Alienware Aurora R5 User manual

Aurora R5
Service Manual
Computer Model: Alienware Aurora R5
Regulatory Model: D23M
Regulatory Type: D23M001

Notes, cautions, and warnings
NOTE: A NOTE indicates important information that helps you make better use
of your computer.
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.
© 2016 Dell Inc. All rights reserved. This product is protected by U.S. and international
copyright and intellectual property laws. Dell and the Dell logo are trademarks of Dell Inc. in the
United States and/or other jurisdictions. All other marks and names mentioned herein may be
trademarks of their respective companies.
2016 - 07
Rev. A00

Contents
Before working inside your computer........................ 12
Before you begin ............................................................................................... 12
Safety instructions............................................................................................ 12
Recommended tools..........................................................................................13
Screw list............................................................................................................14
After working inside your computer........................... 15
Technical overview.............................................................. 16
Inside view of your computer............................................................................ 16
System-board components............................................................................... 17
Removing the stability foot.............................................19
Procedure...........................................................................................................19
Replacing the stability foot............................................. 21
Procedure...........................................................................................................21
Removing the left-side cover.........................................22
Procedure.......................................................................................................... 22
Replacing the left-side cover......................................... 24
Procedure..........................................................................................................24
Removing the right-side cover......................................25
Procedure.......................................................................................................... 26
Replacing the right-side cover...................................... 28
Procedure..........................................................................................................28
3

Removing the top-cover assembly.............................29
Prerequisites.....................................................................................................29
Procedure..........................................................................................................29
Replacing the top-cover assembly............................. 32
Procedure..........................................................................................................32
Post-requisites..................................................................................................32
Removing the bottom cover.......................................... 33
Prerequisites.....................................................................................................33
Procedure..........................................................................................................33
Replacing the bottom cover...........................................35
Procedure..........................................................................................................35
Post-requisites..................................................................................................35
Removing the 3.5-inch hard drive................................36
Prerequisites.....................................................................................................36
Procedure..........................................................................................................36
Replacing the 3.5-inch hard drive................................40
Procedure..........................................................................................................40
Post-requisites................................................................................................. 40
Removing the 2.5-inch hard drives.............................. 41
Prerequisites......................................................................................................41
Procedure...........................................................................................................41
Replacing the 2.5-inch hard drives..............................45
Procedure..........................................................................................................45
Post-requisites..................................................................................................45
4

Removing the power-supply unit................................ 46
Prerequisites.....................................................................................................46
Procedure..........................................................................................................46
Replacing the power-supply unit................................. 53
Procedure..........................................................................................................53
Post-requisites..................................................................................................53
Removing the processor-cooling assembly...........54
Prerequisites.....................................................................................................54
Procedure..........................................................................................................55
Replacing the processor-cooling assembly............57
Procedure.......................................................................................................... 57
Post-requisites.................................................................................................. 57
Removing the coin-cell battery.................................... 58
Prerequisites.....................................................................................................58
Procedure..........................................................................................................58
Replacing the coin-cell battery.....................................60
Procedure..........................................................................................................60
Post-requisites................................................................................................. 60
Removing the memory modules................................... 61
Prerequisites......................................................................................................61
Procedure...........................................................................................................61
Replacing the memory modules.................................. 63
Procedure..........................................................................................................63
Post-requisites..................................................................................................65
5

Removing the solid-state drive.................................... 66
Prerequisites.....................................................................................................66
Procedure..........................................................................................................66
Replacing the solid-state drive.....................................68
Procedure..........................................................................................................68
Post-requisites..................................................................................................69
Removing the graphics card...........................................70
Prerequisites..................................................................................................... 70
Procedure........................................................................................................... 71
Replacing the graphics card........................................... 73
Procedure.......................................................................................................... 73
Post-requisites.................................................................................................. 73
Removing the processor fan and heat-sink
assembly.................................................................................. 74
Prerequisites..................................................................................................... 74
Procedure.......................................................................................................... 74
Replacing the processor fan and heat-sink
assembly.................................................................................. 76
Procedure.......................................................................................................... 76
Post-requisites.................................................................................................. 76
Removing the processor...................................................77
Prerequisites......................................................................................................77
Procedure...........................................................................................................77
Replacing the processor...................................................78
Procedure.......................................................................................................... 78
Post-requisites..................................................................................................79
6

Removing the wireless card........................................... 80
Prerequisites.................................................................................................... 80
Procedure..........................................................................................................80
Replacing the wireless card............................................ 82
Procedure..........................................................................................................82
Post-requisites................................................................................................. 83
Removing the antenna..................................................... 84
Prerequisites.....................................................................................................84
Procedure..........................................................................................................84
Replacing the antenna...................................................... 87
Procedure.......................................................................................................... 87
Post-requisites..................................................................................................87
Removing the front-chassis fan................................... 88
Prerequisites.....................................................................................................88
Procedure..........................................................................................................88
Replacing the front-chassis fan.....................................91
Procedure...........................................................................................................91
Post-requisites.................................................................................................. 91
Removing the top-chassis fan.......................................92
Prerequisites.....................................................................................................92
Procedure..........................................................................................................92
Replacing the top-chassis fan....................................... 95
Procedure..........................................................................................................95
Post-requisites..................................................................................................95
7

Removing the optical drive.............................................96
Prerequisites.....................................................................................................96
Procedure..........................................................................................................96
Replacing the optical drive........................................... 100
Procedure........................................................................................................100
Post-requisites................................................................................................100
Removing the front bezel .............................................. 101
Prerequisites....................................................................................................101
Procedure......................................................................................................... 101
Replacing the front bezel...............................................104
Procedure........................................................................................................ 104
Post-requisites................................................................................................104
Removing the power-button board.......................... 105
Prerequisites................................................................................................... 105
Procedure........................................................................................................ 105
Replacing the power-button board........................... 107
Procedure.........................................................................................................107
Post-requisites................................................................................................ 107
Removing the rear trim cover......................................108
Prerequisites...................................................................................................108
Procedure........................................................................................................ 108
Replacing the rear trim cover....................................... 110
Procedure......................................................................................................... 110
Post-requisites.................................................................................................110
8

Removing the system board.......................................... 111
Prerequisites..................................................................................................... 111
Procedure......................................................................................................... 112
Replacing the system board..........................................115
Procedure......................................................................................................... 115
Post-requisites.................................................................................................115
Entering the Service Tag in the BIOS setup program..................................... 116
BIOS setup program........................................................... 117
Overview........................................................................................................... 117
Entering BIOS setup program.......................................................................... 117
System setup options.......................................................................................117
Clearing forgotten passwords......................................................................... 122
Prerequisites..............................................................................................122
Procedure...................................................................................................123
Post-requisites.......................................................................................... 124
Clearing CMOS Settings.................................................................................. 125
Prerequisites..............................................................................................125
Procedure...................................................................................................125
Post-requisites.......................................................................................... 126
Flashing the BIOS................................................................127
Technology and components...................................... 128
Audio................................................................................................................128
Downloading the audio driver...................................................................128
Identifying the audio controller................................................................ 128
Changing the audio settings.....................................................................129
Graphics...........................................................................................................129
Downloading the graphics driver..............................................................130
Identifying the display adapter.................................................................130
Changing the screen resolution................................................................130
9

Rotating the display...................................................................................131
USB.................................................................................................................. 133
Downloading the USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 driver..........................................133
Identifying the USB drivers.......................................................................133
Enabling or disabling the USB in BIOS setup program.............................134
Fixing a no-boot issue caused by USB emulation.................................... 134
Wi-Fi.................................................................................................................134
Turning on or off Wi-Fi...............................................................................135
Downloading the Wi-Fi driver....................................................................135
Identifying the Wireless drivers................................................................135
Configuring the Wi-Fi.................................................................................136
Bluetooth.........................................................................................................136
Turning on or off Bluetooth.......................................................................136
Pairing the Bluetooth-enabled devices.................................................... 136
Removing the Bluetooth device................................................................137
Transferring files between devices using Bluetooth................................138
Hard drive........................................................................................................ 139
Identifying the hard drive......................................................................... 139
Identifying the hard drive in BIOS setup program....................................139
Chipset.............................................................................................................139
Downloading the chipset driver................................................................139
Identifying the chipset..............................................................................140
Memory.............................................................................................................141
Checking the system memory in Windows...............................................142
Checking the system memory in BIOS setup program.............................142
Testing memory using ePSA.....................................................................142
Processors....................................................................................................... 142
Identifying the processors in Windows.....................................................142
Checking the processor usage in the task manager................................ 143
Operating System............................................................................................144
Service Tag location........................................................................................ 144
Device driver....................................................................................................144
Intel Chipset Software Installation Utility................................................ 144
Video drivers..............................................................................................145
10

Intel Serial IO driver...................................................................................146
Intel Trusted Execution Engine Interface................................................. 147
Intel Wireless-AC 8260 Wi-Fi and Bluetooth drivers................................148
BIOS overview..................................................................................................149
Boot menu................................................................................................. 149
Boot menu enhancements........................................................................149
Timing key sequences...............................................................................149
System diagnostic lights............................................... 150
Getting help and contacting Alienware................... 151
Self-help resources...........................................................................................151
Contacting Alienware.......................................................................................151
11

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.
Windows 10: Click or tap 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 cables such as telephone cables, network cables, and so on,
from your computer.
5 Disconnect all attached devices and peripherals, such as keyboard, mouse,
monitor, and so on, from your computer.
6 Remove any media card and optical disc from your computer, if applicable.
7 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.
12

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
• Flat-head screwdriver
13

• Plastic scribe
Screw list
The following table provides the list of screws that are used for securing
different components to Alienware Aurora R5.
Component Secured to Screw type Quantit
y
3.5-inch hard-drive cage Chassis #6-32 X 1/4'' 2
2.5-inch hard-drive cage Chassis #6-32 X 1/4'' 4
Power-supply unit hinge Chassis #6-32 X 1/4'' 6
#6-32 X 1/4'' BLK 3
Power-supply unit Power-supply
unit hinge
#6-32 X 1/4'' 4
Power-supply unit bracket #6-32 X 1/4'' 2
Optical-drive assembly Chassis #6-32 X 1/4'' 2
System board Chassis #6-32 X 1/4'' 8
Top cover Chassis #6-32 X 1/4'' 2
Top I/O assembly Chassis #6-32 X 1/4'' BLK 4
Processor-cooling assembly
bracket
Chassis #6-32 X 1/4'' BLK 2
Processor-cooling assembly
radiator
Processor-
cooling
assembly
bracket
#6-32 X 1/4'' BLK 4
Top-chassis fan assembly Chassis #6-32 X 1/4'' 1
Top-chassis fan bracket Chassis #6-32 X 1/4'' BLK 1
Antenna assembly Chassis #6-32 X 1/4'' 2
Power-button board Top cover M3 X 4 2
Rubber foot Bottom cover M3 X 4 4
M.2 SSD card System board Standoff M2 1
M2 X 2.5 1
Optical-drive bracket Optical drive M2 X 2.5 1
WLAN bracket System board M2 X 2.5 1
14

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.
15

Technical overview
WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the
safety information that shipped with your computer and
follow the steps in Before working inside your computer.
After working inside your computer, follow the instructions
in After working inside your computer. For more safety best
practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at
www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.
Inside view of your computer
1 power-supply unit 2 optical-drive assembly
16

3 top cover 4 top-chassis fan
5 system board 6 processor fan and heat-sink
assembly
7 graphics card 8 right-side cover
System-board components
1 top-chassis fan (TOP_FAN) 2 processor-cooling assembly
pump-fan connector
(PUMP_FAN)
3 processor-fan connector
(CPU_FAN)
4 memory-module slot 1 (XMM1)
5 memory-module slot 2 (XMM2) 6 memory-module slot 3 (XMM3)
17

7 memory-module slot 4 (XMM4) 8 front-chassis fan connector
(FRONT_FAN)
9 SATA 6 Gbps drive connector
(SATA1)
10 SATA 6 Gbps drive connector
(SATA2)
11 SATA 6 Gbps drive connector
(SATA3)
12 SATA 6 Gbps drive connector
(SATA4)
13 solid-state drive slot (M.2 SSD) 14 CMOS reset jumper (CMOS
JUMPER)
15 Password reset jumper
(PASSWORD JUMPER)
16 PCI-Express x16 slot (SLOT4)
17 LED controller connector
(LED_CONTROLLER)
18 PCI-Express x4 slot (SLOT3)
19 PCI-Express x4 slot (SLOT2) 20 PCI-Express x16 slot (SLOT1)
21 graphics-card power connector
(GPU_POWER)
22 wireless-card slot (M.2 WIFI)
23 processor socket (CPU1)
18

Removing the stability foot
WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the
safety information that shipped with your computer and
follow the steps in Before working inside your computer.
After working inside your computer, follow the instructions
in After working inside your computer. For more safety best
practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at
www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.
Procedure
1 Place the computer on a clean and flat surface with the bottom cover
facing up.
2 Pull the securing tab to release the stability foot from the slots on the
bottom cover.
19

3 Lift the stability foot off the bottom cover.
1 bottom cover 2 stability foot
3 securing tab
4 Lay the computer on its side.
20