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Dell Alienware m17 R3 Service Manual
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Dell Alienware m17 R3 Service Manual

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Alienware m17 R3
Service Manual
Regulatory Model: P45E
Regulatory Type: P45E001
June 2020
Rev. A00

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Summary of Contents for Dell Alienware m17 R3

  • Page 1 Alienware m17 R3 Service Manual Regulatory Model: P45E Regulatory Type: P45E001 June 2020 Rev. A00...
  • Page 2 WARNING: A WARNING indicates a potential for property damage, personal injury, or death. © 2020 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.

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    Contents Chapter 1: Working inside your computer....................6 Before working inside your computer..........................6 Safety instructions.................................6 Electrostatic discharge—ESD protection..........................7 ESD field service kit ................................7 Transporting sensitive components............................8 After working inside your computer............................8 Chapter 2: Removing and installing components..................9 Recommended tools................................9 Screw list....................................
  • Page 4 Installing the display assembly............................. 40 Right I/O-board................................42 Removing the right I/O-board............................ 42 Installing the right I/O-board............................43 System board..................................45 Removing the system board............................45 Installing the system board............................47 Left I/O-board.................................. 49 Removing the left I/O-board............................49 Installing the left I/O-board............................50 Fan and heat-sink assembly..............................51 Removing the fan and heat-sink assembly........................
  • Page 5 Recovering the operating system............................77 System diagnostic lights..............................77 Flea power release................................78 WiFi power cycle................................78 Chapter 6: Getting help.........................79 Contacting Dell.................................. 79...

  • Page 6: Chapter 1: Working Inside Your Computer

    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 is shipped with the product or at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.

  • Page 7: Electrostatic Discharge-Esd Protection

    Due to the increased density of semiconductors used in recent Dell products, the sensitivity to static damage is now higher than in previous Dell products. For this reason, some previously approved methods of handling parts are no longer applicable.

  • Page 8: Transporting Sensitive Components

    It is recommended that all field service technicians use the traditional wired ESD grounding wrist strap and protective anti-static mat at all times when servicing Dell products. In addition, it is critical that technicians keep sensitive parts separate from all insulator parts while performing service and that they use anti-static bags for transporting sensitive components.

  • Page 9: Chapter 2: Removing And Installing Components

    Removing and installing components Recommended tools The procedures in this document may require the following tools: • Philips screwdriver #1 • Philips screwdriver #00 • Plastic scribe Screw list NOTE: When removing screws from a component, it is recommended to note the screw type, the quantity of screws, and then place them in a screw storage box.

  • Page 10: Base Cover

    Table 1. Screw list (continued) Component Secured to Screw type Quantity Screw image Left I/O-board M2x4.5 • System board connector • Left I/O-board Left I/O-board Palm-rest assembly M2x3 Right I/O-board M2x3 • System board connector • Right I/O-board Right I/O-board Palm-rest assembly M2x3 Fans...

  • Page 12: Installing The Base Cover

    Steps 1. Remove the two screws (M2.5x9) that secure the base cover to the palm-rest assembly. 2. Loosen the six captive screws. 3. Using your fingertips, pry the base cover from the gap around the screw holes to release clips on the base cover from the palm- rest assembly.

  • Page 14: Solid State Drive-M.2 Slot One

    Steps 1. Connect the battery cable to the system board, if applicable. 2. Slide the notches on the top of the base cover under the rear I/O-cover and snap the base cover into place on the palm-rest assembly. 3. Tighten the six captive screws on the base cover. 4.

  • Page 15: Installing The 2280 Solid-State Drive From The M.2 Slot One

    NOTE: A thermal shield is required for optimal heat dissipation if the capacity of the solid-state drive is 512 GB or higher. If a higher configuration solid-state drive is installed after you purchase the computer, contact Dell support to purchase a thermal shield.

  • Page 16: Removing The 2230 Solid-State Drive From The M.2 Slot One

    Steps 1. Align the notch on the M.2 2280 solid-state drive with the tab on the M.2 card slot on the system board. 2. Slide the M.2 2280 solid-state drive into the M.2 card slot on the system board. NOTE: The next step is only applicable if the capacity of the solid-state drive is 512 GB or higher. 3.

  • Page 17: Installing The M.2 2230 Solid-State Drive From The M.2 Slot One

    Steps 1. Remove the screw (M2x3) that secures the solid-state drive thermal shield to the M.2 2230 mounting bracket. NOTE: A thermal shield is only present if the capacity of the solid-state drive is 512 GB or higher. 2. Remove the solid-state drive thermal shield from the M.2 2230 solid-state drive. 3.
  • Page 18 NOTE: A thermal shield is required for optimal heat dissipation if the capacity of the solid-state drive is 512 GB or higher. If a higher configuration solid-state drive is installed after you purchase the computer, contact Dell support to purchase a thermal shield.

  • Page 19: Solid State Drive-M.2 Slot Two

    Next steps 1. Install the base cover. 2. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer. Solid state drive—M.2 slot two Removing the 2280 solid-state drive from the M.2 slot two Prerequisites 1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer.

  • Page 20: Installing The 2280 Solid-State Drive From The M.2 Slot Two

    NOTE: A thermal shield is required for optimal heat dissipation if the capacity of the solid-state drive is 512 GB or higher. If a higher configuration solid-state drive is installed after you purchase the computer, contact Dell support to purchase a thermal shield.

  • Page 21: Removing The 2230 Solid-State Drive From The M.2 Slot Two

    Removing the 2230 solid-state drive from the M.2 slot two Prerequisites 1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer. 2. Remove the base cover. About this task NOTE: This procedure applies only to computers shipped with a 2230 solid-state drive installed in M.2 slot two. NOTE: Depending on the configuration ordered, your computer may support either 2230 solid-state drive or 2280 solid- state drive in M.2 slot two.

  • Page 22: Installing The 2230 Solid-State Drive From The M.2 Slot Two

    NOTE: A thermal shield is required for optimal heat dissipation if the capacity of the solid-state drive is 512 GB or higher. If a higher configuration solid-state drive is installed after you purchase the computer, contact Dell support to purchase a thermal shield.

  • Page 23: Solid State Drive-M.2 Slot Three

    Steps 1. Place and align the M.2 2230 mounting bracket on the palm-rest assembly. 2. Replace the screw (M2x3) that secures the M.2 2230 mounting bracket to the palm-rest assembly. 3. Align the notch on the M.2 2230 solid-state drive with the tab on the M.2 card slot on the system board. 4.

  • Page 24: Installing The 2230 Solid-State Drive From The M.2 Slot Three

    NOTE: A thermal shield is required for optimal heat dissipation if the capacity of the solid-state drive is 512 GB or higher. If a higher configuration solid-state drive is installed after you purchase the computer, contact Dell support to purchase a thermal shield.

  • Page 25: Battery

    If the battery gets stuck inside your computer as a result of swelling, do not try to release it as puncturing, bending, or crushing a lithium-ion battery can be dangerous. In such an instance, contact Dell technical support for assistance. See www.dell.com/contactdell.

  • Page 26: Installing The Battery

    Steps 1. Disconnect the battery cable from the system board, if applicable. 2. Remove the four screws (M2x4) that secure the battery to the palm-rest assembly. 3. Remove the three screws (M2x3) that secure the battery to the palm-rest assembly. 4.

  • Page 27: Speakers

    Steps 1. Place the battery on the palm-rest assembly. 2. Replace the three screws (M2x3) that secure the battery to the palm-rest assembly. 3. Replace the four screws (M2x4) that secure the battery to the palm-rest assembly. 4. Connect the battery cable to the system board. Next steps 1.

  • Page 28: Installing The Speakers

    Steps 1. Disconnect the speaker cable from the right I/O-board. 2. Lift the right speaker off the palm-rest assembly. 3. Remove the speaker cables from the routing guides on the palm-rest assembly. 4. Lift the left speaker off the palm-rest assembly. Installing the speakers Prerequisites If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure.

  • Page 29: Keyboard-Controller Board

    Steps 1. Using the alignment posts, place the left speaker on the palm-rest assembly. NOTE: Ensure that the alignment posts on the palm-rest and keyboard assembly are threaded through the rubber grommets on the speaker. NOTE: If the rubber grommets are pushed out of the speakers when removing the speakers, push them back in place before replacing the speakers.

  • Page 30: Installing The Keyboard-Controller Board

    About this task The following image indicates the location of the keyboard-controller board and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure. Steps 1. Open the latch, and disconnect the keyboard-backlight cable from the keyboard-controller board. 2. Open the latch, and disconnect the keyboard-controller board cable from the keyboard-controller board. 3.

  • Page 31: Touchpad

    Steps 1. Using the alignment pins, place the keyboard-controller board into place on the palm-rest assembly. 2. Align the screw holes on the keyboard-controller board with the screw holes on the palm-rest assembly. 3. Connect the keyboard-controller board cable to the keyboard-controller board and close the latch. 4.

  • Page 32: Installing The Touchpad

    Steps 1. Open the latch, and disconnect the keyboard-controller board-cable from keyboard-controller board. 2. Open the latch, and disconnect the keyboard-controller board-cable from system board. 3. Lift the keyboard-controller board-cable off the palm-rest assembly. 4. Open the latch, and disconnect the keyboard cable from the keyboard-controller board. 5.
  • Page 33 Steps 1. Place the touchpad into the slot on the palm-rest assembly. NOTE: Turn the computer over, and open the display. Ensure that the touchpad is equally aligned along all four sides. 2. Replace the four (M2x2.5) screws that secure the touchpad to the palm-rest assembly. 3.

  • Page 34: Rear-I/O Cover

    Rear-I/O cover Removing the rear I/O-cover Prerequisites 1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer. 2. Remove the base cover. About this task The following image indicates the location of the rear I/O-cover and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure.

  • Page 35: Installing The Rear I/O-Cover

    Steps 1. Peel and remove the Mylar that covers the system board. 2. Disconnect and peel the Tron-light cable from the system board. CAUTION: To prevent damaging your computer, ensure that the Tron-light cable has been disconnected from the system board before removing the rear I/O-cover. 3.

  • Page 37: Display Assembly

    Steps 1. Adhere the Mylar into place onto the system board. 2. Push the rear I/O-cover into the palm-rest assembly snapping it into place. NOTE: To avoid damaging your computer, ensure that the Tron light cable is not pinched and that the Mylar is pasted on the system board before snapping the rear I/O-cover into place.
  • Page 39 Steps 1. Remove the screw (M2x3) that secures the wireless card bracket to the left I/O-board. 2. Lift the wireless card bracket off the left I/O-board. 3. Disconnect the antenna cables from the wireless card. 4. Peel the tapes securing the antenna cables to system board and left fan. 5.

  • Page 40: Installing The Display Assembly

    • Antenna cables 12. Remove the six screws (M2.5x5) securing the display assembly to the palm-rest assembly. 13. Gently lift the display assembly from the palm-rest assembly. Installing the display assembly Prerequisites If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure. About this task CAUTION: Place the computer on a soft and clean surface to avoid scratching the display.
  • Page 41 Steps 1. Ensure that the palm-rest assembly is placed face up with the keyboard facing you. 2. Gently place the display assembly on the palm-rest assembly and align the screw holes on the display assembly to the screw holes on the palm-rest assembly. 3.

  • Page 42: Right I/O-Board

    The following table provides the antenna-cable color scheme for the wireless card that is supported by your computer. Table 2. Antenna-cable color scheme Connectors on the wireless card Antenna-cable color Main (white triangle) White Auxiliary (black triangle) Black 12. Place the wireless card bracket on the wireless card. 13.

  • Page 43: Installing The Right I/O-Board

    Steps 1. Lift the Mylar that covers the system board and right-I/O board. 2. Remove the two screws (M2x3) that secure the right I/O-board cable connecting the right I/O-board and the system board. 3. Lift the right I/O-board cable off the right I/O-board and system board. 4.
  • Page 44 Steps 1. Place the right I/O-board on the palm-rest assembly. 2. Align the screw holes on the right I/O-board with the screw holes on the palm-rest assembly. 3. Replace the three screws (M2x3) that secure the right I/O-board to the palm-rest assembly. 4.

  • Page 45: System Board

    System board Removing the system board Prerequisites 1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer. 2. Remove the base cover. 3. Remove the 2230 solid-state drive in M.2 slot one, if installed. 4. Remove the 2280 solid-state drive in M.2 slot one, if installed.
  • Page 46 Steps 1. Remove the screw (M2x3) that secures the wireless card bracket to the left I/O-board. 2. Lift the wireless-card bracket off the left I/O-board. 3. Disconnect the antenna cables from the wireless card. 4. Peel the tapes securing the antenna cables to system board and left fan. 5.

  • Page 47: Installing The System Board

    17. Remove the two (M2.5x5) screws that secure the fans to the palm-rest assembly. 18. Remove the five (M2x3) screws that secure the system board to the palm-rest assembly. 19. Remove the three (M2x3) screws that secure the left I/O-board to the palm-rest assembly. 20.Lift the system board and the left I/O-board out of the palm-rest assembly.
  • Page 48 Steps 1. Install the fan and heat-sink assembly. 2. Install the left I/O-board. 3. Turn the system board over, place the system board and the left I/O-board on the palm-rest assembly. 4. Replace the two (M2.5x5) screws that secure the fans to the palm-rest assembly. 5.

  • Page 49: Left I/O-Board

    14. Replace the three screws (M2x4.5) that secure the solid-state drive support bracket to the system board. 15. Connect the keyboard-controller board-cable to the system board and close the latch. 16. Connect the touchpad cable to the system board and close the latch. 17.

  • Page 50: Installing The Left I/O-Board

    Steps 1. Remove the four screws (M2x4.5) that secure the left I/O-board to the system board. 2. Lift the left I/O-board off the system board. 3. Lift the interposer board off the system board. NOTE: The interposer may come off with the I/O board. Installing the left I/O-board Prerequisites If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure.

  • Page 51: Fan And Heat-Sink Assembly

    Steps 1. Using the alignment pins, place the interposer board on the system board. 2. Using the alignment pins, connect the left I/O-board to the system board through the interposer board. 3. Align the screw holes on the left I/O-board with the screw holes on the system board and interposer board. 4.
  • Page 52 About this task NOTE: The heat sink may become hot during normal operation. Allow sufficient time for the heat sink to cool before you touch it. CAUTION: For maximum cooling of the processor, do not touch the heat transfer areas on the heat sink. The oils in your skin can reduce the heat transfer capability of the thermal grease.

  • Page 53: Installing The Fan And Heat-Sink Assembly

    Steps 1. Disconnect the left and right fan cables from the system board. 2. In the reverse sequential order (10>9>8>7>6>5>4>3>2>1), remove the ten screws (M2x3) that secure the fan and heat-sink assembly to the system board. NOTE: The number of screws varies depending on the configuration ordered. 3.

  • Page 54: Power-Adapter Port

    Steps 1. Place the fan and heat-sink assembly on the system board. 2. In sequential order (1>2>3>4>5>6>7>8>9>10), replace the ten screws (M2x3) that secure the fan and heat-sink assembly to the system board. NOTE: The number of screws varies depending on the configuration ordered. 3.

  • Page 55: Installing The Power-Adapter Port

    8. Remove the battery. 9. Follow step 1 to step 21 in removing the system board. About this task The following image indicates the location of the power-adapter port and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure. Steps 1. Remove the two screws (M2x3) that secure the power-adapter port bracket to the palm-rest assembly. 2.

  • Page 56: Power-Button Assembly

    Steps 1. Place the power-adapter port into the slot on the palm-rest assembly. 2. Place the power-adapter port bracket on the power-adapter port. 3. Replace the two screws (M2x3) that secure the power-adapter port bracket to the palm-rest assembly. Next steps 1.

  • Page 57: Installing The Power-Button Assembly

    About this task The following image indicates the location of the power-button assembly and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure. Steps 1. Remove the two (M2x1.9) screws that secure the power-button bracket to the palm-rest assembly. 2. Lift the power-button bracket off the power-button assembly. 3.

  • Page 58: Keyboard

    Steps 1. Place the power-button assembly and its cable in the slot on the palm-rest assembly. 2. Place the power-button bracket on the power-button assembly. 3. Replace the two (M2x1.9) screws that secure the power-button bracket to the palm-rest assembly. Next steps 1.
  • Page 59 10. Follow step 1 to step 21 in removing the system board. About this task The following image indicates the location of the keyboard and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure.

  • Page 60: Installing The Keyboard

    Steps 1. Open the latch, and disconnect the keyboard-backlight cable from the keyboard-controller board. 2. Open the latch, and disconnect the keyboard cable from the keyboard-controller board. 3. Remove the ten (M1.2x2.1) screws that secure the keyboard bracket to the keyboard. 4.

  • Page 62: Palmrest

    Steps 1. Place the keyboard on the palm-rest assembly. 2. Replace the 28 (M1.2x1.6) screws that secure the keyboard to the palm-rest assembly. NOTE: The 28 screw holes are marked with an arrow. 3. Place the keyboard bracket on the keyboard. 4.

  • Page 63: Installing The Palm Rest

    6. Remove the 2280 solid-state drive in M.2 slot two, if installed. 7. Remove the speakers. 8. Remove the rear I/O-cover. 9. Remove the battery. 10. Remove the display assembly. 11. Remove the keyboard-controller board. 12. Remove the right I/O-board. 13.
  • Page 64 Next steps 1. Install the keyboard. 2. Install the power-button assembly. 3. Install the power-adapter port. 4. Install the touchpad. 5. Follow step 3 to step 22 in installing the system board. 6. Install the right I/O-board. 7. Install the keyboard-controller board.

  • Page 65: Chapter 3: Drivers And Downloads

    Drivers and downloads When troubleshooting, downloading or installing drivers it is recommended that you read the Dell Knowledge Based article, Drivers and Downloads FAQ SLN128938.

  • Page 66: Chapter 4: System Setup

    System setup CAUTION: Unless you are an expert computer user, do not change the settings in the BIOS Setup program. Certain changes can make your computer work incorrectly. NOTE: Depending on the computer and its installed devices, the items listed in this section may or may not be displayed. NOTE: Before you change BIOS Setup program, it is recommended that you write down the BIOS Setup program screen information for future reference.

  • Page 67: System Setup Options

    NOTE: XXX denotes the SATA drive number. • Optical Drive (if available) • SATA Hard Drive (if available) • Diagnostics NOTE: Choosing Diagnostics, will display the ePSA diagnostics screen. The boot sequence screen also displays the option to access the System Setup screen. System setup options Main Table 5.
  • Page 68 Table 6. Advanced (continued) Option Description • Enable Intel SpeedStep Default: Enabled Intel Speed Shift Technology Enables or disables the Intel Speed Shift Technology. This option enables the operating system to select the appropriate processor performance automatically. • Enabled Default: Enabled Hyper-Thread Control Allows you to enable or disable the HyperThreading in the processor.

  • Page 69: Security

    Table 6. Advanced (continued) Option Description SATA Operation Enables you to configure the operating mode of the integrated SATA drive controller. Choose one of the following options: • Disabled: The SATA controllers are hidden • AHCI: SATA is configured for AHCI mode •...
  • Page 70 Table 7. Security (continued) Option Description • Enter the old password: • Enter the new password: • Confirm new password: Click OK once you set the password. NOTE: For the first time login, "Enter the old password:" field is marked to "Not set". Hence, password has to be set for the first time you login and then you can change or delete the password.

  • Page 71: Secure Boot

    Table 7. Security (continued) Option Description • PPI Bypass for Enable Command—Default • PPI Bypass for Disbale Command • PPI Bypass for Clear Command • Attestation Enable—Default • Key Storage Enable—Default • SHA-256—Default Choose one of the options: • Disbaled •...

  • Page 72: Secure Boot

    NOTE: If BitLocker is enabled, it must be suspended before updating the system BIOS, and then re-enabled after the BIOS update is completed. Steps 1. Restart the computer. 2. Go to www.dell.com/support. • Enter the Service Tag or Express Service Code and click Submit. •...

  • Page 73: Updating Bios On Systems With Bitlocker Enabled

    3. Insert the USB flash drive into the computer that requires the BIOS update. 4. Restart the computer and press F12 when the Dell logo appears to display the One Time Boot Menu. 5. Using arrow keys, select USB Storage Device and press Enter.

  • Page 74: Flashing The Bios From The F12 One-Time Boot Menu

    Most of the Dell computers built after 2012 have this capability, and you can confirm by booting your computer to the F12 One-Time Boot Menu to see if BIOS FLASH UPDATE is listed as a boot option for your computer. If the option is listed, then the BIOS supports this BIOS update option.

  • Page 75: System And Setup Password

    System and setup password Table 10. System and setup password Password type Description System password Password that you must enter to log in to your system. Setup password Password that you must enter to access and make changes to the BIOS settings of your computer.

  • Page 76: Clearing Cmos Settings

    Clearing BIOS (System Setup) and System passwords About this task To clear the system or BIOS passwords, contact Dell technical support as described at www.dell.com/contactdell. NOTE: For information on how to reset Windows or application passwords, refer to the documentation accompanying...

  • Page 77: Chapter 5: Troubleshooting

    You can also download it from the Dell Support website to troubleshoot and fix your computer when it fails to boot into their primary operating system due to software or hardware failures.

  • Page 78: Flea Power Release

    Table 11. LED codes (continued) Diagnostic light codes Problem description System BIOS Flash incomplete Management Engine (ME) error Camera status light: Indicates whether the camera is in use. • Solid—Camera is in use. • Off—Camera is not in use. Caps Lock status light: Indicates whether Caps Lock is enabled or disabled. •...

  • Page 79: Chapter 6: Getting Help

    About this task Dell provides several online and telephone-based support and service options. Availability varies by country and product, and some services may not be available in your area. To contact Dell for sales, technical support, or customer service issues: Steps 1.

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P45e

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