Dell Alienware Aurora R3 User manual

Alienware Aurora Service Manual
Notes, Cautions, and Warnings
Information in this document is subject to change without notice.
©2010DellInc.Allrightsreserved.
Reproduction of these materials in any manner whatsoever without the written permission of Dell Inc. is strictly forbidden.
Trademarksusedinthistext:Dell™andtheDELLlogoaretrademarksofDellInc.Alienware®is a registered trademark of Alienware Corporation. Intel®and SpeedStep®are
registered trademarks of Intel Corporation in the U.S. and other countries. Microsoft®, Windows®, and the Windows start button logo are either trademarks or registered
trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. Bluetooth®is a registered trademark owned by 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.
RegulatorymodelD0IMRegulatorytypeD0IM001;D0IM002;D0IM003
December 2010 Rev. A00
Before You Begin
Left Side-Panel
Technical Overview
Drive(s)
Shrouds
PCI-Express Card(s)
Memory Module(s)
Fans
Processor Liquid-Cooling Assembly
Processor
Power Supply
Coin-Cell Battery
Theater-Lighting Batteries (Alienware Aurora ALX Only)
System Board
Master I/O Board
Top Lighting-Board
Right Side-Panel(s)
Top Vent
Front Bezel
Back Bezel
WiFi/Bluetooth Assembly
Top I/O Panel
System Setup
Flashing the BIOS
NOTE: A NOTE indicates important information that helps you make better use of your computer.
CAUTION: A CAUTION indicates potential damage to hardware or loss of data if instructions are not followed.
WARNING: A WARNING indicates a potential for property damage, personal injury, or death.

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Back Bezel
Alienware Aurora Service Manual
Removing the Back Bezel
Replacing the Back Bezel


Removing the Back Bezel

1. Follow the instructions in Before You Begin.

2. Remove the left side-panel (see Removing the Left Side-Panel).

3. Follow the instructions from step 3 to step 7 in Removing the Power Supply.

4. Remove the processor liquid-cooling assembly (see Removing the Processor Liquid-Cooling Assembly).

5. Remove the two screws that secure the security lock panel to the chassis.

6. Pull the security lock panel away from the chassis.

7. Remove the two screws that secure the back bezel to the chassis.

8. Release the tabs that secure the back bezel to the chassis.

9. Pull the back bezel away from the chassis.
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.
WARNING: Do not operate your computer with any cover(s) (including computer panels, bezels, filler brackets, etc.) removed.
WARNING: To guard against likelihood of electric shock, laceration by moving fan blades, or other unexpected injuries, always unplug your
computer from the electrical outlet before removing the side panel(s).
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).
WARNING: Despite having a plastic shield, the processor liquid-cooling assembly may be very hot during normal operation. Ensure that it has had
sufficient time to cool before you touch it.
1
screws (2)
2
security lock panel

Replacing the Back Bezel

1. Follow the instructions in Before You Begin.

2. Align the tabs on the back bezel with the slots on the chassis.

3. Push the back bezel into place.

4. Replace the two screws that secure the back bezel to the chassis.

5. Replace the two screws that secure the security lock panel to the chassis.

6. Replace the processor liquid-cooling assembly (see Replacing the Processor Liquid-Cooling Assembly).

7. Follow the instructions from step 4 to step 8 in Replacing the Power Supply.

8. Replace the left side-panel (see Replacing the Left Side-Panel).


9. Connect your computer and all attached devices to electrical outlets, and turn them on.
Back to Contents Page

1
screws (2)
2
back bezel
3
tabs
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.

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Before You Begin
Alienware Aurora Service Manual
Recommended Tools
Turning Off Your Computer
Safety Instructions
This manual provides procedures for removing and installing the components in your computer. Unless otherwise noted, each procedure assumes that the
following conditions exist:
lYou have performed the steps in Turning Off Your Computer and Safety Instructions.
lYou have read the safety information that shipped with your computer.
lA component can be replaced or—if purchased separately—installed by performing the removal procedure in reverse order.
Recommended Tools
The procedures in this document may require the following tools:
lSmall Phillips screwdriver
lHex nut driver
lBIOS executable update program available at support.dell.com
Turning Off Your Computer


1. Save and close all open files and exit all open programs.

2. To shut down the operating system, click Start and then click Shut Down.

3. Ensure that the computer is turned off. If your computer did not automatically turn off when you shut down the operating system, press and hold the
power button until the computer turns off.
Safety Instructions
Use the following safety guidelines to help protect your computer from potential damage and to help to ensure your own personal safety.





1. Ensure that the work surface is flat and clean to prevent the computer chassis from being scratched.

2. Turn off your computer (see Turning Off Your Computer) and all attached devices.

CAUTION: To avoid losing data, save and close all open files and exit all open programs before you turn off your computer.
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.
WARNING: Disconnect all power sources before opening the enclosure to replace, remove, or install accessories. After the installation is
completed, the enclosure must be replaced and all fasteners installed before connecting to the power source.
CAUTION: Only a certified service technician is authorized to remove the computer cover and access any of the components inside the computer.
See the safety instructions for complete information about safety precautions, working inside your computer, and protecting against electrostatic
discharge.
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).
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; if you are disconnecting this type of cable, press in on the locking tabs before you disconnect the cable. As you pull connectors apart, keep
them evenly aligned to avoid bending any connector pins. Also, before you connect a cable, ensure that both connectors are correctly oriented
and aligned.
CAUTION: To avoid damaging the computer, perform the following steps before you begin working inside the computer.


3. Disconnect all telephone or network cables from the computer.

4. Disconnect your computer and all attached devices from their electrical outlets.

5. Disconnect all attached devices from your computer.

6. Press and hold the power button while the computer is unplugged to ground the system board.

Back to Contents Page

CAUTION: To disconnect a network cable, first unplug the cable from your computer and then unplug the cable from the network device.
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.
NOTE: For better access to components within your computer, lay your computer on its side.

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Flashing the BIOS
Alienware Aurora Service Manual
The BIOS may require flashing when an update is available or when replacing the system board. To flash the BIOS:

1. Turn on the computer.

2. Go to support.dell.com/support/downloads.

3. Locate the BIOS update file for your computer:
If you have your computer's Service Tag:
a. Click Enter a Tag.
b. Enter your computer's Service Tag in the Enter a service tag: field, click Go, and proceed to step 4.
If you do not have your computer's Service Tag:
a. Click Select Model.
b. Select the type of product in the Select Your Product Family list.
c. Select the product brand in the Select Your Product Line list.
d. Select the product model number in the Select Your Product Model list.
e. Click Confirm.

4. A list of results appear on the screen. Click BIOS.

5. Click Download Now to download the latest BIOS file.
The File Download window appears.

6. Click Save to save the file on your desktop. The file downloads to your desktop.

7. Click Close if the Download Complete window appears.
The file icon appears on your desktop and is titled the same as the downloaded BIOS update file.

8. Double-click the file icon on the desktop and follow the instructions on the screen.
Back to Contents Page

NOTE: The Service Tag for your computer is located on a label at the bottom of your computer.
NOTE: If you have selected a different model and want to start over again, click Start Over on the top right of the menu.

Back to Contents Page
WiFi/Bluetooth Assembly
Alienware Aurora Service Manual
Removing the WiFi/Bluetooth Card
Replacing the WiFi/Bluetooth Card


Removing the WiFi/Bluetooth Card

1. Follow the instructions in Before You Begin.

2. Remove the left side-panel (see Removing the Left Side-Panel).

3. Open the PCI shroud (see Opening the PCI Shroud).

4. Remove the drive-bay shroud (see Removing the Drive-Bay Shroud).

5. Disconnect the WiFi/Bluetooth assembly cable from the connector on the master I/O board.

6. Loosen the thumbscrew that secures the WiFi/Bluetooth assembly to the chassis.

7. Slide and pull the WiFi/Bluetooth assembly away from the chassis.
For Alienware Aurora/Aurora R2/Aurora ALX
For Alienware Aurora R3
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.
WARNING: Do not operate your computer with any cover(s) (including computer panels, bezels, filler brackets, etc.) removed.
WARNING: To guard against likelihood of electric shock, laceration by moving fan blades, or other unexpected injuries, always unplug your
computer from the electrical outlet before removing the side panel(s).
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).
NOTE: The WiFi/Bluetooth assembly is available on your computer only if you ordered it while purchasing your computer.
1
WiFi/Bluetooth assembly
2
thumbscrew

Replacing the WiFi/Bluetooth Card

1. Follow the instructions in Before You Begin.

2. Align the tab on the WiFi/Bluetooth assembly with the slot on the chassis.

3. Tighten the thumbscrew that secures the WiFi/Bluetooth assembly to the chassis.

4. Connect the WiFi/Bluetooth assembly cable to the connector on the master I/O board.

5. Replace the drive-bay shroud (see Replacing the Drive-Bay Shroud).

6. Close the PCI shroud (see Closing the PCI Shroud).

7. Replace the left side-panel (see Replacing the Left Side-Panel).


8. Connect your computer and all attached devices to electrical outlets, and turn them on.
Back to Contents Page

1
thumbscrew
2
WiFi/Bluetooth assembly
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.

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Coin-Cell Battery
Alienware Aurora Service Manual
Removing the Coin-Cell Battery
Replacing the Coin-Cell Battery


Removing the Coin-Cell Battery

1. Record all the screens in system setup utility (see System Setup) so that you can restore the correct settings after the new battery has been installed.

2. Follow the instructions in Before You Begin.

3. Remove the left side-panel (see Removing the Left Side-Panel).

4. Open the PCI shroud (see Opening the PCI Shroud).

5. Remove the PCI-Express card(s) (see Removing the PCI-Express Card(s)).

6. Locate the battery socket (see System Board Components).


7. Press the battery release lever to remove the battery.
Replacing the Coin-Cell Battery

1. Follow the instructions in Before You Begin.

2. Insert the new battery (CR2032) into the socket with the side labeled "+" facing up, and press the battery into place.
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.
WARNING: Do not operate your computer with any cover(s) (including computer panels, bezels, filler brackets, etc.) removed.
WARNING: To guard against likelihood of electric shock, laceration by moving fan blades, or other unexpected injuries, always unplug your
computer from the electrical outlet before removing the side panel(s).
WARNING: A new battery can explode if it is incorrectly installed. Replace the battery only with the same or equivalent type recommended by the
manufacturer. Discard used batteries according to the manufacturer's instructions.
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).
CAUTION: If you pry the battery out of its socket with a blunt object, be careful not to touch the system board with the object. Ensure that the
object is inserted between the battery and the socket before you attempt to pry out the battery. Otherwise, you may damage the system board by
prying off the socket or by breaking circuit traces on the system board.
1
battery release lever


3. Replace the PCI-Express card(s) (see Replacing the PCI-Express Card(s)).

4. Close the PCI shroud (see Closing the PCI Shroud).

5. Replace the left side-panel (see Replacing the Left Side-Panel).


6. Connect your computer and devices to electrical outlets, and then turn them on.

7. Enter the system setup utility (see System Setup) and restore the settings you recorded in step 1.
Back to Contents Page

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
Fans
Alienware Aurora Service Manual
Removing the Memory Fan
Replacing the Memory Fan
Removing the Hard-Drive Fan Assembly
Replacing the Hard-Drive Fan Assembly
Removing the PCI-Fan Assembly
Replacing the PCI-Fan Assembly


Removing the Memory Fan

1. Follow the instructions in Before You Begin.

2. Remove the left side-panel (see Removing the Left Side-Panel).

3. Disconnect the memory fan cable from the MEM_FAN connector on the top lighting-board.

4. Pull the tab and lift the memory fan out of the chassis.
Replacing the Memory Fan

1. Follow the instructions in Before You Begin.

2. Align the tabs on the memory fan with the slots on the computer chassis and place the fan in position.

3. Connect the memory fan cable to the MEM_FAN connector on the top lighting board.

4. Replace the left side-panel (see Replacing the Left Side-Panel).

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.
WARNING: Do not operate your computer with any cover(s) (including computer panels, bezels, filler brackets, etc.) removed.
WARNING: To guard against likelihood of electric shock, laceration by moving fan blades, or other unexpected injuries, always unplug your
computer from the electrical outlet before removing the side panel(s).
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).
1
memory fan
2
tab
3
memory fan cable

5. Connect your computer and all attached devices to electrical outlets, and turn them on.
Removing the Hard-Drive Fan Assembly

1. Follow the instructions in Before You Begin.

2. Remove the left side-panel (see Removing the Left Side-Panel).

3. Open the PCI shroud (see Opening the PCI Shroud).

4. Remove the drive-bay shroud (see Removing the Drive-Bay Shroud).

5. Make note of the hard-drive fan cable routing and then disconnect the hard-drive fan assembly cable from the connector on the master I/O board.

6. Lift the hard-drive fan assembly out of the chassis.
Replacing the Hard-Drive Fan Assembly

1. Follow the instructions in Before You Begin.

2. Push the hard-drive fan assembly into the hard-drive fan assembly bay.

3. Route the cable through the slot in the hard-drive bay and then connect the hard-drive fan assembly cable to the connector on the master I/O board.

4. Replace the drive-bay shroud (see Replacing the Drive-Bay Shroud).

5. Close the PCI shroud (see Closing the PCI Shroud).

6. Replace the left side-panel (see Replacing the Left Side-Panel).

7. Connect your computer and all attached devices to electrical outlets, and turn them on.
Removing the PCI-Fan Assembly

1. Follow the instructions in Before You Begin.

2. Remove the left side-panel (see Removing the Left Side-Panel).

3. Open the PCI shroud (see Opening the PCI Shroud).

1
hard-drive fan assembly cable
2
hard-drive fan assembly


4. Remove the drive-bay shroud (see Removing the Drive-Bay Shroud).

5. Remove full-length PCI-Express card(s), if any (see Removing the PCI-Express Card(s)).

6. Disconnect the PCI-fan assembly cable from the connector on the master I/O board.

7. Press the tabs and lift the PCI-fan assembly out of the metal brackets on the chassis.
Replacing the PCI-Fan Assembly

1. Follow the instructions in Before You Begin.

2. Align the PCI-fan assembly with the metal brackets on the chassis.

3. Slide the PCI-fan assembly into the chassis.

4. Connect the PCI-fanassemblycabletotheconnectoronthemasterI/Oboard.

5. Replace full-length PCI-Express card(s), if any (see Replacing the PCI-Express Card(s)).

6. Replace the drive-bay shroud (see Replacing the Drive-Bay Shroud).

7. Close the PCI shroud (see Closing the PCI Shroud).

8. Replace the left side-panel (see Replacing the Left Side-Panel).


9. Connect your computer and all attached devices to electrical outlets, and turn them on.
Back to Contents Page

1
tabs (2)
2
PCI-fan assembly
3
PCI-fan assembly cable
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
Front Bezel
Alienware Aurora Service Manual
Removing the Front Bezel
Replacing the Front Bezel


Removing the Front Bezel

1. Follow the instructions in Before You Begin.

2. Remove the left side-panel (see Removing the Left Side-Panel).

3. Open the PCI shroud (see Opening the PCI Shroud).

4. Remove the drive-bay shroud (see Removing the Drive-Bay Shroud).

5. Remove the right-side top panel (see Removing the Right-Side Top Panel).

6. Remove the lighting board (see Removing the Lighting Board).

7. Remove the right-side middle panel (see Removing the Right-Side Middle Panel).

8. Remove the right-side bottom panel (see Removing the Right-Side Bottom Panel).

9. Remove the seven screws that secure the front bezel to the chassis.

10. Disconnect the front bezel cables from the connectors on the master I/O board. Note the cable routing before disconnecting the cables.

11. Place the chassis in an upright position.

12. Remove the three screws on the right side that secure the front bezel to the chassis.

13. Pull the front bezel away from the chassis.
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.
WARNING: Do not operate your computer with any cover(s) (including computer panels, bezels, filler brackets, etc.) removed.
WARNING: To guard against likelihood of electric shock, laceration by moving fan blades, or other unexpected injuries, always unplug your
computer from the electrical outlet before removing the side panel(s).
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).
1
screws (7)

Replacing the Front Bezel

1. Follow the instructions in Before You Begin.

2. Align the front bezel with the front of the chassis.

3. Replace the three screws on the right side that secure the front bezel to the chassis.

4. Lay the chassis on its side.

5. Route and connect the front-bezel cables to the connectors on the master I/O board.

6. Replace the seven screws that secure the front bezel to the chassis.

7. Replace the right-side bottom panel (see Replacing the Right-Side Bottom Panel).

8. Replace the right-side middle panel (see Replacing the Right-Side Middle Panel).

9. Replace the lighting board (see Replacing the Lighting Board).

10. Replace the right-side top panel (see Replacing the Right-Side Top Panel).

11. Replace the drive-bay shroud (see Replacing the Drive-Bay Shroud).

12. Close the PCI shroud (see Closing the PCI Shroud).

13. Replace the left side-panel (see Replacing the Left Side-Panel).


14. Connect your computer and all attached devices to electrical outlets, and turn them on.
Back to Contents Page

1
front bezel
2
screws (3)
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
Drive(s)
Alienware Aurora Service Manual
Removing the Hard Drive(s)
Replacing the Hard Drive(s)
Removing the Optical Drive(s)
Replacing the Optical Drive(s)
Removing the Media Card Reader
Replacing the Media Card Reader




Removing the Hard Drive(s)

1. Follow the instructions in Before You Begin.

2. Remove the left side-panel (see Removing the Left Side-Panel).

3. Disconnect the power and data cables from the hard-drive assembly (if applicable).

4. Press the release tabs and slide the hard-drive assembly out of the hard-drive cage.
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.
WARNING: Do not operate your computer with any cover(s) (including computer panels, bezels, filler brackets, etc.) removed.
WARNING: To guard against likelihood of electric shock, laceration by moving fan blades, or other unexpected injuries, always unplug your
computer from the electrical outlet before removing the side panel(s).
WARNING: If you remove the hard drive from the computer when the drive is hot, do not touch the metal housing of the hard drive.
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).
CAUTION: To prevent data loss, turn off your computer (see Turning Off Your Computer) before removing the hard drive. Do not remove the hard
drive while the computer is On or in Sleep state.
CAUTION: Hard drives are extremely fragile. Exercise care when handling the hard drive.
NOTE: Dell does not guarantee compatibility or provide support for hard drives from sources other than Dell or Alienware.
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.
1
power cable
2
data cable


5. Release the tabs on the hard-drive bracket and lift the hard drive out of the bracket (if applicable).
Replacing the Hard Drive(s)

1. Follow the instructions in Before You Begin.

2. Snap the hard-drive bracket on to the new hard drive (if applicable).

3. Slide the hard-drive assembly into the hard-drive cage until the release tabs snap into place.

4. Connect the power and data cables to the hard-drive assembly (if applicable).

5. Replace the left side-panel (see Replacing the Left Side-Panel).

6. Connect your computer and all attached devices to electrical outlets, and turn them on.
Removing the Optical Drive(s)

1. Follow the instructions in Before You Begin.

2. Press the AlienHead on the front of your computer to lower the drive panel.

1
hard-drive assembly
2
release tabs (2)
1
hard drive
2
tabs (4)
NOTE: See the documentation that shipped with your new hard drive and ensure that the jumper positioning is correct.


3. Remove the left side-panel (see Removing the Left Side-Panel).

4. Disconnect the power and data cables from the optical drive (if applicable).

5. Lift the securing tab and push the optical drive to slide it out through the front of the computer.
Replacing the Optical Drive(s)

1. Follow the instructions in Before You Begin.

2. Remove the new optical drive from its packaging. Save the original packaging for storing or shipping the optical drive.

3. Remove the optical-drive bay filler (if applicable).

4. Lift the securing tab and slide the optical drive through the front of the computer until the securing tab snaps into place.

5. Connect the power and data cables to the optical drive (if applicable).

6. Replace the left side-panel (see Replacing the Left Side-Panel).

7. Lift the drive panel towards the top of your computer until it snaps into place.

8. Connectyourcomputeranddevicestoelectricaloutletsandthenturnthemon.
Removing the Media Card Reader

1. Follow the instructions in Before You Begin.

2. Press the AlienHead on the front of your computer to lower the drive panel.

3. Remove the left side-panel (see Removing the Left Side-Panel).

4. Open the PCI shroud (see Opening the PCI Shroud).

5. Disconnect the FlexBay USB cable from the FLEXBAY connector on the master I/O board. For more information on the location of the connector, see
Master I/O Board Components.

6. Lift the securing tab and push the FlexBay dock to slide it out through the front of the computer.
1
power cable
2
data cable
3
securing tab
4
optical drive


7. Remove the four screws that secure the Media Card Reader to the FlexBay dock.

8. Slide the Media Card Reader out of the FlexBay dock.
Replacing the Media Card Reader

1. Follow the instructions in Before You Begin.

2. Remove the new Media Card Reader from its packaging. Save the original packaging for storing or shipping the Media Card Reader.

3. Slide the Media Card Reader into the FlexBay dock.

4. Replace the four screws that secure the Media Card Reader to the FlexBay dock.

5. Lift the securing tab and slide the FlexBay dock through the front of the computer until the securing tab snaps into place.

6. Connect the FlexBay USB cable to the FLEXBAY connector on the master I/O board. For more information on the location of the connector, see Master I/O
Board Components.

7. Close the PCI shroud (see Closing the PCI Shroud).

8. Replace the left side-panel (see Replacing the Left Side-Panel).

9. Lift the drive panel towards the top of your computer.

10. Connectyourcomputeranddevicestoelectricaloutletsandthenturnthemon.
Back to Contents Page

1
FlexBay USB cable
2
securing tab
3
Media Card Reader
1
Media Card Reader
2
screws (4)
3
FlexBay dock

Back to Contents Page
Master I/O Board
Alienware Aurora Service Manual
Removing the Master I/O Board
Replacing the Master I/O Board


Removing the Master I/O Board

1. Follow the instructions in Before You Begin.

2. Remove the left side-panel (see Removing the Left Side-Panel).

3. Open the PCI shroud (see Opening the PCI Shroud).

4. Remove the drive-bay shroud (see Removing the Drive-Bay Shroud).

5. Remove the PCI-fan assembly (see Removing the PCI-Fan Assembly).

6. Disconnect all cables from the connectors on the master I/O board. Note the routing of all cables as you remove them so that you can re-route them
correctly after installing the new master I/O board.

7. Remove the four screws that secure the master I/O board to the chassis.

8. Remove the master I/O board out of the chassis.
Replacing the Master I/O Board

1. Follow the instructions in Before You Begin.

2. Place the master I/O board in the chassis.

3. Replace the four screws that secure the master I/O board to the chassis.
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.
WARNING: Do not operate your computer with any cover(s) (including computer panels, bezels, filler brackets, etc.) removed.
WARNING: To guard against likelihood of electric shock, laceration by moving fan blades, or other unexpected injuries, always unplug your
computer from the electrical outlet before removing the side panel(s).
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).
1
screws (4)