Dell Alienware M17x (Mid 2009) User Manual

0101/ ALIENWARE® M17x SERVICE MANUAL

010010/CHAPTER 2: BATTERY PACK Battery PackWARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your co

01000100/CHAPTER 24: BATTERY LATCH ASSEMBLY Battery Latch AssemblyWARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information th

01010101/CHAPTER 24: BATTERY LATCH ASSEMBLY 1231 battery latch assembly 3 spring2 clipRemoving the Battery Latch AssemblyFollow the instructions in “B

CHAPTER 25: FLASHING THE BIOS 01020102/CHAPTER 24: FLASHING THE BIOSCHAPTER 25: FLASHING THE BIOS

01030103/CHAPTER 25: FLASHING THE BIOS Flashing the BIOS from a CDEnsure that the AC adapter is plugged in and that the main battery is 1. installed p

01040104/CHAPTER 25: FLASHING THE BIOS Flashing the BIOS from the Hard DriveEnsure that the AC adapter is plugged in, the main battery is properly 1.

011011/CHAPTER 2: BATTERY PACK 34211 battery pack 3 battery pack tabs (3)2 battery latch 4 battery bayRemoving the Battery PackFollow the instructions

CHAPTER 3: COMPARTMENT DOOR 012012/CHAPTER 3: COMPARTMENT DOORCHAPTER 3: COMPARTMENT DOOR

013013/CHAPTER 3: COMPARTMENT DOOR Compartment Door WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped wit

014014/CHAPTER 3: COMPARTMENT DOOR 3121 compartment door tabs (3) 3 captive screws (2)2 compartment doorRemoving the Compartment DoorFollow the instru

CHAPTER 4: HARD DRIVE(S) 015015/CHAPTER 4: HARD DRIVE(S)CHAPTER 4: HARD DRIVE(S)

016016/CHAPTER 4: HARD DRIVE(S) Hard Drive(s)WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your

017017/CHAPTER 4: HARD DRIVE(S) Removing the Hard Drive(s)Follow the instructions in “Before You Begin” on page 1. 6.Remove the battery pack (see “Re

018018/CHAPTER 4: HARD DRIVE(S) Remove the four screws that secure the hard drive bracket to the hard drive.7. Slide the hard drive out of the hard dr

019019/CHAPTER 4: HARD DRIVE(S) Replace the compartment door (see “Replacing the Compartment Door” on 6. page 14).Replace the battery pack (see “Repla

0202/ e contents herein are subject to change without notice. © 2009 Dell Inc. All rights reserved.Reproduction of these materials in any manner wha

CHAPTER 5: PROCESSOR THERMAL FAN 020020/CHAPTER 5: PROCESSOR THERMAL FANCHAPTER 5: PROCESSOR THERMAL FAN

021021/CHAPTER 5: PROCESSOR THERMAL FAN Processor ermal FanWARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shi

022022/CHAPTER 5: PROCESSOR THERMAL FAN 1231 processor thermal fan cable connector3 processor thermal fan2 captive screws (3) Removing the Processor 

CHAPTER 6: COIN-CELL BATTERY 023023/CHAPTER 6: COIN-CELL BATTERYCHAPTER 6: COIN-CELL BATTERY

024024/CHAPTER 6: COIN-CELL BATTERY Coin-Cell BatteryWARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped wi

025025/CHAPTER 6: COIN-CELL BATTERY 121 coin-cell battery cable connector 2 coin-cell batteryRemoving the Coin-Cell BatteryFollow the instructions in

CHAPTER 7: MEMORY MODULE(S) 026026/You can increase your computer memory by installing memory modules on the system board. See the spec

027027/CHAPTER 7: MEMORY MODULE(S) Memory Module(s)WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with

028028/CHAPTER 7: MEMORY MODULE(S) Removing the Memory Module(s)Follow the instructions in “Before You Begin” on page 1. 6.Remove the battery pack (s

029029/CHAPTER 7: MEMORY MODULE(S) Use your ngertips to carefully spread apart the spring-locks on the memory 5. module connector until the module po

0303/ CONTENTS CONTENTSCHAPTER 1: BEFORE YOU BEGIN ... 6Recommended Tools ...

030030/CHAPTER 7: MEMORY MODULE(S) Replace and tighten the captive screw that secures the memory module 3. door to the computer base.Replace the compa

CHAPTER 8: CENTER CONTROL COVER 031031/CHAPTER 9: CENTER CONTROL COVERCHAPTER 8: CENTER CONTROL COVER

032032/CHAPTER 8: CENTER CONTROL COVER Center Control CoverWARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shi

033033/CHAPTER 8: CENTER CONTROL COVER Removing the Center Control CoverFollow the instructions in “Before You Begin” on page 1. 6.Remove the batter

034034/CHAPTER 8: CENTER CONTROL COVER Turn the center control cover as shown in the illustration.7. Release the connector latch to disconnect the ca

035035/CHAPTER 8: CENTER CONTROL COVER Replacing the Center Control CoverSlide the cable into the center control cover connector and pull down the 1.

CHAPTER 9: KEYBOARD 036036/CHAPTER 10: KEYBOARDCHAPTER 9: KEYBOARD

037037/CHAPTER 9: KEYBOARD KeyboardWARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer.

038038/CHAPTER 9: KEYBOARD 1231 tabs (7) 3 screws (5)2 keyboardRemoving the KeyboardFollow the instructions in “Before You Begin” on page 1. 6.Remove

039039/CHAPTER 9: KEYBOARD Replacing the KeyboardSlide the keyboard cable and the keyboard light cable into the respective 1. system board connectors

0404/CONTENTS CHAPTER 16: WIRELESS MINI-CARD(S) ...69Removing the Mini-Card(s) ...7

CHAPTER 10: PALM REST 040040/CHAPTER 8: PALM RESTCHAPTER 10: PALM REST

041041/CHAPTER 10: PALM REST Palm RestWARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your compute

042042/CHAPTER 10: PALM REST Removing the Palm RestFollow the instructions in “Before You Begin” on page 1. 6.Remove the battery pack (see “Removing

043043/CHAPTER 10: PALM REST Turn the computer over and slide the palm rest out as shown in the 4. illustration.CAUTION: Be extremely careful when rem

044044/CHAPTER 10: PALM REST Replacing the Palm RestSlide the touch pad cable into the touch pad connector and push the 1. connector tabs to secure th

CHAPTER 11: BRACKETS 045045/CHAPTER 11: BRACKETSCHAPTER 11: BRACKETS

046046/CHAPTER 11: BRACKETS BracketsWARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer.

047047/CHAPTER 11: BRACKETS Removing the BracketsFollow the instructions in “Before You Begin” on page 1. 6.Remove the battery pack (see “Removing th

CHAPTER 12: MAGNESIUM COVER 048048/CHAPTER 11: MAGNESIUM COVERCHAPTER 12: MAGNESIUM COVER

049049/CHAPTER 12: MAGNESIUM COVER Magnesium CoverWARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with

0505/ CONTENTSCHAPTER 22: SPEAKERS...93Removing the Speakers ...95

050050/CHAPTER 12: MAGNESIUM COVER 13241 magnesium cover 3 display cable2 Mini-Card antenna cables 4 camera cableRemoving the Magnesium CoverFollow th

051051/CHAPTER 12: MAGNESIUM COVER Replacing the Magnesium CoverReplace the magnesium cover on the computer base.1. Replace the ten screws that secure

CHAPTER 13: DISPLAY 052052/CHAPTER 12: DISPLAYCHAPTER 13: DISPLAY

053053/CHAPTER 13: DISPLAY Display AssemblyRemoving the Display AssemblyFollow the instructions in “Before You Begin” on page 1. 6.Remove the battery

054054/CHAPTER 13: DISPLAY Bend the display assembly towards the computer base at a 45-degree angle 9. and lift the display assembly o the computer.1

055055/CHAPTER 13: DISPLAY Replacing the Display AssemblyAlign the screw holes on the display hinges with the computer base.1. Replace the four screws

056056/CHAPTER 13: DISPLAY 121 screws (2) 2 display assemblyDisplay Back CoverRemoving the Display Back CoverFollow the instructions in “Before You Be

057057/CHAPTER 13: DISPLAY Slide the display back cover door out and lift it o the display assembly.10. 11 display back cover doorRemove the two scre

058058/CHAPTER 13: DISPLAY Replacing the Display Back CoverAlign the display back cover with the back of the display assembly and slide 1. it into pos

059059/CHAPTER 13: DISPLAY Lift the top of the AlienHead board and slide the bottom portion down to 12. detach it from the tab that holds it in place.

CHAPTER 1: BEFORE YOU BEGIN 0606/is section provides procedures for removing and installing the components in your computer. Unless othe

060060/CHAPTER 13: DISPLAY Replacing the AlienHead BoardAlign the AlienHead board with the tab on the display back cover and slide it 1. into position

CHAPTER 14: INPUT/OUTPUT BOARD 061061/CHAPTER 13: INPUT/OUTPUT BOARDCHAPTER 14: INPUT/OUTPUT BOARD

062062/CHAPTER 14: INPUT/OUTPUT BOARD Removing the Input/Output BoardFollow the instructions in “Before You Begin” on page 1. 6.Remove the battery pa

063063/CHAPTER 14: INPUT/OUTPUT BOARD Disconnect the speaker cable, right speaker light cable, and audio cable from 9. the respective connectors on th

064064/CHAPTER 14: INPUT/OUTPUT BOARD Replacing the Input/Output BoardPlace the input/output board in the computer base. 1. Replace the earthing cable

CHAPTER 15: OPTICAL DRIVE 065065/CHAPTER 14: OPTICAL DRIVECHAPTER 15: OPTICAL DRIVE

066066/CHAPTER 15: OPTICAL DRIVE Removing the Optical DriveFollow the instructions in “Before You Begin” on page 1. 6.Remove the battery pack (see “R

067067/CHAPTER 15: OPTICAL DRIVE Remove the ve screws that secure the optical drive bracket to the optical 11. drive.1231 optical drive 3 screws (5)2

068068/CHAPTER 15: OPTICAL DRIVE Replacing the Optical DriveConnect the optical drive cable to the optical drive. 1. Replace the ve screws that secur

CHAPTER 16: WIRELESS MINI-CARD(S) 069069/If you ordered a wireless Mini-Card with your computer, the card is already installed.Your comput

0707/CHAPTER 1: BEFORE YOU BEGIN Turning O Your ComputerCAUTION: To avoid losing data, save and close all open les and exit all open programs before

070070/CHAPTER 16: WIRELESS MINI-CARD(S) Wireless Mini-Card(s)WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that s

071071/CHAPTER 16: WIRELESS MINI-CARD(S) 12341 system board connector 3 clips (2)2 WPAN/Bluetooth Mini-Card 4 antenna cableRemoving the Mini-Card(s)Fo

072072/CHAPTER 16: WIRELESS MINI-CARD(S) 121 system board connector 2 WPAN/Bluetooth Mini-CardLift the Mini-Card at an angle and remove it from the sy

073073/CHAPTER 16: WIRELESS MINI-CARD(S) Secure the unused antenna cables in the protective mylar sleeve.6. Replace the palm rest (see “Replacing the

CHAPTER 17: PROCESSOR HEAT SINK 074074/CHAPTER 17: PROCESSOR HEAT SINKCHAPTER 16: PROCESSOR HEAT SINK

075075/CHAPTER 17: PROCESSOR HEAT SINK Processor Heat SinkWARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipp

076076/CHAPTER 17: PROCESSOR HEAT SINK 211 processor heat sink 2 captive screws (6)Removing the Processor Heat SinkFollow the instructions in “Before

077077/CHAPTER 17: PROCESSOR HEAT SINK Replacing the Processor Heat SinkPeel the backing o the thermal cooling pads attached to the new processor 1.

CHAPTER 18: GRAPHICS CARD(S) 078078/Your computer may have a single graphics or dual graphics conguration. e graphics card on the left is the p

079079/CHAPTER 18: GRAPHICS CARD(S) Graphics Card(s)WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped wit

0808/CHAPTER 1: BEFORE YOU BEGIN Ensure that the work surface is at and clean to prevent the computer cover 1. from being scratched.Turn o your comp

080080/CHAPTER 18: GRAPHICS CARD(S) 1231 screws (2) 3 graphics card cable connector2 secondary graphics cardRemoving the Graphics Card(s)Follow the i

081081/CHAPTER 18: GRAPHICS CARD(S) Replacing the Graphics Card(s)To replace the primary graphics card:1. Insert the primary graphics card at a 45-deg

CHAPTER 19: GRAPHICS CARD FAN(S) 082082/Your computer may have a single graphics or dual graphics conguration. e graphics card on the left is t

083083/CHAPTER 19: GRAPHICS CARD FAN(S) Graphics Card Fan(s)WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shi

084084/CHAPTER 19: GRAPHICS CARD FAN(S) 1231 primary graphics card fan 3 primary graphics card fan cable2 captive screws (3)Removing the Graphics Card

085085/CHAPTER 19: GRAPHICS CARD FAN(S) Replacing the Graphics Card Fan(s)Place the graphics card fan in the computer base. 1. Tighten the three capti

CHAPTER 20: GRAPHICS CARD BLANK 086086/If your computer has a dual graphics conguration, the secondary graphics card is already installed o

087087/CHAPTER 20: GRAPHICS CARD BLANK Graphics Card BlankWARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipp

088088/CHAPTER 20: GRAPHICS CARD BLANK 121 graphics card blank 2 captive screws (3) Removing the Graphics Card BlankFollow the instructions in “Before

CHAPTER 21: SYSTEM BOARD 089089/e system board’s BIOS chip contains the Service Tag, which is also visible on a barcode label on the bottom of the co

CHAPTER 2: BATTERY PACK 0909/CHAPTER 2: BATTERY PACKCHAPTER 2: BATTERY PACK

090090/CHAPTER 21: SYSTEM BOARD Removing the System BoardFollow the instructions in “Before You Begin” on page 1. 6.Remove the battery pack (see “Rem

091091/CHAPTER 21: SYSTEM BOARD 213451 consumer IR cable connector on system board4 screws (5)2 consumer IR cable connector on consumer IR board5 syst

092092/CHAPTER 21: SYSTEM BOARD Replace the palm rest (see “Replacing the Palm Rest” on page 16. 44).Replace the memory module(s) (see “Replacing the

CHAPTER 22: SPEAKERS 093093/CHAPTER 21: SPEAKERSCHAPTER 22: SPEAKERS

094094/CHAPTER 22: SPEAKERS SpeakersWARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer.

095095/CHAPTER 22: SPEAKERS 121 speakers (2) 2 speaker cablesRemoving the SpeakersFollow the instructions in “Before You Begin” on page 1. 6.Remove t

CHAPTER 23: CONSUMER IR BOARD 096096/CHAPTER 22: CONSUMER IR BOARDCHAPTER 23: CONSUMER IR BOARD

097097/CHAPTER 23: CONSUMER IR BOARD Consumer IR BoardWARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped w

098098/CHAPTER 23: CONSUMER IR BOARD 121 screws (2) 2 consumer IR boardRemoving the Consumer IR BoardFollow the instructions in “Before You Begin” on

CHAPTER 24: BATTERY LATCH ASSEMBLY 099099/CHAPTER 23: BATTERY LATCH ASSEMBLYCHAPTER 24: BATTERY LATCH ASSEMBLY