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Alienware Alpha manual

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Table of contents for the manual

  • Page 1

    Alienware Alpha Service Manual Computer Model: Alienware Alpha Regulatory Model: D07U Regulatory Type: D07U001[...]

  • Page 2

    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. Copyright © 201[...]

  • Page 3

    Contents Before Working Inside Your Computer........................ 8 Before You Begin ................................................................................................ 8 Safety Instructions ..............................................................................................8 Recommended Tools .............................[...]

  • Page 4

    Replacing the Hard Drive................................................. 23 Procedure .......................................................................................................... 23 Post-requisites .................................................................................................. 23 Removing the Bottom USB Port.......[...]

  • Page 5

    Replacing the Processor Heat-Sink............................ 39 Procedure .......................................................................................................... 39 Post-requisites ..................................................................................................39 Removing the Video-Card Fan.....................[...]

  • Page 6

    Replacing the Processor.................................................. 52 Procedure .......................................................................................................... 52 Post-requisites ..................................................................................................53 Removing the Front-Panel Light Board[...]

  • Page 7

    Replacing the System Board.......................................... 69 Procedure .......................................................................................................... 69 Post-requisites ..................................................................................................69 Removing the Coin-Cell Battery...........[...]

  • Page 8

    Before Working Inside Your Computer CAUTION: To avoid damaging the components and cards, handle them by their edges and avoid touching pins and contacts. 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 [...]

  • Page 9

    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 dell.com/regulatory_compliance. WARNING: Disconnect all power sources before opening the computer cover or panels. After you finish working inside the computer, replace[...]

  • Page 10

    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 10[...]

  • Page 11

    After Working Inside Your Computer CAUTION: Leaving stray or loose screws inside your computer may severely damage your computer. 1 Replace all screws and make sure that no stray screws remain inside your computer. 2 Connect any external devices, peripherals, and cables you removed before working on your computer. 3 Replace any media cards, discs, [...]

  • Page 12

    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 h[...]

  • Page 13

    System-Board Components 1 processor socket 2 processor-fan cable connector (CPU_FAN) 3 clear password jumper (CLEAR_PASSWORD) 4 power-button connector (ALIEN_HEAD) 5 memory-module slot (DIMM2) 6 memory-module slot (DIMM1) 7 video-card fan cable connector (GPU_FAN) 8 front-panel light board cable connector (LOGO) 9 USB-port cable connector (INT_USB2[...]

  • Page 14

    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 Complia[...]

  • Page 15

    3 Using a plastic scribe, pry the base cover off the top cover. 1 plastic scribe 2 base cover 15[...]

  • Page 16

    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 Compli[...]

  • Page 17

    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 Complian[...]

  • Page 18

    2 Lift the top cover off the chassis. 1 top cover 18[...]

  • Page 19

    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 Complia[...]

  • Page 20

    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 Complia[...]

  • Page 21

    3 Lift the hard-drive assembly off the chassis. 1 screw 2 hard-drive assembly 4 Remove the screws that secure the hard-drive bracket to the hard drive. 21[...]

  • Page 22

    5 Lift the hard drive off the hard-drive bracket. 1 hard-drive bracket 2 hard drive 3 screws (4) 22[...]

  • Page 23

    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 Compli[...]

  • Page 24

    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 Co[...]

  • Page 25

    2 Push down the USB-port cable through the cable-routing hole on the chassis. 1 USB-port cable 2 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 b[...]

  • Page 26

    7 Lift the USB-port bracket off the chassis. 1 screw 2 USB-port bracket 3 chassis 4 USB-port cable 5 routing guides 8 Remove the screw that secures the USB port to the chassis. 26[...]

  • Page 27

    9 Slide and remove the USB port, along with the cable, from under the tab on the chassis. 1 screw 2 tab 3 USB port 4 chassis 5 USB-port cable 27[...]

  • Page 28

    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 C[...]

  • Page 29

    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[...]

  • Page 30

    5 Remove the power-button module along with its cable through the slot on the front panel. 1 tabs (2) 2 routing guides 3 tabs (2) 4 power-button module 5 power-button board cable 30[...]

  • Page 31

    6 Push the tab that secures the power-button board to the power-button board bracket. 1 tab 2 power-button board cable 3 power-button board 4 bracket 7 Lift and slide the power-button board to release it from the power-button board bracket. 31[...]

  • Page 32

    8 Remove the power-button board along with its cable off the power-button board bracket. 1 power-button board cable 2 power-button board 3 bracket 32[...]

  • Page 33

    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 Regulator[...]

  • Page 34

    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 Comp[...]

  • Page 35

    2 Disconnect the processor-fan cable from the system board. 1 processor fan 2 processor-fan cable 35[...]

  • Page 36

    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 Com[...]

  • Page 37

    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 Regulator[...]

  • Page 38

    2 Lift the processor heat sink off system board. 1 processor heat sink 2 captive screws (4) 38[...]

  • Page 39

    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 Regulato[...]

  • Page 40

    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 Com[...]

  • Page 41

    2 Press the tabs and lift the video-card fan off the system board. 1 video-card fan 2 tabs (2) 3 video-card fan cable 41[...]

  • Page 42

    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 Co[...]

  • Page 43

    Removing the Video-Card 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 Regulato[...]

  • Page 44

    Procedure NOTE: The original thermal grease can be reused if the original video card and heat sink are reinstalled together. If either the video card or the heat sink is replaced, use the thermal grease provided in the kit to make sure that thermal conductivity is achieved. 1 In sequential order (indicated on the heat sink), loosen the captive scre[...]

  • Page 45

    Replacing the Video-Card 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 Regulat[...]

  • Page 46

    Removing the Memory Module(s) 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 C[...]

  • Page 47

    2 Slide and remove the memory module from the memory-module slot. 1 memory-module slot 2 memory module 3 securing clips (2) 47[...]

  • Page 48

    Replacing the Memory Module(s) 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 [...]

  • Page 49

    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 2 notch 3 tab 4 memory-module slot Post-requisites 1 Replace the processor fan . 2 Replace the top cover . 3 Replace the base cover . 49[...]

  • Page 50

    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 Complian[...]

  • Page 51

    3 Lift the processor off the processor socket. 1 release lever 2 tab 3 processor cover 4 processor socket 5 processor 51[...]

  • Page 52

    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 Complia[...]

  • Page 53

    5 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 . 53[...]

  • Page 54

    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 Regul[...]

  • Page 55

    2 Slide the front-panel light board cable through the routing-hole on the chassis. 1 front-panel light board cable 2 routing hole 55[...]

  • Page 56

    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. 56[...]

  • Page 57

    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 Regu[...]

  • Page 58

    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 Comp[...]

  • Page 59

    4 Slide and remove the wireless card out of the wireless-card slot. 1 protective cover 2 screw 3 antenna cables (2) 4 wireless card 59[...]

  • Page 60

    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 Com[...]

  • Page 61

    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 Co[...]

  • Page 62

    Procedure 1 Slide the antenna cables through the cable-routing hole on the chassis. 1 antenna cables (2) 2 routing hole 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. 62[...]

  • Page 63

    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 routing guides 2 screws (2) 3 antenna modules (2) 4 antenna cable 6 Lift the antenna modules, along with the cable, off the chassis. 63[...]

  • Page 64

    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 C[...]

  • Page 65

    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 Compl[...]

  • Page 66

    Procedure 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” . 1 power-button board cable 2 front-panel light board cable 3 USB-port cable 2 Remove the screws that secure the back panel to the chassis. [...]

  • Page 67

    3 Push the tab at the bottom of the back panel and remove the back panel from the chassis. 1 screws (2) 2 back panel 3 tab 4 Remove the screws that secure the system board to the chassis. 67[...]

  • Page 68

    5 Lift the system board at an angle and remove it from the chassis. 1 system board 2 screws (4) 68[...]

  • Page 69

    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 Comp[...]

  • Page 70

    5 Replace the processor . 6 Replace the processor heat sink . 7 Replace the processor fan . 8 Replace the hard drive . 9 Replace the top cover . 10 Replace the base cover . 70[...]

  • Page 71

    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 [...]

  • Page 72

    3 Peel off the coin-cell battery from the system board. 1 coin-cell battery 2 coin-cell battery cable 3 system board 72[...]

  • Page 73

    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[...]

  • Page 74

    System Setup Overview CAUTION: Unless you are an expert computer user, do not change the settings in the system setup program. Certain changes can make your computer work incorrectly. NOTE: Before you change system setup, it is recommended that you write down the system setup screen information for future reference. Use system setup to: • Get inf[...]

  • Page 75

    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 t[...]

  • Page 76

    Main SATA 1 Displays the device connected to SATA Port1. 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. [...]

  • Page 77

    Advanced Rear USB Ports Allows you to enable or disable the rear USB ports. Onboard Device Configuration 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 All[...]

  • Page 78

    Boot Boot Option #4 Displays the fourth boot device. Default: USB Floppy Device. Boot Option #5 Displays the fifth boot device. Default: Onboard NIC Device. 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 defi[...]

  • Page 79

    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. NOTE: Deleting the supervisor password deletes the user pass[...]

  • Page 80

    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. Boot Sequence This feature allows you to change the sequence of devices that[...]

  • Page 81

    Floppy — The computer attempts to boot from the floppy disk drive. If no operating system is on the drive, the computer generates an error message. 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. CD/DVD/CD-RW Drive — The computer attempts [...]

  • Page 82

    Prerequisites 1 Remove the base cover . 2 Remove the top cover . 3 Remove the processor fan . Procedure 1 Locate the password jumper (CLEAR_PASSWORD) on the system board. For information on the location of the CMOS jumper, see “System- Board Components” . 82[...]

  • Page 83

    2 Remove the jumper plug. 1 jumper plug 2 password jumper (CLEAR_PASSWORD) 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 . 83[...]

  • Page 84

    11 Replace the jumper plug on the password jumper. 1 jumper plug 2 password jumper (CLEAR_PASSWORD) Post-requisites 1 Replace the processor fan . 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 i[...]

  • Page 85

    2 Remove the jumper plug from the password jumper (CLEAR_PASSWORD) and place it on the CMOS jumper (RTCRST). 1 jumper plug 2 CMOS jumper (RTCRST) 3 password jumper (CLEAR_PASSWORD) 3 Replace the video-card fan . 4 Replace the processor fan . 5 Replace the top cover . 6 Replace the base cover . 85[...]

  • Page 86

    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. 10 Remove the base cover . 11 Remove the top cover . 12 Remove the processor fan . 13 Remove the video-card fan[...]

  • Page 87

    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 S[...]