Contents

Dell Alienware Alpha R2 Desktop Service Manual PDF

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Summary of Content for Dell Alienware Alpha R2 Desktop Service Manual PDF

Alienware Alpha R2 Service Manual

Computer Model: Alienware Alpha R2 Regulatory Model: D07U Regulatory Type: D07U002/D07U003

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 - 05

Rev. A00

Contents

Before working inside your computer.......................................... 10 Before You Begin ..............................................................................................10 Safety instructions.............................................................................................. 10 Recommended tools........................................................................................... 11

After working inside your computer............................................ 12

Technical overview......................................................................... 13 Inside View Of Your Computer........................................................................... 13 System-board components...................................................................................14

Removing the base cover............................................................... 15 Procedure.......................................................................................................... 15

Replacing the base cover................................................................17 Procedure.......................................................................................................... 17

Removing the hard drive............................................................... 18 Prerequisites...................................................................................................... 18 Procedure.......................................................................................................... 18

Replacing the hard drive............................................................... 21 Procedure.......................................................................................................... 21 Post-requisites....................................................................................................21

Removing the top cover................................................................. 22 Prerequisites...................................................................................................... 22 Procedure.......................................................................................................... 22

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Replacing the top cover..................................................................24 Procedure.......................................................................................................... 24 Post-requisites....................................................................................................24

Removing the bottom USB-port....................................................25 Prerequisites...................................................................................................... 25 Procedure.......................................................................................................... 25

Replacing the bottom USB-port....................................................29 Procedure.......................................................................................................... 29 Post-requisites....................................................................................................29

Removing the power-button board...............................................30 Prerequisites...................................................................................................... 30 Procedure.......................................................................................................... 30

Replacing the power-button board............................................... 36 Procedure.......................................................................................................... 36 Post-requisites....................................................................................................36

Removing the processor fan.......................................................... 37 Prerequisites...................................................................................................... 37 Procedure.......................................................................................................... 37

Replacing the processor fan...........................................................39 Procedure.......................................................................................................... 39 Post-requisites....................................................................................................39

Removing the processor heat-sink................................................ 40 Prerequisites...................................................................................................... 40 Procedure.......................................................................................................... 40

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Replacing the processor heat-sink................................................ 42 Procedure.......................................................................................................... 42 Post-requisites....................................................................................................43

Removing the video-card fan.........................................................44 Prerequisites...................................................................................................... 44 Procedure.......................................................................................................... 45

Replacing the video-card fan.........................................................47 Procedure.......................................................................................................... 47 Post-requisites....................................................................................................47

Removing the memory modules....................................................48 Prerequisites...................................................................................................... 48 Procedure.......................................................................................................... 48

Replacing the memory modules.................................................... 50 Procedure.......................................................................................................... 50 Post-requisites....................................................................................................51

Removing the solid-state drive...................................................... 52 Prerequisites...................................................................................................... 52 Procedure.......................................................................................................... 52

Replacing the solid-state drive...................................................... 54 Procedure.......................................................................................................... 54 Post-requisites....................................................................................................55

Removing the processor.................................................................56 Prerequisites...................................................................................................... 56 Procedure.......................................................................................................... 56

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Replacing the processor................................................................. 58 Procedure.......................................................................................................... 58 Post-requisites....................................................................................................59

Removing the front-panel light board.......................................... 60 Prerequisites...................................................................................................... 60 Procedure.......................................................................................................... 60

Replacing the front-panel light board.......................................... 63 Procedure.......................................................................................................... 63 Post-requisites....................................................................................................63

Removing the wireless card........................................................... 64 Prerequisites...................................................................................................... 64 Procedure.......................................................................................................... 64

Replacing the wireless card........................................................... 66 Procedure.......................................................................................................... 66 Post-requisites....................................................................................................66

Removing the antenna modules.................................................... 67 Prerequisites...................................................................................................... 67 Procedure.......................................................................................................... 68

Replacing the antenna modules.....................................................70 Procedure.......................................................................................................... 70 Post-requisites....................................................................................................70

Removing the system board...........................................................71 Prerequisites...................................................................................................... 71 Procedure.......................................................................................................... 72

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Replacing the system board...........................................................75 Procedure.......................................................................................................... 75 Post-requisites....................................................................................................75

Removing the coin-cell battery......................................................77 Prerequisites...................................................................................................... 77 Procedure.......................................................................................................... 77

Replacing the coin-cell battery......................................................79 Procedure.......................................................................................................... 79 Post-requisites....................................................................................................79

BIOS setup program...................................................................... 80 Overview...........................................................................................................80 Entering System Setup ....................................................................................... 80 System setup options.......................................................................................... 80 Boot sequence....................................................................................................86

Changing boot sequence for the current boot................................................... 86 Changing boot sequence for future boots........................................................ 87

Clearing Forgotten Passwords..............................................................................87 Prerequisites.................................................................................................87 Procedure.....................................................................................................87 Post-requisites.............................................................................................. 88

Clearing CMOS Settings.....................................................................................89 Prerequisites.................................................................................................89 Procedure.....................................................................................................89 Post-requisites.............................................................................................. 91

Flashing the BIOS.......................................................................... 92

Technology and components......................................................... 93 Audio................................................................................................................93

Downloading the audio driver........................................................................93 Identifying the audio controller...................................................................... 93

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Changing the audio settings........................................................................... 94 HDMI............................................................................................................... 94 Graphics............................................................................................................94

Downloading the graphics driver....................................................................94 Identifying the display adapter....................................................................... 95 Changing the screen resolution...................................................................... 95 Rotating the display...................................................................................... 96

USB..................................................................................................................98 Downloading the USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 driver................................................ 98 Enabling or disabling the USB in BIOS setup program.....................................98 Fixing a no-boot issue caused by USB emulation.............................................99

Wi-Fi................................................................................................................ 99 Turning on or off Wi-Fi.................................................................................99 Downloading the Wi-Fi driver....................................................................... 99 Configuring the Wi-Fi.................................................................................100

Bluetooth.........................................................................................................100 Turning on or off Bluetooth......................................................................... 100 Pairing the Bluetooth-enabled devices.......................................................... 101 Removing the Bluetooth device................................................................... 102 Transferring files between devices using Bluetooth........................................102

Hard drive....................................................................................................... 103 Identifying the hard drive............................................................................ 103 Identifying the hard drive in BIOS setup program..........................................103

Power adapter.................................................................................................. 104 Chipset............................................................................................................104

Downloading the chipset driver....................................................................104 Identifying the chipset.................................................................................105

Memory...........................................................................................................105 Checking the system memory in Windows....................................................105 Checking the system memory in BIOS setup program....................................105 Testing memory using ePSA........................................................................105

Processors........................................................................................................106 Identifying the processors in Windows......................................................... 106

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Checking the processor usage in the task manager......................................... 106 Operating System............................................................................................. 107 Service Tag location......................................................................................... 107 Device driver................................................................................................... 107

Intel Chipset Software Installation Utility..................................................... 108 Video drivers............................................................................................. 108 Intel Serial IO driver................................................................................... 109 Intel Trusted Execution Engine Interface...................................................... 110 Intel Wireless-AC 8260 Wi-Fi and Bluetooth drivers..................................... 111

BIOS overview................................................................................................ 112 Getting help and contacting Alienware............................................................... 112

Self-help resources..................................................................................... 112 Contacting Alienware................................................................................. 112

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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.

The shut-down instruction varies depending on the operating system installed on your computer.

Windows 10: Click Start Power Shut down. Console Mode: On the Home screen, click 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.

NOTE: Remove the USB dongle from the bottom USB-port.

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.

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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 Plastic scribe

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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.

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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 video-card fan 2 back panel

3 processor fan 4 power-button module

5 front-panel light module

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System-board components

1 processor socket (PROCESSOR) 2 processor-fan cable connector (CPUFAN)

3 M.2 Solid-state drive slot (NGFSSD) 4 jumper plug (P215)

5 memory-module slot (XMM1) 6 video-card fan cable connector (GPUFAN)

7 front-panel light board cable connector (LOGOCON)

8 USB-port cable connector (USBCON)

9 wireless-card slot 10 video card

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Removing the base cover 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 Turn the computer over. 2 Remove the screws that secure the base cover to the top cover.

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3 Lift the base cover off the top cover.

1 screws (4) 2 base cover

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Replacing the base cover 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 Align the screw holes on the base cover with the screw holes on the top cover and

snap the base cover over the top cover. 2 Replace the screws that secure the base cover to the top cover.

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Removing the hard drive 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.

CAUTION: Hard drives are fragile. Exercise care when handling the hard drive.

CAUTION: To avoid data loss, do not remove the hard drive while the computer is in sleep or on state.

Prerequisites Remove the base cover.

Procedure 1 Remove the screw that secures the hard-drive assembly to the chassis. 2 Slide the hard-drive assembly towards the back of the computer to disconnect the

hard drive from the system board.

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3 Lift the hard-drive assembly off the chassis.

1 hard-drive assembly 2 screw

4 Remove the screws that secure the hard-drive bracket to the hard drive.

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5 Lift the hard drive off the hard-drive bracket.

1 hard-drive bracket 2 hard drive

3 screws (4)

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Replacing the hard drive 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.

CAUTION: Hard drives are fragile. Exercise care when handling the hard drive.

Procedure 1 Align the screw holes on the hard drive with the screw holes on the hard-drive

bracket. 2 Replace the screws that secure the hard-drive bracket to the hard drive. 3 Align the slots on the hard-drive assembly with the tabs on the chassis. 4 Slide the hard-drive assembly towards the front of the computer to connect the hard

drive to the system board. 5 Replace the screw that secures the hard-drive assembly to the chassis.

Post-requisites Replace the base cover.

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Removing the top cover 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.

Prerequisites Remove the base cover.

Procedure CAUTION: The chassis is not secured to the top cover. To avoid damaging the computer, ensure to hold the chassis and top cover together before turning it over.

1 Hold the chassis along with the top cover and then turn the computer over.

1 top cover 2 chassis

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2 Lift the top cover off the chassis.

1 top cover

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Replacing the top cover 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 Align the slots on the top cover with the ports on the chassis and place the top

cover on the chassis. 2 Hold the chassis along with the top cover and then turn the computer over.

Post-requisites Replace the base cover.

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Removing the bottom USB-port 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.

Prerequisites 1 Remove the base cover. 2 Remove the top cover.

Procedure 1 Disconnect the USB-port cable from the system board (USBCON).

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2 Push down the USB-port cable through the cable-routing hole on the chassis.

1 USB-port cable 2 cable-routing hole

3 Turn the computer over. 4 Remove the USB-port cable from the routing guides on the chassis. 5 Remove the screw that secures the USB-port bracket to the chassis. 6 Lift the USB-port bracket at an angle to release the tabs on the USB-port bracket

from the slots on the chassis.

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7 Lift the USB-port bracket off the chassis.

1 USB-port cable 2 USB-port bracket

3 screw 4 routing guides

5 chassis

8 Remove the screw that secures the USB port to the chassis.

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9 Slide and remove the USB port, along with the cable, from under the tab on the chassis.

1 USB-port cable 2 screw

3 tab 4 USB port

5 chassis

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Replacing the bottom USB-port 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 Slide the USB port under the tab on the chassis. 2 Replace the screw that secures the USB port to the chassis. 3 Align and slide the tabs on USB-port bracket in the slots on the chassis. 4 Replace the screw that secures the USB-port bracket to the chassis 5 Route the USB-port cable through the routing guides on the chassis and slide the

cable through the cable-routing hole on the chassis. 6 Turn the computer over. 7 Connect the USB-port cable to the system board.

Post-requisites 1 Replace the top cover. 2 Replace the base cover.

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Removing the power-button board 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.

Prerequisites 1 Remove the base cover. 2 Remove the top cover.

Procedure 1 Disconnect the power-button board cable from the system board (RIMCON).

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2 Press the tabs on the power-button module to release the module from the front panel.

1 tabs (4) 2 power-button module

3 power-button board cable

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3 Turn the chassis over and remove the antenna cable from the routing guides on the power-button module.

1 power-button board cable 2 routing guides

4 Use a plastic scribe to release the tabs at the bottom of the power-button module from the slots on the chassis.

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5 Remove the power-button module along with its cable through the slot on the front panel.

1 plastic scribe 2 tabs (2)

3 power-button board

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6 Push the tab that secures the power-button board to the power-button board bracket.

1 tab 2 power-button board

3 power-button board cable 4 power-button board bracket

7 Lift and slide the power-button board to release it from the power-button board bracket.

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8 Remove the power-button board along with its cable off the power-button board bracket.

1 power-button board cable 2 tab

3 power-button board 4 power-button board bracket

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Replacing the power-button board 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 Use the alignment posts on power-button board bracket to align the power-button

board into the slot on the power-button board bracket. 2 Snap the power-button board in place on the power-button board bracket. 3 Route the power-button board cable through the cable-routing hole on the chassis. 4 Align and snap the power-button module into the slot on the front panel. 5 Connect the power-button board cable to the system board (RIMCON). 6 Turn the chassis over. 7 Route the antenna cable through the routing guides on the power-button board

module.

Post-requisites 1 Replace the top cover. 2 Replace the base cover.

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Removing the processor fan 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.

Prerequisites 1 Remove the base cover. 2 Remove the top cover.

Procedure 1 Press the tabs and lift the processor fan off the system board.

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2 Disconnect the processor-fan cable from the system board (CPUFAN).

1 processor fan 2 tabs (2)

3 processor-fan cable

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Replacing the processor fan 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 Connect the processor-fan cable to the system board (CPUFAN). 2 Align and snap the processor fan over the processor heat sink.

Post-requisites 1 Replace the top cover. 2 Replace the base cover.

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Removing the processor heat-sink 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.

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.

Prerequisites 1 Remove the base cover. 2 Remove the top cover. 3 Remove the processor fan.

Procedure NOTE: The original thermal grease can be reused if the original processor and heat sink are reinstalled together. If either the processor or the heat sink is replaced, use the thermal grease provided in the kit to make sure that thermal conductivity is achieved.

1 Loosen the captive screws that secure the processor heat sink to the system board.

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2 Lift the processor heat sink off system board.

1 captive screws (4) 2 processor heat sink

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Replacing the processor heat-sink 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.

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.

Procedure CAUTION: Incorrect alignment of the heat sink may damage the system board and processor.

NOTE: The original thermal grease can be reused if the original processor and heat sink are reinstalled together. If either the processor or the heat sink is replaced, use the thermal grease provided in the kit to make sure that thermal conductivity is achieved.

1 Place the processor heat sink over the processor with the arrows facing the back panel.

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2 Align the captive screws on the processor heat sink with the screw holes on the system board.

1 processor heat sink 2 captive screws

3 system board 4 back panel

3 Tighten the captive screws that secure the processor heat sink to the system board.

Post-requisites 1 Replace the processor fan. 2 Replace the top cover. 3 Replace the base cover.

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Removing the video-card fan 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.

Prerequisites 1 Remove the base cover. 2 Remove the top cover.

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Procedure 1 Disconnect the video-card fan cable from the system board (GPUFAN).

1 video-card fan cable 2 video-card fan

45

2 Press the tabs and lift the video-card fan off the system board.

1 video-card fan 2 tabs (2)

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Replacing the video-card fan 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 Align and snap the video-card fan over the video-card heat sink. 2 Connect the video-card fan cable to the system board (GPUFAN).

Post-requisites 1 Replace the top cover. 2 Replace the base cover.

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Removing the memory modules 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.

Prerequisites 1 Remove the base cover. 2 Remove the top cover. 3 Remove the processor fan.

Procedure 1 Using your fingertips, pry apart the securing clips on each end of the memory-

module slot until the memory module pops up.

48

2 Slide and remove the memory module from the memory-module slot.

1 memory module 2 securing clips (2)

3 memory-module slot

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Replacing the memory modules 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 Align the notch on the memory module with the tab on the memory-module slot.

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2 Slide the memory module into the memory-module slot and press the memory module down until it clicks into place.

NOTE: If you do not hear the click, remove the memory module and reinstall it.

1 memory-module slot 2 memory module

3 notch 4 tab

Post-requisites 1 Replace the processor fan. 2 Replace the top cover. 3 Replace the base cover.

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Removing the solid-state drive 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.

CAUTION: Solid-state drives are fragile. Exercise care when handling the solid-state drive.

CAUTION: To avoid data loss, do not remove the solid-state drive while the computer is in sleep or on state.

Prerequisites 1 Remove the base cover. 2 Remove the top cover. 3 Remove the processor fan.

Procedure 1 Remove the screw that secures the M.2 SSD card to the system board.

52

2 Slide and remove the M.2 SSD card from the M.2 SSD card slot.

1 M.2 SSD card slot 2 M.2 SSD card

3 screw 4 system board

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Replacing the solid-state drive 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.

CAUTION: Solid-state drives are fragile. Exercise care when handling the solid-state drive.

Procedure 1 Align the notch on the M.2 SSD card with the tab on the M.2 SSD card slot. 2 Slide the M.2 SSD card into the M.2 SSD card slot.

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3 Replace the screw that secures the M.2 SSD card to the system board.

1 M.2 SSD card slot 2 tab

3 notch 4 M.2 SSD card

5 screw 6 system board

Post-requisites 1 Replace the processor fan. 2 Replace the top cover. 3 Replace the base cover.

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Removing the processor 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.

Prerequisites 1 Remove the base cover. 2 Remove the top cover. 3 Remove the processor fan. 4 Remove the processor heat sink.

Procedure 1 Press the release lever down and then push it away from the processor to release it

from the tab. 2 Extend the release lever completely and open the processor cover.

56

3 Lift the processor off the processor socket.

1 release lever 2 tab

3 processor cover 4 processor socket

5 processor

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Replacing the processor 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.

CAUTION: If either the processor or the heat sink is replaced, use the thermal grease provided in the kit to ensure that thermal conductivity is achieved.

Procedure 1 Make sure that the release lever on the processor socket is fully extended and the

processor cover is fully open.

CAUTION: Position the processor correctly in the processor socket to avoid permanent damage to the processor.

2 Align the pin-1 corner on the processor with the pin-1 corner on the processor socket, and then place the processor in the processor socket.

CAUTION: Make sure that the processor-cover notch is positioned underneath the alignment post.

3 When the processor is fully seated in the socket, close the processor cover.

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4 Pivot the release lever down and place it under the tab on the processor cover.

1 processor socket 2 processor

3 tab 4 processor cover

5 release lever

Post-requisites 1 Replace the processor heat sink. 2 Replace the processor fan. 3 Replace the top cover. 4 Replace the base cover.

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Removing the front-panel light board 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.

Prerequisites 1 Remove the base cover. 2 Remove the top cover. 3 Remove the video-card fan.

Procedure 1 Disconnect the front-panel light board cable from the system board (LOGOCON).

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2 Slide the front-panel light board cable through the routing-hole on the chassis.

1 chassis 2 front-panel light board cable

3 routing hole

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3 Press the front-panel light module tabs to release the module from the front panel.

1 front-panel light module 2 tabs

3 front panel

4 Lift the front-panel light module, along with its cable, off the front panel.

62

Replacing the front-panel light board 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 Align the tabs on the front-panel light module with the slots on the front panel, and

snap the front-panel light module onto the front panel. 2 Route the front-panel light board cable through the cable-routing hole on the

chassis. 3 Connect the front-panel light board cable to the system board (LOGOCON).

Post-requisites 1 Replace the video-card fan. 2 Replace the top cover. 3 Replace the base cover.

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Removing the wireless card 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.

Prerequisites 1 Remove the base cover. 2 Remove the top cover. 3 Remove the video-card fan.

Procedure 1 Remove the screw that secures the wireless card to the system board. 2 Lift the bracket off the wireless card. 3 Disconnect the antenna cables from the wireless card.

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4 Slide and remove the wireless card out of the wireless-card slot.

1 bracket 2 screw

3 antenna cables (2) 4 wireless card

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Replacing the wireless card 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 CAUTION: To avoid damage to the wireless card, do not place any cables under it.

1 Align the notch on the wireless card with the tab on the wireless-card slot. 2 Connect the antenna cables to the wireless card.

A label at the tip of the antenna cables indicates color scheme for the wireless card supported by your computer.

Connectors on the wireless card Antenna-cable sticker color

Auxiliary (1) Black

Main (2) White

3 Slide the wireless card at an angle into the wireless-card slot. 4 Press the other end of the wireless card down and replace the bracket on the

wireless card. 5 Replace the screw that secures the wireless card to the system board.

Post-requisites 1 Replace the video-card fan. 2 Replace the top cover. 3 Replace the base cover.

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Removing the antenna modules 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.

Prerequisites 1 Remove the base cover. 2 Remove the top cover. 3 Remove the video-card fan. 4 Remove the wireless card.

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Procedure 1 Slide the antenna cables through the cable-routing hole on the chassis.

1 routing hole 2 antenna cables (2)

2 Turn the computer over. 3 Remove the antenna cable from the routing guides on the power-button module and

chassis. 4 Remove the screws that secure the antenna modules to the chassis.

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5 Using a plastic scribe, pry and slide the antenna modules, and release the tabs on the antenna modules from the slots on the chassis.

1 antenna cable 2 routing guides

3 antenna modules (2) 4 screws (2)

5 plastic scribe

6 Lift the antenna modules, along with the cable, off the chassis.

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Replacing the antenna modules 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 Align and slide the tabs on the antenna modules in the slots on the chassis. 2 Align the screw holes on the antenna modules with the screws hole on the chassis. 3 Replace the screws that secure the antenna modules to the chassis. 4 Route the antenna cable through the routing guides on the chassis and power-button

module. 5 Route the antenna cable through the cable-routing hole on the chassis.

Post-requisites 1 Replace the wireless card. 2 Replace the video-card fan. 3 Replace the top cover. 4 Replace the base cover.

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Removing the system board 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.

NOTE: Your computers Service Tag is stored in the system board. You must enter the Service Tag in the BIOS setup program after you replace the system board.

NOTE: Replacing the system board removes any changes you have made to the BIOS using the BIOS setup program. You must make the appropriate changes again after you replace the system board.

NOTE: Before disconnecting the cables from the system board, note the location of the connectors so that you can reconnect the cables correctly after you replace the system board.

Prerequisites 1 Remove the base cover. 2 Remove the top cover. 3 Remove the hard drive. 4 Remove the processor fan. 5 Remove the processor heat sink. 6 Remove the processor. 7 Remove the video-card fan. 8 Remove the memory modules. 9 Remove the wireless card.

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Procedure NOTE: The system board shipped in your computer may differ from the system board shown in the images below.

1 Disconnect the USB-port cable, front-panel light board cable, and power-button board cable from the system board. For information on the location of connectors, see System- board components.

2 Remove the screws that secure the back panel to the chassis.

1 power-button board cable 2 front-panel light board cable

3 USB-port cable 4 screws (2)

5 back panel

3 Turn the chassis over.

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4 Push the tab at the bottom of the back panel and use a plastic scribe to remove the back panel from the chassis.

1 plastic scribe 2 back panel

3 tab

5 Remove the screws that secure the system board to the chassis.

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6 Lift the system board at an angle and remove it from the chassis.

1 system board 2 screws (4)

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Replacing the system board 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.

NOTE: Your computers Service Tag is stored in the system board. You must enter the Service Tag in the BIOS setup program after you replace the system board.

NOTE: Replacing the system board removes any changes you have made to the BIOS using the BIOS setup program. You must make the appropriate changes again after you replace the system board.

Procedure NOTE: Make sure that no cables are under the system board.

1 Slide the system board into the slot on the chassis and align the screw holes on the system board with the screw holes on the chassis.

2 Replace the screws that secure the system board to the chassis. 3 Align and snap the back panel onto the chassis. 4 Align the screw holes on the back panel with the screw holes on the chassis and

replace the screws that secure the back panel to the chassis. 5 Connect the USB-port cable, front-panel light board cable, and power-button board

cable to the system board. For more information on the location of connectors, see System- board components.

Post-requisites 1 Replace the wireless card. 2 Replace the memory modules. 3 Replace the video-card fan. 4 Replace the processor. 5 Replace the processor heat sink.

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6 Replace the processor fan. 7 Replace the hard drive. 8 Replace the top cover. 9 Replace the base cover.

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Removing the coin-cell battery 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.

CAUTION: Removing the coin-cell battery resets the BIOS setup programs settings to default. It is recommended that you note the BIOS setup programs settings before removing the coin-cell battery.

Prerequisites 1 Remove the base cover. 2 Remove the top cover. 3 Remove the hard drive. 4 Remove the processor fan. 5 Remove the video-card fan. 6 Remove the wireless card. 7 Remove the system board.

Procedure 1 Turn the system board over. 2 Disconnect the coin-cell battery cable from the system board.

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3 Peel off the coin-cell battery from the system board.

1 coin-cell battery 2 coin-cell battery cable

3 system board

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Replacing the coin-cell battery 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 Adhere the coin-cell battery to the system board. 2 Connect the coin-cell battery cable to the system board.

Post-requisites 1 Replace the system board. 2 Replace the wireless card. 3 Replace the video-card fan. 4 Replace the processor fan. 5 Replace the hard drive. 6 Replace the top cover. 7 Replace the base cover.

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BIOS setup program Overview

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: Before you change BIOS setup program, it is recommended that you write down the BIOS setup program screen information for future reference.

Use BIOS setup program to:

Get information about the hardware installed in your computer, such as the amount of RAM, the size of the hard drive, and so on.

Change the system configuration information. Set or change a user-selectable option, such as the user password, type of hard drive

installed, enabling or disabling base devices, and so on.

Entering System Setup NOTE: You must connect a keyboard and mouse to access and configure system setup.

1 Turn on (or restart) your computer. 2 During POST, when the Dell logo is displayed, watch for the F2 prompt to appear

and then press F2 immediately.

NOTE: The F2 prompt indicates that the keyboard has initialized. This prompt can appear very quickly, so you must watch for it, and then press F2. If you press F2 before the F2 prompt, this keystroke is lost. If you wait too long and the operating system logo appears, continue to wait until you see the operating systems desktop. Then, turn off your computer and try again.

System setup options NOTE: Depending on your computer and its installed devices, the items listed in this section may or may not appear.

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Main

BIOS Revision Displays the BIOS version number.

BIOS Build Date Displays the BIOS release date.

System Name Displays the system name.

System Time Displays the current time in hh:mm:ss format.

System Date Displays the current date in mm/dd/yyy format.

Service Tag Displays the service tag of your computer.

Service Tag Input Allows you to enter the service tag of your computer.

Asset Tag Displays the asset tag of your computer.

Processor Information

Processor Type Displays the processor type.

Processor ID Displays the processor identification code.

Processor Core Count Displays the number of cores in the processor.

Processor L1 Cache Displays the processor L1 cache size.

Processor L2 Cache Displays the processor L2 cache size.

Processor L3 Cache Displays the processor L3 cache size.

Memory Information

Memory Installed Displays the total computer memory.

Memory Available Displays the amount of memory available on the computer.

Memory Running Speed Displays the memory speed.

Memory Technology Displays the type of memory technology used.

SATA Information

SATA 1 Displays the device connected to SATA Port1.

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Main

Device Type Displays the type of the connected device.

Device ID Displays the identification code of the device.

Device Size Displays the size of the device.

Advanced

Processor Configuration

Intel Hyper-Threading Technology Allows you to enable or disable the HyperThreading in the processor.

Intel(R) SpeedStep Technology Allows you to enable or disable Intel (R) SpeedStep Technology.

NOTE: If enabled, the processor clock speed and core voltage are adjusted dynamically based on the processor load.

Intel(R) Virtualization Technology Allows you to enable or disable Intel Virtualization Technology feature for the processor.

CPU XD Support Allows you to enable the Execute Disable mode of the processor.

Limit CPUID Value Allows you to limit the maximum value the processor standard CPUID function supports.

Multi Core Support Allows you to enable or disable multi- core processor.

Intel(R) Turbo Boost Technology Allows you to enable or disable Intel Turbo Boost Technology mode for the processor.

USB Configuration

Front USB Ports Allows you to enable or disable the front USB ports.

Rear USB Ports Allows you to enable or disable the rear USB ports.

Onboard Device Configuration

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Advanced

Onboard Audio Controller Allows you to enable or disable the onboard audio controller.

SATA Mode Displays the SATA mode on your computer.

Onboard LAN Controller Allows you to enable or disable the onboard LAN controller.

Onboard LAN Boot ROM Allows you to boot your computer from a network.

Boot

Numlock Key Allows you to set the status of the Num Lock key during boot to On or Off.

Secure Boot Allows you to enable or disable the secure boot control.

Load Legacy OPROM Allows you to enable or disable the Legacy Option ROM.

Keyboard Errors Allows you to enable or disable the display of keyboard-related errors during boot.

USB Boot Support Allows you to enable or disable booting from USB mass storage devices such as external hard drive, optical drive, USB drive, and so on.

Boot Mode

Boot Option #1 Displays the first boot device. Default: UEFI: Windows Boot Manager.

Boot Option #2 Displays the second boot device. Default: USB Storage Device.

Boot Option #3 Displays the third boot device. Default: Internal ODD Devices.

Boot Option #4 Displays the fourth boot device. Default: USB Floppy Device.

Boot Option #5 Displays the fifth boot device. Default: Onboard NIC Device.

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Boot

Hard Disk Drivers Displays the boot sequence of the hard drive.

Power

Wake Up by Integrated LAN Allow the computer to be powered on by special LAN signals.

Deep Sleep Control Allows you to define the controls when Deep Sleep is enabled.

AC Recovery Sets what action the computer takes when power is restored.

Auto Power On Allows you to enable or disable the computer from turning on automatically.

Auto Power On Mode Allows you to set the computer to turn on automatically every day or on a preselected date. This option can be configured only if the Auto Power On mode is set to Enabled Everyday or Selected Day .

Auto Power On Date Allows you to set the date on which the computer must turn on automatically. This option can be configured only if the Auto Power On mode is set to Enabled 1 to 31.

Auto Power On Time Allows you to set the time at which the computer must turn on automatically. This option can be configured only if the Auto Power On mode is set to Enabled hh:mm:ss.

Security

Supervisor Password Displays whether the supervisor password is set.

User Password Displays whether the user password is set.

Set Supervisor Password Allows you to set, change, or delete the supervisor password. The supervisor password controls access to the system setup utility.

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Security

NOTE: Deleting the supervisor password deletes the user password. Set the supervisor password before setting the user password.

User Access Level Allows you to restrict or provide access to the system setup utility.

No Access: Restricts users from editing system setup options

View Only: Allows users to only view system setup options

Limited: Allows users to edit limited system setup options

Full Access: Allows users to edit all system setup options except the supervisor password

Set User Password Allows you to set, change, or delete the user password.

Password Check Allows you to enable password verification either when you attempt to enter system setup or each time the computer boots.

NOTE: Password Check option is visible only when the user password is set.

Exit

Save Changes and Reset Allows you to exit system setup and save your changes.

Discard Changes and Reset Allows you to exit system setup and load previous values for all system setup options.

Load Defaults Allows you to load default values for all system setup options.

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Boot sequence This feature allows you to change the sequence of devices that your computer attempts to boot from. If the computer cannot boot from the device you select, it attempts to boot from the next bootable device. You can use this feature to change the:

Current Boot Sequence change the boot sequence for the current boot, for example, to boot from the optical drive to run Dell Diagnostics from the Drivers and Utilities disc or to reinstall your operating system using an external media. The previous boot sequence is restored at the next boot.

Future Boot Sequence change the boot sequence for all future boots, for example, to boot from the primary hard drive.

Changing boot sequence for the current boot

1 If you are booting from a USB device, connect the USB device to a USB port. 2 Turn on (or restart) your computer. 3 When F2 Setup, F12 Boot Options appear in the lower-right corner of the screen,

press F12.

NOTE: If you wait too long and the operating system logo appears, continue to wait until you see the Microsoft Windows desktop. Then, shut down your computer and try again.

The Boot Options appears, listing all available boot devices. 4 On the Boot Options, select the device you want to boot from and press Enter.

For example, if you are booting to a USB hard drive, highlight USB Hard Disk and press Enter.

Boot Options Following are the devices that your computer can boot from: Hard Drive The computer attempts to boot from the primary hard drive. If no operating system is on the drive, the computer generates an error message. USB Storage Device Insert the memory device into a USB connector and restart the computer. When F12 Boot Options appear in the lower-right corner of the screen, press F12. The BIOS detects the device and adds the USB flash option to the boot menu.

NOTE: To boot to a USB device, the device must be bootable. To ensure that your device is bootable, check the device documentation.

Network The computer attempts to boot from the network. If no operating system is found on the network, the computer generates an error message.

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Changing boot sequence for future boots

1 Enter system setup. See "Entering System Setup".

2 Use the arrow keys to highlight the Boot menu option and press Enter to access the menu.

NOTE: Note your current boot sequence in case you want to restore it.

3 Navigate to Set Boot Priority to configure the boot priority. 4 Use the arrow keys to highlight the boot priority and press Enter to display the

different devices. 5 Select the device and press Enter to set the boot priority.

Clearing Forgotten Passwords 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.

Prerequisites

1 Remove the base cover. 2 Remove the top cover. 3 Remove the processor fan.

Procedure

1 Locate the password jumper (pin number three and four) on the system board. For information on the location of the CMOS jumper, see System- board components.

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2 Remove the jumper plug.

1 jumper plug 2 password jumper (Pin number three and four)

3 Replace the processor fan. 4 Replace the top cover. 5 Replace the base cover. 6 Turn on your computer and wait till the operating system is completely loaded. 7 Shut down your computer. 8 Remove the base cover. 9 Remove the top cover. 10 Remove the processor fan. 11 Replace the jumper plug on the password jumper (pin number three and four).

Post-requisites

1 Replace the processor fan.

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2 Replace the top cover. 3 Replace the base cover.

Clearing CMOS Settings 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.

Prerequisites

1 Remove the base cover. 2 Remove the top cover. 3 Remove the processor fan. 4 Remove the video-card fan.

Procedure

1 Locate the CMOS jumper (pin number five and six) on the system board. For information on the location of the CMOS jumper, see System- board components.

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2 Remove the jumper plug from the password jumper (pin number three and four) and place it on the CMOS jumper (pin number five and six).

1 jumper plug 2 CMOS jumper (pin number five and six)

3 password jumper (pin number three and four)

3 Replace the video-card fan. 4 Replace the processor fan. 5 Replace the top cover. 6 Replace the base cover. 7 Turn on your computer.

A message is displayed to confirm that the CMOS settings are reset and default BIOS setup has been loaded.

8 Press F1 to continue and wait till the operating system is completely loaded. 9 Shut down your computer.

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10 Remove the base cover. 11 Remove the top cover. 12 Remove the processor fan. 13 Remove the video-card fan. 14 Remove the jumper plug from the CMOS jumper and replace it on the password

jumper (pin number three and four).

Post-requisites

1 Replace the video-card fan. 2 Replace the processor fan. 3 Replace the top cover. 4 Replace the base cover.

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Flashing the BIOS NOTE: It is recommended that you connect a keyboard and mouse to flash the BIOS.

You may need to flash (update) the BIOS when an update is available or when you replace the system board. To flash the BIOS:

1 Turn on the computer. 2 Go to dell.com/support. 3 If you have your computer's Service Tag, type your computer's Service Tag and

click Submit. If you do not have your computer's Service Tag, click Detect My Product to allow automatic detection of the Service Tag.

NOTE: If the Service Tag cannot be detected automatically, select your product under the product categories.

4 Click Get Drivers and Downloads. 5 Click View All Drivers. 6 In the Operating System drop-down, select the operating system installed on your

computer. 7 Click BIOS. 8 Click Download File to download the latest version of the BIOS for your

computer. 9 On the next page, select Single-file download and click Continue. 10 Save the file and once the download is complete, navigate to the folder where you

saved the BIOS update file. 11 Double-click the BIOS update file icon and follow the instructions on the screen.

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Technology and components

Audio Alienware Alpha R2 is shipped with Realtek ALC3234 for optical S/PDIF output.

NOTE: The audio drivers are already installed when you receive your computer.

Downloading the audio driver

1 Turn on your computer. 2 Go to www.dell.com/support. 3 Click Product support, enter the Service Tag of your computer and then click

Submit.

NOTE: If you do not have the Service Tag, use the auto-detect feature or manually browse for your computer model.

4 Click Drivers & downloads Find it myself. 5 Scroll down the page and expand Audio. 6 Click Download to download the audio driver for your computer. 7 After the download is complete, navigate to the folder where you saved the audio

driver file. 8 Double-click the audio driver file icon and follow the instructions on the screen to

install the driver.

Identifying the audio controller

1 On the taskbar, click the search box, and then type Device Manager. 2 Click Device Manager.

The Device Manager window is displayed. 3 Expand Sound, video and game controllers to view the audio controller.

Before installation After installation

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Changing the audio settings

1 On the taskbar, click the search box, and then type Dell Audio. 2 Click Dell Audio and change the audio settings as required.

HDMI Alienware Alpha R2 supports HDMI-in port to connect a gaming console, Bluray player, or other HDMIout enabled devices. Alienware Alpha R2 supports HDMI-out port to connect a monitor, TV, or other HDMIin enabled devices. It provides video and audio output.

NOTE: Appropriate converters (sold separately) are required to connect standard DVI and DisplayPort devices.

Graphics Alienware Alpha R2 is shipped with the following graphics options:

Controller Memory

NVIDIA GeForce GTX960 GPU 4GB

AMD Radeon R9 M470X 2 GB

Downloading the graphics driver

1 Turn on your computer. 2 Go to www.dell.com/support. 3 Click Product support enter the Service Tag of your computer, and then click

Submit.

NOTE: If you do not have the Service Tag, use the auto-detect feature or manually browse for your computer model.

4 Click Drivers & downloads Find it myself. 5 Scroll down the page and expand Video. 6 Click Download to download the graphics driver for your computer. 7 After the download is complete, navigate to the folder where you saved the

graphics driver file. 8 Double-click the graphics driver file icon and follow the instructions on the screen.

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Identifying the display adapter

1 On the taskbar, click the search box, and then type Device Manager. 2 Click Device Manager.

The Device Manager window is displayed. 3 Expand Display adapters.

For computers shipped with the AMD video card:

Changing the screen resolution

1 Right-click on your desktop and select Display settings. 2 Click Advanced display settings. 3 Select the appropriate resolution from the drop-down list. 4 Click Apply.

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Rotating the display

1 Right-click on your desktop.

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2 Select Graphics Options Rotation and select from the listed options.

The display can be also rotated by selecting Rotate Display under the Display menu in the NVIDIA Control Panel. For computers shipped with the AMD video card, the display can be rotated by selecting the required rotation on Rotate Desktop tab in the AMD Catalyst Control Center.

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USB The following table shows the USB ports available in Alienware Alpha R2.

Ports Location

USB 3.0 port Two on the front side and two on the back side

USB 2.0 port Beneath USB port cover

NOTE: USB 3.0 needs the driver to be installed before it can detect any USB devices.

Downloading the USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 driver

1 Turn on your computer. 2 Go to www.dell.com/support. 3 Click Product support enter the Service Tag of your computer, and then click

Submit.

NOTE: If you do not have the Service Tag, use the auto-detect feature or manually browse for your computer model.

4 Click Drivers & downloads Find it myself. 5 Scroll down the page and expand Chipset. 6 Click Download to download the USB 2.0 or USB 3.0 driver for your computer. 7 After the download is complete, navigate to the folder where you saved the USB

2.0 or USB 3.0 driver file. 8 Double-click the driver file icon and follow the instructions on screen.

Enabling or disabling the USB in BIOS setup program

1 Turn on or restart your computer. 2 Press F2 when the Dell logo is displayed on the screen to enter the BIOS setup

program. The BIOS setup program is displayed.

3 On the Advanced tab, select USB Configuration. 4 Select the Front USB Ports or Rear USB Ports options to enable or disable the

ports respectively. 5 Save the BIOS setup program settings and exit.

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Fixing a no-boot issue caused by USB emulation

Sometimes the computer does not boot to the operating system when USB devices are connected to the computer during startup. This behavior occurs because the computer is looking for bootable files in the USB devices. Follow these steps to fix the no-boot issue:

1 Turn on or restart your computer. 2 Press F2 when the Dell logo is displayed on the screen to enter the BIOS setup

program. The BIOS setup program is displayed.

3 On the Advanced tab, select USB Configuration. 4 Select the USB Boot Support to disable it. 5 Save the settings and exit.

Wi-Fi Alienware Alpha R2 is shipped with Wi-Fi 802.11a/g/n or Wi-Fi 802.11a/g/n/ac.

Turning on or off Wi-Fi

NOTE: There is no physical switch to enable or disable Wi-Fi. It has to be done through computer settings.

1 Swipe-in from the right edge of the display, or click the Action Center icon on the taskbar to access the Action Center.

2 Click Wi-Fi to turn Wi-Fi on or off.

Downloading the Wi-Fi driver

1 Turn on your computer. 2 Go to www.dell.com/support. 3 Click Product support enter the Service Tag of your computer, and then click

Submit.

NOTE: If you do not have the Service Tag, use the auto-detect feature or manually browse for your computer model.

4 Click Drivers & downloads Find it myself. 5 Scroll down the page and expand Network. 6 Click Download to download the Wi-Fi driver for your computer.

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7 After the download is complete, navigate to the folder where you saved the Wi-Fi driver file.

8 Double-click the driver file icon and follow the on-screen instructions to install the driver.

Configuring the Wi-Fi

1 Turn on Wi-Fi. For more information, see Turning Wi-Fi on or off. 2 Swipe-in from the right edge of the display, or click the Action Center icon on the

taskbar to access the Action Center. 3 Click Wi-Fi, and then click Go to settings.

A list of available networks is displayed. 4 Select your network and click Connect.

NOTE: Type the network security key, if prompted.

Bluetooth Alienware Alpha R2 is shipped with Bluetooth 4.0.

Turning on or off Bluetooth

NOTE: There is no physical switch to enable or disable Bluetooth. It has to be done through the computer settings.

1 Swipe-in from the right edge of the display, or click the Action Center icon on the taskbar to access the Action Center.

2 Click Bluetooth to turn Bluetooth on or off.

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Pairing the Bluetooth-enabled devices

1 Turn on Bluetooth. For more information, see Turning on or off Bluetooth. 2 Swipe-in from the right edge of the display, or click the Action Center icon on the

taskbar to access the Action Center. 3 Click Bluetooth, and then click Go to settings. 4 Select the required Bluetooth device for pairing. 5 Click Pair to pair the bluetooth devices.

6 Click Yes to confirm the passcodes on both the devices.

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Removing the Bluetooth device

1 Swipe-in from the right edge of the display, or click the Action Center icon on the taskbar to access the Action Center.

2 Click Bluetooth, and then click Go to settings. 3 Click the device you want to remove, and then click Remove device.

Transferring files between devices using Bluetooth

1 Swipe-in from the right edge of the display, or click the Action Center icon on the taskbar to access the Action Center.

2 Click Bluetooth, and then click Go to settings. 3 Select your Bluetooth device. 4 Click Send or receive files via Bluetooth.

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5 In the Bluetooth File Transfer window, click Send files, and then select the file you want to transfer.

Hard drive The following table shows the hard-drive options available in Alienware Alpha R2.

Options Dimensions

SSD One M.2 slot

HDD One 2.5inch drive

Identifying the hard drive

1 On the taskbar, click the search box, and then type Device Manager. 2 Click Device Manager.

The Device Manager window is displayed. 3 Expand Disk drives.

Identifying the hard drive in BIOS setup program

1 Turn on or restart your computer.

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2 Press F2 when the Dell logo is displayed on the screen to enter the BIOS setup program. A list of hard drives is displayed on the Main tab.

Power adapter Alienware Alpha R2 is shipped with 130 W or 180 W power adapters.

WARNING: When you disconnect the power adapter cable from the computer, pull on its connector, not the cable itself. When disconnecting cable, keep it evenly aligned to avoid bending any connector pins. When connecting the cable, ensure that the port and the connector are correctly oriented and aligned.

WARNING: The power adapter works with electrical outlets worldwide. However, power connectors and power strips vary among countries. Using an incompatible cable or improperly connecting the cable to the power strip or electrical outlet may cause fire or equipment damage.

NOTE: Depending on the region, two or three pin adapters are available. Please verify part numbers from SPMD before replacing the power adapter.

Chipset Alienware Alpha R2 is shipped with the Intel H110 chipset and Intel H170 chipset.

Downloading the chipset driver

1 Turn on your computer. 2 Go to www.dell.com/support. 3 Click Product support, enter the Service Tag of your computer, and then click

Submit.

NOTE: If you do not have the Service Tag, use the auto-detect feature or manually browse for your computer model.

4 Click Drivers & downloads Find it myself. 5 Scroll down the page and expand Chipset. 6 Click Download to download the chipset driver for your computer. 7 After the download is complete, navigate to the folder where you saved the chipset

driver file. 8 Double-click the chipset driver file icon and follow the instructions on the screen.

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Identifying the chipset

1 On the taskbar, click the search box, and then type Device Manager. 2 Click Device Manager.

The Device Manager window is displayed. 3 Expand System devices.

Memory Alienware Alpha R2 has one SODIMM (RAM) slot, which is accessible by removing the base cover and top cover. Your computer supports 4 GB, 8 GB, and 16 GB DDR4 memory of up to 2133 MHz.

Checking the system memory in Windows

1 Click Start .

2 Select Settings . 3 Click System About.

Checking the system memory in BIOS setup program

1 Turn on or restart your computer. 2 Press F2 when the Dell logo is displayed on the screen to enter the BIOS setup

program. On the Main tab, the memory information is displayed. For more information, refer System setup options.

Testing memory using ePSA

1 Turn on or restart your computer. 2 Press F12 after the Dell logo is displayed on the screen to access the boot menu. 3 Use the arrow keys to highlight the Diagnostics menu option and press Enter. 4 Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the ePSA Pre-boot System

Assessment (PSA).

NOTE: If the operating system logo appears, wait until you see the desktop. Turn off your computer and try again.

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Processors Alienware Alpha R2 is shipped with the following processor options:

6th Generation Intel Dual Core i3 6th Generation Intel Dual Core i5 6th Generation Intel Dual Core i7

Identifying the processors in Windows

1 On the taskbar, click the search box, and then type Device Manager. 2 Click Device Manager.

The Device Manager window is displayed. 3 Expand Processors .

Checking the processor usage in the task manager

1 Right-click on the taskbar. 2 Click Task Manager.

The Task Manager window is displayed.

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3 Click Performance tab to display the processor performance details.

Operating System Alienware Alpha R2 is shipped with the Windows 10 factory installation.

Service Tag location The service tag is a unique alphanumeric identifier that allows Dell service technicians to identify the hardware components in your computer and access warranty information.

Device driver A device driver or software driver is a computer program allowing higher-level computer programs to interact with a hardware device. For Alienware Alpha R2, all driver installation for their devices is similar except that some systems may have more devices than others.

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Intel Chipset Software Installation Utility

In the Device Manager, check if the chipset driver is installed. Install the Intel chipset updates from www.dell.com/support.

Video drivers

In the Device Manager, check if the video driver is installed. Install the video driver update from www.dell.com/support.

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Intel Serial IO driver

In the Device Manager, check if the Intel Serial IO driver is installed. Install the driver updates from www.dell.com/support.

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Intel Trusted Execution Engine Interface

In the Device Manager, check if the Intel Trusted Execution Engine Interface driver is installed. Install the driver update from www.dell.com/support.

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Intel Wireless-AC 8260 Wi-Fi and Bluetooth drivers

In the Device Manager, check if the network card driver is installed. Install the driver updates from www.dell.com/support.

In the Device Manager, check if the Bluetooth driver is installed. Install the driver updates from www.dell.com/support.

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BIOS overview The BIOS manages data flow between the computer's operating system and attached devices such as hard disk, video adapter, keyboard, mouse, and printer.

Getting help and contacting Alienware Self-help resources

You can get information and help on Alienware products and services using these online self-help resources:

Information about Alienware products and services

www.alienware.com

Troubleshooting information, user manuals, setup instructions, product specifications, technical help blogs, drivers, software updates, and so on

www.alienware.com/gamingservices

Videos providing step-by-step instructions to service your computer

www.youtube.com/alienwareservices

Contacting Alienware

To contact Alienware for sales, technical support, or customer service issues, see www.alienware.com.

NOTE: Availability varies by country and product, and some services may not be

Manualsnet FAQs

If you want to find out how the Alienware Dell works, you can view and download the Dell Alienware Alpha R2 Desktop Service Manual on the Manualsnet website.

Yes, we have the Service Manual for Dell Alienware as well as other Dell manuals. All you need to do is to use our search bar and find the user manual that you are looking for.

The Service Manual should include all the details that are needed to use a Dell Alienware. Full manuals and user guide PDFs can be downloaded from Manualsnet.com.

The best way to navigate the Dell Alienware Alpha R2 Desktop Service Manual is by checking the Table of Contents at the top of the page where available. This allows you to navigate a manual by jumping to the section you are looking for.

This Dell Alienware Alpha R2 Desktop Service Manual consists of sections like Table of Contents, to name a few. For easier navigation, use the Table of Contents in the upper left corner.

You can download Dell Alienware Alpha R2 Desktop Service Manual free of charge simply by clicking the “download” button in the upper right corner of any manuals page. This feature allows you to download any manual in a couple of seconds and is generally in PDF format. You can also save a manual for later by adding it to your saved documents in the user profile.

To be able to print Dell Alienware Alpha R2 Desktop Service Manual, simply download the document to your computer. Once downloaded, open the PDF file and print the Dell Alienware Alpha R2 Desktop Service Manual as you would any other document. This can usually be achieved by clicking on “File” and then “Print” from the menu bar.