Dell Studio XPS 9100 User manual

Dell™StudioXPS™9100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, the DELL logo, and Studio XPS are trademarks of Dell Inc.; 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.
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.
June2010Rev.A00
Regulatory model: DCRM

Before You Begin
Technical Overview
Computer Cover
Memory Module(s)
Front Bezel
Badge Back-Light Module
PCI and PCI Express Cards
Front USB 3.0 Assembly
Drives
Top Cover
I/O Panel
Power Button Module
Fans
Processor
Coin-Cell Battery
Power Supply
System Board
System Setup
Flashing the BIOS
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.

Back to Contents Page
Badge Back-Light Module
Dell™StudioXPS™9100ServiceManual
Removing the Badge Back-Light Module
Replacing the Badge Back-Light Module

Removing the Badge Back-Light Module

1. Follow the instructions in Before You Begin.

2. Remove the computer cover (see Removing the Computer Cover).

3. Remove the front bezel (see Removing the Front Bezel).

4. Remove the two screws that secure the hinge to the front bezel.

5. Pull the hinge away from the front bezel.

6. Remove the badge back-light cable from the securing tabs.

7. Press the tabs away from the badge back-light module and pull the badge back-light module away from the front bezel.
Replacing the Badge Back-Light Module

1. Follow the instructions in Before You Begin.
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: To guard against electrical shock, always unplug your computer from the electrical outlet before removing the cover.
WARNING: Do not operate your computer with any cover(s) (including computer covers, bezels, filler brackets, front-panel inserts, etc.)
removed.
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.
1
badge back-light module
2
tabs (3)
3
badge back-light cable
4
screws (2)
5
hinge


2. Insert the badge back-light module into the slot on the front bezel.

3. Press the badge back-light module down until it snaps into place.

4. Route the badge back-light cable through the securing tabs.

5. Align the screw holes on the hinge with the screw holes on the front bezel.

6. Replace the two screws that secure the hinge to the front bezel.

7. Replace the front bezel (see Replacing the Front Bezel).

8. Replace the computer cover (see Replacing the Computer Cover).
Back to Contents Page


Back to Contents Page
Before You Begin
Dell™StudioXPS™9100ServiceManual
Technical Specifications
Recommended Tools
Turning Off Your Computer
Safety Instructions
This manual provides instructions 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.
Technical Specifications
For information on technical specifications of your computer, see the Setup Guide at support.dell.com/manuals.
Recommended Tools
The instructions in this document may require the following tools:
lSmall flat-blade screwdriver
lSmall Phillips screwdriver
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. Shut down your computer:
Click Start , and click Shut Down.

3. The computer turns off after the operating system shutdown process is complete.

4. 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 ensure your own personal safety.



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.
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: 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.


1. Ensure that the work surface is flat and clean to prevent the computer cover from being scratched.

2. Turn off your computer (see Turning Off Your Computer) and all attached devices.


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 eject any installed cards from the Media Card Reader.

7. Press and hold the power button 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.

Back to Contents Page
Front Bezel
Dell™StudioXPS™9100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 computer cover (see Removing the Computer Cover).

3. Place the computer in an upright position.

4. Press and hold the front-bezel release clamp and pull the front bezel away from the computer.

5. Disconnect the badge back-light cable from the front bezel.

6. Remove the badge back-light module (see Removing the Badge Back-Light Module).

7. Set aside the front bezel in a secure location.
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: To guard against electrical shock, always unplug your computer from the electrical outlet before removing the cover.
WARNING: Do not operate your computer with any cover(s) (including computer covers, front bezels, filler brackets, front-panel inserts, etc.)
removed.
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.
1
front-bezel release clamp
2
badge back-light cable
3
front-bezel tabs
4
front bezel
NOTE: Make a note of your computer's Service Tag/Express Service Code located on a label under the FlexBay panel. You will need the Service
Tag/Express Service Code to identify your computer when you access the Dell Support website or contact technical support.

Replacing the Front Bezel

1. Follow the instructions in Before You Begin.

2. Replace the badge back-light module (see Replacing the Badge Back-Light Module).

3. Align and insert the front bezel tabs into the slots on the chassis.

4. Push the front bezel towards the computer until the front-bezel tabs snap into place.

5. Replace the computer cover (see Replacing the Computer Cover).
Back to Contents Page


Back to Contents Page
Flashing the BIOS
Dell™StudioXPS™9100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 Service 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. Select the type of product in the Select Your Product Family list.
b. Select the product brand in the Select Your Product Line list.
c. Select the product model number in the Select Your Product Model list.
d. 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 that appear on the screen.
Back to Contents Page

NOTE: The Service Tag for your computer is located on a label under the FlexBay panel on the front 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
PCI and PCI Express Cards
Dell™StudioXPS™9100ServiceManual
Removing PCI and PCI Express Cards
Replacing PCI and PCI Express Cards
Configuring Your Computer After Removing or Installing PCI and PCI Express Cards

Removing PCI and PCI Express Cards

1. Follow the instructions in Before You Begin.

2. Remove the computer cover (see Removing the Computer Cover).

3. Push the tab on the expansion card retainer to release it from the alignment bar and pivot it away from the chassis.

4. Disconnect any cables connected to the card, if applicable.

5. Press the tabs of the PCI support bracket and push the PCI support bracket to the back of the computer until it clicks into the slots on the back of the
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: To guard against electrical shock, always unplug your computer from the electrical outlet before removing the cover.
WARNING: Do not operate your computer with any cover(s) (including computer covers, bezels, filler brackets, front-panel inserts, etc.)
removed.
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.
1
alignment bar
2
tab
3
expansion card retainer


6. Remove the expansion card from the card slot:
lFor a PCI, PCI Express x1, or PCI Express x8 card, grasp the card by its top corners, and ease it out of its connector.
lFor a PCI Express x16 card, press the retention mechanism, grasp the card by its top corners, and then ease it out of its connector.

7. If you are removing the card permanently:
a. Install a filler bracket in the empty card-slot opening.
b. Push the PCI support bracket down until it clicks into the filler brackets.
c. Pivot the expansion card retainer towards the alignment bar until it snaps into place.
d. Replace the computer cover (see Replacing the Computer Cover).
e. To complete the removal procedure, see Configuring Your Computer After Removing or Installing PCI and PCI Express Cards.
Replacing PCI and PCI Express Cards

1. Follow the instructions in Before You Begin.

1
slots (2)
2
PCI support bracket
3
tabs (2)
4
expansion card
1
securing tab
2
retention mechanism
3
PCI Express x16 card
4
PCI Express x16 card connector
NOTE: Installing filler brackets over empty card-slot openings is necessary to maintain FCC certification of the computer. The brackets also keep
dust and dirt out of your computer.


2. Prepare the card for installation.
See the documentation that shipped with the card for information on configuring the card, making internal connections, or otherwise customizing it for
your computer.

3. If you are installing a PCI Express card into the x16 card connector, position the card so the securing slot is aligned with the securing tab.

4. Place the card in the connector on the system board and press down firmly. Ensure that the card is fully seated in the connector.

5. Push the PCI support bracket down until it clicks into the filler brackets.

6. Pivot the expansion card retainer towards the alignment bar until it snaps into place.

7. Connect any cables that should be attached to the card.
See the documentation that shipped with the card for information about the card's cable connections.


8. Replace the computer cover (see Replacing the Computer Cover).

9. Reconnect the computer and devices to electrical outlets, and then turn them on.

10. To complete the installation, see Configuring Your Computer After Removing or Installing PCI and PCI Express Cards.
Configuring Your Computer After Removing or Installing PCI and PCI Express Cards
Back to Contents Page

1
securing tab
2
securing slot
3
PCI Express x16 card
4
PCI Express x16 card connector
CAUTION: Do not route card cables over or behind the cards. Cables routed over the cards can prevent the computer cover from closing properly
or cause damage to the equipment.
NOTE: For information on the location of external connectors, see the Setup Guide. For information on installing drivers and software for your card, see
the documentation that shipped with the card.

Installed
Removed
Sound
card
1. Enter system setup (see
System Setup)
2. Go to Onboard Audio
Controller and then
change the setting to
Disabled.
3. Connect the external
audio devices to the
sound card's connectors.
1. Enter system setup (see
System Setup)
2. Go to Onboard Audio
Controller and then
change the setting to
Enabled.
3. Connect the external
audio devices to the
computer's back panel
connectors.
Network
card
1. Enter system setup (see
System Setup)
2. Go to Onboard LAN
Controller and then
change the setting to
Disabled.
3. Connect the network
cable to the network
card's connector.
1. Enter system setup (see
System Setup)
2. Go to Onboard LAN
Controller and then
change the setting to
Enabled.
3. Connect the network
cable to the integrated
network connector.

Back to Contents Page
Coin-Cell Battery
Dell™StudioXPS™9100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 (see System Setup) so that you can restore the correct settings after the new coin-cell battery has been
installed.

2. Follow the instructions in Before You Begin.

3. Remove the computer cover (see Removing the Computer Cover).

4. Locate the battery socket on the system board (see System Board Components).


5. Press the battery-release lever to remove the coin-cell battery.

6. Set aside the coin-cell battery in a secure location.
Replacing the Coin-Cell Battery

1. Follow the instructions in Before You Begin

2. Insert the new coin-cell battery (CR2032) into the socket with the side labeled "+" facing up, and press the coin-cell battery into place.

3. Replace the computer cover (see Replacing the Computer Cover).

4. Connect your computer and devices to electrical outlets, and then turn them on.
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: 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.
WARNING: To guard against electrical shock, always unplug your computer from the electrical outlet before removing the cover.
WARNING: Do not operate your computer with any cover(s) (including computer covers, bezels, filler brackets, front-panel inserts, etc.)
removed.
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: 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
coin-cell battery
2
battery-release lever
3
battery socket


5. Enter system setup (see System Setup) and restore the settings you recorded in step 1.
Back to Contents Page


Back to Contents Page
Computer Cover
Dell™StudioXPS™9100ServiceManual
Removing the Computer Cover
Replacing the Computer Cover


Removing the Computer Cover

1. Follow the instructions in Before You Begin.

2. Lay the computer on its side with the computer cover facing up.

3. Unlock and remove the security cable, if applicable.

4. Remove the two thumbscrews that secure the computer cover to the chassis, using a screw driver, if necessary.

5. Release the computer cover by sliding it away from the front of the computer.

6. Lift the cover away from the computer and set it aside in a secure location.
Replacing the Computer Cover

1. Follow the instructions in Before You Begin.

2. Connect all the cables and fold the cables out of the way.

3. Ensure that no tools or extra parts are left inside the computer.

4. Align the slots at the bottom of the computer cover with the tabs located along the edge of 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: 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 cover.
WARNING: Do not operate your computer with any cover(s) (including computer covers, bezels, filler brackets, front-panel inserts, etc.)
removed.
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: Ensure that sufficient space exists to support the computer with the cover removed—at least 30 cm (1 ft.) of desk top space.
1
thumbscrews (2)
2
computer cover

5. Press the computer cover down and slide it towards the front of the computer.

6. Replace the two thumbscrews that secure the computer cover to the chassis.

7. Place the computer in an upright position.
Back to Contents Page

1
thumbscrews (2)
2
slots
3
computer cover

Back to Contents Page
Processor
Dell™StudioXPS™9100ServiceManual
Removing the Processor
Replacing the Processor


Removing the Processor

1. Follow the instructions in Before You Begin.

2. Remove the computer cover (see Removing the Computer Cover).



3. Remove the processor fan and heat sink assembly (see Removing the Processor Fan and Heat Sink Assembly).

4. Press and push the release lever down and out to release it from the tab that secures it.

5. Open the processor cover.


6. Gently lift the processor to remove it from the socket.
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: To guard against electrical shock, always unplug your computer from the electrical outlet before removing the cover.
WARNING: Do not operate your computer with any cover(s) (including computer covers, bezels, filler brackets, front-panel inserts, etc.)
removed.
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: Do not perform the following steps unless you are familiar with hardware removal and replacement. Performing these steps
incorrectly could damage your system board. To contact Dell for technical service, see the Setup Guide.
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: Despite having a plastic shield, the processor fan and heat sink assembly may be very hot during normal operation. Ensure that it has
had sufficient time to cool before you touch it.
NOTE: Unless a new processor fan and heat sink is required for the new processor, reuse the original processor fan and heat sink assembly when
you replace the processor.
1
processor cover
2
processor
3
socket
4
release lever
CAUTION: When removing the processor, do not touch any of the pins inside the socket or allow any objects to fall on the pins in the socket.

Leave the release lever extended in the release position so that the socket is ready for the new processor.
Replacing the Processor



1. Follow the instructions in Before You Begin.

2. Unpackthenewprocessor,beingcarefulnottotouchtheundersideoftheprocessor.


3. If the release lever on the socket is not fully extended, move it to that position.

4. Orient the front and rear alignment-notches on the processor with the front and rear alignment-tabs on the socket.

5. Align the pin-1 corners of the processor and socket.


6. Set the processor gently in the socket and ensure that the processor is positioned correctly.

7. When the processor is fully seated in the socket, close the processor cover.
Ensure that the tab on the processor cover is positioned underneath the center cover latch on the socket.

8. Pivot the socket release lever back towards the socket, and snap it into place to secure the processor.

9. Clean the thermal grease from the bottom of the heat sink.


10. Apply the new thermal grease to the top of the processor.

11. Replace the processor fan and heat sink assembly (see Replacing the Processor Fan and Heat Sink Assembly).

CAUTION: Ground yourself by touching an unpainted metal surface on the back of the computer.
CAUTION: When replacing the processor, do not touch any of the pins inside the socket or allow any objects to fall on the pins in the socket.
CAUTION: You must position the processor correctly in the socket to avoid permanent damage to the processor and the computer when you turn
on the computer.
CAUTION: To avoid damage, ensure that the processor aligns properly with the socket, and do not use excessive force when you install the
processor.
1
front alignment notch
2
processor pin-1 indicator
3
rear alignment notch
4
processor cover
5
tab
6
processor
7
socket
8
center cover latch
9
release lever
CAUTION: Ensure that you apply new thermal grease. New thermal grease is critical for ensuring adequate thermal bonding, which is a
requirement for optimal processor operation.



12. Replace the computer cover (see Replacing the Computer Cover).
Back to Contents Page

CAUTION: Ensure that the processor fan and heat sink assembly is correctly seated and secure.

Back to Contents Page
Drives
Dell™StudioXPS™9100ServiceManual
Removing the Hard Drive
Replacing the Hard Drive
Removing the Optical Drive
Replacing the Optical Drive
Removing the Media Card Reader
Replacing the Media Card Reader

Removing the Hard Drive


1. Follow the instructions in Before You Begin.

2. Remove the computer cover (see Removing the Computer Cover).

3. Disconnect the power and data cables from the hard drive.

4. Remove the two screws that secure the hard drive to the chassis.


5. Slide the hard drive out towards the back of the 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: To guard against electrical shock, always unplug your computer from the electrical outlet before removing the cover.
WARNING: Do not operate your computer with any cover(s) (including computer covers, bezels, filler brackets, front-panel inserts, etc.)
removed.
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: If you are replacing a hard drive that contains data you want to keep, back up your files before you begin this procedure.
NOTE: If you are not replacing the hard drive at this time, disconnect the other end of the data cable from the system board connector and set it
aside. You can use the data cable to install a hard drive at a later time.
CAUTION: Ensure that you do not scratch the hard drive's circuit board, while removing or replacing the hard drive.
1
data cable
2
power cable