Area-51m - Laptop ALIENWARE - Free user manual and instructions

Product Type	Gaming Laptop
Brand	Alienware
Model	Area-51m
Display Size	17.3 inches (typical)
Processor	Socketed Intel Core (up to i9-9900K)
Graphics	Removable NVIDIA RTX series GPU
Memory	2 x SO-DIMM slots, DDR4 (up to 64 GB)
Storage	M.2 2230/2280 SSD + 2.5" HDD
Battery	Lithium-ion, 6-cell (typical)
Power	Dual AC adapter ports (left and right), up to 330W each
Weight	Approximately 4.5 kg (10 lbs)
Dimensions	410 x 275 x 23 mm (16.1 x 10.8 x 0.9 in)
Operating System	Windows 10 (pre-installed)
Audio	Integrated audio daughter-board with speakers
Webcam	Yes, with camera status light
Connectivity	Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0, Gigabit Ethernet
Ports	USB 3.2, HDMI 2.0, Mini DisplayPort, Thunderbolt 3 (optional)
Security	BIOS passwords, TPM 2.0, Computrace
Serviceability	User-replaceable CPU, GPU, RAM, storage, battery, and more
Diagnostics	ePSA diagnostics, diagnostic LED patterns
BIOS	UEFI with extensive configuration options

Frequently Asked Questions - Area-51m ALIENWARE

How do I remove the base cover to access internal components?

Loosen the six captive screws securing the base cover, then pry open the cover starting from the middle of the bottom side using a plastic scribe. Slide the cover off and disconnect the battery cable from the system board. Press and hold the power button for five seconds to ground the system board.

What are the steps to replace the battery safely?

First, remove the base cover. Disconnect the battery cable from the system board. Remove the six screws (M2.5x5) securing the battery to the palm-rest assembly, then lift the battery out. To install, align the screw holes, replace the six screws, route the cable through the guides, and connect it to the system board. Replace the base cover.

How do I upgrade the memory modules?

Remove the base cover. Locate the memory modules on the system board. Use your fingertips to spread the securing clips on each end of the slot until the module pops up. Remove it. To install, align the notch with the tab, slide the module firmly into the slot at an angle, then press down until it clicks into place. Replace the base cover.

How can I clear the CMOS settings?

Remove the base cover, disconnect the battery cable from the system board, then remove the coin-cell battery. Wait one minute, replace the coin-cell battery, reconnect the battery cable, and replace the base cover. This resets the BIOS settings to default.

What is the procedure to flash the BIOS?

Download the latest BIOS file from Dell Support. Create a bootable USB drive, copy the BIOS file to it. Connect the USB drive to the computer, restart, press F12 at the Dell logo, boot from the USB drive, then run the BIOS update utility and follow on-screen instructions.

How do I run the ePSA diagnostics?

Turn on the computer and press F12 at the Dell logo. On the boot menu, select Diagnostics. Click the arrow at the bottom left, then the arrow at the bottom right to see the device list. To test a specific device, press Esc, select the device from the left pane, and click Run Tests.

What do the diagnostic light patterns mean?

The power/battery-status light blinks amber and white in patterns. For example, 2 blinks amber followed by 3 white indicates no memory detected. The manual lists patterns for CPU failure, system board failure, memory issues, CMOS battery failure, etc. See the diagnostics table in the service manual for full details.

How do I enable or disable Intel Optane memory?

Open Intel Rapid Storage Technology from the taskbar. On the Status tab, click Enable to enable Optane. To disable, go to the Intel Optane memory tab and click Disable. Note: Do not disable if Optane is the primary storage. A reboot is required.

What safety precautions should I take before servicing?

Read the safety information shipped with the computer. Use an ESD wrist strap and anti-static mat. Disconnect all power sources, press the power button to drain flea power. Handle components by edges, avoid touching pins. Work on a flat, clean surface. Refer to the ESD protection section in the manual.

How do I perform a WiFi power cycle?

Turn off the computer, modem, and wireless router. Wait 30 seconds. Turn on the router, then the modem, then the computer. This can resolve WiFi connectivity issues.

USER MANUAL Area-51m ALIENWARE

Alienware Area-51m Service Manual

Notes, cautions, and warnings

NOTE: A NOTE indicates important information that helps you make better use of your product.

CAUTION: A CAUTION indicates either potential damage to hardware or loss of data and tells you how to avoid the problem.

WARNING: A WARNING indicates a potential for property damage, personal injury, or death.

Contents

Before working inside your computer....8

Before you begin 8

After working inside your computer....9

Safety instructions.... 10

Electrostatic discharge—ESD protection....10

ESD field service kit ....11

Components of an ESD field service kit....11

ESD protection summary 11

Transporting sensitive components....12

Lifting equipment 12

Recommended tools.... 13

Screw list....14

Removing the base cover....16

Procedure....16

Replacing the base cover.... 17

Procedure....17

Removing the battery.... 19

Lithium-ion battery precautions....19

Prerequisites....19

Procedure....19

Replacing the battery....21

Procedure 21

Post-requisites....21

Removing the memory modules.... 22

Prerequisites....22

Procedure....22

Replacing the memory modules.... 24

Procedure 24

Post-requisites....24

Removing the wireless card....25

Prerequisites....25

Procedure....25

Replacing the wireless card....27

Procedure....27

Post-requisites....28

Removing the solid-state drives....29

Prerequisites....29

Procedure to remove M.2 2230 card.... 29

Procedure to remove M.2 2280 card....30

Replacing the solid-state drives.... 31

Procedure to replace M.2 2230 card....31

Procedure to replace M.2 2280 card....32

Post-requisites....33

Removing the hard drive.... 34

Prerequisites....34

Procedure....34

Replacing the hard drive.... 36

Procedure....36

Post-requisites....38

Removing the rear-I/O cover.... 39

Prerequisites....39

Procedure....39

Replacing the rear-I/O cover.... 40

Procedure....40

Post-requisites....40

Removing the audio daughter-board.... 41

Prerequisites....41

Procedure....41

Replacing the audio daughter-board....42

Procedure....42

Post-requisites....42

Removing the speakers....43

Prerequisites....43

Procedure....43

Replacing the speakers....44

Procedure 44

Post-requisites....44

Removing the coin-cell battery....46

Prerequisites....46
Procedure....46

Replacing the coin-cell battery....47

Procedure....47
Post-requisites....47

Removing the touchpad....48

Prerequisites....48
Procedure....48

Replacing the touchpad....50

Procedure....50
Post-requisites....50

Removing the display assembly.... 52

Prerequisites....52
Procedure....52

Replacing the display assembly.... 55

Procedure....55
Post-requisites....56

Removing the computer base....57

Prerequisites....57
Procedure....57

Replacing the computer base....60

Procedure....60
Post-requisites....61

Removing the heat-sink assembly....62

Prerequisites....62
Procedure....62

Replacing the heat-sink assembly....64

Procedure 64
Post-requisites....65

Removing the left power-adapter port....66

Prerequisites....66
Procedure....66

Replacing the left power-adapter port....67

Procedure....67

Post-requisites....67

Removing the processor....69

Prerequisites....69

Procedure....69

Replacing the processor....71

Procedure....71

Post-requisites....71

Removing the graphics card....72

Prerequisites....72

Procedure....72

Replacing the graphics card....74

Procedure....74

Post-requisites....74

Removing the system board....76

Prerequisites....76

Procedure....76

Replacing the system board....80

Procedure 80

Post-requisites....82

Entering the Service Tag in the BIOS setup program....82

Removing the right power-adapter port.... 83

Prerequisites....83

Procedure....83

Replacing the right power-adapter port.... 85

Procedure....85

Post-requisites....85

Removing the keyboard....87

Prerequisites....87

Procedure....87

Replacing the keyboard....90

Procedure....90

Post-requisites....91

Removing the macro keys....92

Prerequisites....92

Procedure....92

Replacing the macro keys....94

Procedure....94

Post-requisites....94

Removing the palm-rest assembly....96

Prerequisites....96

Procedure....96

Replacing the palm-rest assembly.... 98

Procedure....98

Post-requisites....98

Device drivers....100

Intel Chipset Software Installation Utility....100

Video drivers....100

Intel Serial IO driver....100

Intel Trusted Execution Engine Interface....100

Intel Virtual Button driver....100

Wireless and Bluetooth drivers....100

System setup....101

System setup....101

Entering BIOS setup program....101

Navigation keys....101

Boot Sequence....101

System setup options....102

Clearing CMOS settings....107

Clearing BIOS (System Setup) and System passwords....107

Troubleshooting....108

Flashing the BIOS....108

Flashing BIOS (USB key)....108

Enhanced Pre-Boot System Assessment (ePSA) diagnostics....108

Running the ePSA diagnostics....109

System diagnostic lights....109

Enabling Intel Optane memory....110

Disabling Intel Optane memory....110

WiFi power cycle....111

Flea power release....111

Before working inside your computer

NOTE: The images in this document may differ from your computer depending on the configuration you ordered.

Before you begin

1 Save and close all open files and exit all open applications.

2 Shut down your computer. Click Start → ⏻ Power → Shut down.

NOTE: If you are using a different operating system, see the documentation of your operating system for shutdown instructions.

3 Disconnect your computer and all attached devices from their electrical outlets.
4 Disconnect all attached network devices and peripherals, such as keyboard, mouse, and monitor from your computer.
5 Remove any media card and optical disc from your computer, if applicable.

After working inside your computer

CAUTION: Leaving stray or loose screws inside your computer may severely damage your computer.

1 Replace all screws and ensure that no stray screws remain inside your computer.
2 Connect any external devices, peripherals, or cables you removed before working on your computer.
3 Replace any media cards, discs, or any other parts that you removed before working on your computer.
4 Connect your computer and all attached devices to their electrical outlets.
5 Turn on your computer.

Safety instructions

Use the following safety guidelines to protect your computer from potential damage and ensure your personal safety.

WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.
WARNING: Disconnect all power sources before opening the computer cover or panels. After you finish working inside the computer, replace all covers, panels, and screws before connecting to the electrical outlet.
CAUTION: To avoid damaging the computer, ensure that the work surface is flat and clean.
CAUTION: To avoid damaging the components and cards, handle them by their edges, and avoid touching pins and contacts.
CAUTION: You should only perform troubleshooting and repairs as authorized or directed by the Dell technical assistance team. Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by your warranty. See the safety instructions that shipped with the product or at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.
CAUTION: Before touching anything inside your computer, ground yourself by touching an unpainted metal surface, such as the metal at the back of the computer. While you work, periodically touch an unpainted metal surface to dissipate static electricity, which could harm internal components.
CAUTION: When you disconnect a cable, pull on its connector or on its pull tab, not on the cable itself. Some cables have connectors with locking tabs or thumb-screws that you must disengage before disconnecting the cable. When disconnecting cables, keep them evenly aligned to avoid bending any connector pins. When connecting cables, ensure that the ports and connectors are correctly oriented and aligned.
CAUTION: Press and eject any installed card from the media-card reader.

Electrostatic discharge—ESD protection

ESD is a major concern when you handle electronic components, especially sensitive components such as expansion cards, processors, memory DIMMs, and system boards. Very slight charges can damage circuits in ways that may not be obvious, such as intermittent problems or a shortened product life span. As the industry pushes for lower power requirements and increased density, ESD protection is an increasing concern.

Due to the increased density of semiconductors used in recent Dell products, the sensitivity to static damage is now higher than in previous Dell products. For this reason, some previously approved methods of handling parts are no longer applicable.

Two recognized types of ESD damage are catastrophic and intermittent failures.

• Catastrophic – Catastrophic failures represent approximately 20 percent of ESD-related failures. The damage causes an immediate and complete loss of device functionality. An example of catastrophic failure is a memory DIMM that has received a static shock and immediately generates a "No POST/No Video" symptom with a beep code emitted for missing or nonfunctional memory.
• Intermittent – Intermittent failures represent approximately 80 percent of ESD-related failures. The high rate of intermittent failures means that most of the time when damage occurs, it is not immediately recognizable. The DIMM receives a static shock, but the tracing is merely weakened and does not immediately produce outward symptoms related to the damage. The weakened trace may take weeks or months to melt, and in the meantime may cause degradation of memory integrity, intermittent memory errors, etc.

The more difficult type of damage to recognize and troubleshoot is the intermittent (also called latent or "walking wounded") failure.

Perform the following steps to prevent ESD damage:

• Use a wired ESD wrist strap that is properly grounded. The use of wireless anti-static straps is no longer allowed; they do not provide adequate protection. Touching the chassis before handling parts does not ensure adequate ESD protection on parts with increased sensitivity to ESD damage.
• Handle all static-sensitive components in a static-safe area. If possible, use anti-static floor pads and workbench pads.

- When unpacking a static-sensitive component from its shipping carton, do not remove the component from the anti-static packing material until you are ready to install the component. Before unwrapping the anti-static packaging, ensure that you discharge static electricity from your body.

- Before transporting a static-sensitive component, place it in an anti-static container or packaging.

ESD field service kit

The unmonitored Field Service kit is the most commonly used service kit. Each Field Service kit includes three main components: anti-static mat, wrist strap, and bonding wire.

Components of an ESD field service kit

The components of an ESD field service kit are:

• Anti-Static Mat – The anti-static mat is dissipative and parts can be placed on it during service procedures. When using an anti-static mat, your wrist strap should be snug and the bonding wire should be connected to the mat and to any bare metal on the system being worked on. Once deployed properly, service parts can be removed from the ESD bag and placed directly on the mat. ESD-sensitive items are safe in your hand, on the ESD mat, in the system, or inside a bag.
• Wrist Strap and Bonding Wire – The wrist strap and bonding wire can be either directly connected between your wrist and bare metal on the hardware if the ESD mat is not required, or connected to the anti-static mat to protect hardware that is temporarily placed on the mat. The physical connection of the wrist strap and bonding wire between your skin, the ESD mat, and the hardware is known as bonding. Use only Field Service kits with a wrist strap, mat, and bonding wire. Never use wireless wrist straps. Always be aware that the internal wires of a wrist strap are prone to damage from normal wear and tear, and must be checked regularly with a wrist strap tester in order to avoid accidental ESD hardware damage. It is recommended to test the wrist strap and bonding wire at least once per week.
• ESD Wrist Strap Tester – The wires inside of an ESD strap are prone to damage over time. When using an unmonitored kit, it is a best practice to regularly test the strap prior to each service call, and at a minimum, test once per week. A wrist strap tester is the best method for doing this test. If you do not have your own wrist strap tester, check with your regional office to find out if they have one. To perform the test, plug the wrist-strap's bonding-wire into the tester while it is strapped to your wrist and push the button to test. A green LED is lit if the test is successful; a red LED is lit and an alarm sounds if the test fails.
• Insulator Elements – It is critical to keep ESD sensitive devices, such as plastic heat sink casings, away from internal parts that are insulators and often highly charged.
• Working Environment – Before deploying the ESD Field Service kit, assess the situation at the customer location. For example, deploying the kit for a server environment is different than for a desktop or portable environment. Servers are typically installed in a rack within a data center; desktops or portables are typically placed on office desks or cubicles. Always look for a large open flat work area that is free of clutter and large enough to deploy the ESD kit with additional space to accommodate the type of system that is being repaired. The workspace should also be free of insulators that can cause an ESD event. On the work area, insulators such as Styrofoam and other plastics should always be moved at least 12 inches or 30 centimeters away from sensitive parts before physically handling any hardware components.
• ESD Packaging – All ESD-sensitive devices must be shipped and received in static-safe packaging. Metal, static-shielded bags are preferred. However, you should always return the damaged part using the same ESD bag and packaging that the new part arrived in. The ESD bag should be folded over and taped shut and all the same foam packing material should be used in the original box that the new part arrived in. ESD-sensitive devices should be removed from packaging only at an ESD-protected work surface, and parts should never be placed on top of the ESD bag because only the inside of the bag is shielded. Always place parts in your hand, on the ESD mat, in the system, or inside an anti-static bag.
• Transporting Sensitive Components – When transporting ESD sensitive components such as replacement parts or parts to be returned to Dell, it is critical to place these parts in anti-static bags for safe transport.

ESD protection summary

It is recommended that all field service technicians use the traditional wired ESD grounding wrist strap and protective anti-static mat at all times when servicing Dell products. In addition, it is critical that technicians keep sensitive parts separate from all insulator parts while performing service and that they use anti-static bags for transporting sensitive components.

Transporting sensitive components

When transporting ESD sensitive components such as replacement parts or parts to be returned to Dell, it is critical to place these parts in anti-static bags for safe transport.

Lifting equipment

Adhere to the following guidelines when lifting heavy weight equipment:

CAUTION: Do not lift greater than 50 pounds. Always obtain additional resources or use a mechanical lifting device.

1 Get a firm balanced footing. Keep your feet apart for a stable base, and point your toes out.
2 Tighten stomach muscles. Abdominal muscles support your spine when you lift, offsetting the force of the load.
3 Lift with your legs, not your back.
4 Keep the load close. The closer it is to your spine, the less force it exerts on your back.
5 Keep your back upright, whether lifting or setting down the load. Do not add the weight of your body to the load. Avoid twisting your body and back.
6 Follow the same techniques in reverse to set the load down.

Recommended tools

The procedures in this document may require the following tools:

• Philips screwdriver #1
• Flat-head screwdriver
• Plastic scribe

Screw list

NOTE: When removing screws from a component, it is recommended to note the screw type, the quantity of screws, and then place them in a screw storage box. This is to ensure that the correct number of screws and correct screw type is restored when the component is replaced.
NOTE: Some computers have magnetic surfaces. Ensure that the screws are not left attached to such surface when replacing a component.
NOTE: Screw color may vary with the configuration ordered.

Table 1. Screw list
Component Secured to Screw type Quantity Screw image

Audio daughter-board Palm-rest assembly M2.5x2.5 3
Battery Palm-rest assembly M2.5x5 6
Computer base Palm-rest assembly M2.5x12 1
Computer base Palm-rest assembly M2.5x8 14
Display-cable bracket Graphics card M2x3		1
Display assembly	Computer base	M2.5x8 2
Display assembly	Palm-rest assembly M2.5x2.5 4
Graphics card	System board	M2x3
Graphics-card cable	Graphics card M2x3	2
Graphics-card cable	System board	M2x3
Heat-sink assembly Palm-rest assembly M2.5x5 2
Keyboard bracket Palm-rest assembly M2x3		15
Keyboard bracket Keyboard		M2.5x2.5 3

Collection of various metal screw and nut components, no text or symbols visible

Component Secured to Screw type Quantity Screw image

Hard-drive assembly Palm-rest assembly M2.5x5 4

Hard-drive bracket Hard drive M3x3 4

Power-adapter port palm-rest assembly M2x3 1 bracket

Rear-I/O cover Computer base M2.5x2.5 4

Rear-I/O cover Palm-rest assembly M2.5x7 2

System board Palm-rest assembly M2.5x5 2

Solid-state drive Palm-rest assembly M2x3 2

Touchpad bracket Palm-rest assembly M2x3 5

Wireless-card bracket System board M2x31

Removing the base cover

WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.

Procedure

1 Loose the six captive screws that secure the base cover to the computer base.
2 Starting from the middle of the bottom side, pry open the base cover with a plastic scribe.
3 Slide the base cover off the computer base.

4 Disconnect the battery cable from the system board.
5 Press and hold the power button for five seconds to ground the system board.

Replacing the base cover

WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.

Procedure

1 Connect the battery cable to the system board.

Laptop CPU socket with visible battery pack and circuit board, showing internal components and a magnified inset of the chip (no text or symbols)

2 Slide the tabs on the base cover into the slots on the computer base and snap the base cover into place.

3 Tighten the six captive screws that secure the base cover to the computer base.

Removing the battery

WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.

Lithium-ion battery precautions

CAUTION:

• Exercise caution when handling Lithium-ion batteries.
• Discharge the battery as much as possible before removing it from the system. This can be done by disconnecting the AC adapter from the system to allow the battery to drain.
• Do not crush, drop, mutilate, or penetrate the battery with foreign objects.
• Do not expose the battery to high temperatures, or disassemble battery packs and cells.
• Do not apply pressure to the surface of the battery.
• Do not bend the battery.
• Do not use tools of any kind to pry on or against the battery.
• If a battery gets stuck in a device as a result of swelling, do not try to free it as puncturing, bending, or crushing a Lithium-ion battery can be dangerous. In such an instance, the entire system should be replaced. Contact https://www.dell.com/support for assistance and further instructions.
• Always purchase genuine batteries from https://www.dell.com or authorized Dell partners and re-sellers.

Prerequisites

Remove the base cover.

Procedure

1 Using the pull tab, disconnect the battery cable from the system board and remove it from the routing guides on the computer base (applicable only if not disconnected earlier).
2 Remove the six screws (M2.5x5) that secure the battery to the palm-rest assembly.

3 Lift the battery off the palm-rest assembly.

Replacing the battery

WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.

Procedure

1 Align the screw holes on the battery with the screw holes on the palm-rest assembly.
2 Replace the six screws (M2.5x5) that secure the battery to the palm-rest assembly.
3 Route the battery cable through the routing guides on the computer base and connect the battery cable to the system board.

Post-requisites

Replace the base cover.

Removing the memory modules

WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.

Prerequisites

Remove the base cover.

Procedure

1 Locate the memory modules on your computer.

Interior view of a computer case showing internal components and a labeled component (no readable text or symbols)

2 Use your fingertips to carefully spread apart the securing-clips on each end of the memory-module slot until the memory module pops up.

3 Remove the memory module from the memory-module slot.

Replacing the memory modules

WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.

Procedure

1 Align the notch on the memory module with the tab on the memory-module slot.
2 Slide the memory module firmly into the slot at an angle.
3 Press the memory module down until it clicks into place.

NOTE: If you do not hear the click, remove the memory module and reinstall it.

Post-requisites

Replace the base cover.

Removing the wireless card

WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.

Prerequisites

Remove the base cover.

Procedure

1 Locate the wireless card on your computer.

Interior view of a laptop case showing internal circuit boards and ventilation slots (no text or symbols visible)

2 Remove the screw (M2x3) that secures the wireless-card bracket to the system board.
3 Slide and remove the wireless-card bracket from the wireless card.
4 Slide and remove the wireless card from the wireless-card slot.

5 Disconnect the antenna cables from the wireless card.

Replacing the wireless card

WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.

Procedure

CAUTION: To avoid damage to the wireless card, do not place any cables under it.

1 Connect the antenna cables to the wireless card.

The following table provides the antenna-cable color scheme for the wireless card that is supported by your computer.

Table 2. Antenna-cable color scheme

Connectors on the wireless card Antenna-cable color

Main (white triangle) White

Auxiliary (black triangle) Black

2 Slide and replace the wireless-card bracket on the wireless-card.
3 Align the notch on the wireless card with the tab on the wireless-card slot and insert the wireless card at an angle into the wireless-card slot.
4 Replace the screw (M2x3) that secures the wireless-card bracket to the system board.

Post-requisites

Replace the base cover.

Removing the solid-state drives

WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.

CAUTION: Solid-state drives are fragile. Exercise care when handling the solid-state drive.

CAUTION: To avoid data loss, do not remove the solid-state drive while the computer is in sleep or on state.

Prerequisites

Remove the base cover.

Procedure to remove M.2 2230 card

NOTE: This procedure applies only to computers shipped with a M.2 2230 card installed.

NOTE: Depending on the configuration ordered the computer may have up to two M.2 cards installed. Supported card configurations per M.2 card slot:

• M.2 2230 solid-state drive
• M.2 2280 solid-state drive/Intel Optane storage

1 Remove the screw (M2x3) that secures the M.2 thermal shield to the palm-rest assembly and system board.
2 Lift the M.2 thermal shield from the palm-rest assembly and system board.

3 Remove the screw (M2x3) that secures the M.2 2230 card to the palm-rest assembly.

4 Slide and remove the M.2 2230 solid-state drive from the M.2 solid-state drive slot on the system board.

Procedure to remove M.2 2280 card

NOTE: This procedure applies only to computers shipped with a M.2 2280 card installed.

NOTE: Depending on the configuration ordered, the computer may have up to two M.2 cards installed. Supported card configurations per M.2 card slot:

• M.2 2230 solid-state drive
• M.2 2280 solid-state drive/Intel Optane storage

1 Remove the screw (M2x3) that secures the thermal shield and the solid-state drive to the computer base.
2 Slide and lift the thermal shield from the computer base.
3 Slide and remove the M.2 2280 solid-state drive from the M.2 solid-state drive slot on the system board.

Replacing the solid-state drives

WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.

CAUTION: Solid-state drives are fragile. Exercise care when handling the solid-state drive.

Procedure to replace M.2 2230 card

NOTE: This procedure applies only to computers shipped with a M.2 2230 card installed.

NOTE: Depending on the configuration ordered the computer may have up to two M.2 cards installed. Supported card configurations per M.2 card slot:

- M.2 2230 solid-state drive - M.2 2280 solid-state drive/Intel Optane storage

1 Align the notch on the M.2 2230 solid-state drive with the tab on the M.2 solid-state drive slot on the system board.
2 Slide the M.2 2230 solid-state drive into the M.2 solid-state drive slot on the system board.
3 Replace the screw (M2x3) that secures the M.2 2230 solid-state drive to the palm-rest assembly.

4 Align the screw holes of the M.2 thermal shield with the screw holes on the palm-rest assembly and system board.

5 Replace the screw (M2x3) that secures the M.2 thermal shield to the palm-rest assembly and system board.

Procedure to replace M.2 2280 card

NOTE: This procedure applies only to computers shipped with a M.2 2280 card installed.
NOTE: Depending on the configuration ordered, the computer may have up to two M.2 cards installed. Supported card configurations per M.2 card slot:

• M.2 2230 solid-state drive
• M.2 2280 solid-state drive/Intel Optane storage

NOTE: Install the solid-state drive to the SSD1 slot before installing the solid-state drive to the SSD2 slot on the system board.

1 Align the notch on the M.2 2280 solid-state drive with the tab on the M.2 solid-state drive slot on the system board.
2 Slide the M.2 2280 solid-state drive into the M.2 solid-state drive slot on the system board.
3 Align the screw holes on the thermal shield with the screw holes on the computer base.

4 Replace the screw (M2x3) that secures the solid-state drive and the thermal shield to the computer base.

Post-requisites

Replace the base cover.

Removing the hard drive

WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.

CAUTION: Hard drives are fragile. Exercise care when handling the hard drive.

CAUTION: To avoid data loss, do not remove the hard drive while the computer is in sleep or on state.

Prerequisites

Remove the base cover.

Procedure

1 Using the pull tab, disconnect the hard-drive cable from the system board.
2 Remove the hard-drive cable from the routing guides on the computer base.
3 Remove the four screws (M2.5x5) that secure the hard-drive assembly to the palm-rest assembly.
4 Lift the hard-drive assembly along with its cable off the palm-rest assembly.

5 Disconnect the interposer from the hard-drive assembly.

Close-up of a black electronic device with attached cable and connector, showing a numbered component (no text or symbols visible)

6 Remove the four screws (M3x3) that secure the hard-drive bracket to the hard drive.
7 Lift the hard drive off the hard-drive bracket.

Close-up of a mechanical device with labeled parts and a blue arrow pointing to component 7 (no text or symbols on the device itself)

Replacing the hard drive

WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.

CAUTION: Hard drives are fragile. Exercise care when handling the hard drive.

Procedure

1 Place the hard drive on the hard-drive bracket and align the screw holes on the hard-drive bracket with the screw holes on the hard drive.
2 Replace the four screws (M3x3) that secure the hard-drive bracket to the hard drive.

Close-up of a mechanical device with labeled components and a blue lightning bolt indicating a specific part (no text or symbols present)

3 Connect the interposer to the hard-drive assembly.

Close-up of a black electronic device with attached cable and connector, showing a numbered component (no text or symbols visible)

4 Align the screw holes on the hard-drive assembly with the screw holes on the palm-rest assembly.
5 Replace the four screws (M2.5x5) that secure the hard-drive assembly to the palm-rest assembly.
6 Route the hard-drive cable through the routing guides on the computer base.
7 Connect the hard-drive cable to the system board.

Post-requisites

Replace the base cover.

Removing the rear-I/O cover

WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.

Prerequisites

Remove the base cover.

Procedure

1 Disconnect the tron-light cable from the system board and peel it off from the computer base.
2 Remove the four screws (M2.5x2.5) that secure the rear I/O cover to the computer base.
3 Remove the two screws (M2.5x7) that secure the rear I/O cover to the palm-rest assembly.
4 Push the rubber feet on the rear I/O cover to remove it from the palm-rest assembly.

Replacing the rear-I/O cover

WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.

Procedure

1 Align the tabs on the rear I/O cover with the slots on the computer base and snap the rear I/O cover into place.
2 Replace the two screws (M2.5x7) that secure the rear I/O cover to the palm-rest assembly.
3 Replace the four screws (M2.5x2.5) that secure the rear I/O cover to the computer base.
4 Adhere the tron-light cable to the computer base and connect the tron-light cable to the system board.

Post-requisites

Replace the base cover.

Removing the audio daughter-board

WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.

Prerequisites

1 Remove the base cover.
2 Follow the procedure from step 1 to step 4 in Removing the hard drive.

Procedure

1 Disconnect the speaker cable from the audio daughter-board.
2 Peel the tape that secures the audio daughter-board cable to the audio daughter-board.
3 Open the latch and disconnect the audio daughter-board cable from the audio daughter-board.
4 Remove the three screws (M2.5x2.5) that secure the audio daughter-board to the palm-rest assembly.
5 Lift the audio daughter-board at an angle off the palm-rest assembly.

Replacing the audio daughter-board

WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.

Procedure

1 Slide the audio daughter-board at an angle into the slot on the palm-rest assembly.
2 Replace the three screws (M2.5x2.5) that secure the audio daughter-board to the palm-rest assembly.
3 Connect the audio daughter-board cable to the connector on the audio daughter-board and close the latch to secure the cable.
4 Adhere the tape that secures the audio daughter-board cable.
5 Connect the speaker cable to the audio daughter-board.

Post-requisites

1 Replace the base cover.
2 Follow the procedure from step 4 to step 7 in Replacing the hard drive.

Removing the speakers

WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.

Prerequisites

1 Remove the base cover.
2 Remove the battery.
3 Remove the solid-state drive (in SSD2 slot).
4 Follow the procedure from step 1 to step 4 in Removing the hard drive.

Procedure

1 Disconnect the speaker cable from the audio daughter-board.
2 Using the tab on the right speaker, slightly pull the right speaker upwards to release the it from the palm-rest assembly. Slide the right speaker in a clockwise direction to remove it from the palm-rest assembly.
3 Note the speaker cable routing and remove the speaker cable from the routing guides on palm-rest assembly.
4 Using the tab on the left speaker, slightly pull the left speaker upwards to release the it from the palm-rest assembly. Slide the left speaker in a clockwise direction to remove it from the palm-rest assembly.

Replacing the speakers

WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.

Procedure

NOTE: If the rubber grommets are pushed out of the speakers when removing the speakers, push them back in place before replacing the speakers.

1 Using the alignment posts and rubber grommets, place the right speaker in the slot on the palm-rest assembly.
2 Holding the tab on the right speaker, rotate the right speaker into place and secure it using the alignment posts.
3 Route the speaker cable through the routing guides on the palm-rest assembly.
4 Using the alignment posts and rubber grommets, place the left speaker in the slot on the palm-rest assembly.
5 Holding the tab on the left speaker, rotate the left speaker into place and secure it using the alignment posts.
6 Connect the speaker cable to the system board.

Post-requisites

1 Follow the procedure from step 4 to step 7 in Replacing the hard drive.
2 Replace the solid-state drive (in SSD2 slot).
3 Replace the battery.

4 Replace the base cover.

Removing the coin-cell battery

WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.
CAUTION: Removing the coin-cell battery resets the BIOS setup program's settings to default. It is recommended that you note the BIOS setup program's settings before removing the coin-cell battery.

Prerequisites

1 Remove the base cover.
2 Remove the battery.
3 Remove the solid-state drive (in SSD2 slot).

Procedure

1 Disconnect the coin-cell battery cable from the system board.
2 Using a plastic scribe, pry off the coin-cell battery from the system board.

Close-up of a laptop with attached electronic components and a magnified inset showing cable routing (no text or symbols visible)

Replacing the coin-cell battery

WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.

Procedure

1 Adhere the coin-cell battery to the slot on the palm-rest assembly.
2 Connect the coin-cell battery to the system board.

Close-up of a laptop chassis with attached electronic components and a magnified inset showing a disassembled device (no text or symbols visible)

Post-requisites

1 Replace the solid-state drive (in SSD2 slot).
2 Replace the base cover.
3 Replace the battery.

Removing the touchpad

WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.

Prerequisites

1 Remove the base cover.
2 Remove the battery.
3 Remove the solid-state drive (in SSD2 slot).
4 Follow the procedure from step 1 to step 4 in Removing the hard drive.
5 Remove the speakers.
6 Remove the computer base.

Procedure

1 Open the latch and disconnect the touchpad cable from the system board.
2 Peel off the touchpad cable from the touchpad bracket.
3 Open the latch and disconnect the touchpad-button cable from the touchpad.
4 Remove the five screws (M2x2.5) that secure the touchpad bracket to the palm-rest assembly.
5 Slide the touchpad bracket at an angle and lift it off the palm-rest assembly.

6 Lift the touchpad off the palm-rest assembly.

Replacing the touchpad

WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.

Procedure

1 Place the touchpad into the slot on the palm-rest assembly. Ensure to align the touchpad using the alignment pins on the palm-rest assembly.
2 Slide and place the touchpad bracket into the slot on the palm-rest assembly.
3 Replace the five screws (M2x2.5) that secure the touchpad bracket to the palm-rest assembly.
4 Slide the touchpad-button cable into the connector on the touchpad and close the latch to secure the touchpad-button cable.
5 Adhere the touchpad cable to the touchpad bracket.
6 Slide the touchpad cable into the connector on the system board and close the latch to secure the touchpad cable.

Post-requisites

1 Replace the computer base.

2 Replace the speakers.
3 Follow the procedure from step 4 to step 7 in Replacing the hard drive.
4 Replace the solid-state drive (in SSD2 slot).
5 Replace the battery.
6 Replace the base cover.

Removing the display assembly

WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.

Prerequisites

1 Remove the base cover.
2 Remove the wireless card.
3 Remove the rear-I/O cover.

Procedure

1 Remove the screw (M2x3) that secures the display-cable bracket to the system board.
2 Lift the display-cable bracket off the system board.
3 Using the pull tab, disconnect the display cable from the system board.
4 Disconnect the camera cable from the system board.
5 Peel off the display cable and the camera cable from the computer base.
6 Disconnect the tobii cable from the system board.
7 Remove the antenna cables from the routing guides on the computer base.
8 Peel off the tobii cable from the computer base.

9 Remove the two screws (M2.5x8) that secures the computer base to the display assembly.

10 Turn the computer over.
11 Remove the four screws (M2.5x2.5) that secure the display hinges to the palm-rest assembly.

12 Lift the display assembly off the palm-rest assembly.

Replacing the display assembly

WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.

Procedure

1 Align the screw holes on the display hinges with the screw holes on the palm-rest assembly.
2 Replace the four screws (M2.5x2.5) that secure the display assembly to the palm-rest assembly.

3 Turn the computer over.
4 Replace the two screws (M2.5x8) that secure the computer base to the display assembly.
5 Adhere the tobii cable to the computer base.
6 Route the antennas cable through the routing guides on the computer base.
7 Connect the tobii cable to the system board.
8 Adhere the display cable and the camera cable to the computer base.
9 Connect the camera cable to the system board.
10 Connect the display cable to the system board.
11 Align the screw hole on the display-cable bracket with the screw hole on the system board.

12 Replace the screw (M2x3) that secures the display-cable bracket to the system board.

Post-requisites

1 Replace the rear I/O cover
2 Replace the wireless card.
3 Replace the base cover.

Removing the computer base

WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.

Prerequisites

1 Remove the base cover.
2 Remove the battery.
3 Remove the wireless card.
4 Remove the solid-state drive (in SSD1 slot).
5 Remove the rear-I/O cover.

Procedure

1 Using the pull tab, disconnect the hard-drive cable.
2 Remove the hard-drive cable from the routing guides on the computer base.
3 Disconnect the tobii cable from the system board.
4 Remove the antenna cables from the routing guides on the computer base.
5 Peel off the tobii cable from the system board.
6 Remove the screw (M2x3) that secures the display-cable bracket on the system board.
7 Lift the display-cable bracket off the system board.
8 Using the pull tab, disconnect the display cable from the system board.
9 Disconnect the camera cable from the system board.

11 Remove the screw (M2.5x12) that secures the computer base to the palm-rest assembly.
12 Remove the 14 screws (M2.5x8) that secure the computer base to the palm-rest assembly.

13 Lift the computer base off the palm-rest assembly.

Replacing the computer base

WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.

Procedure

1 Align the screw holes on the computer base with the screw holes on the palm-rest assembly.
2 Replace the screw (M2.5x12) that secures the computer base to the palm-rest assembly.
3 Replace the 14 screws (M2.5x8) that secure the computer base to the palm-rest assembly.

4 Adhere the display cable and camera cable to the computer base.
5 Connect the camera cable to the system board.
6 Connect the display cable to the system board.
7 Align the screw hole on the display-cable bracket with the screw hole on the system board.
8 Replace the screw (M2x3) that secures the display-cable bracket to the system board.
9 Adhere the tobii cable to the computer base.
10 Route the antennas cable through the routing guides on the computer base.
11 Connect the tobii cable to the system board.
12 Route the hard-drive cable through routing guides on the computer base.

13 Connect the hard-drive cable to the system board.

Post-requisites

1 Replace the rear I/O cover
2 Replace the solid-state drive (in SSD1 slot).
3 Replace the wireless card.
4 Replace the battery.
5 Replace the base cover.

Removing the heat-sink assembly

WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.

WARNING: The heat sink may become hot during normal operation. Allow sufficient time for the heat sink to cool before you touch it.

CAUTION: For maximum cooling of the processor, do not touch the heat transfer areas on the heat sink. The oils in your skin can reduce the heat transfer capability of the thermal grease.

Prerequisites

1 Remove the base cover.
2 Remove the battery.
3 Remove the wireless card.
4 Remove the solid-state drive (in SSD1 slot).
5 Remove the rear-I/O cover.
6 Remove the computer base.

Procedure

1 Disconnect the fan cables from the system board.
2 Remove the two screws (M2.5x5) that secure the heat-sink assembly to the palm-rest assembly.
3 In the reverse sequential order (8>7>6>5>4>3>2>1), loosen the eight captive screws that secure the heat-sink assembly to the system board.

4 Lift the heat-sink assembly off the system board.

Replacing the heat-sink assembly

WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.

CAUTION: Incorrect alignment of the heat sink can damage the system board and processor.

NOTE: If either the system board or the fan and heat-sink assembly is replaced, use the thermal pad provided in the kit to ensure that thermal conductivity is achieved.

Procedure

1 Place the heat-sink assembly on the palm-rest assembly and align the screw holes on the heat-sink assembly with the screw holes on the palm-rest assembly.
2 Tighten the captive screws in the sequential order (1>2>3>4>5>6>7>8) to secure the heat-sink assembly to the palm-rest assembly.
3 Replace the two screws (M2.5x5) that secure the heat-sink assembly to the palm-rest assembly.
4 Connect the fan cables to the system board.

Post-requisites

1 Replace the computer base.
2 Replace the rear I/O cover
3 Replace the wireless card.
4 Replace the solid-state drive (in SSD1 slot).
5 Replace the battery.
6 Replace the base cover.

Removing the left power-adapter port

WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.

Prerequisites

1 Remove the base cover.
2 Remove the battery.
3 Remove the wireless card.
4 Remove the solid-state drive (in SSD1 slot).
5 Remove the rear-I/O cover.
6 Remove the computer base.
7 Remove the heat-sink assembly.

Procedure

1 Remove the screw (M2x3) that secures the power-adapter port bracket to the palm-rest assembly.
2 Slide the power-adapter port bracket off the palm-rest assembly.
3 Lift both power-adapter ports off the palm-rest assembly to uncross the cables.
4 Disconnect the right power-adapter port cable from the system board.

Replacing the left power-adapter port

WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.

Procedure

1 Route the right power-adapter port cable under the left power-adapter port cable and place both power-adapter ports into the slots on the palm-rest assembly.
2 Connect the right power-adapter port cable to the system board.
3 Slide and place the power-adapter board bracket on the palm-rest assembly.
4 Replace the screw (M2x3) that secures the power-adapter port bracket to the palm-rest assembly.

Post-requisites

1 Replace the heat-sink assembly.
2 Replace the computer base.
3 Replace the rear I/O cover
4 Replace the wireless card.
5 Replace the solid-state drive (in SSD1 slot).
6 Replace the battery.

7 Replace the base cover.

Removing the processor

WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.

Prerequisites

1 Remove the base cover.
2 Remove the battery.
3 Remove the wireless card.
4 Remove the solid-state drive (in SSD1 slot).
5 Remove the rear-I/O cover.
6 Remove the computer base.
7 Remove the heat-sink assembly.

Procedure

1 Locate the processor on the system board.

Interior view of a computer motherboard showing CPU socket and circuit boards (no text or symbols)

2 Push down on the lever on the processor cover and move it away from the processor.
3 Pull the lever back to open the processor cover.

4 Lift the processor straight up to remove it from the system board.

graph TD
    A["Computer Board with Component 2"] --> B["Internal Display"]
    B --> C["Internal Circuit with Component 3"]
    C --> D["Internal Circuit with Component 4"]

Replacing the processor

WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.

CAUTION: If either the processor or the heat sink is replaced, use the thermal grease provided in the kit to ensure that thermal conductivity is achieved.

NOTE: A new processor ships with a thermal pad in the package. In some cases, the processor may ship with the thermal pad attached to it.

Procedure

1 Align the triangle on the processor with the triangle on the processor socket.
2 Place the processor in the processor socket on the system board.
3 Close the processor cover.
4 Push the lever on the processor cover and lock it in place to secure the processor.

graph LR
    A["2: Battery with internal components"] --> B["3: Upgrade to battery plate"]
    B --> C["4: Final packaging with cable and switch"]

Post-requisites

1 Replace the heat-sink assembly.
2 Replace the computer base.
3 Replace the rear I/O cover
4 Replace the wireless card.
5 Replace the solid-state drive (in SSD1 slot).
6 Replace the battery.
7 Replace the base cover.

Removing the graphics card

WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.

Prerequisites

1 Remove the base cover.
2 Remove the battery.
3 Remove the wireless card.
4 Remove the solid-state drive (in SSD1 slot).
5 Remove the rear-I/O cover.
6 Remove the computer base.
7 Remove the heat-sink assembly.

Procedure

1 Disconnect the graphics-card power cable from the system board.
2 Disconnect the graphics-card power cable from the graphics card.
3 Remove the two screws (M2x3) that secure the two graphics-card cable to the graphics card.
4 Remove the three screws (M2x3) that secure the graphics card to the system board.

5 Lift the graphics card off the system board.

Replacing the graphics card

WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.

Procedure

1 Place the graphics card on the system board and align the screw holes on the graphics card with the screw holes on the system board.
2 Replace the three screws (M2x3) that secure the graphics card to the system board.
3 Replace the two screws (M2x3) that secure the two graphics-card cables to the graphics card.
4 Connect the graphics-card power cable to the graphics card.
5 Connect the graphics-card power cable to the system board.

Post-requisites

1 Replace the heat-sink assembly.
2 Replace the computer base.
3 Replace the rear I/O cover
4 Replace the wireless card.
5 Replace the solid-state drive (in SSD1 slot).

6 Replace the battery.
7 Replace the base cover.

Removing the system board

WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.

NOTE: Your computer's Service Tag is stored in the system board. You must enter the Service Tag in the BIOS setup program after you replace the system board.

NOTE: Replacing the system board removes any changes you have made to the BIOS using the BIOS setup program. You must make the appropriate changes again after you replace the system board.

NOTE: Before disconnecting the cables from the system board, note the location of the connectors so that you can reconnect the cables correctly after you replace the system board.

Prerequisites

1 Remove the base cover.
2 Remove the battery.
3 Remove the memory modules.
4 Remove the wireless card.
5 Remove the solid-state drive.
6 Remove the rear-I/O cover.
7 Remove the computer base.
8 Remove the coin-cell battery.
9 Remove the heat-sink assembly.
10 Remove the right power-adapter port.
11 Remove the graphics card.
12 Remove the processor.

Procedure

1 Place the palm-rest assembly on a clean and flat surface with keyboard facing up, disconnect the power-button board cable.

2 Turn the palm-rest assembly over.

Close-up of a white electronic device with attached cable and a magnified inset showing a small component (no visible text or symbols)

3 Remove the two screws (M2x3) that secure the graphics card cables on the system board.
4 Lift the two graphics card cables off the system board.
5 Peel the tape that secures the audio daughter-board cable to the system board.
6 Open the latch and disconnect the audio daughter-board cable from the system board.
7 Open the latch and disconnect the touchpad cable from the system board.
8 Open the latch and disconnect the keyboard cable from the system board.
9 Remove the two screws (M2.5x5) that secure the system board to the palm-rest assembly.
10 Lift the system board off the palm-rest assembly along with the right power-adapter port.

11 Remove the left power-adapter port.

12 After performing all the above steps, you are left with the system board.

Close-up of a blue printed circuit board with various electronic components and connectors (no readable text or symbols)

Replacing the system board

WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.

NOTE: Your computer's Service Tag is stored in the system board. You must enter the Service Tag in the BIOS setup program after you replace the system board.

NOTE: Replacing the system board removes any changes you have made to the BIOS using the BIOS setup program. You must make the appropriate changes again after you replace the system board.

Procedure

1 Replace the left power-adapter port.
2 Turn the system board over and place it into the slot on the palm-rest assembly.
NOTE: Do not keep the power-button board cable under the system board.
3 Replace the two screws (M2.5x5) that secure the system board to the palm-rest assembly.
4 Connect the keyboard cable to the system board and close the latch to secure the cable.
5 Connect the touchpad cable to the system board and close the latch to secure the cable.
6 Connect the audio daughter-board cable to the system board and close the latch to secure the cable.
7 Adhere the tape that secures the audio daughter-board cable to the system board.
8 Connect the connectors marked "MB" on the two graphics card cables to the system board.

9 Replace the two screws (M2x3) that secure the graphics card cables to the system board.

10 Turn the palm-rest assembly over.

11 Connect the power-button board cable to the system board.

Close-up of a white electronic device with attached cable and connectors, showing a magnified inset of a component (no text or symbols visible)

Post-requisites

1 Replace the processor.
2 Replace the graphics card.
3 Replace the right power-adapter port.
4 Replace the heat-sink assembly.
5 Replace the coin-cell battery.
6 Replace the computer base.
7 Replace the rear I/O cover
8 Replace the wireless card.
9 Replace the solid-state drive.
10 Replace the memory modules.
11 Replace the battery.
12 Replace the base cover.

Entering the Service Tag in the BIOS setup program

1 Turn on or restart your computer.
2 Press F2 when the Dell logo is displayed to enter the BIOS setup program.
3 Navigate to the Main tab and enter the Service Tag in the Service Tag Input field.

NOTE: Service tag is the alphanumeric identifier located at the back side of your computer.

Removing the right power-adapter port

WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.

Prerequisites

1 Remove the base cover.
2 Remove the battery.
3 Remove the memory modules.
4 Remove the wireless card.
5 Remove the solid-state drive.
6 Remove the rear-I/O cover.
7 Remove the computer base.
8 Remove the right power-adapter port.
9 Remove the graphics card.
10 Remove the processor.
11 Remove the system board.

Procedure

Disconnect the left power-adapter port cable from the system board.

Close-up of a computer motherboard with an inset close-up showing a cable connector (no text or symbols visible)

Replacing the right power-adapter port

WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.

Procedure

Connect the left power-adapter port cable to the system board.

Close-up of a computer motherboard with a magnified inset showing a cable connector (no text or symbols visible)

Post-requisites

1 Replace the system board.
2 Replace the processor.
3 Replace the graphics card.
4 Replace the right power-adapter port.
5 Replace the computer base.
6 Replace the rear I/O cover
7 Replace the wireless card.
8 Replace the solid-state drive.
9 Replace the memory modules.

10 Replace the battery.
11 Replace the base cover.

Removing the keyboard

WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.

Prerequisites

1 Remove the base cover.
2 Remove the battery.
3 Remove the memory modules.
4 Remove the wireless card.
5 Remove the solid-state drive.
6 Follow the procedure from step 1 to step 4 in Removing the hard drive.
7 Remove the rear-I/O cover.
8 Remove the computer base.
9 Remove the heat-sink assembly.
10 Remove the right power-adapter port.
11 Remove the system board.

Procedure

1 Open the latch and disconnect the keyboard cable from the keyboard.
2 Remove the 15 screws (M2x3) that secure the keyboard bracket to the palm-rest assembly.
3 Remove the three screws (M2.5x2.5) that secure the keyboard bracket to the palm-rest assembly.

4 Lift the keyboard bracket from the macro side and slide out of clips on the opposite side.

5 Open the latch and disconnect the macro-keys cable from the keyboard.
6 Open the latch and disconnect the macro-keys backlight cable from the keyboard.
7 Peel off the macro-keys cable and the macro-keys backlight cable from the keyboard.

8 Lift the keyboard from bottom and slide out of the clips at top.

Replacing the keyboard

WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.

Procedure

1 Insert the tabs on the top side of the keyboard into the slots on the palm-rest assembly. Ensure that the openings at the bottom of the keyboard fit into the studs on the palm-rest assembly.
2 Adhere the macro-keys cable and the macro-keys backlight cable to the keyboard.
3 Connect the macro-keys backlight cable to the keyboard and close the latch to secure the cable.
4 Connect the macro-keys cable to the keyboard and close the latch to secure the cable.

5 Slide the keyboard bracket into the slots on the palm-rest assembly.
6 Replace the three screws (M2.5x2.5) that secure the keyboard bracket to the palm-rest assembly.
7 Replace the 15 screws (M2x3) that secure the keyboard bracket to the palm-rest assembly.

8 Connect the keyboard cable to the keyboard and close the latch to secure the cable.

Post-requisites

1 Replace the system board.
2 Replace the right power-adapter port.
3 Replace the heat-sink assembly.
4 Replace the computer base.
5 Replace the rear I/O cover
6 Follow the procedure from step 4 to step 7 in Replacing the hard drive.
7 Replace the wireless card.
8 Replace the solid-state drive.
9 Replace the memory modules.
10 Replace the battery.
11 Replace the base cover.

Removing the macro keys

WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.

Prerequisites

1 Remove the base cover.
2 Remove the battery.
3 Remove the memory modules.
4 Remove the wireless card.
5 Remove the solid-state drive.
6 Follow the procedure from step 1 to step 4 in Removing the hard drive.
7 Remove the rear-I/O cover.
8 Remove the computer base.
9 Remove the heat-sink assembly.
10 Remove the right power-adapter port.
11 Remove the system board.
12 Remove the keyboard.

Procedure

Lift the macro keys from bottom and slide out of slot on top.

Interior view of a computer chassis showing internal components and a blue arrow pointing to component 1 (no text or symbols present)

Replacing the macro keys

WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.

Procedure

Insert the tabs on the top side of the macro keys into the slots on the palm-rest assembly. Ensure that the openings at the bottom of the macro keys fit into the studs on the palm-rest assembly.

3D rendering of a server rack with visible internal components and a blue arrow pointing to component 1 (no text or symbols)

Post-requisites

1 Replace the keyboard.
2 Replace the system board.
3 Replace the right power-adapter port.
4 Replace the heat-sink assembly.
5 Replace the computer base.
6 Replace the rear I/O cover
7 Follow the procedure from step 4 to step 7 in Replacing the hard drive.
8 Replace the wireless card.
9 Replace the solid-state drive.
10 Replace the memory modules.

11 Replace the battery.
12 Replace the base cover.

Removing the palm-rest assembly

WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.

Prerequisites

1 Remove the base cover.
2 Remove the battery.
3 Remove the memory modules.
4 Remove the wireless card.
5 Remove the solid-state drive.
6 Follow the procedure from step 1 to step 4 in Removing the hard drive.
7 Remove the audio daughter-board.
8 Remove the speakers.
9 Remove the coin-cell battery.
10 Remove the touchpad.
11 Remove the rear-I/O cover.
12 Remove the display assembly.
13 Remove the computer base.
14 Remove the heat-sink assembly.
15 Remove the right power-adapter port.
16 Remove the system board.
17 Remove the left power-adapter port.
18 Remove the keyboard.
19 Remove the macro keys.

Procedure

After performing the steps in the pre-requisites, we are left with the palm-rest assembly.

Exterior view of a computer drive chassis showing internal components and mounting brackets (no text or symbols visible)

Replacing the palm-rest assembly

WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.

Procedure

Place the palm-rest assembly on a clean and flat surface.

Exterior view of a computer drive chassis showing internal components and mounting brackets (no text or symbols visible)

Post-requisites

1 Replace the macro keys.
2 Replace the keyboard.
3 Replace the left power-adapter port.
4 Replace the system board.
5 Replace the right power-adapter port.
6 Replace the heat-sink assembly.
7 Replace the computer base.
8 Replace the display assembly.
9 Replace the rear I/O cover
10 Replace the touchpad.

11 Replace the coin-cell battery.
12 Replace the speakers.
13 Replace the coin-cell battery.
14 Follow the procedure from step 4 to step 7 in Replacing the hard drive.
15 Replace the wireless card.
16 Replace the solid-state drive.
17 Replace the memory modules.
18 Replace the battery.
19 Replace the base cover.

Intel Chipset Software Installation Utility

In the Device Manager, check if the chipset driver is installed.

Install the Intel chipset updates from www.dell.com/support.

Video drivers

In the Device Manager, check if the video driver is installed.

Install the video driver update from www.dell.com/support.

Intel Serial IO driver

In the Device Manager, check if the Intel Serial IO driver is installed.

Install the driver updates from www.dell.com/support.

Intel Trusted Execution Engine Interface

In the Device Manager, check if the Intel Trusted Execution Engine Interface driver is installed.

Install the driver update from www.dell.com/support.

Intel Virtual Button driver

In the Device Manager, check if the Intel Virtual Button driver is installed.

Install the driver updates from www.dell.com/support.

Wireless and Bluetooth drivers

In the Device Manager, check if the network card driver is installed.

Install the driver updates from www.dell.com/support.

In the Device Manager, check if the Bluetooth driver is installed.

Install the driver updates from www.dell.com/support.

NOTE: Depending on the computer and its installed devices, the items listed in this section may or may not be displayed.

System setup

CAUTION: Unless you are an expert computer user, do not change the settings in the BIOS Setup program. Certain changes can make your computer work incorrectly.
NOTE: Before you change BIOS Setup program, it is recommended that you write down the BIOS Setup program screen information for future reference.

Use the BIOS Setup program for the following purposes:

• Get information about the hardware installed in your computer, such as the amount of RAM and the size of the hard drive.
• Change the system configuration information.
• Set or change a user-selectable option, such as the user password, type of hard drive installed, and enabling or disabling base devices.

Entering BIOS setup program

1 Turn on (or restart) your computer.
2 During POST, when the DELL logo is displayed, watch for the F2 prompt to appear, and then press F2 immediately.

NOTE: The F2 prompt indicates that the keyboard is initialized. This prompt can appear very quickly, so you must watch for it, and then press F2. If you press F2 before the F2 prompt, this keystroke is lost. If you wait too long and the operating system logo appears, continue to wait until you see the desktop. Then, turn off your computer and try again.

Navigation keys

NOTE: For most of the System Setup options, changes that you make are recorded but do not take effect until you restart the system.

Keys Navigation

Up arrow Moves to the previous field.

Down arrow Moves to the next field.

Enter Selects a value in the selected field (if applicable) or follow the link in the field.

Spacebar Expands or collapses a drop-down list, if applicable.

Tab Moves to the next focus area.

NOTE: For the standard graphics browser only.

Esc Moves to the previous page until you view the main screen. Pressing Esc in the main screen displays a message that prompts you to save any unsaved changes and restarts the system.

Boot Sequence

Boot Sequence allows you to bypass the System Setup-defined boot device order and boot directly to a specific device (for example: optical drive or hard drive). During the Power-on Self Test (POST), when the Dell logo appears, you can:

• Access System Setup by pressing F2 key
• Bring up the one-time boot menu by pressing F12 key

The one-time boot menu displays the devices that you can boot from including the diagnostic option. The boot menu options are:

• Removable Drive (if available)
• STXXXX Drive

NOTE: XXX denotes the SATA drive number.

• Optical Drive (if available)
• SATA Hard Drive (if available)
• Diagnostics

NOTE: Choosing Diagnostics, will display the ePSA diagnostics screen.

The boot sequence screen also displays the option to access the System Setup screen.

System setup options

NOTE: Depending on this computer and its installed devices, the items listed in this section may or may not appear.

Table 3. System setup options—System information menu
General-System Information

System Information
BIOS Version Displays the BIOS version number.
Service Tag Displays the Service Tag of the computer.
Asset Tag Displays the Asset Tag of the computer.
Ownership Tag Displays the ownership tag of the computer.
Manufacture Date Displays the manufacture date of the computer.
Ownership Date Displays the ownership date of the computer.
Express Service Code Displays the express service code of the computer.
Memory Information
Memory Installed Displays the total computer memory installed.
Memory Available Displays the total computer memory available.
Memory Speed Displays the memory speed.
Memory Channel Mode Displays single or dual channel mode.
Memory Technology Displays the technology used for the memory.
DIMM A Size Displays the DIMM A memory size.
DIMM B Size	Displays the DIMM B memory size.
Processor Information
Processor Type Displays the processor type.
Core Count	Displays the number of cores on the processor.
Processor ID	Displays the processor identification code.
Current Clock Speed	Displays the current processor clock speed.
Minimum Clock Speed	Displays the minimum processor clock speed.

General-System Information

Maximum Clock Speed Displays the maximum processor clock speed.

Processor L2 Cache Displays the processor L2 Cache size.

Processor L3 Cache Displays the processor L3 Cache size.

HT Capable Displays whether the processor is HyperThreading (HT) capable.

64-Bit Technology Displays whether 64-bit technology is used.

Device Information

SATA-0 Displays the M.2 SATA SSD-0 device information of the computer.

SATA-1 Displays the M.2 SATA SSD-1 device information of the computer.

M.2 PCIe SSD-0 Displays the M.2 PCIe SSD-0 device information of the computer.

M.2 PCIe SSD-1 Displays the M.2 PCIe SSD-1 device information of the computer.

Video Controller Displays the video controller type of the computer.

dGPU Video Controller Displays the discrete graphics information of the computer.

Video BIOS Version Displays the video BIOS version of the computer.

Video Memory Displays the video memory information of the computer.

Panel Type Displays the Panel Type of the computer.

Native Resolution Displays the native resolution of the computer.

Audio Controller Displays the audio controller information of the computer.

Wi-Fi Device Displays the wireless device information of the computer.

Bluetooth Device Displays the bluetooth device information of the computer.

Battery Information Displays the battery health information.

Boot Sequence

Boot Sequence Displays the boot sequence.

Boot List Option Displays the available boot options.

Advanced Boot Options

Enable Legacy Option ROMs Enable or disable the Legacy Option ROMs.

Enable UEFI Network Stack Enable or disable the UEFI Network Stack.

Enable Attempt Legacy Boot Enable or disable Legacy Boot.

UEFI Boot Path Security Enable or disable the system to prompt the user to enter the Admin password when booting a UEFI boot path from the F12 boot menu.

Date/Time Displays the current date in MM/DD/YY format and current time in HH:MM:SS AM/PM format.

Table 4. System setup options—System Configuration menu

System Configuration
SATA Operation	Configure operating mode of the integrated SATA hard drive controller.
Drives	Enable or disable various drives on board.
SMART Reporting	Enable or disable SMART Reporting during system startup.
USB Configuration
Enable Boot Support	Enable or disable booting from USB mass storage devices such as external hard drive, optical drive, and USB drive.

System Configuration

Enable External USB Port Enable or disable booting from USB mass storage devices connected to external USB port.

Audio Enable or disable the integrated audio controller.

Keyboard Illumination Enables you to choose the operating mode of the keyboard illumination feature.

Keyboard Backlight Timeout on AC

When the backlight is enabled, this feature defines the timeout value for the keyboard backlight when an AC adapter is plugged into the computer.

Keyboard Backlight Timeout on Battery

When the backlight is enabled, this feature defines the timeout value for the keyboard backlight when the computer is running only on battery power.

Miscellaneous Devices Enable or disable various onboard devices.

Table 5. System setup options—Video menu

Video

LCD Brightness Set the panel brightness independently for Battery and AC power.

Dynamic Backlight Control Enable or disable the dynamic backlight control.

Table 6. System setup options—Security menu

Security

Admin Password Set, change, or delete the administrator password.

System Password Set, change, or delete the system password.

Internal HDD-0 Password Set, change, or delete the internal hard-disk drive password.

Strong Password Enable or disable strong passwords.

Password ConfigurationControl the minimum and maximum number of characters allowed for Admin and System passwords.

Password Bypass Bypass the System (Boot) Password and the internal HDD password prompts during a system restart.

Password Change Enable or disable changes to the System and Hard Disk passwords when an administrator password is set.

Non-Admin Setup Changes Determines whether changes to the setup option are permitted when an administrator password is set.

UEFI Capsule Firmware Updates Enable or disable BIOS updates through UEFI capsule update packages.

PTT Security Enable or disable Platform Trust Technology (PTT) visibility to the operating system.

Computrace(R) Enable or disable the BIOS module interface of the optional Computrace(R) Service from Absolute Software.

Admin Setup Lockout Enable to prevent users from entering Setup when an Admin Password is set.

Master Password Lockout Disables the master password support. Hard Disk passwords need to be cleared before changing the setting.

SMM Security Mitigation Enable or disable the SMM Security Mitigation.

Table 7. System setup options—Secure Boot menu

Secure Boot

Secure Boot Enable Enable or disable the secure boot feature.

Secure Boot Mode Modifies the behavior of Secure Boot to allow evaluation or enforcement of UEFI driver signatures.

Expert Key Management

Expert Key Management Enable or disable Expert Key Management.

Custom Mode Key Management Select the custom values for expert key management.

Table 8. System setup options—Intel Software Guard Extensions menu

Intel Software Guard Extensions

Intel SGX Enable Enable or disable Intel Software Guard Extensions.Enclave Memory Size Set the Intel Software Guard Extensions Enclave Reserve Memory Size.

PerformanceMulti Core Support Enable multiple cores.Default: Enabled.

Intel SpeedStep Enable or disable Intel Speedstep Technology.Default: Enabled.

NOTE: If enabled, the processor clock speed and core voltage are adjusted dynamically based on the processor load.

C-States Control Enable or disable additional processor sleep states.Default: Enabled.

Intel TurboBoost Enable or disable Intel TurboBoost mode of the processor.Default: Enabled.

HyperThread control Enable or disable HyperThreading in the processor.Default: Enabled.

Power Management

AC Behavior Enables the system to turn on automatically, when AC power is supplied.
Enable Intel Speed Shift Technology	Enable or disable Intel Speed Shift Technology.
Auto On Time	Enable to set the computer to turn on automatically every day or on a preselected date and time. This option can be configured only if the Auto On Time is set to Everyday, Weekdays or Selected Days.Default: Disabled.
USB Wake Support	Enable the USB devices to wake the computer from Standby.
Block Sleep	Enable or disable Block Sleep.
Advanced Battery Charge Configuration	Enable Advanced Battery Charge Configuration from the beginning of the day to a specified work period.
Primary Battery Charge Configuration	Set the primary battery charge settings with a preselected custom charge start and stop.Default: Adaptive.

POST Behavior

Adapter Warnings	Enable adapter warnings.Default: Enabled.
Numlock Enable	Enables the NumLock function when computer boots.

Intel Software Guard Extensions

Fn Lock Options Enable or disable the Fn lock mode.

Fastboot Enable to set the speed of the boot process.

Default: Thorough.

Extend BIOS POST Time Configure additional pre-boot delay.

Full Screen Logo Enable or disable to display full screen logo.

Warnings and Errors Sets the boot process to pause when Warnings or Errors are detected.

Table 9. System setup options—Virtualization Support menu

Virtualization Support

Virtualization Specify whether a Virtual Machine Monitor (VMM) can utilize the additional hardware capabilities provided by Intel Virtualization Technology.

VT for Direct I/O Specify whether a Virtual Machine Monitor (VMM) can utilize the additional hardware capabilities provided by Intel Virtualization Technology for Direct I/O.

Table 10. System setup options—Wireless menu

Wireless

Wireless Switch Determine which wireless devices can be controlled by the Wireless Switch.

Wireless Device Enable Enable or disable internal wireless devices.

Table 11. System setup options—Maintenance menu

Maintenance

Service Tag Display the system's Service Tag.

Asset Tag Create a system Asset Tag.

BIOS Downgrade Control flashing of the system firmware to previous revisions.

Data Wipe Enable to securely erase data from all internal storage devices.

BIOS Recovery Enable the user to recover from certain corrupted BIOS conditions from a recovery file on the user primary hard drive or an external USB key.

First Power On Date Disable the First Power On Date

Table 12. System setup options—System Logs menu

System Logs

BIOS Events Display BIOS events.

Thermal Events Display Thermal events.

Power Events Display Power events.

Table 13. System setup options—SupportAssist System Resolution menu

SupportAssist System Resolution

Auto OS Recovery Threshold Control the automatic boot flow for SupportAssist System Resolution Console and for Dell OS Recovery tool.

SupportAssist OS Recovery Enable or disable the boot flow for SupportAssist OS Recovery tool in the even of certain system errors.

Clearing CMOS settings

CAUTION: Clearing CMOS settings will reset the BIOS settings on your computer.

1 Remove the base cover.
2 Disconnect the battery cable from the system board.
3 Remove the coin-cell battery.
4 Wait for one minute.
5 Replace the coin-cell battery.
6 Connect the battery cable to the system board.
7 Replace the base cover.

Clearing BIOS (System Setup) and System passwords

To clear the system or BIOS passwords, contact Dell technical support as described at www.dell.com/contactdell.

NOTE: For information on how to reset Windows or application passwords, refer to the documentation accompanying Windows or your application.

Flashing the BIOS

You may need to flash (update) the BIOS when an update is available or when you replace the system board.

Follow these steps to flash the BIOS:

1 Turn on your computer.
2 Go to www.dell.com/support.
3 Click Product support, enter the Service Tag of your computer, and then click Submit.

NOTE: If you do not have the Service Tag, use the auto-detect feature or manually browse for your computer model.

4 Click Drivers & downloads → Find it myself.

5 Select the operating system installed on your computer.

6 Scroll down the page and expand BIOS.

7 Click Download to download the latest version of the BIOS for your computer.

8 After the download is complete, navigate to the folder where you saved the BIOS update file.

9 Double-click the BIOS update file icon and follow the instructions on the screen.

Flashing BIOS (USB key)

1 Follow the procedure from step 1 to step 7 in "Flashing the BIOS" to download the latest BIOS setup program file.
2 Create a bootable USB drive. For more information see the knowledge base article SLN143196 at www.dell.com/support.
3 Copy the BIOS setup program file to the bootable USB drive.
4 Connect the bootable USB drive to the computer that needs the BIOS update.
5 Restart the computer and press F12 when the Dell logo is displayed on the screen.
6 Boot to the USB drive from the One Time Boot Menu.
7 Type the BIOS setup program filename and press Enter.
8 The BIOS Update Utility appears. Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the BIOS update.

Enhanced Pre-Boot System Assessment (ePSA) diagnostics

CAUTION: Use the ePSA diagnostics to test only your computer. Using this program with other computers may cause invalid results or error messages.

The ePSA diagnostics (also known as system diagnostics) performs a complete check of your hardware. The ePSA is embedded with the BIOS and is launched by the BIOS internally. The embedded system diagnostics provides a set of options for particular devices or device groups allowing you to:

• Run tests automatically or in an interactive mode
• Repeat tests
• Display or save test results
• Run thorough tests to introduce additional test options to provide extra information about the failed device(s)
• View status messages that inform you if tests are completed successfully
• View error messages that inform you of problems encountered during testing

NOTE: Some tests for specific devices require user interaction. Always ensure that you are present at the computer terminal when the diagnostic tests are performed.

For more information, see Dell EPSA Diagnostic 3.0.

Running the ePSA diagnostics

1 Turn on your computer.
2 As the computer boots, press the F12 key as the Dell logo appears.
3 On the boot menu screen, select the Diagnostics option.
4 Click the arrow at the bottom left corner.
Diagnostics front page is displayed.
5 Click the arrow in the lower-right corner to go to the page listing.
The items detected are listed.
6 To run a diagnostic test on a specific device, press Esc and click Yes to stop the diagnostic test.
7 Select the device from the left pane and click Run Tests.
8 If there are any issues, error codes are displayed.
Note the error code and validation number and contact Dell.

System diagnostic lights

Power and battery-status light/hard-drive activity light

Indicates the battery-charge status or the hard-drive activity.

NOTE: Press Fn+H to toggle this light between power and battery-status light and hard-drive activity light.

Hard-drive activity light

Turns on when the computer reads from or writes to the hard drive.

NOTE: Hard-drive activity light is supported only on computers shipped with hard drive.

Power and battery-status light

Indicates the power and battery-charge status

Solid white — Power adapter is connected and the battery has more than 5 percent charge.

Amber — Computer is running on battery and the battery has less than 5 percent charge.

Off

• Power adapter is connected and the battery is fully charged.
• Computer is running on battery and the battery has more than 5 percent charge.
• Computer is in sleep state, hibernation, or turned off

NOTE: Hard-drive activity light is supported only on computers shipped with hard drive.

The power and battery-status light blinks amber along with beep codes indicating failures.

For example, the power and battery-status light blinks amber two times followed by a pause, and then blinks white three times followed by a pause. This 2,3 pattern continues until the computer is turned off indicating no memory or RAM is detected.

The following table shows different light patterns and describes what they indicate.

Table 14. Diagnostics

Light pattern Problem description

2,1 CPU failure
2,2 System board: BIOS and ROM failure
2,3 No memory or RAM detected
2,4 Memory or RAM failure
2,5 Invalid memory installed

Light pattern Problem description

2,6 System board or chipset error
2,7 LCD failure
3,1 CMOS battery failure
3,2 PCI or video card or chip failure
3,3 Recovery image not found
3,4 Recovery image found but invalid
3,5 Power rail failure
3,6 SBIOS flash corruption
3,7 Timeout waiting on ME to reply to HECI message

Camera status light: Indicates whether the camera is in use.

• Solid white — Camera is in use.
• Off — Camera is not in use.

Caps Lock status light: Indicates whether Caps Lock is enabled or disabled.

• Solid white — Caps Lock enabled.
• Off — Caps Lock disabled.

Enabling Intel Optane memory

1 On the taskbar, click the search box, and then type Intel Rapid Storage Technology.
2 Click Intel Rapid Storage Technology.

The Intel Rapid Storage Technology window is displayed.

3 On the Status tab, click Enable to enable the Intel Optane memory.
4 On the warning screen, select a compatible fast drive, and then click Yes to continue enabling Intel Optane memory.
5 Click Intel Optane memory → Reboot to complete enabling your Intel Optane memory.

NOTE: Applications may take up to three subsequent launches after enablement to see the full performance benefits.

Disabling Intel Optane memory

CAUTION: After disabling Intel Optane memory, do not uninstall the driver for Intel Rapid Storage Technology as it will result in a blue screen error. The Intel Rapid Storage Technology user interface can be removed without uninstalling the driver.

NOTE: Disabling Intel Optane memory is required before removing the SATA storage device accelerated by the Intel Optane memory module from the computer.

1 On the taskbar, click the search box, and then type Intel Rapid Storage Technology.
2 Click Intel Rapid Storage Technology.

The Intel Rapid Storage Technology window is displayed.

3 On the Intel Optane memory tab, click Disable to disable the Intel Optane memory.

NOTE: For computers in which Intel Optane memory acts as a primary storage, do not disable the Intel Optane memory. The Disable option will be grayed out.

4 Click Yes if you accept the warning.

The disabling progress is displayed.

5 Click Reboot to complete disabling your Intel Optane memory and restart your computer.

WiFi power cycle

If your computer is unable to access the internet due to WiFi connectivity issues a WiFi power cycle procedure may be performed. The following procedure provides the instructions on how to conduct a WiFi power cycle:

NOTE: Some ISPs (Internet Service Providers) provide a modem/router combo device.

1 Turn off your computer.
2 Turn off the modem.
3 Turn off the wireless router.
4 Wait for 30 seconds.
5 Turn on the wireless router.
6 Turn on the modem.
7 Turn on your computer.

Flea power release

Flea power is the residual static electricity that remains on the computer even after it has been powered off and the battery has been removed. The following procedure provides the instructions on how to conduct flea power release:

1 Turn off your computer.
2 Disconnect the power adapter from your computer.
3 Press and hold the power button for 15 seconds to drain the flea power.
4 Connect the power adapter to your computer.
5 Turn on your computer.