Alienware Area-51 Service Manual
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Alienware Area-51 Service Manual

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Alienware Area-51
Service Manual
Regulatory Model: D03X
Regulatory Type: D03X001
Table of Contents
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Summary of Contents for Alienware Area-51

  • Page 1 Alienware Area-51 Service Manual Regulatory Model: D03X Regulatory Type: D03X001...
  • 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. NOTE: A WARNING indicates a potential for property damage, personal injury, or death.

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    Contents 1 Before Working Inside Your Computer....................8 Before You Begin ................................8 Safety Instructions.................................8 Recommended Tools................................9 2 After Working Inside Your Computer....................10 3 Technical Overview..........................11 Inside View of Your Computer............................11 Right View..................................11 Left View..................................12 System-Board Components..............................13 I/O Board Components..............................
  • Page 4 12 Replacing the Battery Case.......................25 Procedure................................... 25 Post-requisites..................................25 13 Removing the Hard Drive........................26 Prerequisites..................................26 Procedure................................... 26 14 Replacing the Hard Drive........................28 Procedure................................... 28 Post-requisites..................................28 15 Removing the Optical Drive......................29 Prerequisites..................................29 Procedure................................... 29 16 Replacing the Optical Drive......................31 Procedure....................................
  • Page 5 Prerequisites..................................41 Procedure....................................41 24 Replacing the Drive-Bay Heat-Sensor..................... 43 Procedure................................... 43 Post-requisites..................................43 25 Removing the Memory Module(s)....................44 Prerequisites..................................44 Procedure................................... 44 26 Replacing the Memory Module(s)....................45 Procedure................................... 45 Post-requisites..................................45 27 Removing the Graphics Card......................46 Prerequisites..................................46 Procedure................................... 46 28 Replacing the Graphics Card......................
  • Page 6 35 Removing the Front-bezel Heat-sensor...................59 Prerequisites..................................59 Procedure................................... 59 36 Replacing the Front-bezel Heat-sensor...................60 Procedure................................... 60 Post-requisites..................................60 37 Removing the Memory Fan....................... 61 Prerequisites..................................61 Procedure....................................61 38 Replacing the Memory Fan.......................62 Procedure................................... 62 Post-requisites..................................62 39 Removing the Processor Cooling-Assembly..................63 Prerequisites..................................63 Procedure...................................
  • Page 7 Procedure....................................73 Post-requisites..................................73 47 Removing the Wireless Card......................74 Prerequisites..................................74 Procedure................................... 74 48 Replacing the Wireless Card......................75 Procedure................................... 75 Post-requisites..................................75 49 Removing the Logo Board........................ 76 Prerequisites..................................76 Procedure................................... 76 50 Replacing the Logo Board........................ 78 Procedure....................................78 Post-requisites..................................78 51 Removing the System Board......................79 Prerequisites..................................

  • Page 8: Before Working Inside Your Computer

    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.

  • Page 9: Recommended Tools

    Recommended Tools The procedures in this document may require the following tools: • Philips screwdriver • Flat-head screwdriver • Plastic scribe...

  • Page 10: After Working Inside Your Computer

    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.

  • Page 11: Technical Overview

    Technical Overview NOTE: 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.

  • Page 12: Left View

    Left View 1. 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/O accessibility lighting batteries 7. 3.5 inch drive bracket (HDD1) 8. 3.5 inch drive bracket (HDD2) 9.

  • Page 13: System-Board Components

    System-Board Components 1. processor liquid cooling-assembly fan (LCM_FAN1) 2. audio connector (AUDIO101) 3. PCI-Express x16 slot (SLOT1) 4. low pin count debug header (LPC1) 5. password reset jumper (PASSWORD1) 6. PCI-Express x1 slot (SLOT2) 7. PCI-Express x16 slot (SLOT3) 8. M.2 connector (wireless card) 9.

  • Page 14: I/O Board Components

    I/O Board Components NOTE: The location of the connectors may vary based on the selections you made at the time of purchase. 1. rear I/O accessibility lighting battery connector (VBAT1) 2. rear I/O accessibility lighting connector (PORCH_LIGHT1) 3. left theater-lighting connector (POGO_IN_L1) 4.

  • Page 15: Lifting The Computer

    Lifting the Computer Procedure 1. With both hands, hold the handle on top of the computer. 2. Lift the computer. a. handle b. computer...

  • Page 16: Removing The Stability Foot

    Removing the Stability Foot NOTE: 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.

  • Page 18: Replacing The Stability Foot

    Replacing the Stability Foot NOTE: 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.

  • Page 19: Removing The Side Panels

    Removing the Side Panels NOTE: 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.

  • Page 20: Replacing The Side Panels

    Replacing the Side Panels NOTE: 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.

  • Page 21: Removing The Battery

    Removing the Battery NOTE: 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.

  • Page 22: Replacing The Battery

    Replacing the Battery NOTE: 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.

  • Page 23: Removing The Battery Case

    Removing the Battery Case NOTE: 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.
  • Page 24 1. battery-case cable 2. battery-case connector 3. battery-case 4. screws (2)

  • Page 25: Replacing The Battery Case

    Replacing the Battery Case NOTE: 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.

  • Page 26: Removing The Hard Drive

    Removing the Hard Drive NOTE: 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.
  • Page 27 a. screws (4) b. hard drive c. hard-drive bracket...

  • Page 28: Replacing The Hard Drive

    Replacing the Hard Drive NOTE: 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.

  • Page 29: Removing The Optical Drive

    Removing the Optical Drive NOTE: 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.
  • Page 30 a. screws (2) b. optical drive c. optical-drive bracket...

  • Page 31: Replacing The Optical Drive

    Replacing the Optical Drive NOTE: 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.

  • Page 32: Removing The Right Alienfx Side-Panel Connector

    Removing the Right AlienFX Side-Panel Connector NOTE: 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.
  • Page 33 a. screws (2) b. right AlienFX side-panel connector...

  • Page 34: Replacing The Right Alienfx Side-Panel Connector

    Replacing the Right AlienFX Side-Panel Connector NOTE: 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.

  • Page 35: Removing The Left Alienfx Side-Panel Connector

    Removing the Left AlienFX Side-Panel Connector NOTE: 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.
  • Page 36 a. screw b. left AlienFX side-panel connector assembly 7. Remove the screws that secure the AlienFX side-panel connector to the bracket and set it aside in a secure location. a. screw b. left AlienFX side-panel connector...

  • Page 37: Replacing The Left Alienfx Side-Panel Connector

    Replacing the Left AlienFX Side-Panel Connector NOTE: 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.

  • Page 38: Removing The I/O Board

    Removing the I/O Board NOTE: 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.
  • Page 39 a. I/O board b. screws (2)

  • Page 40: Replacing The I/O Board

    Replacing the I/O Board NOTE: 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.

  • Page 41: Removing The Drive-Bay Heat-Sensor

    Removing the Drive-Bay Heat-Sensor NOTE: 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.
  • Page 42 a. release tab b. securing clip c. drive-bay heat-sensor cable...

  • Page 43: Replacing The Drive-Bay Heat-Sensor

    Replacing the Drive-Bay Heat-Sensor NOTE: 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.

  • Page 44: Removing The Memory Module(S)

    Removing the Memory Module(s) NOTE: 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.

  • Page 45: Replacing The Memory Module(S)

    Replacing the Memory Module(s) NOTE: 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.

  • Page 46: Removing The Graphics Card

    Removing the Graphics Card NOTE: 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.
  • Page 47 a. graphics card b. releasing clips...

  • Page 48: Replacing The Graphics Card

    Replacing the Graphics Card NOTE: 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.

  • Page 49: Removing The Multiple Graphics Cards

    Removing the Multiple Graphics Cards NOTE: 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.
  • Page 50 a. screw cover b. screws (2) c. power cables (2) 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. a. graphics card b.

  • Page 51: Replacing The Multiple Graphics Cards

    Replacing the Multiple Graphics Cards NOTE: 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.

  • Page 52: Removing The Full-Length Graphics Cards

    Removing the Full-length Graphics Cards NOTE: 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.
  • Page 53 a. screw cover b. screws (2) c. power cables (2) 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. a. graphics card b.

  • Page 54: Replacing The Full-Length Graphics Cards

    Replacing the Full-length Graphics Cards NOTE: 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.

  • Page 55: Removing The Pci Fan

    Removing the PCI Fan NOTE: 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.
  • Page 56 a. PCI fan b. screws (2) 4. Disconnect the PCI-fan cable and front-bezel heat-sensor cable from the connector on the system board. 5. Pry out the PCI fan from the tabs securing it to the chassis. 1. tabs 2. PCI fan 3.
  • Page 57 a. screws (4) b. fan shroud...

  • Page 58: Replacing The Pci Fan

    Replacing the PCI Fan NOTE: 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.

  • Page 59: Removing The Front-Bezel Heat-Sensor

    Removing the Front-bezel Heat-sensor NOTE: 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.

  • Page 60: Replacing The Front-Bezel Heat-Sensor

    Replacing the Front-bezel Heat-sensor NOTE: 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.

  • Page 61: Removing The Memory Fan

    Removing the Memory Fan NOTE: 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.

  • Page 62: Replacing The Memory Fan

    Replacing the Memory Fan NOTE: 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.

  • Page 63: Removing The Processor Cooling-Assembly

    Removing the Processor Cooling-Assembly NOTE: 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.
  • Page 64 5. processor liquid-cooling assembly fan cable 6. Slide and lift the processor liquid-cooling assembly out of the chassis. a. processor liquid-cooling assembly b. processor liquid-cooling assembly pump...

  • Page 65: Replacing The Processor Cooling Assembly

    Replacing the Processor Cooling Assembly NOTE: 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.

  • Page 66: Removing The Processor

    Removing the Processor NOTE: 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.

  • Page 67: Replacing The Processor

    Replacing the Processor NOTE: 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.

  • Page 68: Post-Requisites

    Post-requisites 1. Replace the processor liquid-cooling assembly fan. 2. Replace both the left and right side-panels. See “Replacing the Side Panels”. 3. Replace the stability foot.

  • Page 69: Removing The Power-Supply Unit

    Removing the Power-Supply Unit NOTE: 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.
  • Page 70 a. power supply b. power-supply cover 5. Slide the power-supply unit out through the back of the chassis and remove it from the computer. a. chassis b. power-supply unit...

  • Page 71: Replacing The Power-Supply Unit

    Replacing the Power-Supply Unit NOTE: 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.

  • Page 72: Removing The Coin-Cell Battery

    Removing the Coin-Cell Battery NOTE: 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.

  • Page 73: Replacing The Coin-Cell Battery

    Replacing the Coin-Cell Battery NOTE: 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.

  • Page 74: Removing The Wireless Card

    Removing the Wireless Card NOTE: 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.

  • Page 75: Replacing The Wireless Card

    Replacing the Wireless Card NOTE: 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.

  • Page 76: Removing The Logo Board

    Removing the Logo Board NOTE: 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.
  • Page 77 a. screws (6) b. logo board bracket c. logo board...

  • Page 78: Replacing The Logo Board

    Replacing the Logo Board NOTE: 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.

  • Page 79: Removing The System Board

    Removing the System Board NOTE: 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.
  • Page 80 a. screws (9) b. system board...

  • Page 81: Replacing The System Board

    Replacing the System Board NOTE: 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.

  • Page 82: System Setup

    Build Date Displays the BIOS release date. Product Information Product Name Displays the product name. Default: Alienware Area-51 R2. Set Service Tag Allows you to enter the service tag of your computer. Asset Tag Displays the asset tag of your computer.
  • Page 83 Main CPU Information Processor Type Displays the processor type Processor ID Displays the processor identification code. CPU Speed Displays the CPU speed. Cache L2 Displays the processor L2 cache size. Cache L3 Displays the processor L3 cache size. Device Information SATA Port1 Displays the SATA 1 drive installed in the computer.
  • Page 84 Advanced Power Management Setup AC Recovery Sets what action the computer takes when power is restored. Default: Last State. Deep Sleep Control Allows you to define the controls when Deep Sleep is enabled. Default: Enabled in S5 Only. Chipset Spread Spectrum Enabling this option could reduce the EMI.
  • Page 85 Chipset tFAW Displays the Four Activate Window (editable in Manual Mode). tWCL Displays the Write CAS Latency (editable in Manual Mode). tCKE Displays the Minimum CKE High and Low Pulse Width (editable in Manual Mode). CPU Power Management Configuration Allows you to access the CPU Power Management Configuration submenu.
  • Page 86 Chipset CPU Ring Voltage Offset Mode Allows you to change the CPU Ring Voltage Offset Mode. Default: Auto. CPU Ring Voltage Offset Allows you to change the CPU Ring Voltage Offset. Default: Auto. CPU SA Voltage Mode Allows you to change the CPU System Agent Voltage Mode.

  • Page 87: Clearing Forgotten Passwords

    Boot 5th Boot Allows you to enable or disable the 5th boot device. Default: Network. Hard Disk Drive BBS Priorities Sets the hard drive boot priority. The items displayed are dynamically updated according to the hard drives detected. USB Storage Drive BBS Priorities Sets the USB storage drive boot priority.

  • Page 88: Flashing The Bios

    3. Remove the both the left and right side-panels. See “Removing the Side Panels”. 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 pins 1 and 2. 6.

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D03x

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