Alienware Aurora Ryzen Edition R14 Desktop Service Manual
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Alienware Aurora Ryzen Edition R14
Service Manual
Regulatory Model: D30M
Regulatory Type: D30M003
April 2022
Rev. A03
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.
© 2021-2022 Dell Inc. or its subsidiaries. All rights reserved. Dell Technologies, Dell, and other trademarks are trademarks of Dell Inc. or its subsidiaries. Other trademarks may be trademarks of their respective owners.
Contents
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Working inside your computer
Before working inside your computer
About this task
NOTE: The images in this document may differ from your computer depending on the configuration you ordered.
Steps
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 shut-down 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.
CAUTION: To disconnect a network cable, first unplug the cable from your computer and then unplug the cable from the network device.
5. Remove any media card and optical disc from your computer, if applicable.
Safety instructions
Use the following safety guidelines to protect your computer from potential damage and to ensure your personal safety. Unless otherwise noted, each procedure included in this document assumes that you have read the safety information that shipped with your computer.
WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that is shipped with your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance .
WARNING: Disconnect your computer from 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 your computer to an electrical outlet.
CAUTION: To avoid damaging the computer, ensure that the work surface is flat, dry, and clean.
CAUTION: To avoid damaging the components and cards, handle them by their edges, and avoid touching the pins and the 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 is 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 it by its connector or its pull tab, not the cable itself. Some cables have connectors with locking tabs or thumbscrews that you must disengage before disconnecting the cable. When disconnecting cables, keep them evenly aligned to avoid bending the connector pins. When connecting cables, ensure that the ports and the connectors are correctly oriented and aligned.
CAUTION: Press and eject any installed card from the media-card reader.
CAUTION: Exercise caution when handling Lithium-ion batteries in laptops. Swollen batteries should not be used and should be replaced and disposed properly.
NOTE: The color of your computer and certain components may appear differently than shown in this document.
Safety precautions
The safety precautions chapter details the primary steps to be taken before performing any disassembly instructions.
Observe the following safety precautions before you perform any installation or break/fix procedures involving disassembly or reassembly:
● Turn off the system and all attached peripherals.
● Disconnect the system and all attached peripherals from AC power.
● Disconnect all network cables, telephone, and telecommunications lines from the system.
● Use an ESD field service kit when working inside any desktop to avoid electrostatic discharge (ESD) damage.
● After removing any system component, carefully place the removed component on an anti-static mat.
● Wear shoes with non-conductive rubber soles to reduce the chance of getting electrocuted.
Standby power
Dell products with standby power must be unplugged before you open the case. Systems that incorporate standby power are essentially powered while turned off. The internal power enables the system to be remotely turned on (wake on LAN) and suspended into a sleep mode and has other advanced power management features.
Unplugging, pressing and holding the power button for 20 seconds should discharge residual power in the system board.
Bonding
Bonding is a method for connecting two or more grounding conductors to the same electrical potential. This is done through the use of a field service electrostatic discharge (ESD) kit. When connecting a bonding wire, ensure that it is connected to bare metal and never to a painted or non-metal surface. The wrist strap should be secure and in full contact with your skin, and ensure that you remove all jewelry such as watches, bracelets, or rings prior to bonding yourself and the equipment.
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:
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● 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.
After working inside your computer
About this task
CAUTION: Leaving stray or loose screws inside your computer may severely damage your computer.
Steps
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.
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Removing and installing components
NOTE: The images in this document may differ from your computer depending on the configuration you ordered.
Inside view of your computer
1. Side light (optional)
3. 3.5-inch hard drive
5. Memory module
7. Graphics-card end holder (optional)
9. Coin-cell battery
11. Power-supply unit
13. Graphics-card bracket holder (optional)
15. Processor cooler of the processor liquid-cooling assembly
2. Top-chassis fan (optional)
4. Front-chassis fan (optional)
6. PCIe fan
8. 2.5-inch hard drive
10. Graphics card
12. Graphics-card bracket (optional)
14. Power-supply unit bracket
16. Radiator and fan assembly
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NOTE: The optional components may not be present in your computer, depending on its configuration.
1. Processor cooler of the processor fan and heat-sink assembly
NOTE: The side light is not featured for the computer shown in the image.
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System-board components
1. Ring Ambient Power Button connector
3. Wireless-card slot (M.2 WLAN)
5. SATA 6 Gbps drive connector (SATA0)
7. SATA 6 Gbps drive connector (SATA2)
9. Coin-cell battery
11. PCI-Express x16 mechanical/x16 electrical slot PCIe Gen4
(SLOT2)
13. PCI-Express x4 slot (SLOT1)
2. FAN_SYS3 connector
4. FAN_SYS2 connector
6. SATA 6 Gbps drive connector (SATA1)
8. Power-supply connector (ATX1_2)
10. PCI-Express x4 slot (SLOT4)
12. Solid-state drive slot (M.2 PCIe SSD.0)
14. Rear-chassis fan connector (FAN_SYS1)
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15. Fan LED connector (FAN LED1)
17. CPU fan connector
19. CPU socket
21. Power-supply connector (ATX3)
23. Memory-module slot, DIMM 1
25.Memory-module slot, DIMM 2
27. Side light connector
16. Fan pump connector (FAN PUMP)
18. Top-chassis fan connector (FAN_SYS4)
20.Power-supply connector (ATX2)
22.Memory-module slot, DIMM 3
24.Memory-module slot, DIMM 4
26.SATA power connector
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 surfaces when replacing a component.
NOTE: Screw color may vary with the configuration ordered.
Table 1. Screw list
Component
Power-supply unit bracket
Screw type
#6-32x1/4"
Quantity
2
Screw image
2 Power-supply unit bracket (for computers shipped with clear left-side cover)
Power-supply unit
#6-32x1/4"
#6-32x1/4"
Power-supply unit (for computers shipped with clear left-side cover)
#6-32x1/4"
Side light (for computers shipped with clear left-side cover)
M3x5
Radiator and fan assembly M3x5
4
4
2
1
Antennas
Top bezel
M3x3
M3x7
2
4
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Table 1. Screw list (continued)
Component
Top bezel
Screw type
#6-32x1/4"
Solid-state drive (M.2 slot)
Wireless card
Front AlienFX LED board
M2x3
M2x3
M3x8
Power-button board
System board
M2x3
#6-32x1/4"
1
10
1
1
4
Quantity
2
Screw image
Cable cover
Removing the cable cover
Prerequisites
1. Follow the procedure in
Before working inside your computer .
About this task
The following image indicates the location of the cable cover and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure.
NOTE: The cable cover is an optional accessory.
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Steps
Pull the cable cover from the top to lift the cable cover from the chassis.
Installing the cable cover
Prerequisites
If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure.
About this task
The following image indicates the location of the cable cover and provides a visual representation of the installation procedure.
NOTE: The cable cover is an optional accessory.
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Steps
1. Align the cable cover with the slots at the rear of the chassis.
2. Slide the cable cover back into its place on the rear of the chassis.
Next steps
1. Follow the procedure in
After working inside your computer
.
Left-side cover
Removing the left-side cover
Prerequisites
1. Follow the procedure in
Before working inside your computer .
About this task
The following images indicate the location of the left-side cover and provide a visual representation of the removal procedure.
NOTE: The clear left-side cover is shipped with some computers.
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Steps
1. Loosen the captive screw (#6-32) that secures the side-cover release latch to the chassis.
2. Pull the side-cover release latch to release the left-side cover away from the chassis.
3. Lift the left-side panel from the chassis.
Installing the left-side cover
Prerequisites
If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure.
About this task
The following images indicate the location of the left-side cover and provide a visual representation of the installation procedure.
NOTE: The clear left-side cover is shipped with some computers.
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Steps
1. Locate the tabs on the left-side cover and slots on the chassis.
2. Rotate the left-side cover towards the chassis until it snaps into place.
3. Tighten the captive screw (#6-32) that secures the side-cover release latch to the chassis.
Next steps
1. Follow the procedure in
After working inside your computer
.
Top cover
Removing the top cover
Prerequisites
1. Follow the procedure in
Before working inside your computer .
2. Remove the
.
About this task
The following images indicate the location of the top cover and provide a visual representation of the removal procedure.
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Steps
1. Press your thumbs down at the rear of the top cover, and use your fingers to pull the two rear latches out to loosen the top cover at its rear.
NOTE: The top cover is secured tight to the chassis by four latches.
2. Press your thumbs down at the front of the top cover, and use your fingers to pull the two front latches out to loosen the top cover at its front.
3. Press your thumbs down at the middle of the top cover to release the remaining two latches and lift the top cover.
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Installing the top cover
Prerequisites
If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure.
About this task
The following images indicate the location of the top cover and provides a visual representation of the installation procedure.
Steps
Align the tabs on the top cover with the slots on the chassis and snap the top cover into place.
Next steps
1. Install the left-side cover .
2. Follow the procedure in
After working inside your computer
.
Right-side cover
Removing the right-side cover
Prerequisites
1. Follow the procedure in
Before working inside your computer .
2. Remove the
.
3. Remove the
.
About this task
The following images indicate the location of the right-side cover and provide a visual representation of the removal procedure.
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Steps
1. Knock the top rear tab of the right-side cover until the top of right-side cover is detached from the chassis.
2. Knock the bottom rear tab of the right-side cover until the bottom of the right-side cover is detached from the chassis.
3. Remove the right-side cover from the chassis.
Installing the right-side cover
Prerequisites
If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure.
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About this task
Steps
1. Align the tabs on the right-side cover with the slots on the chassis.
2. Push the right-side cover towards the chassis until it snaps into place.
Next steps
2. Install the left-side cover .
3. Follow the procedure in
After working inside your computer
.
Front bezel
Removing the front bezel
Prerequisites
1. Follow the procedure in
Before working inside your computer .
2. Remove the
.
3. Remove the
.
4. Remove the
About this task
The following images indicate the location of the front bezel and provide a visual representation of the removal procedure.
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Steps
1. Place the computer in an upright position.
2. Disconnect the front I/O-panel cable from the system board.
3. Pull the tabs of the front bezel from the slots on the front panel.
NOTE: Start with tab on top, proceed to the tabs on the left of the front bezel, and then to the tabs on the right of the front bezel.
4. Pull the front bezel, together with the front I/O-panel cable, away from the chassis slowly.
Installing the front bezel
Prerequisites
If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure.
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About this task
The following images indicate the location of the front bezel and provide a visual representation of the installation procedure.
Steps
1. Align the front bezel with the front panel.
2. Route the front I/O-panel cable through the slot on the front panel.
3. Push the front bezel towards the front panel and ensure the tabs clip onto the slots of the front panel.
NOTE: Start with tab on top, proceed to the tabs on the left of the front bezel, and then to the tabs on the right of the front bezel.
4. Connect the front I/O-panel cable to the system board.
Next steps
1. Install the right-side cover .
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3. Install the left-side cover .
4. Follow the procedure in
After working inside your computer
.
Side light
Removing the Side light
Prerequisites
1. Follow the procedure in
Before working inside your computer .
2. Remove the
.
3. Remove the
.
4. Remove the
5. Remove the
About this task
NOTE: Side light is available only on computers that are shipped with clear left-side covers.
The following images indicate the location of the Side light and provide a visual representation of the removal procedure.
Steps
1. Lay the computer on its right side.
2. Disconnect the Side-light cable from the system board.
3. Remove the two screws (M3x5) that secure the Side light to the chassis.
4. Lift the left side of the Side light bar slightly from the screw hole at the rear of the chassis.
5. Lift the right side of the Side light bar slowly from the screw hole at the front of the chassis.
6. Lift the entire Side light bar from the chassis.
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Installing the Side light
Prerequisites
If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure.
About this task
NOTE: Side light is available only on computers that are shipped with clear left-side covers.
The following images indicate the location of the Side light and provide a visual representation of the installation procedure.
Steps
1. Lay the computer on its right side.
2. Align the left screw hole of the Side light with the screw on the rear of the chassis.
3. Lift the right side of the Side light slowly until the right screw of the Side light is aligned with the screw hole on the front of the chassis.
4. Replace the two screws (M3x5) that secure the Side light to the chassis.
5. Connect the side-light cable to the system board.
Next steps
2. Install the right-side cover .
4. Install the left-side cover .
5. Follow the procedure in
After working inside your computer
.
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2.5-inch hard drive
Removing the 2.5-inch hard drive
Prerequisites
1. Follow the procedure in
Before working inside your computer .
2. Remove the
.
About this task
The following images indicate the location of the 2.5-inch hard drive and provide a visual representation of the removal procedure.
Steps
1. Disconnect the hard-drive data and hard-drive power cables from the hard drive.
2. Press the release tabs on the hard-drive carrier and slide the hard-drive assembly out of the hard-drive cage.
3. Pry the hard-drive carrier to release the tabs on the assembly from the slots on the hard drive.
4. Lift the hard drive out of the hard-drive assembly.
NOTE: Note the orientation of the hard drive so that you can replace it correctly.
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NOTE: Repeat the steps to remove any additional 2.5-inch hard drive from your computer.
Installing the 2.5-inch hard drive
Prerequisites
If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure.
About this task
The following images indicate the location of the 2.5-inch hard drive and provide a visual representation of the installation procedure.
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NOTE: Note the orientation on the hard-drive carrier to replace it correctly.
Steps
1. Align the hard drive with the pins on the hard-drive carrier.
2. Using the tabs on the opposite side, flex open the carrier to insert the pins on the other side.
3. Slide the hard-drive assembly into the hard-drive cage until it snaps into place.
4. Connect the hard-drive data cable and hard-drive power cable to the hard drive.
Next steps
1. Install the left-side cover .
2. Follow the procedure in
After working inside your computer
.
3. Verify if the storage device is installed correctly (optional):
.
.
NOTE: To install the operating system on to your storage device, see Reinstall Windows to the Dell factory image using
recovery media in the knowledge base article 000176966 .
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Identifying the storage device in Device Manager
Steps
1. On the taskbar, click the search box, and then type Device Manager .
2. Click Device Manager.
The Device Manager window is displayed.
3. Expand Disk drives.
Identifying the storage device in system setup (BIOS)
Steps
1. Turn on or restart your computer.
2. Press F2 when the Dell logo is displayed on the screen to enter the BIOS setup program.
A list of hard drives are displayed under the System Information in the General group.
3.5-inch hard drive
Removing the 3.5-inch hard drive
Prerequisites
1. Follow the procedure in
Before working inside your computer .
2. Remove the
.
About this task
The following images indicate the location of the 3.5-inch hard drive and provide a visual representation of the removal procedure.
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Steps
1. Lift the side light bar to reach the hard-drive data and hard-drive power cables of the hard drive.
2. Slide your finger under the hard-drive power cable as close as possible to the power cable plug, and pull the hard-drive power cable to disconnect the cable.
3. Slide your finger under the hard-drive data cable as close as possible to the data cable plug, and pull the hard-drive data cable to disconnect the cable.
4. Push the side light bar down.
5. Press the release tabs on the hard-drive carrier and slide the hard-drive carrier out of the hard-drive cage.
6. Pry the hard-drive carrier to release the tabs on the carrier from the slots on the hard drive.
7. Lift the hard drive out of the hard-drive carrier.
NOTE: Note the orientation of the hard drive so that you can replace it correctly.
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Installing the 3.5-inch hard drive
Prerequisites
If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure.
About this task
The following images indicate the location of the 3.5-inch hard drive and provide a visual representation of the installation procedure.
32
NOTE: Note the orientation on the hard-drive carrier to replace it correctly.
Steps
1. Align the hard drive with the pins on the hard-drive carrier.
2. Using the tabs on the opposite side, flex open the carrier to insert the pins on the other side.
3. Slide the hard-drive assembly into the hard-drive cage until it snaps into place.
4. Lift the side light bar.
5. Connect the hard-drive data cable and hard-drive power cable to the hard drive.
6. Push the side light bar down.
Next steps
1. Install the left-side cover .
2. Follow the procedure in
After working inside your computer
.
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3. Verify if the storage device is installed correctly (optional):
.
.
NOTE: To install the operating system on to your storage device, see Reinstall Windows to the Dell factory image using
recovery media in the knowledge base article 000176966 .
Power-supply unit
Removing the power-supply unit
Prerequisites
1. Follow the procedure in
Before working inside your computer .
2. Remove the
.
3. Remove the
.
4. Remove the
NOTE: Note the routing of all cables as you remove them so that you can route them correctly after you replace the powersupply unit.
About this task
The following images indicate the location of the power-supply unit and provide a visual representation of the removal procedure.
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Steps
1. Disconnect the power-supply unit cables from the power-supply unit extension cables on the right side of the computer.
2. Slide the power-supply unit cables out from the routing guide.
3. Lay the computer on the right side.
4. Release the power-supply unit cables from the plastic cable clip.
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5. Disconnect the power-supply cables from the system board.
6. Press the release clips on the power-supply connectors before disconnecting the power-supply cables from the system board.
7. Disconnect the graphics-card power cables from the power-supply unit.
8. Press the release clips on the graphics-card power connectors before disconnecting the graphics-card power cables from the power-supply unit.
9. Slide the release latch to the unlock position and lift the graphics-card bracket away from the graphics card.
10. Remove the two screws (#6-32x1/4") that secure the power-supply unit bracket to the power-supply unit.
11. Slide and lift the power-supply unit bracket from the power-supply unit.
12. Remove the four screws (#6-32x1/4") that secure the power-supply unit to the chassis.
13. Slide and lift the power-supply unit, along with the cables, off the chassis.
Installing the power-supply unit
Prerequisites
If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure.
WARNING: The cables and ports on the back of the power-supply unit are color-coded to indicate the different power wattage. Ensure that you plug in the cable to the correct port. Failure to do so may result in damaging the power-supply unit and/or system components.
About this task
The following images indicate the location of the power-supply unit and provide a visual representation of the installation procedure.
36
Steps
1. Lay the computer on the right side.
2. Place the power-supply unit on the chassis.
3. Align the screw holes on the power-supply unit with the screw holes on the chassis.
4. Replace the four screws (#6-32x1/4") that secure the power-supply unit to the chassis.
5. Place the power-supply unit bracket on the power-supply unit.
37
6. Replace the two screws (#6-32x1/4") that secure the power-supply unit bracket to the power-supply unit.
7. Replace the graphics-card bracket and slide the release latch to the lock position.
8. Place the power-supply unit cables back into the plastic cable clip.
9. Connect the power-supply cables to the system board.
10. Connect the graphics-card power cables to the power-supply unit.
11. Place the computer in an upright position.
12. Place the power-supply unit cables back to the routing guide on the right side of the computer.
13. Connect the power-supply unit cables to the power-supply unit extension cables on the right side of the computer.
Next steps
1. Install the right-side cover .
3. Install the left-side cover .
4. Follow the procedure in
After working inside your computer
.
Coin-cell battery
Removing the coin-cell battery
Prerequisites
1. Follow the procedure in
Before working inside your computer .
WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that is shipped with 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.
2. Remove the
.
About this task
The following images indicate the location of the coin-cell battery and provide a visual representation of the removal procedure.
38
Steps
1. Lay the computer on the right side.
2. Press the battery-release lever away from the coin-cell battery until the coin-cell battery pops up.
3. Lift the coin-cell battery out of its socket.
Installing the coin-cell battery
Prerequisites
If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure.
About this task
The following images indicate the location of the coin-cell battery and provide a visual representation of the installation procedure.
Steps
Insert the new coin-cell battery (CR2032) into the battery socket with the positive side facing up, and snap the battery into place.
Next steps
1. Install the left-side cover .
2. Follow the procedure in
After working inside your computer
.
Memory modules
Removing the memory modules
Prerequisites
1. Follow the procedure in
Before working inside your computer .
2. Remove the
.
39
About this task
The following images indicate the location of the memory modules and provide a visual representation of the removal procedure.
Steps
1. Lay the computer on the right side.
2. Push the securing clips away from the memory module.
3. Lift the memory module off the memory-module slot.
NOTE: Repeat step 2 to step 3 to remove any other memory modules installed in your computer.
CAUTION: To prevent damage to the memory module, hold the memory module by the edges. Do not touch the components on the memory module.
Installing the memory modules
Prerequisites
If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure.
About this task
The following images indicate the location of the memory modules and provide a visual representation of the installation procedure.
40
Steps
1. Ensure that the securing clips are extended away from the memory-module slot.
2. Align the notch on the memory module with the tab on the memory-module slot.
3. Insert the memory module into the memory-module slot and press the memory module down until it snaps into position and the securing clips lock in place.
CAUTION: To prevent damage to the memory module, hold the memory module by the edges. Do not touch the components on the memory module.
NOTE: Repeat step 1 to step 3 to replace any other memory modules installed in your computer.
Next steps
1. Install the left-side cover .
2. Follow the procedure in
After working inside your computer
.
Single-graphics card
Removing the single-graphics card
Prerequisites
1. Follow the procedure in
Before working inside your computer .
2. Remove the
.
About this task
The following images indicate the location of the single-graphics card and provide a visual representation of the removal procedure.
41
42
Steps
1. Lay the computer on the right side.
2. Press the releasing clip on the graphics-card power connectors and disconnect the graphics-card power cables from the graphics card.
3. Slide the release latch to its unlock position and lift the graphics-card end holder away from the PCIe fan.
NOTE: Skip this step if your graphics card does not ship with a graphics-card end holder.
4. Slide the release latch to its unlock position and lift the graphics-card bracket away from the graphics card.
NOTE: Skip this step if your graphics card does not ship with a graphics-card bracket.
5. Lift the pull tab and open the expansion-card door.
6. Push the securing tab on the PCIe x16 slot down, grasp the graphics card by its top edge, and ease it out of the slot.
Installing the single-graphics card
Prerequisites
If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure.
About this task
The following images indicate the location of the single-graphics card and provide a visual representation of the installation procedure.
43
Steps
1. Place the card into the PCIe x16 slot and press down firmly until the single-graphics card snaps into place.
2. Close the expansion-card door and snap the latch back into position.
3. Connect the graphics-card power cables to the graphics card.
4. Replace the graphics-card bracket onto the graphics-card bracket holder and slide the latch into its lock position.
NOTE: Skip this step if your graphics card does not ship with a graphics-card end bracket or a graphics-card bracket holder.
5. Replace the graphics-card end holder over the PCIe fan and slide the latch into its lock position.
NOTE: Skip this step if your graphics card does not ship with a graphics-card end holder.
Next steps
1. Install the left-side cover .
44
2. Follow the procedure in
After working inside your computer
.
Graphics-card bracket and graphics-card end holder
The following table shows whether the graphics-card bracket or/and the graphics-card end holder is/are shipped with your
Alienware Aurora Ryzen Edition R14.
Table 2. Graphics-card bracket and graphics-card end holder
Graphics card
AMD Radeon RX 5300
Graphics-card bracket
Yes
Graphics-card end holder
No
AMD Radeon RX 6600 XT
Yes No
AMD Radeon RX 6700 XT
Yes No
AMD Radeon RX 6800 XT Yes Yes
AMD Radeon RX 6900 XT Yes Yes
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 SUPER No No
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 SUPER No No
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Ti
No No
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060
Yes No
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 Ti
Yes No
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070
Yes Yes
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 Ti
Yes Yes
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080
Yes Yes
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 Ti Yes Yes
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3090 Yes Yes
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3090 Ti Yes Yes
Solid-state drive
Removing the 2230 solid-state drive
Prerequisites
1. Follow the procedure in
Before working inside your computer .
2. Remove the
.
About this task
The following images indicate the location of the 2230 solid-state drive and provide a visual representation of the removal procedure.
45
Steps
1. Remove the screw (M2x3) that secures the 2230 solid-state drive to the system board.
2. Slide and lift the 2230 solid-state drive off the system board.
Installing the 2230 solid-state drive
Prerequisites
If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure.
CAUTION: Solid-state drives are fragile. Exercise care when handling the solid-state drive.
About this task
NOTE: This procedure applies only to computers shipped with a 2230 solid-state drive installed in the SSD slot.
NOTE: Depending on the configuration ordered, your computer may support either 2230 solid-state drive or 2280 solid-state drive in the SSD slot.
If you want to replace your 2230 solid-state drive with a 2280 solid-state drive, see
Installing the 2280 solid-state drive
.
The following images indicate the location of the 2230 solid-state drive and provide a visual representation of the installation procedure.
46
Steps
1. Align the notch on the 2230 solid-state drive with the tab on the solid-state drive slot.
2. Insert the 2230 solid-state drive at a 45-degree angle into the system board.
3. Press the other end of the 2230 solid-state drive down and replace the screw (M2x3) that secures the 2230 solid-state drive to the system board.
Next steps
1. Install the left-side cover .
2. Follow the procedure in
After working inside your computer
.
3. Verify if the storage device is installed correctly (optional):
.
.
NOTE: To install the operating system on to your storage device, see Reinstall Windows to the Dell factory image using
recovery media in the knowledge base article 000176966 .
Removing the 2280 solid-state drive
Prerequisites
1. Follow the procedure in
Before working inside your computer .
2. Remove the
.
About this task
The following images indicate the location of the 2280 solid-state drive and provide a visual representation of the removal procedure.
47
Steps
1. Remove the screw (M2x3) that secures the 2280 solid-state drive to the system board.
2. Slide and lift the 2280 solid-state drive off the system board.
Installing the 2280 solid-state drive
Prerequisites
If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure.
CAUTION: Solid-state drives are fragile. Exercise care when handling the solid-state drive.
About this task
NOTE: This procedure applies only to computers shipped with a 2280 solid-state drive installed in the SSD slot.
NOTE: Depending on the configuration ordered, your computer may support either 2280 solid-state drive or 2230 solid-state drive in the SSD slot.
If you want to replace your 2280 solid-state drive with a 2230 solid-state drive, see
Installing the 2230 solid-state drive
.
The following images indicate the location of the 2280 solid-state drive and provide a visual representation of the installation procedure.
48
Steps
1. Align the notch on the 2280 solid-state drive with the tab on the solid-state drive slot.
2. Insert the 2280 solid-state drive at a 45-degree angle into the system board.
3. Press the other end of the 2280 solid-state drive down and replace the screw (M2x3) that secures the 2280 solid-state drive to the system board.
Next steps
1. Install the left-side cover .
2. Follow the procedure in
After working inside your computer
.
3. Verify if the storage device is installed correctly (optional):
.
.
NOTE: To install the operating system on to your storage device, see Reinstall Windows to the Dell factory image using
recovery media in the knowledge base article 000176966 .
Top bezel
Removing the top bezel
Prerequisites
1. Follow the procedure in
Before working inside your computer .
2. Remove the
.
3. Remove the
.
4. Remove the
About this task
The following images indicate the location of the top bezel and provide a visual representation of the removal procedure.
49
Steps
1. Place the computer in an upright position.
2. Remove the two screws (#6-32x1/4") that secure the top bezel to the chassis.
3. Remove the four screws (M3x7) that secure the top bezel to the chassis.
4. Lift the top bezel off the chassis.
Installing the top bezel
Prerequisites
If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure.
About this task
The following images indicate the location of the top bezel and provide a visual representation of the installation procedure.
50
Steps
1. Place the computer in an upright position.
2. Align the top bezel screw holes with screw holes on the chassis.
3. Place the top bezel on the chassis.
4. Replace the four screws (M3x7) that secure the top bezel to the chassis.
5. Replace the two screws (#6-32x1/4") that secure the top bezel to the chassis.
Next steps
1. Install the right-side cover .
3. Install the left-side cover .
4. Follow the procedure in
After working inside your computer
.
51
Processor fan and heat-sink assembly
Removing the processor fan and heat-sink assembly
Prerequisites
1. Follow the procedure in
Before working inside your computer .
NOTE: 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.
2. Remove the
.
About this task
The following images indicate the location of the processor fan and heat-sink assembly and provide a visual representation of the removal procedure.
Steps
1. Lay the computer on the right side.
2. Disconnect the processor-fan cable from the system board.
3. In reverse sequential order, loosen the four captive screws that secure the processor fan and heat-sink assembly to the system board.
4. Lift the processor fan and heat-sink assembly off the system board.
52
Installing the processor fan and heat-sink assembly
Prerequisites
If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure.
CAUTION: If either the processor or the heat sink is replaced, use the thermal grease that is provided in the kit to ensure that thermal conductivity is achieved.
About this task
The following images indicate the location of the processor fan and heat-sink assembly and provide a visual representation of the installation procedure.
Steps
1. Place the processor fan and heat-sink assembly on the processor.
2. Align the captive screws on the processor fan heat-sink assembly with the screw holes on the system board.
3. In sequential order, tighten the four captive screws that secure the processor fan and heat-sink assembly to the system board.
4. Connect the processor-fan cable to the system board.
Next steps
1. Install the left-side cover .
2. Follow the procedure in
After working inside your computer
.
53
Processor liquid-cooling assembly
Removing the processor liquid-cooling assembly
Prerequisites
1. Follow the procedure in
Before working inside your computer .
WARNING: Despite having a plastic shield, the processor liquid-cooling assembly may become very hot during normal operation. Ensure that it has had sufficient time 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.
2. Remove the
.
About this task
The following images indicate the location of the processor liquid-cooling assembly and provide a visual representation of the installation procedure. The processor liquid-cooling assembly that is shipped may vary, depending on the configuration.
54
55
NOTE: This processor liquid-cooling assembly features a processor cooler with RGB lighting effects.
Steps
1. Lay the computer on the right side.
2. Disconnect the processor-cooling assembly cables from the system board.
3. In reverse sequential order, loosen the four captive screws that secure the processor cooler to the system board.
4. Remove the screw (M3x5) that secures the radiator and fan assembly to the chassis.
5. Lift the processor-cooling assembly along with the cables off the system board.
56
Installing the processor liquid-cooling assembly
Prerequisites
If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure.
CAUTION: Incorrect alignment of the processor liquid-cooling assembly can damage the system board and processor.
CAUTION: If either the processor or the heat sink is replaced, use the thermal grease that is provided in the kit to ensure that thermal conductivity is achieved.
About this task
The following images indicate the location of the processor liquid-cooling assembly and provide a visual representation of the installation procedure. The processor liquid-cooling assembly that is shipped may vary, depending on the configuration.
57
NOTE: This processor liquid-cooling assembly features a processor cooler with RGB lighting effects.
Steps
1. Align the screw hole of the radiator and fan assembly to the screw hole on the chassis.
NOTE: Ensure that the hoses are facing the front of the computer.
2. Replace the screw (M3x5) that secures the radiator and fan assembly to the chassis.
3. Align the screw holes on the processor cooler with the screw holes on the system board.
4. In sequential order, tighten the four captive screws that secure the processor cooler to the system board.
5. Connect the processor-cooling assembly cables to the system board.
58
Next steps
1. Install the left-side cover .
2. Follow the procedure in
After working inside your computer
.
Processor
Removing the processor
Prerequisites
1. Follow the procedure in
Before working inside your computer .
2. Remove the
.
3. Remove the
processor liquid-cooling assembly or
processor fan and heat-sink assembly
, as applicable.
About this task
The following images indicate the location of the processor and provide a visual representation of the removal procedure.
Steps
1. Press the release lever down and then push it away from the processor to release it from the tab.
2. Extend the release lever completely.
3. Lift the processor off the processor socket.
Installing the processor
Prerequisites
If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure.
About this task
The following images indicate the location of the processor and provide a visual representation of the installation procedure.
59
Steps
1. Ensure that the release lever on the processor socket is fully extended.
CAUTION: Position the processor correctly in the processor socket to avoid permanent damage to the processor.
2. Align the pin-1 corner on the processor with the pin-1 corner on the processor socket, and then place the processor in the processor socket.
CAUTION: Ensure that the processor-cover notch is positioned underneath the alignment post.
3. Push the release lever down and place it under the tab next to the processor socket.
Next steps
1. Install the processor liquid-cooling assembly or
processor fan and heat-sink assembly
, as applicable.
2. Install the left-side cover .
3. Follow the procedure in
After working inside your computer
.
Wireless card
Removing the wireless card
Prerequisites
1. Follow the procedure in
Before working inside your computer .
2. Remove the
.
About this task
The following images indicate the location of the wireless card and provide a visual representation of the removal procedure.
60
Steps
1. Remove the screw (M2x3) that secures the wireless card to the system board.
2. Lift the wireless-card bracket off the wireless card.
3. Disconnect the antenna cables from the wireless card.
4. Slide and remove the wireless card from the wireless-card slot.
Installing the wireless card
Prerequisites
If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure.
CAUTION: To avoid damage to the wireless mini-card, do not place any cables under it.
About this task
The following images indicate the location of the wireless card and provide a visual representation of the installation procedure.
61
Steps
1. Connect the antenna cables to the wireless card.
The following table provides the antenna-cable color scheme for the wireless card supported by your computer.
Table 3. Antenna-cable color scheme
Connectors on the wireless card
Main (white triangle)
Auxiliary (black triangle)
Antenna-cable color
White
Black
2. Place the wireless-card bracket on the wireless card.
3. Align the notch on the wireless card with the tab on the wireless-card slot.
4. Slide the wireless card at an angle into the wireless-card slot.
5. Replace the screw (M2x3) that secures the wireless card to the system board.
Next steps
1. Install the left-side cover .
2. Follow the procedure in
After working inside your computer
.
62
Antennas
Removing the antennas
Prerequisites
1. Follow the procedure in
Before working inside your computer .
2. Remove the
.
3. Remove the
4. Remove the
.
5. Remove the
6. Remove the
About this task
The following images indicate the location of the antennas and provide a visual representation of the removal procedure.
Steps
1. Remove the two screws (M3x3) that secure the antennas to the chassis.
2. Peel the two antennas and remove them from the slots of the chassis.
3. Remove the antenna cables from the routing guides on the chassis.
4. Remove the antenna cables from the routing clip inside the chassis.
5. Pull the antenna cables carefully through the hole on the chassis, and remove the antennas with their cables from the chassis.
63
Installing the antennas
Prerequisites
If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure.
About this task
The following images indicate the location of the antennas and provide a visual representation of the installation procedure.
Steps
1. Place the antennas on the slots of the chassis and adhere the antennas to the chassis.
2. Align the screw holes and replace the two screws (M3x3) that secures the antennas to the chassis.
3. Route the antenna cables through the routing guides on the chassis.
4. Push the end of the antenna cables with the connectors to the wireless-card through the hole of the chassis.
5. Route the antenna cables through the routing clip inside the chassis.
Next steps
2. Install the right-side cover .
.
5. Install the left-side cover .
6. Follow the procedure in
After working inside your computer
.
64
Front-chassis fan
Removing the front-chassis fan
Prerequisites
1. Follow the procedure in
Before working inside your computer .
2. Remove the
.
About this task
The following images indicate the location of the front-chassis fan and provide a visual representation of the removal procedure.
Steps
1. Lay the computer on its right side.
2. Disconnect the front-chassis fan cable from the system board.
3. Press the releasing clip; slide and lift the front-chassis off the chassis.
Installing the front-chassis fan
Prerequisites
If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure.
65
About this task
The following images indicate the location of the front-chassis fan and provide a visual representation of the installation procedure.
Steps
1. Lay the computer on its right side.
2. Align the front-chassis fan with the slot on the chassis; slide and push the fan until the releasing clip snaps into position.
3. Connect the front-chassis fan cable to the system board.
Next steps
1. Install the left-side cover .
2. Follow the procedure in
After working inside your computer
.
PCIe fan
Removing the PCIe fan
Prerequisites
1. Follow the procedure in
Before working inside your computer .
2. Remove the
.
About this task
The following images indicate the location of the PCIe fan and provide a visual representation of the removal procedure.
66
Steps
1. Lay the computer on its right side.
2. Slide the release latch to the unlock position and lift the graphics-card end holder away from the chassis.
3. Disconnect the PCIe fan cable from the system board.
4. Push the tab to release the PCIe fan from the chassis.
5. Slide and lift the PCIe fan off the chassis.
Installing the PCIe fan
Prerequisites
If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure.
About this task
The following images indicate the location of the PCIe fan and provide a visual representation of the installation procedure.
67
Steps
1. Lay the computer on its right side.
2. Align the tabs on the PCIe fan with the slots on the chassis.
3. Slide and push the fan until the releasing clip snaps into position on the chassis.
4. Connect the PCIe fan cable to the system board.
5. Replace the graphics-card end holder and slide the release latch to the lock position.
Next steps
1. Install the left-side cover .
2. Follow the procedure in
After working inside your computer
.
Top-chassis fan
Removing the top-chassis fan
Prerequisites
1. Follow the procedure in
Before working inside your computer .
2. Remove the
.
About this task
The following images indicate the location of the top-chassis fan and provide a visual representation of the removal procedure.
68
Steps
1. Lay the computer on the right side.
2. Disconnect the top-chassis fan cable from the system board.
3. Press the releasing clip of the top-chassis fans.
4. Slide and lift the top-chassis fan from the chassis.
Installing the top-chassis fan
Prerequisites
If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure.
About this task
The following images indicate the location of the top-chassis fan and provide a visual representation of the installation procedure.
69
Steps
1. Lay the computer on its right side.
2. Align the top-chassis fan with the slot on the chassis.
3. Push the top-chassis fan into the slot on the chassis until its releasing clip is locked into place.
4. Connect the top-chassis fan cable to the system board.
Next steps
1. Install the left-side cover .
2. Follow the procedure in
After working inside your computer
.
Front AlienFX LED boards
Removing the Front AlienFX LED board
Prerequisites
1. Follow the procedure in
Before working inside your computer .
2. Remove the
.
3. Remove the
.
4. Remove the
5. Remove the
70
About this task
The following images indicate the location of the front AlienFX LED board and provide a visual representation of the removal procedure.
Steps
1. Place the front bezel on a flat surface to locate the AlienFX LED board.
2. Remove the four screws (M3x8) that secure the AlienFX LED board to the front bezel.
3. Lift the AlienFX LED board slightly off the front bezel and disconnect the power-button board cable from the power-button board.
4. Lift the AlienFX LED board with its cables off the front bezel.
Installing the Front AlienFX LED board
Prerequisites
If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure.
About this task
The following images indicate the location of the front AlienFX LED board and provide a visual representation of the installation procedure.
71
Steps
1. Place the front bezel on a flat surface and locate the power-button board.
2. Bring the AlienFX LED board near the front bezel and connect the power-button board cable to the power-button board.
3. Align the screw hole of the AlienFX LED board to the screw hole on the front bezel.
4. Replace the four screws (M3x8) that secure the AlienFX LED board to the front bezel.
Next steps
2. Install the right-side cover .
4. Install the left-side cover .
5. Follow the procedure in
After working inside your computer
.
Power-button board
Removing the power-button board
Prerequisites
1. Follow the procedure in
Before working inside your computer .
2. Remove the
.
3. Remove the
.
4. Remove the
5. Remove the
6. Remove the
About this task
The following images indicate the location of the power-button board and provide a visual representation of the removal procedure.
72
Steps
1. Remove the screw (M2x3) that secures the power-button board to the front bezel.
2. Lift the power-button board off the front bezel.
Installing the power-button board
Prerequisites
If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure.
About this task
The following images indicate the location of the power-button board and provide a visual representation of the installation procedure.
73
Steps
1. Align the screw hole on the power-button board with the screw hole on the front bezel.
2. Replace the screw (M2x3) that secures the power-button board to the front bezel.
Next steps
1. Install the front AlienFX LED board .
3. Install the right-side cover .
5. Install the left-side cover .
6. Follow the procedure in
After working inside your computer
.
VR heat sinks
Removing the VR heat sink
Prerequisites
1. Follow the procedure in
Before working inside your computer .
NOTE: The heat sink may become hot during normal operation. Allow sufficient time for the heat sink to cool before you touch it.
CAUTION: If either the processor or the heat sink is replaced, use the thermal grease that is provided in the kit to ensure that thermal conductivity is achieved.
NOTE: 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.
NOTE: The VR heat sinks are shipped as separate units and they do not ship along with the new system board. Remove the
VR heat sinks from old system board for transfer to the new system board.
2. Remove the
.
74
About this task
The following images indicate the location of the VR heat sink and provide a visual representation of the removal procedure.
Steps
1. Lay the computer on the right side.
2. Loosen the captive screws that secure the VR heat sink to the system board.
3. Repeat the same process for the other VR heat sink.
4. Lift the VR heat sinks off the system board.
75
Installing the VR heat sink
Prerequisites
If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure.
CAUTION: If either the processor or the heat sink is replaced, use the thermal grease that is provided in the kit to ensure that thermal conductivity is achieved.
NOTE: 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.
NOTE: The VR heat sinks are shipped as separate units and they do not ship along with the new system board. Remove the VR heat sinks from old system board for transfer to the new system board.
About this task
The following images indicate the location of the VR heat sink and provide a visual representation of the installation procedure.
Steps
1. Align the captive screws of the VR heat sink with the screw holes on the system board.
2. Tighten the two captive screws that secure the VR heat sink to the system board.
3. Repeat the same procedure with the other VR heat sink.
Next steps
1. Install the left-side cover .
2. Follow the procedure in
After working inside your computer
.
76
System board
Removing the system board
Prerequisites
1. Follow the procedure in
Before working inside your computer .
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 that 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.
2. Remove the
.
3. Remove the
.
4. Remove the
5. Remove the
6. Remove the
.
7. Remove the
.
8. Remove the
.
9. Remove the
10. Remove the
processor liquid-cooling assembly or
processor fan and heat-sink assembly
, as applicable.
11. Remove the
.
12. Remove the
.
About this task
The following image indicates the connectors on your system board.
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1. Ring Ambient Power Button connector
2. FAN_SYS3 connector
3. Wireless-card slot (M.2 WLAN)
4. FAN_SYS2 connector
5. SATA 6 Gbps drive connector (SATA0)
6. SATA 6 Gbps drive connector (SATA1)
7. SATA 6 Gbps drive connector (SATA2)
8. Power-supply connector (ATX1_2)
9. Coin-cell battery
10. PCI-Express x4 slot (SLOT4)
11. PCI-Express x16 mechanical/x16 electrical slot PCIe Gen4 (SLOT2)
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12. Solid-state drive slot (M.2 PCIe SSD.0)
13. PCI-Express x4 slot (SLOT1)
14. Rear-chassis fan connector (FAN_SYS1)
15. Fan LED connector (FAN LED1)
16. Fan pump connector (FAN PUMP)
17. CPU fan connector
18. Top-chassis fan connector (FAN_SYS4)
19. CPU socket
20.Power-supply connector (ATX2)
21. Power-supply connector (ATX3)
22.Memory-module slot, DIMM 3
23.Memory-module slot, DIMM 1
24.Memory-module slot, DIMM 4
25.Memory-module slot, DIMM 2
26.SATA power connector
27.Side light connector
The following images indicate the location of the system board and provide a visual representation of the removal procedure.
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Steps
1. Disconnect the hard-drive data cables from the system board.
2. Disconnect the processor-power cables from the system board.
3. Disconnect the system-board power cables from the system board.
4. Disconnect the top-chassis fan power cable from the system board.
5. Disconnect the front-chassis fan power cable from the system board.
6. Disconnect the side-light power cable from the system board.
7. Disconnect the SATA power cable from the system board.
8. Disconnect all the cables that are connected to the system board.
NOTE: Note the routing of all cables as you remove them so that you can route them correctly after you replace the system board. For information about system-board connectors, see "
NOTE: Note the routing of all cables as you remove them so that you can route them correctly after you replace the system board.
9. Remove the nine screws (#6-32x1/4") that secure the system board to standoffs on the chassis.
10. Remove the screw (#6-32x1/4") that secures the front I/O-bracket to the chassis and remove the front I/O-bracket.
11. Hold the edge of the system board where the front I/O-ports are located.
12. Hold the edge of the system board where the rear ports are located.
13. Lift the system board off the chassis at an angle and remove the system board from the chassis.
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Installing the system board
Prerequisites
If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure.
About this task
The following images indicate the location of the system board and provide a visual representation of the installation procedure.
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Steps
1. Slide the front I/O-ports on the system board into the front I/O-slot on the chassis and align the screw holes on the system board with the standoffs on the chassis.
2. Place the system board on the standoffs on the chassis.
3. Align the front I/O-bracket to the front I/O-ports and install the bracket on the chassis.
4. Replace the screw (#6-32x1/4") that secures the front I/O-bracket to the chassis.
5. Replace the nine screws (#6-32x1/4") that secure the system board assembly to the standoffs on the chassis.
6. Route and connect all the cables that were disconnected from the system board.
7. Connect the SATA power cable from the system board.
8. Connect the Side-light power cable from the system board.
9. Connect the front-chassis fan power cable from the system board.
10. Connect the top-chassis fan power cable from the system board.
11. Connect the system-board power cables from the system board.
12. Connect the processor-power cables from the system board.
13. Connect the hard-drive data cables from the system board.
Next steps
.
.
3. Install the processor liquid-cooling assembly or
processor fan and heat-sink assembly
, as applicable.
.
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5. Install the 2230 solid-state drive
or the
6. Install the memory module .
8. Install the right-side cover .
10. Install the left-side cover .
11. Follow the procedure in
After working inside your computer
.
Entering the Service Tag in the BIOS setup program
Steps
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.
Next steps
NOTE: Service tag is the alphanumeric identifier located at the back side of your computer.
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Device drivers
Operating system
Your Alienware Aurora Ryzen Edition R14 supports the following operating systems:
● Windows 11 Pro Standard, 64-bit
● Windows 11 Pro Plus, 64-bit
● Windows 11 Home Standard, 64-bit
● Windows 11 Home Plus, 64-bit
● Windows 11 Home Advanced, 64-bit
Downloading the audio driver
Steps
1. Turn on your computer.
2. Go to www.dell.com/support .
3. 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.
5. Click the Detect Drivers button.
6. Review and agree to the Terms and Conditions to use SupportAssist, then click Continue.
7. If necessary, your computer starts to download and install SupportAssist.
NOTE: Review on-screen instructions for browser-specific instructions.
8. Click View Drivers for My System.
9. Click Download and Install to download and install all driver updates detected for your computer.
10. Select a location to save the files.
11. If prompted, approve requests from User Account Control to make changes on the system.
12. The application installs all drivers and updates identified.
NOTE: Not all files can be installed automatically. Review the installation summary to identify if manual installation is necessary.
13. For manual download and installation, click Category.
14. Click Audio in the drop-down list.
15. Click Download to download the audio driver for your computer.
16. After the download is complete, navigate to the folder where you saved the audio driver file.
17. Double-click the audio driver file icon and follow the instructions on the screen to install the driver.
Downloading the graphics driver
Steps
1. Turn on your computer.
2. Go to www.dell.com/support .
3. 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.
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4. Click Drivers & downloads.
5. Click the Detect Drivers button.
6. Review and agree to the Terms and Conditions to use SupportAssist, then click Continue.
7. If necessary, your computer starts to download and install SupportAssist.
NOTE: Review on-screen instructions for browser-specific instructions.
8. Click View Drivers for My System.
9. Click Download and Install to download and install all driver updates detected for your computer.
10. Select a location to save the files.
11. If prompted, approve requests from User Account Control to make changes on the system.
12. The application installs all drivers and updates identified.
NOTE: Not all files can be installed automatically. Review the installation summary to identify if manual installation is necessary.
13. For manual download and installation, click Category.
14. Click Video in the drop-down list.
15. Click Download to download the graphics driver for your computer.
16. After the download is complete, navigate to the folder where you saved the graphics driver file.
17. Double-click the graphics driver file icon and follow the instructions on the screen to install the driver.
Downloading the USB driver
Steps
1. Turn on your computer.
2. Go to www.dell.com/support .
3. 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.
5. Click the Detect Drivers button.
6. Review and agree to the Terms and Conditions to use SupportAssist, then click Continue.
7. If necessary, your computer starts to download and install SupportAssist.
NOTE: Review on-screen instructions for browser-specific instructions.
8. Click View Drivers for My System.
9. Click Download and Install to download and install all driver updates detected for your computer.
10. Select a location to save the files.
11. If prompted, approve requests from User Account Control to make changes on the computer.
12. The application installs all drivers and updates identified.
NOTE: Not all files can be installed automatically. Review the installation summary to identify if manual installation is necessary.
13. For manual download and installation, click Category.
14. Click Chipset in the drop-down list.
15. Click Download to download the USB driver for your computer.
16. After the download is complete, browse the folder where you saved the USB driver file.
17. Double-click the USB driver file icon and follow the instructions on the screen to install the driver.
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Downloading the WiFi driver
Steps
1. Turn on your computer.
2. Go to www.dell.com/support .
3. 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.
5. Click the Detect Drivers button.
6. Review and agree to the Terms and Conditions to use SupportAssist, then click Continue.
7. If necessary, your computer starts to download and install SupportAssist.
NOTE: Review on-screen instructions for browser-specific instructions.
8. Click View Drivers for My System.
9. Click Download and Install to download and install all driver updates detected for your computer.
10. Select a location to save the files.
11. If prompted, approve requests from User Account Control to make changes on the system.
12. The application installs all drivers and updates identified.
NOTE: Not all files can be installed automatically. Review the installation summary to identify if manual installation is necessary.
13. For manual download and installation, click Category.
14. Click Network in the drop-down list.
15. Click Download to download the WiFi driver for your computer.
16. After the download is complete, navigate to the folder where you saved the WiFi driver file.
17. Double-click the WiFi driver icon and follow the instructions on the screen to install the driver.
Downloading the media-card reader driver
Steps
1. Turn on your computer.
2. Go to www.dell.com/support .
3. 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.
5. Click the Detect Drivers button.
6. Review and agree to the Terms and Conditions to use SupportAssist, then click Continue.
7. If necessary, your computer starts to download and install SupportAssist.
NOTE: Review on-screen instructions for browser-specific instructions.
8. Click View Drivers for My System.
9. Click Download and Install to download and install all driver updates detected for your computer.
10. Select a location to save the files.
11. If prompted, approve requests from User Account Control to make changes on the system.
12. The application installs all drivers and updates identified.
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NOTE: Not all files can be installed automatically. Review the installation summary to identify if manual installation is necessary.
13. For manual download and installation, click Category.
14. Click Chipset in the drop-down list.
15. Click Download to download the media-card reader driver for your computer.
16. After the download is complete, navigate to the folder where you saved the media-card reader driver file.
17. Double-click the media-card reader driver file icon and follow the instructions on the screen to install the driver.
Downloading the chipset driver
Steps
1. Turn on your computer.
2. Go to www.dell.com/support .
3. 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.
5. Click the Detect Drivers button.
6. Review and agree to the Terms and Conditions to use SupportAssist, then click Continue.
7. If necessary, your computer starts to download and install SupportAssist.
NOTE: Review on-screen instructions for browser-specific instructions.
8. Click View Drivers for My System.
9. Click Download and Install to download and install all driver updates detected for your computer.
10. Select a location to save the files.
11. If prompted, approve requests from User Account Control to make changes on the computer.
12. The application installs all drivers and updates identified.
NOTE: Not all files can be installed automatically. Review the installation summary to identify if manual installation is necessary.
13. For manual download and installation, click Category.
14. Click Chipset in the drop-down list.
15. Click Download to download the chipset driver for your computer.
16. After the download is complete, browse the folder where you saved the chipset driver file.
17. Double-click the chipset driver file icon and follow the instructions on the screen to install the driver.
Downloading the network driver
Steps
1. Turn on your computer.
2. Go to www.dell.com/support .
3. 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.
5. Click the Detect Drivers button.
6. Review and agree to the Terms and Conditions to use SupportAssist, then click Continue.
7. If necessary, your computer starts to download and install SupportAssist.
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NOTE: Review on-screen instructions for browser-specific instructions.
8. Click View Drivers for My System.
9. Click Download and Install to download and install all driver updates detected for your computer.
10. Select a location to save the files.
11. If prompted, approve requests from User Account Control to make changes on the system.
12. The application installs all drivers and updates identified.
NOTE: Not all files can be installed automatically. Review the installation summary to identify if manual installation is necessary.
13. For manual download and installation, click Category.
14. Click Network in the drop-down list.
15. Click Download to download the network driver for your computer.
16. After the download is complete, navigate to the folder where you saved the network driver file.
17. Double-click the network driver file icon and follow the instructions on the screen to install the driver.
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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
About this task
Turn on (or restart) your computer and press F2 immediately.
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
Up arrow
Down arrow
Enter
Spacebar
Tab
Esc
Navigation
Moves to the previous field.
Moves to the next field.
Selects a value in the selected field (if applicable) or follow the link in the field.
Expands or collapses a drop-down list, if applicable.
Moves to the next focus area.
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 (if available)
NOTE: XXX denotes the SATA drive number.
● Optical Drive (if available)
● SATA Hard Drive (if available)
● Diagnostics
The boot sequence screen also displays the option to access the System Setup screen.
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System setup options
NOTE: Depending on your computer and its installed devices, the items listed in this section may or may not appear.
Table 4. System setup options—Main menu
Main
System Time
System Date
BIOS Version
Product Name
Service Tag
Asset Tag
CPU Type
CPU Speed
CPU ID
CPU Cache
L1 Cache
L2 Cache
L3 Cache
First HDD
M.2 PCIe SSD-0
System Memory
Memory Speed
Displays the current time in hh:mm:ss format.
Displays the current date in mm/dd/yy format.
Displays the BIOS version number.
Displays the product name. Default: Alienware Aurora
Ryzen Edition R14
Displays the service tag of your computer.
Displays the asset tag of your computer.
Displays the processor type.
Displays the speed of the processor.
Displays the processor identification code.
Displays the processor L1 cache size.
Displays the processor L2 cache size.
Displays the processor L3 cache size.
Allows you to configure the first HDD.
Enables or disables the M.2 PCIe SSD-0.
Displays the total computer memory installed.
Displays the memory speed.
Table 5. System setup options—Advanced menu
Advanced
Model Name Selection
Model Name Selection Allows you to select Model Name.
Default: Model Name
Virtualization
Virtualization Enables the computer to run a virtual machine monitor (VMM).
Default: Enabled
Integrated NIC
Integrated NIC Allows you to enable or disable the integrated NIC.
Default: Enabled
SATA/NVME Operation
SATA/NVME Operation Sets the operating mode of the integrated storage device controller.
Default: AHCI/NVME
PCIe Resizable Base Address Register
PCIe Resizable Base Address Register Allows you to enable or disable the Resizable Base Address
Register (BAR) feature.
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Table 5. System setup options—Advanced menu (continued)
Advanced
Default: Disabled
IPv4 HTTP Support
IPv4 HTTP Support Allows you to enable or disable IPv4 HTTP Support.
Default: Disabled
IPv6 HTTP Support
IPv6 HTTP Support Allows you to enable or disable IPv6 HTTP Support.
Default: Disabled
USB Configuration
Front USB Ports
Rear USB Ports
Allows you to enable or disable the Front USB Ports.
Default: Enabled
Allows you to enable or disable the Rear USB Ports.
Default: Enabled
Power Options
Wake Up by Integrated LAN
AC Recovery
Deep Sleep Control
USB PowerShare
USB PowerShare in Sleep State
Auto Power On
Auto Power On Mode
Auto Power On Date
Auto Power On Time
Numlock Key
Allow the computer to be powered on by special LAN signals.
Default: Enabled
Sets what action the computer takes when power is restored.
Default: Power Off
Allows you to define the controls when Deep Sleep is enabled.
Default: Enabled in S4 and S5
Allows you to charge external devices.
Default: Disabled
Allows you to enable front the USB devices to wake the system from sleep state.
Default: Normal
Allows you to enable or disable Auto Power On.
Default: Disabled
Allows you to set the computer to turn on automatically every day or on a preselected date. This option can be configured only if the Auto Power On mode is set to Enabled Everyday or
Selected Day.
Default: Selected Day
Allows you to set the date on which the computer must turn on automatically. This option can be configured only if the Auto
Power On mode is set to Enabled 1 to 31.
Default: 15
Allows you to set the time at which the computer must turn on automatically. This option can be configured only if the Auto
Power On mode is set to Enabled hh:mm:ss.
Default: 12:30:30
Allows you to set the status of the Num Lock key during boot to
On or Off.
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Table 5. System setup options—Advanced menu (continued)
Advanced
Default: Enabled
Performance Options
CPU TCC offset
Overclocking Feature
Allows you to configure the maximum CPU temperature within a certain range of values.
Allows you to enable or disable the Overclocking Feature.
Default: Enabled
Maintenance
Data Wipe on next boot
BIOS Recovery from Hard Drive
BIOS Auto-Recovery
SupportAssist System Resolution
Auto OS Recovery Threshold
SupportAssist OS Recovery
When enabled, the BIOS will schedule a data wipe cycle for all storage devices that are connected to the system board on the next reboot.
Default: Disabled
Enables the computer to recover from certain corrupted BIOS conditions from a recovery file on the user primary hard drive or an external USB key.
NOTE: BIOS Recovery from Hard Drive is not available for
Self-encrypting drives (SED).
Default: Enabled
When enabled, the autorecovery will be performed if BIOS image integrity check fails and there is a recovery image on the hard drive.
NOTE: BIOS Auto-Recovery is not possible from other media.
Default: Disabled
Controls the automatic boot flow for SupportAssist System
Resolution Console and for Dell operating system Recovery tool.
Allows you to configure the Auto OS Recovery Threshold.
Default: 2
Allows you to enable or disable the SupportAssist OS Recovery.
Default: Enabled
Table 6. System setup options—Security menu
Security
Unlock Setup Status
Admin Password Status
System Password Status
HDD Password Status
Asset Tag
Admin Password
Displays the unlock setup status.
Displays whether the admin password is set.
Default: Not Set
Displays whether the system password is set.
Default: Not Set
Displays if the hard drive password is set.
Default: Not Set
Creates a system Asset Tag that can be used by an IT administrator to uniquely identify a particular system. Once set in BIOS, the Asset Tag cannot be changed.
Enables the user to set, change, or delete the admin password.
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Table 6. System setup options—Security menu (continued)
Security
System Password
HDD Password
Password Change
Absolute
Firmware TPM
PPI Bypass for Clear Command
UEFI Firmware Capsule Updates
Windows SMM Security Mitigations Table
Enable Pre-Boot DMA Protection
Enable OS Kernel DMA Support
Enables the user to set, change, or delete the system password.
Enables the user to set, change, or delete the hard drive password.
Allows you to enable or disable password change on the computer.
Default: Permitted
Enable or disable the BIOS module interface of the optional Absolute Persistence Module service from Absolute
Software.
Default: Enabled
Displays the firmware TPM state.
Default: Enabled
Enable or disable the TPM Physical Presence Interface (PPI).
When enabled, this setting will allow the OS to skip BIOS PPI user prompts when issuing the Clear command. Changes to this setting take effect immediately.
Default: Disabled
Enables or disables BIOS updates through UEFI capsule update packages.
Default: Enabled
Enables or disables Windows SMM Security Mitigation protections.
Default: Disabled
Enables or disables Pre-Boot DMA Protection.
Default: Enabled
Enables or disables OS Kernel DMA Protection.
Default: Enabled
Secure Boot
Secure Boot
Secure Boot Mode
Enables secure boot using only validated boot software.
Default: Disabled
Modifies the behavior of Secure Boot to allow evaluation or enforcement of UEFI driver signatures. Deployed Mode should be selected for normal operation of Secure Boot.
Default: Deployed Mode
Expert Key Management
Custom Mode
Enable Microsoft UEFI CA
PK
KEK
Allows you to enable or disable Custom Mode. When enabled, it allows the PK, KEK, db, and dbx security key databases to be modified.
Default: Disabled
Allows you to enable or disable Microsoft UEFI CA.
Allows for selection of key database.
● Delete All Keys will delete the selected key.
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Table 6. System setup options—Security menu (continued)
Security db dbx
Reset all Keys
Delete all Keys
● Reset All Keys will reset all four keys to their default settings.
Table 7. System setup options—Boot menu
Boot
Boot List Option
File Browser Add Boot Option
File Browser Del Boot Option
Enable USB Boot Support
Boot Option Priorities
Boot Option #1
Boot Option #2
Displays the available boot devices.
Default: UEFI
Allows you to set the boot path in the boot option list.
Allows you to delete the boot path in the boot option list.
Allows you to enable or disable the USB Boot control.
Displays the available boot devices.
Displays the first boot device.
Default: Windows Boot Manager.
Displays the second boot device.
Default: Onboard NIC (IPV4)
Table 8. System setup options—Exit menu
Save & Exit
Save Changes and Reset
Discard Changes and Reset
Restore Defaults
Discard Changes
Save Changes
Allows you to exit system setup and save your changes.
Allows you to exit system setup and load previous values for all system setup options.
Allows you to load default values for all system setup options.
Allows you to exit your changes.
Allows you to save your changes.
System and setup password
Table 9. System and setup password
Password type
System password
Setup password
Description
Password that you must enter to log in to your system.
Password that you must enter to access and make changes to the
BIOS settings of your computer.
You can create a system password and a setup password to secure your computer.
CAUTION: The password features provide a basic level of security for the data on your computer.
CAUTION: Anyone can access the data that is stored on your computer if it is not locked and left unattended.
NOTE: System and setup password feature is disabled.
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Updating the BIOS
Updating the BIOS in Windows
Steps
1. Go to www.dell.com/support .
2. Click Product support. In the Search support box, enter the Service Tag of your computer, and then click Search.
NOTE: If you do not have the Service Tag, use the SupportAssist feature to automatically identify your computer. You can also use the product ID or manually browse for your computer model.
3. Click Drivers & Downloads. Expand Find drivers.
4. Select the operating system installed on your computer.
5. In the Category drop-down list, select BIOS.
6. Select the latest version of BIOS, and click Download to download the BIOS file for your computer.
7. After the download is complete, browse the folder where you saved the BIOS update file.
8. Double-click the BIOS update file icon and follow the on-screen instructions.
For more information, see knowledge base article 000124211 at www.dell.com/support .
Updating the BIOS using the USB drive in Windows
Steps
1. Follow the procedure from step 1 to step 6 in Updating the BIOS in Windows
to download the latest BIOS setup program file.
2. Create a bootable USB drive. For more information, see the knowledge base article 000145519 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 .
6. Select the USB drive from the One Time Boot Menu.
7. Type the BIOS setup program filename and press Enter.
The BIOS Update Utility appears.
8. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the BIOS update.
Updating the BIOS from the F12 One-Time boot menu
Update your computer BIOS using the BIOS update.exe file that is copied to a FAT32 USB drive and booting from the F12
One-Time boot menu.
About this task
BIOS Update
You can run the BIOS update file from Windows using a bootable USB drive or you can also update the BIOS from the F12 One-Time boot menu on the computer.
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.
NOTE: Only computers with BIOS Flash Update option in the F12 One-Time boot menu can use this function.
Updating from the One-Time boot menu
To update your BIOS from the F12 One-Time boot menu, you need the following:
● USB drive formatted to the FAT32 file system (key does not have to be bootable)
● BIOS executable file that you downloaded from the Dell Support website and copied to the root of the USB drive
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● AC power adapter that is connected to the computer
● Functional computer battery to flash the BIOS
Perform the following steps to perform the BIOS update flash process from the F12 menu:
CAUTION: Do not turn off the computer during the BIOS update process. The computer may not boot if you turn off your computer.
Steps
1. From a turn off state, insert the USB drive where you copied the flash into a USB port of the computer.
2. Turn on the computer and press F12 to access the One-Time Boot Menu, select BIOS Update using the mouse or arrow keys then press Enter.
The flash BIOS menu is displayed.
3. Click Flash from file.
4. Select external USB device.
5. Select the file and double-click the flash target file, and then click Submit.
6. Click Update BIOS. The computer restarts to flash the BIOS.
7. The computer will restart after the BIOS update is completed.
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Troubleshooting
SupportAssist diagnostics
About this task
The SupportAssist diagnostics (previously known as ePSA diagnostics) performs a complete check of your hardware. The
SupportAssist diagnostics is embedded in the BIOS and is launched by it internally. The SupportAssist diagnostics provides a set of options for particular devices or device groups. It allows 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 and provide extra information about the failed device(s)
● View status messages that indicate if the tests are completed successfully
● View error messages that indicate if problems were encountered during the test
NOTE: Some tests are meant for specific devices and require user interaction. Ensure that you are present in front of the computer when the diagnostic tests are performed.
For more information, see SupportAssist Pre-Boot System Performance Check .
System-diagnostic lights
The power-status light indicates the power status of the computer. These are the power states:
Solid white—Computer is in S0 state. This is the normal power state of the computer.
Blinking white—Computer is in Modern Standby mode. This does not indicate a fault.
Solid amber—Computer is experiencing a boot failure, including the power-supply unit.
Blinking amber—Computer is experiencing a boot failure but the power-supply unit is functioning correctly.
Off—Computer is in hibernation mode or turned off.
The power-status light may also blink amber or white according to predefined "beep codes" indicating various 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 power and battery-status light patterns and associated problems.
NOTE: The following diagnostic light codes and recommended solutions are intended for Dell service technicians to troubleshoot problems. You should only perform troubleshooting and repairs as authorized or directed by the Dell technical support team. Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by your warranty.
Table 10. Diagnostic light codes
Diagnostic light codes (Amber, White)
2,1
2,2
2,3
2,4
1,1
1,2
1,5
1,6
1,7
Problem description
TPM Detection Failure
Unrecoverable SPI Flash Failure
EC unable to program i-Fuse
Generic catch-all for ungraceful EC code flow errors
Non-RPMC Flash on Boot Guard fused system
CPU configuration or CPU failure
System board: BIOS or Read-Only Memory (ROM) failure
No memory or Random-Access Memory (RAM) detected
Memory or Random-Access Memory (RAM) failure
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Table 10. Diagnostic light codes (continued)
Diagnostic light codes (Amber, White) Problem description
2,5
2,6
3,1
3,2
3,3
3,4
3,5
3,6
4,1
4,2
Invalid memory installed
System board/Chipset Error
CMOS battery failure
PCI of Video card/chip failure
BIOS Recovery 1: BIOS recovery image not found
BIOS Recovery 2: Recovery image found but invalid
Power Rail Failure: EC ran into power sequencing failure
Flash corruption detected by SBIOS
Memory DIMM power rail failure
CPU Power cable connection issue
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.
Dell SupportAssist OS Recovery is a standalone tool that is preinstalled in all Dell computers installed with Windows operating system. It consists of tools to diagnose and troubleshoot issues that may occur before your computer boots to the operating system. It enables you to diagnose hardware issues, repair your computer, back up your files, or restore your computer to its factory state.
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.
For more information about the Dell SupportAssist OS Recovery, see Dell SupportAssist OS Recovery User's Guide at www.dell.com/ serviceabilitytools . Click SupportAssist and then, click SupportAssist OS Recovery.
WiFi power cycle
About this task
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.
Steps
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.
Drain residual flea power (perform hard reset)
About this task
Flea power is the residual static electricity that remains in the computer even after it has been powered off and the battery is removed.
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For your safety, and to protect the sensitive electronic components in your computer, you are requested to drain residual flea power before removing or replacing any components in your computer.
Draining residual flea power, also known as a performing a "hard reset", is also a common troubleshooting step if your computer does not power on or boot into the operating system.
To drain residual flea power (perform a hard reset)
Steps
1. Turn off your computer.
2. Disconnect the power adapter from your computer.
3. Press and hold the power button for 20 seconds to drain the flea power.
4. Connect the power adapter to your computer.
5. Turn on your computer.
NOTE: For more information about performing a hard reset, see the knowledge base article 000130881 at www.dell.com/ support .
Modern Standby
What is Modern Standby
Alienware Aurora Ryzen Edition R14 supports Modern Standby. It is a power model that uses a gradual process to turn off components of the computer. This process allows for a quicker transition between sleep and resumption of normal operation of the computer.
For more information about the Modern Standby mode, see the following:
● What is Modern Standby and how does it differ from S3 Standby ?
● What is Modern Standby ?
● Modern Standby versus S3
● Modern Standby States
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Getting help and contacting Alienware
Self-help resources
You can get information and help on Alienware products and services using these online self-help resources:
Table 11. Alienware products and online self-help resources
Self-help resources Resource location
Information about Alienware products and services
My Dell app www.alienware.com
Tips
Contact Support
Online help for operating system
Access top solutions, diagnostics, drivers and downloads, and learn more about your computer through videos, manuals and documents.
VR Support
Videos providing step-by-step instructions to service your computer
In Windows search, type Contact Support, and press Enter.
www.dell.com/support/windows
Your Alienware computer is uniquely identified by a Service Tag or Express Service Code. To view relevant support resources for 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 computer, see Locate the Service Tag on your computer .
www.dell.com/VRsupport www.youtube.com/alienwareservices
Contacting Alienware
To contact Alienware for sales, technical support, or customer service issues, see www.alienware.com
.
NOTE: Availability varies by country/region and product, and some services may not be available in your country/region.
NOTE: If you do not have an active Internet connection, you can find contact information about your purchase invoice, packing slip, bill, or Dell product catalog.
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Key features
Windows 11 Home 64-bit
AMD Ryzen 9 5950X (64MB Cache, 3.4GHz)
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3090 (24GB GDDR6X)
64GB (3200 MHz) DDR4-SDRAM (4 x 16) & 2000GB HDD, 2000GB SSD