Dell Alienware M17X R3 Service Manual (English Only)
Dell Alienware M17X R3 Manual
View all Dell Alienware M17X R3 manuals
Add to My Manuals
Save this manual to your list of manuals |
Dell Alienware M17X R3 manual content summary:
- Dell Alienware M17X R3 | Service Manual (English Only) - Page 1
Alienware M17x-R3 Service Manual Regulatory model: P11E Regulatory type: P11E001 - Dell Alienware M17X R3 | Service Manual (English Only) - Page 2
CAUTION indicates potential damage to hardware or loss of data if instructions are not followed. WARNING: A WARNING indicates a potential for trademarks of Dell Inc.; Alienware® is a registered trademark of Alienware Corporation; Bluetooth® is a registered trademark owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and - Dell Alienware M17X R3 | Service Manual (English Only) - Page 3
Pack 13 Removing the Battery Pack 13 Replacing the Battery Pack 14 3 Compartment Door 15 Removing the Compartment Door 15 Replacing the Compartment Door 16 4 Coin-Cell Battery 17 Removing the Coin-Cell Battery 17 Replacing the Coin-Cell Battery 18 5 Hard Drive(s 19 Removing the Hard - Dell Alienware M17X R3 | Service Manual (English Only) - Page 4
the Hard Drive(s 22 6 Memory Module(s 25 Removing the Memory Module(s 25 Replacing the Memory Module(s 27 7 Graphics-Card Heat Sink Fan 31 Removing the Graphics-Card Heat Sink Fan 31 Replacing the Graphics-Card Heat Sink Fan 32 8 Graphics-Card Assembly 35 Removing the Graphics-Card Assembly - Dell Alienware M17X R3 | Service Manual (English Only) - Page 5
49 Replacing the Center Control Cover 52 13 Keyboard 55 Removing the Keyboard 55 Replacing the Keyboard 57 14 Wireless Mini-Card 59 Removing the Mini-Card 59 Replacing the Mini-Card 61 15 WirelessHD Card (Optional 63 Removing the WirelessHD Card 63 Replacing the WirelessHD Card 64 16 Power - Dell Alienware M17X R3 | Service Manual (English Only) - Page 6
Replacing the Power Button Board 68 17 Display Assembly 71 Removing the Display Assembly 71 Replacing the Palm Rest Assembly 81 20 Internal Card With Bluetooth Wireless Technology 83 Removing the Bluetooth Card 83 Replacing the Bluetooth Card 84 21 Speakers 87 Removing the Speakers 87 - Dell Alienware M17X R3 | Service Manual (English Only) - Page 7
Drive 91 Removing the Optical Drive 91 Replacing the Optical Drive 94 23 System Board 95 Removing the System Board 95 Replacing the System Board 97 Entering the Service Tag in the BIOS 99 24 System Setup 101 Configuring the System Setup 101 Entering System Setup 101 System Setup Screens - Dell Alienware M17X R3 | Service Manual (English Only) - Page 8
8 Contents - Dell Alienware M17X R3 | Service Manual (English Only) - Page 9
purchased separately-installed by performing the removal procedure in reverse order. Recommended Tools The procedures in this document may require the following tools: • Small flat-blade screwdriver • Phillips screwdriver • Plastic scribe • BIOS executable update program at support.dell.com Turning - Dell Alienware M17X R3 | Service Manual (English Only) - Page 10
card. Hold a card by its edges or by its metal mounting bracket. Hold a component such as a processor by its edges, not by its pins. CAUTION: Only a certified service technician should perform repairs on your computer. Damage due to servicing clean eject any installed cards from the 9-in-1 Media Card - Dell Alienware M17X R3 | Service Manual (English Only) - Page 11
CAUTION: To help prevent damage to the system board, remove the main battery (see "Removing the Battery Pack" on page 13) before working inside the computer. 7 Remove the battery pack (see "Removing the Battery Pack" on page 13). 8 Turn the computer top-side up, open the display, and press the power - Dell Alienware M17X R3 | Service Manual (English Only) - Page 12
12 Before You Begin - Dell Alienware M17X R3 | Service Manual (English Only) - Page 13
servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by your warranty. CAUTION: To avoid damage to the computer, use only the battery designed for this particular Alienware computer. Do not use batteries designed for other Alienware computers. Removing the Battery Pack 1 Follow the instructions - Dell Alienware M17X R3 | Service Manual (English Only) - Page 14
1 1 battery pack 2 battery latch Replacing the Battery Pack CAUTION: To avoid damage to the computer, use only the battery designed for this particular Alienware computer. 1 Follow the instructions in "Before You Begin" on page 9. 2 Align the tabs on the battery with the slots on the battery bay - Dell Alienware M17X R3 | Service Manual (English Only) - Page 15
due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by your warranty. CAUTION: To help prevent damage to the system board, remove the main battery (see "Removing the Battery Pack" on page 13) before working inside the computer. Removing the Compartment Door 1 Follow the instructions in - Dell Alienware M17X R3 | Service Manual (English Only) - Page 16
Door 1 Follow the instructions in "Before You Begin" on page 9. 2 Align the tabs on the compartment door with the slots on the computer base and slide the compartment door into place. 3 Replace the two screws that secure the compartment door to the computer base. 4 Replace the battery pack (see - Dell Alienware M17X R3 | Service Manual (English Only) - Page 17
due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by your warranty. CAUTION: To help prevent damage to the system board, remove the main battery (see "Removing the Battery Pack" on page 13) before working inside the computer. Removing the Coin-Cell Battery 1 Follow the instructions in - Dell Alienware M17X R3 | Service Manual (English Only) - Page 18
1 2 1 plastic scribe 2 coin-cell battery Replacing the Coin-Cell Battery 1 Follow the instructions in "Before You Begin" on page 9. 2 Hold the coin-cell battery with the positive side up. 3 Slide the coin-cell battery into the slot and gently press until it snaps into place. 4 Replace the - Dell Alienware M17X R3 | Service Manual (English Only) - Page 19
Alienware does not guarantee compatibility or provide support for hard drives from sources other than Dell. NOTE: If you are installing a hard drive from a source other than Dell or Alienware, you need to install an operating system, drivers, and utilities on the new hard drive. Hard Drive(s) 19 - Dell Alienware M17X R3 | Service Manual (English Only) - Page 20
the Hard Drive(s) 1 Follow the instructions in "Before You Begin" on page 9. 2 Remove the battery pack (see "Removing the Battery Pack" on page 13). 3 Remove the compartment door (see "Removing the Compartment Door" on page 15). 4 Loosen the three captive screws that secure the hard-drive assembly - Dell Alienware M17X R3 | Service Manual (English Only) - Page 21
2 1 1 captive screws (3) 2 secondary hard-drive assembly 7 Remove the four screws that secure the hard drive to the hard-drive bracket. 8 Lift the hard-drive off the hard-drive bracket. 9 Remove the interposer from the hard drive. Hard Drive(s) 21 - Dell Alienware M17X R3 | Service Manual (English Only) - Page 22
packaging (see "Protecting Against Electrostatic Discharge" in the safety instructions that shipped with your computer). Replacing the Hard Drive(s) 1 Follow the instructions in "Before You Begin" on page 9. 2 Remove the new drive from its packaging. Save the original packaging for storing or - Dell Alienware M17X R3 | Service Manual (English Only) - Page 23
the Battery Pack" on page 14). CAUTION: Before turning on the computer, replace all screws and ensure that no stray screws remain inside the computer. Failure to do so may result in damage to the computer. 10 Install the operating system for your computer, as needed. 11 Install the drivers and - Dell Alienware M17X R3 | Service Manual (English Only) - Page 24
24 Hard Drive(s) - Dell Alienware M17X R3 | Service Manual (English Only) - Page 25
can increase your computer memory by installing memory modules on the system board. See the "Specifications" section in your Mobile Manual for information on the type of memory supported by your computer. NOTE: Memory modules purchased from Dell or Alienware are covered under your computer warranty - Dell Alienware M17X R3 | Service Manual (English Only) - Page 26
(s) from connectors DIMM 1 and DIMM 2, go to step 6. 5 To remove memory-module(s) from connectors DIMM 3 and DIMM 4: a Remove the center control cover (see "Removing the Center Control Cover" on page 49). b Remove the keyboard (see "Removing the Keyboard" on page 55). c Remove the three screws that - Dell Alienware M17X R3 | Service Manual (English Only) - Page 27
the memory-module connector. Replacing the Memory Module(s) 1 Follow the instructions in "Before You Begin" on page 9. NOTE: If you need to install memory modules in two connectors, install a memory module in the lower connector before you install a memory module in the upper connector. 2 Align the - Dell Alienware M17X R3 | Service Manual (English Only) - Page 28
memory-module cover to the palm rest assembly. c Replace the keyboard (see "Replacing the Keyboard" on page 57). d Replace the center control cover (see "Replacing the Center Control Cover" on page 52). 6 Replace the compartment door (see "Replacing the Compartment Door" on page 16). 7 Replace the - Dell Alienware M17X R3 | Service Manual (English Only) - Page 29
to the computer. 8 Turn on the computer. As the computer boots, it detects the additional memory and automatically updates the system configuration information. To confirm the amount of memory installed in the computer: Click Start → Control Panel→ System and Security→ System. Memory Module(s) 29 - Dell Alienware M17X R3 | Service Manual (English Only) - Page 30
30 Memory Module(s) - Dell Alienware M17X R3 | Service Manual (English Only) - Page 31
Pack" on page 13) before working inside the computer. Removing the Graphics-Card Heat Sink Fan 1 Follow the instructions in "Before You Begin" on page 9. 2 Remove the battery pack (see "Removing the Battery Pack" on page 13). 3 Remove the compartment door (see "Removing the Compartment Door" on - Dell Alienware M17X R3 | Service Manual (English Only) - Page 32
3 2 1 1 graphics-card heat sink fan cable 3 graphics-card heat sink fan 2 captive screws (3) Replacing the Graphics-Card Heat Sink Fan 1 Follow the instructions in "Before You Begin" on page 9. 2 Align the screw holes on the graphics-card heat sink fan with the screw holes on the chassis. 3 - Dell Alienware M17X R3 | Service Manual (English Only) - Page 33
Graphics-Card Heat Sink Fan 33 - Dell Alienware M17X R3 | Service Manual (English Only) - Page 34
34 Graphics-Card Heat Sink Fan - Dell Alienware M17X R3 | Service Manual (English Only) - Page 35
Follow the instructions in "Before You Begin" on page 9. 2 Remove the battery pack (see "Removing the Battery Pack" on page 13). 3 Remove the compartment door (see "Removing the Compartment Door" on page 15). 4 Remove the graphics-card heat sink fan (see "Removing the Graphics-Card Heat Sink Fan" on - Dell Alienware M17X R3 | Service Manual (English Only) - Page 36
screws that secure the graphics-card assembly to the system board. 4 Replace the graphics-card heat sink fan (see "Replacing the Graphics-Card Heat Sink Fan" on page 32). 5 Replace the compartment door (see "Replacing the Compartment Door" on page 16). 6 Replace the battery pack (see "Replacing the - Dell Alienware M17X R3 | Service Manual (English Only) - Page 37
time to cool before you touch it. CAUTION: Only a certified service technician should perform repairs on your computer. Damage due to servicing that Processor Heat-Sink Fan 1 Follow the instructions in "Before You Begin" on page 9. 2 Remove the battery pack (see "Removing the Battery Pack" on page - Dell Alienware M17X R3 | Service Manual (English Only) - Page 38
1 2 3 1 processor heat-sink fan cable 3 captive screws (3) 2 processor heat-sink fan Replacing the Processor Heat-Sink Fan 1 Follow the instructions in "Before You Begin" on page 9. 2 Align the screw holes on the processor heat-sink fan with the screw holes on the chassis. 3 Tighten the three - Dell Alienware M17X R3 | Service Manual (English Only) - Page 39
CAUTION: Before turning on the computer, replace all screws and ensure that no stray screws remain inside the computer. Failure to do so may result in damage to the computer. Processor Heat-Sink Fan 39 - Dell Alienware M17X R3 | Service Manual (English Only) - Page 40
40 Processor Heat-Sink Fan - Dell Alienware M17X R3 | Service Manual (English Only) - Page 41
" on page 9. 2 Remove the battery pack (see "Removing the Battery Pack" on page 13). 3 Remove the compartment door (see "Removing the Compartment Door" on page 15). 4 Remove the processor heat-sink fan (see "Removing the Processor Heat-Sink Fan" on page 37). 5 In sequential order (indicated on the - Dell Alienware M17X R3 | Service Manual (English Only) - Page 42
in the kit to ensure that thermal conductivity is achieved. 1 Follow the instructions in "Before You Begin" on page 9. 2 Slide the processor heat-sink in sequential order (indicated on the processor heat-sink). 4 Replace the processor heat-sink fan (see "Replacing the Processor Heat-Sink Fan" on page - Dell Alienware M17X R3 | Service Manual (English Only) - Page 43
6 Replace the battery pack (see "Replacing the Battery Pack" on page 14). CAUTION: Before turning on the computer, replace all screws and ensure that no stray screws remain inside the computer. Failure to do so may result in damage to the computer. Processor Heat-Sink 43 - Dell Alienware M17X R3 | Service Manual (English Only) - Page 44
44 Processor Heat-Sink - Dell Alienware M17X R3 | Service Manual (English Only) - Page 45
service technician should perform repairs on your computer. Damage due to servicing , press to apply slight pressure to the center of the processor module while turning the cam Follow the instructions in "Before You Begin" on page 9. 2 Remove the battery pack (see "Removing the Battery Pack" on - Dell Alienware M17X R3 | Service Manual (English Only) - Page 46
Processor Module NOTE: If a new processor module is installed, you will receive a new thermal-cooling assembly, which will include an affixed thermal pad, or you will receive a new thermal pad along with documentation to illustrate proper installation. 1 Follow the instructions in "Before You Begin - Dell Alienware M17X R3 | Service Manual (English Only) - Page 47
" on page 42). 5 Replace the processor heat-sink fan (see "Replacing the Processor Heat-Sink Fan" on page 38). 6 Replace the compartment door (see "Replacing the Compartment Door" on page 16). 7 Replace the battery pack (see "Replacing the Battery Pack" on page 14). CAUTION: Before turning on the - Dell Alienware M17X R3 | Service Manual (English Only) - Page 48
48 Processor Module - Dell Alienware M17X R3 | Service Manual (English Only) - Page 49
to servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by your warranty. CAUTION: To help prevent damage to the system board, remove the main battery (see "Removing the Battery Pack" on page 13) before working inside the computer. Removing the Center Control Cover 1 Follow the instructions in - Dell Alienware M17X R3 | Service Manual (English Only) - Page 50
the cable that attaches to it are fragile. 5 Turn the computer over and open the display as far as possible. 6 Gently pry the center control cover from the back of the computer and then ease the tabs on the center control cover out of the slots on the palm rest assembly. 50 - Dell Alienware M17X R3 | Service Manual (English Only) - Page 51
cover CAUTION: Be extremely careful when removing and handling the center control cover. Failure to do so could result in scratching the display panel. 7 Turn the center control cover towards the display. 8 Disconnect the media control keys cable from the connector on the system board. 9 Lift - Dell Alienware M17X R3 | Service Manual (English Only) - Page 52
Center Control Cover 1 Follow the instructions in "Before You Begin" on page 9. 2 Connect the media control keys cable to the connector on the system board. 3 Align the tabs on the center . 5 Replace the five screws that secure the center control cover to the computer base. 6 Replace the compartment door ( - Dell Alienware M17X R3 | Service Manual (English Only) - Page 53
CAUTION: Before turning on the computer, replace all screws and ensure that no stray screws remain inside the computer. Failure to do so may result in damage to the computer. Center Control Cover 53 - Dell Alienware M17X R3 | Service Manual (English Only) - Page 54
54 Center Control Cover - Dell Alienware M17X R3 | Service Manual (English Only) - Page 55
due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by your warranty. CAUTION: To help prevent damage to the system board, remove the main battery (see "Removing the Battery Pack" on page 13) before working inside the computer. Removing the Keyboard 1 Follow the instructions in "Before - Dell Alienware M17X R3 | Service Manual (English Only) - Page 56
1 2 1 screws (5) 2 keyboard 8 Lift the release latches on the connectors on the system board and disconnect the keyboard cable and backlit keyboard cable. 9 Lift the keyboard off the palm rest assembly. 56 Keyboard - Dell Alienware M17X R3 | Service Manual (English Only) - Page 57
2 backlit keyboard cable Replacing the Keyboard 1 Follow the instructions in "Before You Begin" on page 9. 2 Slide screws that secure the keyboard to the computer base. 5 Replace the center control cover (see "Replacing the Center Control Cover" on page 52). 6 Replace the compartment door (see - Dell Alienware M17X R3 | Service Manual (English Only) - Page 58
CAUTION: Before turning on the computer, replace all screws and ensure that no stray screws remain inside the computer. Failure to do so may result in damage to the computer. 58 Keyboard - Dell Alienware M17X R3 | Service Manual (English Only) - Page 59
Removing the Battery Pack" on page 13) before working inside the computer. NOTE: Dell or Alienware does not guarantee compatibility or provide support for Mini-Cards from sources other than Dell or Alienware. If you ordered a wireless Mini-Card with your computer, the card is already installed. Your - Dell Alienware M17X R3 | Service Manual (English Only) - Page 60
1 3 2 1 screw 3 Mini-Card 2 antenna cables (2) 7 Remove the screw that secures the Mini-Card to the system board. 8 Lift the Mini-Card out of the connector on the system board. 60 Wireless Mini-Card - Dell Alienware M17X R3 | Service Manual (English Only) - Page 61
the safety information that shipped with your computer. Replacing the Mini-Card 1 Follow the instructions in "Before You Begin" on page 9. 2 Remove the new Mini-Card from its packaging. CAUTION: Use firm and even pressure to slide the card into place. If you use excessive force, you may damage the - Dell Alienware M17X R3 | Service Manual (English Only) - Page 62
the computer. Failure to do so may result in damage to the computer. 10 Install the drivers and utilities for your computer, as required. NOTE: If you are installing a Mini-card from a source other than Dell or Alienware, you must install the appropriate drivers and utilities. 62 Wireless Mini - Dell Alienware M17X R3 | Service Manual (English Only) - Page 63
service technician should perform repairs on your computer. Damage due to servicing ordered a wirelessHD card with your computer, the card is already installed. Removing the WirelessHD Card 1 Follow the instructions in "Before You Begin" on page 9. 2 Remove the battery pack (see "Removing the Battery - Dell Alienware M17X R3 | Service Manual (English Only) - Page 64
3 2 1 1 wirelessHD card cable 3 screw 2 wirelessHD card Replacing the WirelessHD Card 1 Follow the instructions in "Before You Begin" on page 9. 2 Remove the new wirelessHD card from its packaging. CAUTION: Use firm and even pressure to slide the card into place. If you use excessive force, you - Dell Alienware M17X R3 | Service Manual (English Only) - Page 65
control cover (see "Replacing the Center Control Cover" on page 52). 8 Replace the compartment door (see "Replacing the Compartment Door" on page 16). 9 Replace the battery pack (see "Replacing the Battery Pack" on page 14). CAUTION: Before turning on the computer, replace all screws and ensure - Dell Alienware M17X R3 | Service Manual (English Only) - Page 66
66 WirelessHD Card (Optional) - Dell Alienware M17X R3 | Service Manual (English Only) - Page 67
due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by your warranty. CAUTION: To help prevent damage to the system board, remove the main battery (see "Removing the Battery Pack" on page 13) before working inside the computer. Removing the Power Button Board 1 Follow the instructions in - Dell Alienware M17X R3 | Service Manual (English Only) - Page 68
2 power button board Replacing the Power Button Board 1 Follow the instructions in "Before You Begin" on page 9. 2 Align the slots see "Replacing the Keyboard" on page 57). 6 Replace the center control cover (see "Replacing the Center Control Cover" on page 52). 7 Replace the compartment door - Dell Alienware M17X R3 | Service Manual (English Only) - Page 69
CAUTION: Before turning on the computer, replace all screws and ensure that no stray screws remain inside the computer. Failure to do so may result in damage to the computer. Power Button Board 69 - Dell Alienware M17X R3 | Service Manual (English Only) - Page 70
70 Power Button Board - Dell Alienware M17X R3 | Service Manual (English Only) - Page 71
due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by your warranty. CAUTION: To help prevent damage to the system board, remove the main battery (see "Removing the Battery Pack" on page 13) before working inside the computer. Removing the Display Assembly 1 Follow the instructions in - Dell Alienware M17X R3 | Service Manual (English Only) - Page 72
connectors. 11 Note the routing of the display cable, camera cable, infrared cable, wirelessHD card cable, Mini-Card antenna cables and remove the cables from the routing guides on the palm rest assembly. 4 5 3 2 1 1 wirelessHD card cable 3 captive screws (2) 5 infrared cable 2 display cable - Dell Alienware M17X R3 | Service Manual (English Only) - Page 73
the six screws that secure the display assembly to the computer base. 3 Route the display cable, camera cable, infrared cable, wirelessHD card cable, and Mini-Card antenna cables through the routing guides on the palm rest assembly. 4 Connect the display cable to the connector on the system board - Dell Alienware M17X R3 | Service Manual (English Only) - Page 74
the Mini-Card" on page 61). 9 Replace the keyboard (see "Replacing the Keyboard" on page 57). 10 Replace the center control cover (see "Replacing the Center Control Cover" on page 52). 11 Replace the compartment door (see "Replacing the Compartment Door" on page 16). 12 Replace the battery pack (see - Dell Alienware M17X R3 | Service Manual (English Only) - Page 75
due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by your warranty. CAUTION: To help prevent damage to the system board, remove the main battery (see "Removing the Battery Pack" on page 13) before working inside the computer. Removing the Status Light Board 1 Follow the instructions in - Dell Alienware M17X R3 | Service Manual (English Only) - Page 76
board cable 2 status light board Replacing the Status Light Board 1 Follow the instructions in "Before You Begin" on page 9. 2 Align the slots on the rest assembly. 4 Route the status light board cable through the routing guides on the palm rest assembly. 5 Connect the status light board cable - Dell Alienware M17X R3 | Service Manual (English Only) - Page 77
control cover (see "Replacing the Center Control Cover" on page 52). 9 Replace the compartment door (see "Replacing the Compartment Door" on page 16). 10 Replace the battery pack (see "Replacing the Battery Pack" on page 14). CAUTION: Before turning on the computer, replace all screws and ensure - Dell Alienware M17X R3 | Service Manual (English Only) - Page 78
78 Status Light Board - Dell Alienware M17X R3 | Service Manual (English Only) - Page 79
: Only a certified service technician should perform repairs on your computer. Damage due to servicing that is not authorized instructions in "Before You Begin" on page 9. 2 Remove any installed card or blank from the 9-in-1 Media Card Reader. 3 Remove the battery pack (see "Removing the Battery - Dell Alienware M17X R3 | Service Manual (English Only) - Page 80
1 1 screws (5) 6 Remove the center control cover (see "Removing the Center Control Cover" on page 49). 7 Remove the "Removing the Status Light Board" on page 75). 11 Disconnect the touch pad cable, LVDS cable, and Media Card Reader cable from the connectors on the system board. 12 Remove the three - Dell Alienware M17X R3 | Service Manual (English Only) - Page 81
. 14 Lift the palm rest assembly off the computer base. 5 4 3 1 2 1 palm rest assembly 3 touch pad cable 5 screws (3) 2 LVDS cable 4 Media Card Reader cable Replacing the Palm Rest Assembly 1 Follow the instructions in "Before You Begin" on page 9. 2 Align the screw holes on the palm rest - Dell Alienware M17X R3 | Service Manual (English Only) - Page 82
Center Control Cover" on page 52). 10 Replace the five screws that secure the palm rest assembly to the computer base. 11 Replace the compartment door (see "Replacing the Compartment Door" on page 16). 12 Replace the battery pack (see "Replacing the Battery Pack" on page 14). 13 Replace any cards - Dell Alienware M17X R3 | Service Manual (English Only) - Page 83
system board, remove the main battery (see "Removing the Battery Pack" on page 13) before working inside the computer. If you ordered a card with Bluetooth wireless technology with your computer, it is already installed. Removing the Bluetooth Card 1 Follow the instructions in "Before You Begin" on - Dell Alienware M17X R3 | Service Manual (English Only) - Page 84
system board. 11 Remove the screw that secures the Bluetooth card to the system board. 12 Lift the Bluetooth card away from the system board. 3 1 2 1 Bluetooth-card cable 3 screw 2 Bluetooth card Replacing the Bluetooth Card 1 Follow the instructions in "Before You Begin" on page 9 2 Align the - Dell Alienware M17X R3 | Service Manual (English Only) - Page 85
12 Replace the battery pack (see "Replacing the Battery Pack" on page 14). CAUTION: Before turning on the computer, replace all screws and ensure that no stray screws remain inside the computer. Failure to do so may result in damage to the computer. Internal Card With Bluetooth Wireless Technology - Dell Alienware M17X R3 | Service Manual (English Only) - Page 86
86 Internal Card With Bluetooth Wireless Technology - Dell Alienware M17X R3 | Service Manual (English Only) - Page 87
due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by your warranty. CAUTION: To help prevent damage to the system board, remove the main battery (see "Removing the Battery Pack" on page 13) before working inside the computer. Removing the Speakers 1 Follow the instructions in "Before - Dell Alienware M17X R3 | Service Manual (English Only) - Page 88
Note the speakers cable routing and remove the cable from the routing guides on the computer base. 12 Remove the four screws that secure 1 speakers (2) 3 speakers cable 2 screws (4) Replacing the Speakers 1 Follow the instructions in "Before You Begin" on page 9. 2 Align the screw holes on the - Dell Alienware M17X R3 | Service Manual (English Only) - Page 89
control cover (see "Replacing the Center Control Cover" on page 52). 12 Replace the compartment door (see "Replacing the Compartment Door" on page 16). 13 Replace the battery pack (see "Replacing the Battery Pack" on page 14). CAUTION: Before turning on the computer, replace all screws and ensure - Dell Alienware M17X R3 | Service Manual (English Only) - Page 90
90 Speakers - Dell Alienware M17X R3 | Service Manual (English Only) - Page 91
CAUTION: Only a certified service technician should perform repairs on your computer. Damage due to servicing that is not authorized computer. Removing the Optical Drive 1 Follow the instructions in "Before You Begin" on page 9. 2 Remove the battery pack (see "Removing the Battery Pack" on page 13 - Dell Alienware M17X R3 | Service Manual (English Only) - Page 92
from the connector on the system board. 12 Remove the two screws that secure the optical-drive assembly to the computer base. 13 Lift the optical-drive assembly off the computer base. 2 3 1 1 optical-drive cable 3 optical drive 2 screws (2) 14 Remove the five screws that secure the optical - Dell Alienware M17X R3 | Service Manual (English Only) - Page 93
3 2 1 1 optical drive 3 screws (5) 2 optical-drive bracket 15 Remove the interposer from the optical drive. 1 1 interposer Optical Drive 93 - Dell Alienware M17X R3 | Service Manual (English Only) - Page 94
the Optical Drive 1 Follow the instructions in "Before You Begin" on page 9. 2 Replace the interposer to the optical drive. 3 Align the screw holes on the optical-drive bracket with the screw holes on the optical drive and replace the five screws. 4 Align the slot on the optical-drive bracket with - Dell Alienware M17X R3 | Service Manual (English Only) - Page 95
board's BIOS chip contains the Service Tag, which is also visible on a barcode label at the bottom of the computer. Removing the System Board 1 Follow the instructions in "Before You Begin" on page 9. 2 Remove any installed card or blank from the 9-in-1 Media Card Reader. 3 Remove the battery pack - Dell Alienware M17X R3 | Service Manual (English Only) - Page 96
Palm Rest Assembly" on page 79). 21 Remove the Bluetooth card (see "Removing the Bluetooth Card" on page 83). 22 Remove the speakers (see "Removing the Speakers" on page 87). 23 Follow the instructions from step 11 to step 13 in "Removing the Optical Drive" on page 91. 24 Remove the six screws that - Dell Alienware M17X R3 | Service Manual (English Only) - Page 97
the system board to the computer base. 4 Follow the instructions from step 4 to step 6 in "Replacing the Optical Drive" on page 94. 5 Replace the speakers (see "Replacing the Speakers" on page 88). 6 Replace the Bluetooth card (see "Replacing the Bluetooth Card" on page 84). 7 Replace the palm rest - Dell Alienware M17X R3 | Service Manual (English Only) - Page 98
the graphics-card assembly (see "Replacing the Graphics-Card Assembly" on page 36). 20 Replace the graphics-card heat sink fan (see "Replacing the Graphics-Card Heat Sink Fan" on page 32). 21 Replace the coin-cell battery (see "Replacing the Coin-Cell Battery" on page 18). 22 Replace the hard drive - Dell Alienware M17X R3 | Service Manual (English Only) - Page 99
Entering the Service Tag in the BIOS 1 Ensure that the AC adapter is plugged in and that the main battery is installed properly. 2 Turn on the computer. 3 Press during POST to enter the system setup program. 4 Navigate to the security tab and enter the service tag in the Set Service Tag field - Dell Alienware M17X R3 | Service Manual (English Only) - Page 100
100 System Board - Dell Alienware M17X R3 | Service Manual (English Only) - Page 101
your laptop. • Set or change a user-selectable option. • View the installed amount of memory or set the type of hard drive installed. Before you use shut down your laptop and try again. System Setup Screens The BIOS Setup Utility window displays current or changeable configuration information for - Dell Alienware M17X R3 | Service Manual (English Only) - Page 102
and installed devices, the items listed in this section may not appear, or may not appear exactly as listed. Main Menu System Time (hh:mm:ss) System Date (mm/dd/yyyy) Alienware Service Tag BIOS Version EC Version ME version CPU CPU Frequency CPU L3 Cache CPUID Integrated Graphics Discrete Graphics - Dell Alienware M17X R3 | Service Manual (English Only) - Page 103
support feature. NOTE: If USB Powershare is enabled, a device connected to the USB Powershare connector may not wake the computer. Allows you to charge USB devices when the computer is turned off or in standby mode. • AC Only: Charge USB devices when connected to AC adapter only. • AC and Battery - Dell Alienware M17X R3 | Service Manual (English Only) - Page 104
Integrated Network High Definition Audio SD Card Reader CPU Turbo Mode Performance Options SATA Operation SATA HARD DRIVE 1 SATA HARD DRIVE 2 Allows you to enable or disable the onboard LAN controller. • Disabled: Internal LAN is disabled and is not visible to the operating system. • Enabled: - Dell Alienware M17X R3 | Service Manual (English Only) - Page 105
if the computer should display warning messages when you use AC adapters that are not supported by your computer. • Enabled: BIOS will detect unsupported AC adapters and display an error on the screen. Allows you to enable or disable battery charging. Allows you to enable or disable the global - Dell Alienware M17X R3 | Service Manual (English Only) - Page 106
: Displays additional memory override support options. Allows you to increase memory voltage. Allows you to set memory frequency. Allows you to configure different XMP options. Allows you to enable or disable the internal Bluetooth device. • Disabled: The internal Bluetooth device is disabled and is - Dell Alienware M17X R3 | Service Manual (English Only) - Page 107
if the user password is clear or set. Set Service Tag Displays the service tag of the computer when the service tag is present. Displays a field to input the service tag manually when the service tag is absent. Set Supervisor Password Allows you to set the supervisor password. The supervisor - Dell Alienware M17X R3 | Service Manual (English Only) - Page 108
Discard Changes Allows you to load previous values from CMOS for all Setup items. 108 System Setup - Dell Alienware M17X R3 | Service Manual (English Only) - Page 109
BIOS: 1 Turn on the computer. 2 Go to support.dell.com/support/downloads. 3 Locate the BIOS update file for your computer: NOTE: The Service A list of results appear on the screen. Click BIOS. 5 Click Download Now to download the latest BIOS file. The File Download window appears. 6 Click Save to - Dell Alienware M17X R3 | Service Manual (English Only) - Page 110
7 Click Close if the Download Complete window appears. The file icon appears on your desktop and is titled the same as the downloaded BIOS update file. 8 Double-click the file icon on the desktop and follow the instructions on the screen. 110 Flashing the BIOS
Alienware M17x-R3 Service
Manual
Regulatory model: P11E
Regulatory type: P11E001