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Dell Alienware m15 R4 Service Manual
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Dell Alienware m15 R4 Service Manual

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Alienware m15 R4
Service Manual
Regulatory Model: P87F
Regulatory Type: P87F003
August 2021
Rev. A02

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Summary of Contents for Dell Alienware m15 R4

  • Page 1 Alienware m15 R4 Service Manual Regulatory Model: P87F Regulatory Type: P87F003 August 2021 Rev. A02...
  • Page 2 WARNING: A WARNING indicates a potential for property damage, personal injury, or death. © 2020-2021 Dell Inc. or its subsidiaries. All rights reserved. Dell, EMC, and other trademarks are trademarks of Dell Inc. or its subsidiaries. Other trademarks may be trademarks of their respective owners.

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    Working inside your computer............................6 After working inside your computer..........................8 Chapter 2: Removing and installing components..................9 Recommended tools................................9 Screw list....................................9 Major components of Alienware m15 R4.......................... 10 Base cover................................... 12 Removing the base cover.............................. 12 Installing the base cover..............................15 Battery....................................17 Lithium-ion battery precautions............................17...
  • Page 4 Left I/O-board................................... 51 Removing the left I/O-board............................51 Installing the left I/O-board............................52 Fan and heat-sink assembly............................... 53 Removing the fan and heat-sink assembly........................53 Installing the fan and heat-sink assembly........................55 Power-adapter port................................57 Removing the power-adapter port..........................57 Installing the power-adapter port..........................58 Power-button assembly..............................
  • Page 5 Backup media and recovery options..........................85 WiFi power cycle................................85 Drain residual flea power (perform hard reset)........................ 85 Chapter 6: Getting help and contacting Alienware................87...

  • Page 6: Chapter 1: Working Inside Your Computer

    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 is shipped with the product or at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.
  • Page 7 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.

  • Page 8: After Working Inside Your Computer

    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.

  • Page 9: Chapter 2: Removing And Installing Components

    Removing and installing components NOTE: The images in this document may differ from your computer depending on the configuration you ordered. Recommended tools The procedures in this document may require the following tools: ● Phillips screwdriver #0 ● 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.

  • Page 10: Major Components Of Alienware M15 R4

    Palm-rest assembly M2x1.9 Keyboard bracket Keyboard M1.2x2.1 Keyboard Palmrest M1.2x1.6 Mechanical keyboard Keyboard M2x2.5 bracket Mechanical keyboard Keyboard M2x2 bracket Mechanical keyboard Palmrest M1.2x2 Major components of Alienware m15 R4 The following image shows the major components of Alienware m15 R4.
  • Page 11 1. Base cover 2. Battery 3. M.2 2280 thermal shield (if applicable) 4. M.2 2280 solid-state drive (if applicable) 5. M.2 2230 solid-state drive (if applicable) 6. M.2 2280 solid-state drive/WWAN (if applicable) 7. Right I/O-board connector 8. Touchpad 9. M.2 mounting frame 10.

  • Page 12: Base Cover

    25.Power-adapter port bracket 26.Rear I/O-cover NOTE: Dell provides a list of components and their part numbers for the original system configuration purchased. These parts are available according to warranty coverages purchased by the customer. Contact your Dell sales representative for purchase options.
  • Page 14 Steps 1. Remove the two screws (M2.5x5) that secure the base cover to the palm-rest assembly.

  • Page 15: Installing The Base Cover

    2. Loosen the six captive screws. 3. Using a plastic scribe, pry the base cover from the bottom left and continue to work on the sides to open the base cover. 4. Lift and slide the base cover off the palm-rest assembly. 5.

  • Page 17: Battery

    ● If the battery gets stuck inside your computer as a result of swelling, do not try to release it as puncturing, bending, or crushing a lithium-ion battery can be dangerous. In such an instance, contact Dell technical support for assistance. See www.dell.com/contactdell.

  • Page 18: Installing The Battery

    The following image(s) indicate the location of the battery and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure. Steps 1. Ensure that the battery cable has been disconnected from the system board. 2. Remove the four screws (M2x4) that secure the battery to the palm-rest assembly. 3.

  • Page 19: Solid-State Drive

    Steps 1. Place the battery on the palm-rest assembly. 2. Align the screw holes on the batery to the screw holes on the palm-rest assembly. 3. Replace the four screws (M2x4) that secure the battery to the palm-rest assembly. 4. Replace the four screws (M2x3) that secure the battery to the palm-rest assembly. Next steps 1.
  • Page 20 M.2 2230 solid-state drive in M.2 card slot 2...

  • Page 21: Installing The M.2 2230 Solid-State Drive

    Steps 1. Remove the screw (M2x2.5) that secures the M.2 thermal shield to the M.2 2230 mounting bracket. 2. Remove the M.2 2230 thermal shield from the M.2 2230 solid-state drive. 3. Lift and remove the M.2 2230 solid-state drive from the M.2 card slot on the system board. 4.
  • Page 22 The following image(s) indicate the location of the M.2 2230 solid-state drive and provides a visual representation of the installation procedure. M.2 2230 solid-state drive in M.2 card slot 1 M.2 2230 solid-state drive in M.2 card slot 2...
  • Page 23 Steps 1. Place the M.2 2230 mounting bracket on the palm-rest assembly. 2. Align the screw hole on the M.2 2230 mounting bracket to the screw hole on the palm-rest assembly. 3. Replace the screw (M2x2.5) that secures the M.2 2230 mounting bracket to the palm-rest assembly. 4.

  • Page 24: Removing The M.2 2280 Solid-State Drive

    Removing the M.2 2280 solid-state drive Prerequisites 1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer. 2. Remove the base cover. About this task NOTE: This procedure applies only to computers shipped with a M.2 2280 solid-state drive installed in the following M.2 card slots: ●...

  • Page 25: Installing The M.2 2280 Solid-State Drive

    Steps 1. Remove the screw (M2x2.5) that secures the M.2 2280 thermal shield to the palm-rest assembly. 2. Lift and remove the M.2 2280 thermal shield off the M.2 2280 solid-state drive. 3. Slide and remove the M.2 2280 solid-state drive from the M.2 card slot on the system board. Installing the M.2 2280 solid-state drive Prerequisites If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation process.
  • Page 26 M.2 2280 solid-state drive in M.2 card slot 2 Steps 1. Align the notch on the M.2 2280 solid-state drive with the tab on the M.2 card slot on the system board. 2. Slide the M.2 2280 solid-state drive into the M.2 card slot on the system board. 3.

  • Page 27: M.2 2230 Wwan/Solid-State Drive

    2. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer. M.2 2230 WWAN/solid-state drive Removing the M.2 2230 WWAN/solid-state drive Prerequisites 1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer. 2. Remove the base cover. About this task NOTE: This procedure applies only to computers shipped with a M.2 2230 solid-state drive or M.2 2230 WWAN card installed in M.2 card slot 3.

  • Page 28: Rear-I/O Cover

    About this task NOTE: This procedure applies if you are installing a M.2 2230 solid-state drive or M.2 2230 WWAN card in M.2 card slot 3. The following image(s) indicate the location of the M.2 2230 WWAN/solid-state drive and provides a visual representation of the installation procedure.
  • Page 29 About this task The following image(s) indicate the location of the rear I/O-cover and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure. Steps 1. Peel and lift the Mylar covering the system board. 2. Disconnect and peel the Tron-light cable from the system board.

  • Page 30: Installing The Rear I/O-Cover

    NOTE: To prevent damaging your computer ensure the Tron-light cable has been disconnected from the system board before removing the rear I/O-cover. 3. Remove the two screws (M2.5x5) that secure the rear I/O-cover to the palm-rest assembly. 4. Remove the two screws (M2.5x4) that secure the rear I/O-cover to the palm-rest assembly. 5.
  • Page 31 Steps 1. Push the rear I/O-cover into the palm-rest assembly snapping it into place. NOTE: To avoiding damaging your computer, ensure the Tron-light cable is not pinched and that the Mylar is pasted on the system board before snapping the rear I/O-cover into place. 2.

  • Page 32: Display Assembly

    Display assembly Removing the display assembly Prerequisites 1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer. 2. Remove the base cover. 3. Remove the rear I/O-cover. About this task NOTE: The display assembly is a Hinge-Up Display (HUD) and cannot be further disassembled. The following image(s) indicate the location of the display assembly and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure.
  • Page 33 Steps 1. Peel the Mylar covering the system board. 2. Remove the screw (M2x3) that secures the wireless card bracket to the left I/O-board. 3. Lift the wireless card bracket off the left I/O-board. 4. Disconnect the antenna cables from the wireless card. 5.

  • Page 34: Installing The Display Assembly

    ● Antenna cables 12. Remove the eight screws (M2.5x4) securing the display assembly to the palm-rest assembly. 13. Lift the display assembly off the palm-rest assembly. 14. After performing the steps above you are left with the display assembly. Installing the display assembly Prerequisites If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation process.
  • Page 36 Steps 1. Ensure that the palm-rest assembly is placed face up with the keyboard facing you. 2. Gently place the display assembly on the palm-rest assembly. NOTE: Ensure that the screw holes on the display hinges are aligned with the screw holes on the palm-rest assembly. 3.

  • Page 37: Speakers

    NOTE: Ensure that you connect the G-sensor cable before you connect the display cable. 9. Connect the display cable to the connector on the system board and close the latch. 10. Route the antenna cables to the routing guides on the left fan and system board. 11.

  • Page 38: Installing The Speakers

    Steps 1. Disconnect the speaker cable from the right I/O-board. 2. Lift the right speaker off the palm-rest assembly. 3. Remove the speaker cables from the routing guides on the palm-rest assembly. 4. Lift the left speaker off the palm-rest assembly. Installing the speakers Prerequisites If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation process.

  • Page 39: Touchpad

    Steps 1. Using the alignment posts, place the left speaker on the palm-rest assembly. NOTE: Ensure that the alignment posts are threaded through the rubber grommets on the speaker. 2. Route the speaker cable through the routing guides on the palm-rest assembly. 3.

  • Page 40: Installing The Touchpad

    Steps 1. Open the latch and disconnect the keyboard-controller board-cable from keyboard-controller board. 2. Lift the keyboard-controller board-cable off the palm-rest assembly. 3. Open the latch and disconnect the keyboard cable from the keyboard-controller board. 4. Fold up the keyboard cable. 5.

  • Page 41: Keyboard-Controller Board

    Steps 1. Place the touchpad into the slot on the palm-rest assembly. NOTE: Turn the computer over and open the display. Ensure that the touchpad is equally aligned along all four sides. 2. Replace the four (M2x1.9) screws that secure the touchpad to the palm-rest assembly. 3.

  • Page 42: Installing The Keyboard-Controller Board

    Steps 1. Open the latch and disconnect the keyboard-backlight cable from the keyboard-controller board. 2. Open the latch and disconnect the keyboard-controller board cable from the keyboard-controller board. 3. Open the latch and disconnect the keyboard cable from the keyboard-controller board. 4.

  • Page 43: Right I/O-Board

    Steps 1. Using the alignment posts, adhere the keyboard-controller board into place on the palm-rest assembly. 2. Replace the two screws (M2x1.9) that secure the keyboard-controller board to the palm-rest assembly. 3. Connect the keyboard-controller board-cable to the keyboard-controller board and close the connector latch. 4.

  • Page 44: Installing The Right I/O-Board

    Steps 1. Peel and lift the Mylar covering the system board. 2. Disconnect the speaker cable from the right I/O-board. 3. Remove the two screws (M2x3) that secure the right I/O-board cable connecting the right I/O-board and the system board. 4.
  • Page 45 Steps 1. Using the alignment posts, place the right I/O-board in place on the palm-rest assembly. 2. Replace the two screws (M2x3) that secure the right I/O-board to the palm-rest asssembly. 3. Connect the speaker cable to the connector on the right I/O-board. 4.

  • Page 46: System Board

    System board Removing the system board Prerequisites 1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer. 2. Remove the base cover. 3. Remove the battery. 4. Remove the M.2 2230 solid-state drive, if applicable. 5. Remove the M.2 2280 solid-state drive, if applicable.
  • Page 47 Steps 1. Peel the Mylar covering the system board. 2. Remove the screw (M2x3) that secures the wireless card bracket to the left I/O-board. 3. Lift the wireless-card bracket off the left I/O-board. 4. Disconnect the antenna cables from the wireless card on the left I/O-board. 5.

  • Page 48: Installing The System Board

    14. Disconnect the G-sensor cable from the connector on the system board. 15. Remove the two (M2x4.5) screws that secure the fan and heat-sink assembly to the palm-rest assembly. 16. Remove the three (M2x3) screws that secure the fan and heat-sink assembly to the palm-rest assembly. 17.
  • Page 50 Steps 1. Install the fan and heat-sink assembly. 2. Install the left I/O-board. 3. Turn the system-board assembly over and place the system-board assembly on the palm-rest assembly. NOTE: When placing the system board in place, hold firmly on the left and right sides of the fan and heat-sink assembly. CAUTION: To avoid damaging your computer, do not support the system board by the left I/O-board when placing the system board.

  • Page 51: Left I/O-Board

    NOTE: This step is only applicable to computers shipped with a Tobii eye tracker. 11. Connect the display cable to the connector on the system board and close the latch. 12. Connect the touchpad cable to the touchpad and close the latch. 13.

  • Page 52: Installing The Left I/O-Board

    About this task The following image(s) indicate the location of the left I/O-board and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure. Steps 1. Flip the system-board assembly over. 2. Remove the four screws (M2x4.5) that secure the left-I/O board 3.

  • Page 53: Fan And Heat-Sink Assembly

    Steps 1. Using the alignment posts, connect the left I/O-board connector board to the system-board assembly NOTE: The I/O-board connector board is polarity sensitive. To prevent damaging your computer, utilize the alignment pins to correctly replace the I/O-board connector board. 2.
  • Page 54 7. Remove the right I/O-board. 8. Follow the procedure from step 1 to step 19 in Removing the system board. About this task NOTE: The heat sink may become hot during normal operation. Allow sufficient time for the heat sink to cool before you touch NOTE: For maximum cooling of the processor, do not touch the heat transfer areas on the heat sink.

  • Page 55: Installing The Fan And Heat-Sink Assembly

    Steps 1. Disconnect the left and right fan cables from the system board. 2. Flip the system-board assembly over. 3. In reverse sequential order (10>9>8>7>6>5>4>3>2>1) remove the 10 screws (M2x3) that secure the fan and heat-sink assembly to the system board. NOTE: Depending on the discrete graphics processing unit installed in your computer, the number of screws securing the fan and heat-sink assembly to the system board may be 8 or 10.
  • Page 56 Steps 1. Place the fan and heat-sink assembly on the system board. 2. Align the screw holes on the fan and heat-sink assembly to the screw holes on the system board.

  • Page 57: Power-Adapter Port

    3. In sequential order (1>2>3>4>5>6>7>8>9>10) replace the 10 screws (M2x3) that secure the fan and heat-sink assembly to the system board. NOTE: Depending on the discrete graphics processing unit installed in your computer, the number of screws securing the fan and heat-sink assembly to the system board may be 8 or 10. 4.

  • Page 58: Installing The Power-Adapter Port

    Steps 1. Remove the two screws (M2x3) that secure the power-adapter port bracket to the palm-rest assembly. 2. Lift the power-adapter port bracket off the palm-rest assembly. 3. Lift the power-adapter port along with its cable off the palm-rest assembly. Installing the power-adapter port Prerequisites If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation process.

  • Page 59: Power-Button Assembly

    Steps 1. Place the power-adapter port into the slot on the palm-rest assembly. 2. Place the power-adapter port bracket on the power-adapter port. 3. Align the screw holes on the power-adapter port bracket to the screw holes on the palm-rest assembly. 4.

  • Page 60: Installing The Power-Button Assembly

    About this task The following image(s) indicate the location of the power-button assembly and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure. Steps 1. Remove the three (M2x1.9) screws that secure the power-button bracket to the palm-rest assembly. 2. Lift the power-button bracket off the power-button assembly. 3.

  • Page 61: Keyboard

    Steps 1. Place the power-button assembly and its cable in the slot on the palm-rest assembly. 2. Place the power-button bracket on the power-button assembly. 3. Align the screw holes on the power-button bracket to the screw holes on the palm-rest assembly. 4.
  • Page 62 9. Follow the procedure from step 1 to step 19 in Removing the system board. 10. Remove the power-adapter port. About this task The following image(s) indicate the location of the keyboard and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure.

  • Page 63: Installing The Keyboard

    Steps 1. Open the latch and disconnect the keyboard-backlight cable from the keyboard-controller board. 2. Open the latch and disconnect the keyboard-controller board cable from the keyboard-controller board. 3. Open the latch and disconnect the keyboard cable from the keyboard-controller board. 4.
  • Page 64 About this task The following image(s) indicate the location of the keyboard and provides a visual representation of the installation procedure.

  • Page 65: Removing The Mechanical Keyboard

    Steps 1. Place the keyboard and its cables on the palmrest. 2. Align the screw holes on the keyboard to the screw holes on the palmrest. 3. Replace the 19 screws (M1.2x1.6) that secure the keyboard to the palmrest. 4. Place the keyboard bracket on the keyboard. 5.
  • Page 66 5. Remove the M.2 2280 solid-state drive, if applicable. 6. Remove the rear I/O-cover. 7. Remove the speakers. 8. Remove the right I/O-board. 9. Follow the procedure from step 1 to step 19 in Removing the system board. 10. Remove the power-adapter port.

  • Page 67: Installing The Mechanical Keyboard

    Steps 1. Open the latch and disconnect the keyboard-backlight cable from the mechanical keyboard. 2. Open the latch and disconnect the keyboard-controller board cable from the mechanical keyboard. 3. Open the latch and disconnect the keyboard cable from the mechanical keyboard. 4.
  • Page 69 Steps 1. Place the keyboard and its cables on the palmrest. 2. Align the screw holes on the keyboard to the screw holes on the palmrest. 3. Replace the 18 screws (M1.2x2) that secure the keyboard to the palmrest. 4. Place the keyboard bracket on the keyboard. 5.

  • Page 70: Palmrest

    Palmrest Removing the palmrest Prerequisites 1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer. 2. Remove the base cover. 3. Remove the battery. 4. Remove the M.2 2230 solid-state drive, if applicable. 5. Remove the M.2 2280 solid-state drive, if applicable. 6.

  • Page 71: Installing The Palmrest

    Installing the palmrest Prerequisites If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation process. About this task The following image(s) indicate the location of the palmrest and provides a visual representation of the installation procedure. Steps To install the palmrest perform the post-requisites.

  • Page 72: Chapter 3: Drivers And Downloads

    Drivers and downloads When troubleshooting, downloading or installing drivers it is recommended that you read the Dell Knowledge Based article, Drivers and Downloads FAQ 000123347.

  • Page 73: Chapter 4: System Setup

    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: Depending on the computer and its installed devices, the items listed in this section may or may not be displayed. NOTE: Before you change BIOS Setup program, it is recommended that you write down the BIOS Setup program screen information for future reference.

  • Page 74: System Setup Options

    ● Removable Drive (if available) ● STXXXX Drive (if available) 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 Main Table 5.
  • Page 75 Table 6. Advanced (continued) Option Description Keyboard Language Sets the keyboard language. Keyboard Color Sets the keyboard color. Intel SpeedStep Enables or disables the Intel SpeedStep mode of processor. ● Enable Intel SpeedStep Default: Enabled Intel Speed Shift Technology Enables or disables the Intel Speed Shift Technology. This option enables the operating system to select the appropriate processor performance automatically.

  • Page 76: Security

    Table 6. Advanced (continued) Option Description NOTE: If USB PowerShare is enabled, a device that is connected to the USB PowerShare connector may not wake the computer. SATA Operation Enables you to configure the operating mode of the integrated SATA drive controller. Choose one of the following options: ●...
  • Page 77 Table 7. Security (continued) Option Description Admin Password Allows you to set, change, or delete the administrator(admin) password. The entries to set password are: ● Enter the old password: ● Enter the new password: ● Confirm new password: Click OK once you set the password. NOTE: For the first time login, "Enter the old password:"...

  • Page 78: Secure Boot

    Table 7. Security (continued) Option Description ● TPM On—Default ● Clear ● PPI Bypass for Enable Command—Default ● PPI Bypass for Disbale Command ● PPI Bypass for Clear Command ● Attestation Enable—Default ● Key Storage Enable—Default ● SHA-256—Default Choose one of the options: ●...

  • Page 79: Exit

    Table 8. Secure Boot (continued) Option Description Boot Option #1 Displays the available first boot option. Boot Option #2 Displays the available second boot option. Boot Option #3 Displays the available third boot option. Exit Table 9. Exit Option Description Save Changes and Reset Enables you to exit system setup and save your changes.

  • Page 80: Deleting Or Changing An Existing System Setup Password

    Clearing BIOS (System Setup) and System passwords About this task 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...

  • Page 81: Updating The Bios

    Most of the Dell computers built after 2012 have this capability, and you can confirm by booting your computer to the F12 One-Time Boot Menu to see if BIOS FLASH UPDATE is listed as a boot option for your computer. If the option is listed, then the BIOS supports this BIOS update option.

  • Page 82: Updating Bios On Systems With Bitlocker Enabled

    BitLocker key. You will then be prompted to enter the recovery key to progress and the system will ask for this on each reboot. If the recovery key is not known this can result in data loss or an unnecessary operating system re-install. For more information on this subject, see Dell Knowledge Base article: 000134415...

  • Page 83: Chapter 5: Troubleshooting

    ● Using a non-Dell or incompatible battery may increase the risk of fire or explosion. Replace the battery only with a compatible battery purchased from Dell that is designed to work with your Dell computer. Do not use a battery from other computers with your computer.

  • Page 84: Supportassist Diagnostics

    For more information, see SupportAssist Pre-Boot System Performance Check. Recovering the operating system When your computer is unable to boot to the operating system even after repeated attempts, it automatically starts Dell SupportAssist OS Recovery.
  • Page 85 You can also download it from the Dell Support website to troubleshoot and fix your computer when it fails to boot into their primary operating system due to software or hardware failures.
  • Page 86 8. Connect the power adapter to your computer. 9. Turn on your computer. NOTE: For more information about performing a hard reset, see the knowledge base article 000130881 www.dell.com/ support.
  • Page 87 Express Service Code. To view relevant support resources for documents. your Dell computer, enter the Service Tag or Express Service Code at www.dell.com/support. For more information on how to find the Service Tag for your...

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