Regulatory Model: D03X
Regulatory Type: D03X003

Notes, cautions, and warnings
NOTE: A NOTE indicates important information that helps you
make better use of your product.
CAUTION: A CAUTION indicates either potential damage to
hardware or loss of data and tells you how to avoid the problem.
WARNING: A WARNING indicates a potential for property damage,
personal injury, or death.
Copyright © 2017 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.
2017 - 08
Rev. A00

Contents
Before working inside your computer..................... 14
Before you begin .......................................................................14
Safety instructions......................................................................14
Recommended tools.................................................................. 15
Screw list.................................................................................. 16
After working inside your computer........................ 20
Technical overview.................................................... 21
Inside view of your computer....................................................... 21
Left view.............................................................................. 22
Right view............................................................................ 23
System-board components......................................................... 24
I/O-board components................................................................26
Lifting the computer.................................................. 27
Procedure................................................................................. 27
Removing the stability foot.......................................29
Procedure................................................................................. 29
Replacing the stability foot.......................................32
Procedure................................................................................. 32
Removing the side panels........................................ 33
Procedure................................................................................. 33
3

Replacing the side panels.........................................35
Procedure................................................................................. 35
Removing the battery................................................ 36
Prerequisites............................................................................. 36
Procedure................................................................................. 36
Replacing the battery................................................ 38
Procedure................................................................................. 38
Post-requisites...........................................................................38
Removing the battery case....................................... 39
Prerequisites............................................................................. 39
Procedure................................................................................. 39
Replacing the battery case....................................... 41
Procedure................................................................................. 41
Post-requisites...........................................................................41
Removing the hard drive...........................................42
Prerequisites............................................................................. 42
Procedure................................................................................. 42
Replacing the hard drive...........................................45
Procedure................................................................................. 45
Post-requisites...........................................................................45
Removing the optical drive.......................................46
Prerequisites............................................................................. 46
Procedure................................................................................. 46
4

Replacing the optical drive....................................... 49
Procedure................................................................................. 49
Post-requisites...........................................................................49
Removing the right AlienFX side-panel
connector................................................................... 50
Prerequisites............................................................................. 50
Procedure................................................................................. 50
Replacing the right AlienFX side-panel
connector................................................................... 53
Procedure................................................................................. 53
Post-requisites...........................................................................53
Removing the left AlienFX side-panel connector... 54
Prerequisites............................................................................. 54
Procedure................................................................................. 54
Replacing the left AlienFX side-panel connector... 58
Procedure................................................................................. 58
Post-requisites...........................................................................58
Removing the I/O board............................................ 59
Prerequisites............................................................................. 59
Procedure................................................................................. 59
Replacing the I/O board............................................ 62
Procedure................................................................................. 62
Post-requisites...........................................................................62
5

Removing the drive-bay heat sensor cable.............63
Prerequisites............................................................................. 63
Procedure................................................................................. 63
Replacing the drive-bay heat sensor cable.............66
Procedure................................................................................. 66
Post-requisites...........................................................................66
Removing the memory modules.............................. 67
Prerequisites............................................................................. 67
Procedure................................................................................. 67
Replacing the memory modules.............................. 69
Procedure................................................................................. 69
Post-requisites...........................................................................70
Removing the graphics card.................................... 71
Prerequisites............................................................................. 71
Procedure................................................................................. 71
Replacing the graphics card.....................................74
Procedure................................................................................. 74
Post-requisites...........................................................................74
Removing multiple graphics cards.......................... 75
Prerequisites............................................................................. 75
Procedure................................................................................. 75
Replacing multiple graphics cards.......................... 79
Procedure................................................................................. 79
Post-requisites...........................................................................79
6

Removing the full-length graphics cards................ 81
Prerequisites............................................................................. 81
Procedure................................................................................. 81
Replacing the full-length graphics cards................ 85
Procedure................................................................................. 85
Post-requisites...........................................................................85
Removing the wireless card..................................... 86
Prerequisites............................................................................. 86
Procedure................................................................................. 86
Replacing the wireless card..................................... 88
Procedure................................................................................. 88
Post-requisites...........................................................................88
Removing the coin-cell battery................................ 89
Prerequisites............................................................................. 89
Procedure................................................................................. 89
Replacing the coin-cell battery.................................91
Procedure................................................................................. 91
Post-requisites...........................................................................91
Removing the top fan................................................ 92
Prerequisites............................................................................. 92
Procedure................................................................................. 92
Replacing the top fan................................................ 94
Procedure................................................................................. 94
Post-requisites...........................................................................94
7

Removing the logo board......................................... 95
Prerequisites............................................................................. 95
Procedure................................................................................. 95
Replacing the logo board..........................................98
Procedure................................................................................. 98
Post-requisites...........................................................................98
Removing the solid-state drive................................ 99
Prerequisites............................................................................. 99
Procedure................................................................................. 99
Replacing the solid-state drive...............................101
Procedure............................................................................... 101
Post-requisites.........................................................................102
Removing the PCI fan..............................................103
Prerequisites........................................................................... 103
Procedure............................................................................... 103
Replacing the PCI fan..............................................108
Procedure............................................................................... 108
Post-requisites.........................................................................108
Removing the front-bezel heat sensor cable........ 109
Prerequisites........................................................................... 109
Procedure............................................................................... 109
Replacing the front-bezel heat-sensor cable.........111
Procedure................................................................................111
Post-requisites......................................................................... 111
8

Removing the processor liquid-cooling
assembly...................................................................112
Prerequisites............................................................................112
Procedure................................................................................112
Replacing the processor liquid-cooling
assembly...................................................................115
Procedure................................................................................115
Post-requisites......................................................................... 116
Removing the processor.........................................117
Prerequisites............................................................................117
Procedure................................................................................117
Replacing the processor......................................... 119
Procedure................................................................................119
Post-requisites.........................................................................121
Removing the power-supply unit........................... 122
Prerequisites........................................................................... 122
Procedure............................................................................... 122
Replacing the power-supply unit........................... 126
Procedure............................................................................... 126
Post-requisites.........................................................................128
Removing the system board...................................129
Prerequisites........................................................................... 129
Procedure............................................................................... 130
9

Replacing the system board...................................132
Procedure............................................................................... 132
Post-requisites.........................................................................132
Removing the handle bars......................................134
Prerequisites........................................................................... 134
Procedure............................................................................... 135
Replacing the handle bars...................................... 141
Procedure............................................................................... 141
Post-requisites.........................................................................141
Removing the front bezel .......................................142
Prerequisites........................................................................... 142
Procedure............................................................................... 143
Replacing the front bezel........................................ 146
Procedure............................................................................... 146
Post-requisites.........................................................................146
Removing the optical-drive eject-button board.... 147
Prerequisites........................................................................... 147
Procedure............................................................................... 148
Replacing the optical-drive eject-button board.... 151
Procedure............................................................................... 151
Post-requisites.........................................................................151
Removing the rear bezel......................................... 152
Prerequisites........................................................................... 152
Procedure............................................................................... 153
10

Replacing the rear bezel......................................... 159
Procedure............................................................................... 159
Post-requisites.........................................................................159
Removing the base panel....................................... 160
Prerequisites........................................................................... 160
Procedure............................................................................... 161
Replacing the base panel........................................165
Procedure............................................................................... 165
Post-requisites.........................................................................165
Removing the top tron-lighting cable.................... 166
Prerequisites........................................................................... 166
Procedure............................................................................... 166
Replacing the top tron-lighting cable.................... 169
Procedure............................................................................... 169
Post-requisites.........................................................................169
Removing the bottom tron-lighting cable............. 170
Prerequisites........................................................................... 170
Procedure............................................................................... 170
Replacing the bottom tron-lighting cable..............173
Procedure............................................................................... 173
Post-requisites.........................................................................173
Removing the antenna cables................................ 174
Prerequisites........................................................................... 174
Procedure............................................................................... 174
11

Replacing the antenna cables................................ 179
Procedure............................................................................... 179
Post-requisites.........................................................................179
Downloading drivers............................................... 180
Downloading the audio driver.................................................... 180
Downloading the graphics driver................................................180
Downloading the USB 3.0 driver................................................ 181
Downloading the Wi-Fi driver.....................................................181
Downloading the chipset driver..................................................181
Downloading the network driver.................................................182
BIOS setup program................................................183
Boot Sequence........................................................................ 183
Navigation keys....................................................................... 183
BIOS overview.........................................................................184
Entering BIOS setup program....................................................184
System setup options............................................................... 185
System and setup password..................................................... 191
Assigning a system password and setup password................ 191
Deleting or changing an existing system and/or setup
password........................................................................... 192
Clearing Forgotten Passwords............................................. 193
Clearing CMOS Settings......................................................194
Troubleshooting.......................................................195
Flashing the BIOS....................................................................195
Flashing BIOS (USB key)..........................................................195
Enhanced Pre-Boot System Assessment (ePSA) diagnostics....... 196
12

Running the ePSA diagnostics............................................. 196
Diagnostics............................................................................. 197
Wi-Fi power cycle.....................................................................197
Getting help and contacting Alienware................. 198
Self-help resources.................................................................. 198
Contacting Alienware................................................................198
13

Before working inside your
computer
NOTE: The images in this document may differ from your computer
depending on the configuration you ordered.
Before you begin
1 Save and close all open files and exit all open applications.
2 Shut down your computer. Click Start → Power → Shut down.
NOTE: If you are using a different operating system, see the
documentation of your operating system for shut-down
instructions.
3 Disconnect your computer and all attached devices from their electrical
outlets.
4 Disconnect all attached network devices and peripherals, such as keyboard,
mouse, and monitor from your computer.
5 Remove any media card and optical disc from your computer, if applicable.
6 After the computer is unplugged, press and hold the power button for 5
seconds to ground the system board.
Safety instructions
Use the following safety guidelines to protect your computer from potential
damage and ensure your personal safety.
WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety
information that shipped with your computer. For more safety best
practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at
www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.
14

WARNING: Disconnect all power sources before opening the
computer cover or panels. After you finish working inside the
computer, replace all covers, panels, and screws before connecting to
the electrical outlet.
CAUTION: To avoid damaging the computer, ensure that the work
surface is flat and clean.
CAUTION: To avoid damaging the components and cards, handle
them by their edges, and avoid touching pins and contacts.
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 shipped with the product or
at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.
CAUTION: Before touching anything inside your computer, ground
yourself by touching an unpainted metal surface, such as the metal at
the back of the computer. While you work, periodically touch an
unpainted metal surface to dissipate static electricity, which could
harm internal components.
CAUTION: 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 or thumb-screws that you must disengage before
disconnecting the cable. When disconnecting cables, keep them
evenly aligned to avoid bending any connector pins. When
connecting cables, ensure that the ports and connectors are correctly
oriented and aligned.
CAUTION: Press and eject any installed card from the media-card
reader.
Recommended tools
The procedures in this document may require the following tools:
• Philips screwdriver #1
• Philips screwdriver #2
• Torx #20 (T20) screwdriver
15

• Allen screw 2.5 mm
• Flat-head screwdriver
• Plastic scribe
Screw list
The following table provides the list of screws that are used for securing different
components.
Table 1. Screw list
Component Secured to Screw type Quantity Screw
image
Stability foot Computer #6-32x6 2
Security-cable
slot latch
Computer M2x3 1
Battery-case
door
Battery case M2x5.7 1
Battery case Chassis #6-32x5.2 2
Hard-drive
assembly
Chassis #6-32x6 1
Hard drive Hard-drive
bracket
#6-32x3.6 4
Optical-drive
assembly
Chassis #6-32x6 1
Optical-drive
bracket
Optical drive M2x3 2
16

Component Secured to Screw type Quantity Screw
image
Right AlienFX
side-panel
connector
assembly
Chassis #6-32x6 2
Right AlienFX
side-panel
connector
Bracket #6-32x6 1
Left AlienFX
side-panel
connector
assembly
Chassis #6-32x6 2
Left AlienFX
side-panel
connector
Bracket #6-32x6 1
I/O board Chassis #6-32x6 5
Graphics card
(multiple, full-
length)
Chassis #6-32x6 2
Graphics-card
bracket
Chassis #6-32x6 4
Wireless card Chassis M2x3 1
Top fan Chassis #6-32x6 1
Logo board Chassis #6-32x6 1
17

Component Secured to Screw type Quantity Screw
image
Logo board Bracket #6-32x6 6
Solid-state
drive
System board M2x2.5 1
PCI fan Chassis M3x5.25 2
Fan shroud PCI fan M5x10 4
Processor
liquid-cooling
assembly
Chassis #6-32x6 4
Power-supply
unit
Chassis #6-32x6 4
System-board Chassis #6-32x6 9
Rear-handle
bar
Chassis #6-32x6.5 14
Front-handle
bar
Chassis #6-32x6.5 14
Bottom-handle
bar
Chassis #6-32x6.5 14
18

Component Secured to Screw type Quantity Screw
image
Front bezel Chassis #6-32x6 4
Front bezel Chassis 6-32x5.2 3
Optical-drive
eject-button
board
Chassis #6-32x6 2
Rear bezel Chassis #6-32x6 4
Rear bezel Chassis M3x5 2
Base panel Chassis #6-32x6 4
Base panel Chassis #6-32x6 5
Antennas Chassis #6-32x6 6
19

After working inside your
computer
CAUTION: Leaving stray or loose screws inside your computer may
severely damage your computer.
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 Replace any media cards, discs, or any other parts that you removed before
working on your computer.
4 Connect your computer and all attached devices to their electrical outlets.
5 Turn on your computer.
20