Dell Alienware Area 51 R2 (Late 2014) User Manual

Alienware Area-51Service ManualComputer Model: Alienware Area-51 R2Regulatory Model: D03XRegulatory Type: D03X001

Before Working Inside Your ComputerCAUTION: To avoid damaging the components and cards, handle them by their edges and avoid touching pins and contact

5 Press down and push the right-release lever. Place it under the tab on the processor cover.1 processor 2 processor pin-1 connector3 processor cover

Removing the Power-Supply UnitWARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the

3 Remove the screws that secure the power-supply unit to the back of the chassis.1 power cable 2 power supply3 screws (4)102

4 Lift the power-supply cover away from the chassis.1 power supply 2 power-supply cover5 Slide the power-supply unit out through the back of the cha

Replacing the Power-Supply UnitWARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow th

ProcedureWARNING: The cables and ports on the back of the power supply are color-coded to indicate the different power wattage. Ensure that you plug i

Post-requisites1 Replace the full length graphics cards.2 Replace the graphics card.3 Replace both the left and right side-panels. See “Removing th

Removing the Coin-Cell BatteryWARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the

2 Press the battery-release lever to remove the battery.1 battery-release lever 2 coin-cell battery108

Replacing the Coin-Cell BatteryWARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow th

WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Reg

Removing the Wireless CardWARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the ste

4 Slide and pull the wireless card away from the wireless-card slot.1 antenna cables 2 screw3 antenna cables connector 4 wireless card5 wireless-card

Replacing the Wireless CardWARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the st

Removing the Logo BoardWARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps

4 Slide the logo board out of the chassis.1 logo board 2 connector3 screw5 Remove the screws that secure the logo board to the bracket.114

6 Lift the logo board out of the bracket.1 screws (6) 2 logo board bracket3 logo board115

Replacing the Logo BoardWARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps

Removing the System BoardWARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the step

ProcedureNOTE: Note the routing of all cables as you remove them so that you can reroute them correctly after you replace the system board. For inform

Replacing the System BoardWARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the ste

CAUTION: Press and eject any installed card from the media-card reader.Recommended ToolsThe procedures in this document may require the following tool

7 Replace the memory fan.8 Replace the wireless card.9 Replace both the left and right side-panels. See “Replacing the Side Panels”.10 Replace the

System SetupOverview CAUTION: Unless you are an expert computer user, do not change the settings in the system setup program. Certain changes can make

MainSystem Date Displays the current date in mm/dd/yyyy format.System Time Displays the current time in hh:mm:ss format.BIOS InformationBIOS Version D

MainCPU Speed Displays the CPU speed.Cache L2 Displays the processor L2 cache size.Cache L3 Displays the processor L3 cache size.Device InformationSAT

AdvancedIntel(R) SpeedStep Technology Allows you to enable or disable Intel (R) Speedstep Technology. Default: Enabled.NOTE: If enabled, the processor

AdvancedDeep Sleep Control Allows you to define the controls when Deep Sleep is enabled. Default: Enabled in S5 Only.ChipsetSpread Spectrum Enabling t

ChipsetCommand Rate Displays the Command Rate (editable in Manual Mode).tCL Displays the Column Address Strobe Latency (editable in Manual Mode).tRCD

ChipsetTurbo Mode If enabled, allows processor to run at faster frequencies than marked. Default: Enabled.Long duration power limit Allows you to chan

ChipsetMailbox Configuration Allows you to change the mailbox configuration.SVID Communication Allows you to change the Serial Voltage Identification

ChipsetLoad Level 1 OC Settings Allows you to select OC Level Profile 1.Load Level 2 OC Settings Allows you to select OC Level Profile 2SecuritySuperv

After Working Inside Your ComputerCAUTION: Leaving stray or loose screws inside your computer may severely damage your computer.1 Replace all screws

Boot1st Boot Allows you to enable or disable the 1st boot device. Default: Hard Disk.2nd Boot Allows you to enable or disable the 2nd boot device. Def

NOTE: The computer must be disconnected from the electrical outlet to clear the CMOS setting.1 Lay the chassis on the left side.2 Remove the stabili

4 Locate the CMOS jumper (CLEAR_CMOS1) on the system board. See “System-Board Components”.5 Remove the jumper plug from pins 2 and 3 and fix it on p

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 Continu

Technical OverviewWARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Be

Right View1 processor liquid-cooling assembly-fan2 graphics card3 system board 4 power-supply5 AlienFX side-panel connector 6 PCI fan7 processor liqui

Left View1 optical drive (ODD) 2 I/O board (IO BRD)3 drive-bay heat-sensor 4 2.5 inch drive bracket (HDD4/HDD5)5 AlienFX side-panel connector 6 rear I

System-Board Components1 processor liquid cooling-assembly fan (LCM_FAN1)2 audio connector (AUDIO101)3 PCI-Express x16 slot (SLOT1) 4 low pin count de

7 PCI-Express x16 slot (SLOT3) 8 M.2 connector (wireless card)9 coin-cell battery socket (BAT1) 10 CMOS reset jumper (CLEAR CMOS1)11 PCI-Express x4 sl

1 rear I/O accessibility lighting battery connector (VBAT1)2 rear I/O accessibility lighting connector (PORCH_LIGHT1)3 left theater-lighting connector

Notes, Cautions, and WarningsNOTE: A NOTE indicates important information that helps you make better use of your computer.CAUTION: A CAUTION indicates

Lifting the ComputerProcedure1 With both hands, hold the handle on top of the computer.20

2 Lift the computer.1 handle 2 computer21

Removing the Stability FootWARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the st

3 Lift the stability foot off the computer.1 stability foot 2 screws (2)3 computer23

4 Tilt the computer back to the upright position.24

Replacing the Stability FootWARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the s

Removing the Side PanelsWARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps

3 Pull and lift the right side-panel away from the chassis.1 screw 2 security-cable slot latch3 release panel 4 right side-panel4 Repeat the procedu

Replacing the Side PanelsWARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the step

Removing the BatteryWARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in

ContentsBefore Working Inside Your Computer... 10Before You Begin ...

ProcedureSlide and open the battery-case door and remove the batteries from the battery-case.1 battery-case door 2 AA batteries (2)30

Replacing the BatteryWARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in

1 battery-case door 2 AA batteries (2)Post-requisitesReplace the right side-panel. See “Replacing the Side Panels”.32

Removing the Battery CaseWARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the step

3 Remove the batteries from the battery-compartment.1 battery-case door 2 AA batteries (2)4 Press the releasing clips on the cable connector to disc

6 Lift the battery-case off the chassis.1 battery-case cable 2 battery-case connector3 battery-case 4 screws (2)35

Replacing the Battery CaseWARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the ste

Removing the Hard DriveWARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps

4 Using the tab, slide and remove the hard-drive assembly from the chassis.1 power cable 2 data cable3 chassis 4 screw5 hard-drive assembly5 Remove

6 Slide and remove the hard drive from the hard-drive bracket.NOTE: Repeat step 2 to step 5 to remove any other hard drives installed in your compute

Removing the Battery... 29Prerequisites...

Replacing the Hard DriveWARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps

Removing the Optical DriveWARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the ste

4 Slide and lift the optical-drive assembly of the chassis.1 screw 2 optical-drive assembly3 data cable and power cable5 Remove the screws that secu

6 Slide and remove the optical drive from the optical-drive bracket.1 screws (2) 2 optical drive3 optical-drive bracket43

Replacing the Optical DriveWARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the st

Removing the Right AlienFX Side-Panel ConnectorWARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your comput

4 Remove the right AlienFX side-panel connector assembly from the chassis.1 screw 2 right AlienFX side-panel connector assembly3 AlienFX side-panel c

5 Remove the screws that secure the right AlienFX side-panel connector to the bracket and set it aside in a secure location.1 screws (2) 2 right Alie

Replacing the Right AlienFX Side-Panel ConnectorWARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your compu

Removing the Left AlienFX Side-Panel ConnectorWARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your compute

Removing the Right AlienFX Side-Panel Connector... 45Prerequisites...

2 Disconnect the cable that connects the left AlienFX side-panel connector to the I/O board.1 AlienFX side-panel connector2 left AlienFX side-panel c

6 Remove the left AlienFX side-panel connector assembly from the chassis.1 screw 2 left AlienFX side-panel connector assembly51

7 Remove the screws that secure the AlienFX side-panel connector to the bracket and set it aside in a secure location.1 screw 2 left AlienFX side-pan

Replacing the Left AlienFX Side-Panel ConnectorWARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your comput

Removing the I/O BoardWARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps i

2 Disconnect all cables from the connectors on the I/O board.NOTE: Note the routing of all cables as you remove them so that you can reroute them cor

4 Remove the I/O board out of the chassis.1 I/O board 2 screws (2)56

Replacing the I/O BoardWARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps

Removing the Drive-Bay Heat-SensorWARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow

3 Disconnect the drive-bay heat-sensor cable from the connector on the system board.1 drive-bay heat-sensor connector2 drive-bay heat-sensor cable co

Replacing the Drive-Bay Heat-Sensor... 61Procedure...

9 Slide the drive-bay heat-sensor cable out of the sensor bracket.1 release tab 2 securing clip3 drive-bay heat-sensor cable60

Replacing the Drive-Bay Heat-SensorWARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follo

Removing the Memory Module(s)WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the

4 Grasp the memory module near the securing clip, and then gently ease the memory module out of the memory-module slot.NOTE: Repeat step 2 to step 3

Replacing the Memory Module(s)WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the

2 Insert the memory module into the memory-module connector until the memory module snaps into position and the securing clips lock in place.NOTE: If

Removing the Graphics CardWARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the ste

5 Press the releasing clips on the power-cable connectors to disconnect the power cables from the graphics card.NOTE: The location of the power suppl

6 Press and hold the securing tab on the card connector, grasp the card by its top corners, and then ease the card out of the slot.1 graphics card 2

Replacing the Graphics CardWARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the st

Replacing the Full-length Graphics Cards... 79Procedure...

Removing the Multiple Graphics CardsWARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and foll

3 Remove the graphics bridge that connects the graphics cards.1 graphics bridge4 Starting with the graphics card on the PCI-Express x16 card SLOT1,

6 Press the releasing clips on the power-cable connectors to disconnect the power cables from the graphics card.NOTE: The location of the power suppl

7 Press and hold the securing tab on the card connector, grasp the card by its top corners, and then ease the card out of the card connector.1 graphi

Replacing the Multiple Graphics CardsWARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and fol

Removing the Full-length Graphics CardsWARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and f

4 Pull the clamp away from the bracket.1 clamp 2 bracket5 Press and push the screw covers covering the screws that secure the graphics card.6 Remov

7 Press the releasing clips on the power-cable connectors to disconnect the power cables from the graphics card.NOTE: The location of the power suppl

8 Press and hold the securing tab on the card connector, grasp the card by its top corners, and then ease the card out of the card connector.1 graphi

Replacing the Full-length Graphics CardsWARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and

Replacing the Processor Cooling Assembly... 95Procedure...

Removing the PCI FanWARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in

2 Remove the screws that secure the graphics-card bracket to the chassis.1 screws (4) 2 graphics-card bracket81

3 Remove the screws that secure the PCI fan to the chassis.1 PCI fan 2 screws (2)4 Disconnect the PCI-fan cable and front-bezel heat-sensor cable fr

5 Pry out the PCI fan from the tabs securing it to the chassis.1 tabs 2 PCI fan3 PCI-fan cable 4 front-bezel heat-sensor5 PCI-fan connector6 Remove

7 Pry out the PCI fan from the fan shroud by lifting the fan shroud upwards.1 screws (4) 2 fan shroud84

Replacing the PCI FanWARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in

Removing the Front-bezel Heat-sensorWARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and foll

4 Slide the chassis heat-sensor cable out of the bracket.1 chassis heat-sensor cable 2 securing clip3 release tab 4 fan shroud87

Replacing the Front-bezel Heat-sensorWARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and fol

Removing the Memory FanWARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps

Replacing the Wireless Card... 112Procedure...

5 Lift the memory fan out of the chassis.1 memory-fan 2 release tab3 screw 4 memory-fan cable90

Replacing the Memory FanWARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps

Removing the Processor Cooling-AssemblyWARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and f

5 Remove the screws that secure the processor liquid-cooling assembly fan to the chassis.1 screws (4) 2 processor liquid-cooling assembly fan3 proces

6 Slide and lift the processor liquid-cooling assembly out of the chassis.1 processor liquid-cooling assembly2 processor liquid-cooling assembly pump

Replacing the Processor Cooling AssemblyWARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and

Post-requisites1 Replace both the left and right side-panels. See “Removing the Side Panels”.2 Replace the stability foot.96

Removing the ProcessorWARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps i

5 Open the processor cover and gently lift the processor from the processor socket.1 left release-lever 2 right release-lever3 processor cover 4 proc

Replacing the ProcessorWARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps