Alienware Area-51 Threadripper Edition R7 User manual

Alienware Area-51 Threadripper Edition R7

Service Manual

Computer Model: Inspiron 7386

Regulatory Model: D03X

Regulatory Type: D03X003

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.

Other trademarks may be trademarks of their respective owners.

2018 - 11

Rev. A00

Contents

Before working inside your computer..............................................................................10

Before you begin ..............................................................................................................................................10

After working inside your computer................................................................................ 11

Safety instructions.............................................................................................................12

Electrostatic discharge—ESD protection.............................................................................................................12

ESD eld service kit .......................................................................................................................................... 13

Components of an ESD eld service kit......................................................................................................... 13

ESD protection summary ..............................................................................................................................13

Transporting sensitive components......................................................................................................................14

Lifting equipment ........................................................................................................................................14

Recommended tools.......................................................................................................... 15

Screw list............................................................................................................................16

Technical overview............................................................................................................ 19

Inside view of your computer..............................................................................................................................19

Right view....................................................................................................................................................19

Left view.....................................................................................................................................................20

System-board components................................................................................................................................. 21

I/O-board components.....................................................................................................................................22

Lifting the computer......................................................................................................... 23

Procedure.........................................................................................................................................................23

Removing the stability foot.............................................................................................. 24

Procedure.........................................................................................................................................................24

Replacing the stability foot.............................................................................................. 26

Procedure.........................................................................................................................................................26

Removing the side panels.................................................................................................28

Procedure.........................................................................................................................................................28

Replacing the side panels................................................................................................. 29

Procedure.........................................................................................................................................................29

Removing the battery....................................................................................................... 30

Prerequisites..................................................................................................................................................... 30

Procedure.........................................................................................................................................................30

3

Replacing the battery........................................................................................................31

Procedure..........................................................................................................................................................31

Post-requisites................................................................................................................................................... 31

Removing the battery case............................................................................................... 32

Prerequisites..................................................................................................................................................... 32

Procedure.........................................................................................................................................................32

Replacing the battery case............................................................................................... 33

Procedure......................................................................................................................................................... 33

Post-requisites...................................................................................................................................................33

Removing the hard drive.................................................................................................. 34

Prerequisites..................................................................................................................................................... 34

Procedure.........................................................................................................................................................34

Replacing the hard drive.................................................................................................. 36

Procedure.........................................................................................................................................................36

Post-requisites...................................................................................................................................................37

Removing the U.2 solid-state drive..................................................................................38

Prerequisites..................................................................................................................................................... 38

Procedure.........................................................................................................................................................38

Replacing the U.2 solid-state drive..................................................................................40

Procedure.........................................................................................................................................................40

Post-requisites................................................................................................................................................... 41

Removing the right AlienFX side-panel connector......................................................... 42

Prerequisites..................................................................................................................................................... 42

Procedure.........................................................................................................................................................42

Replacing the right AlienFX side-panel connector......................................................... 44

Procedure.........................................................................................................................................................44

Post-requisites.................................................................................................................................................. 45

Removing the left AlienFX side-panel connector........................................................... 46

Prerequisites..................................................................................................................................................... 46

Procedure.........................................................................................................................................................46

Replacing the left AlienFX side-panel connector............................................................48

Procedure.........................................................................................................................................................48

Post-requisites.................................................................................................................................................. 49

4

Removing the I/O board..................................................................................................50

Prerequisites.....................................................................................................................................................50

Procedure........................................................................................................................................................ 50

Replacing the I/O board.................................................................................................. 51

Post-requisites...................................................................................................................................................51

Removing the drive-bay heat sensor cable......................................................................52

Prerequisites..................................................................................................................................................... 52

Procedure.........................................................................................................................................................52

Replacing the drive-bay heat sensor cable......................................................................54

Procedure.........................................................................................................................................................54

Post-requisites.................................................................................................................................................. 55

Removing the memory modules.......................................................................................56

Prerequisites.....................................................................................................................................................56

Procedure.........................................................................................................................................................56

Replacing the memory modules.......................................................................................57

Procedure.........................................................................................................................................................57

Post-requisites...................................................................................................................................................57

Removing the graphics card.............................................................................................58

Prerequisites..................................................................................................................................................... 58

Procedure.........................................................................................................................................................58

Replacing the graphics card.............................................................................................60

Procedure........................................................................................................................................................ 60

Post-requisites................................................................................................................................................... 61

Removing multiple graphics cards................................................................................... 62

Prerequisites..................................................................................................................................................... 62

Procedure.........................................................................................................................................................62

Replacing multiple graphics cards................................................................................... 64

Procedure.........................................................................................................................................................64

Post-requisites.................................................................................................................................................. 65

Removing the wireless card..............................................................................................66

Prerequisites.....................................................................................................................................................66

Procedure.........................................................................................................................................................66

Replacing the wireless card..............................................................................................67

Procedure.........................................................................................................................................................67

Post-requisites...................................................................................................................................................67

5

Removing the coin-cell battery........................................................................................ 68

Prerequisites..................................................................................................................................................... 68

Procedure.........................................................................................................................................................68

Replacing the coin-cell battery........................................................................................ 69

Procedure.........................................................................................................................................................69

Post-requisites.................................................................................................................................................. 69

Removing the top fan....................................................................................................... 70

Prerequisites..................................................................................................................................................... 70

Procedure.........................................................................................................................................................70

Replacing the top fan........................................................................................................ 71

Procedure..........................................................................................................................................................71

Post-requisites................................................................................................................................................... 71

Removing the logo board..................................................................................................72

Prerequisites..................................................................................................................................................... 72

Procedure.........................................................................................................................................................72

Replacing the logo board..................................................................................................74

Procedure......................................................................................................................................................... 74

Post-requisites...................................................................................................................................................75

Removing the solid-state drive.........................................................................................76

Prerequisites......................................................................................................................................................76

Procedure......................................................................................................................................................... 76

Replacing the solid-state drive.........................................................................................77

Procedure......................................................................................................................................................... 77

Post-requisites...................................................................................................................................................77

Removing the PCI fan.......................................................................................................78

Prerequisites......................................................................................................................................................78

Procedure......................................................................................................................................................... 78

Replacing the PCI fan.......................................................................................................79

Procedure.........................................................................................................................................................79

Post-requisites...................................................................................................................................................79

Removing the front-bezel heat sensor cable...................................................................80

Prerequisites..................................................................................................................................................... 80

Procedure.........................................................................................................................................................80

6

Replacing the front-bezel heat-sensor cable...................................................................82

Procedure.........................................................................................................................................................82

Post-requisites...................................................................................................................................................83

Removing the processor liquid-cooling assembly........................................................... 84

Prerequisites..................................................................................................................................................... 84

Procedure.........................................................................................................................................................84

Replacing the processor liquid-cooling assembly........................................................... 86

Procedure.........................................................................................................................................................86

Post-requisites...................................................................................................................................................87

Removing the processor................................................................................................... 88

Prerequisites..................................................................................................................................................... 88

Procedure.........................................................................................................................................................88

Replacing the processor................................................................................................... 90

Procedure........................................................................................................................................................ 90

Post-requisites................................................................................................................................................... 91

Removing the power-supply unit.....................................................................................92

Prerequisites..................................................................................................................................................... 92

Procedure.........................................................................................................................................................92

Replacing the power-supply unit.....................................................................................94

Procedure.........................................................................................................................................................94

Post-requisites.................................................................................................................................................. 95

Removing the system board............................................................................................. 96

Prerequisites.....................................................................................................................................................96

Procedure.........................................................................................................................................................96

Replacing the system board............................................................................................. 98

Procedure.........................................................................................................................................................98

Post-requisites...................................................................................................................................................98

Removing the handle bars..............................................................................................100

Prerequisites................................................................................................................................................... 100

Procedure.......................................................................................................................................................100

Replacing the handle bars.............................................................................................. 104

Procedure.......................................................................................................................................................104

Post-requisites.................................................................................................................................................106

7

Removing the front bezel .............................................................................................. 108

Prerequisites................................................................................................................................................... 108

Procedure.......................................................................................................................................................108

Replacing the front bezel................................................................................................110

Procedure........................................................................................................................................................110

Post-requisites.................................................................................................................................................. 111

Removing the rear bezel................................................................................................. 112

Prerequisites.................................................................................................................................................... 112

Procedure........................................................................................................................................................112

Replacing the rear bezel................................................................................................. 115

Procedure........................................................................................................................................................115

Post-requisites................................................................................................................................................. 115

Removing the base panel................................................................................................ 116

Prerequisites.................................................................................................................................................... 116

Procedure........................................................................................................................................................116

Replacing the base panel................................................................................................120

Procedure.......................................................................................................................................................120

Post-requisites.................................................................................................................................................120

Removing the top tron-lighting cable............................................................................ 121

Prerequisites.................................................................................................................................................... 121

Procedure........................................................................................................................................................121

Replacing the top tron-lighting cable............................................................................ 123

Procedure....................................................................................................................................................... 123

Post-requisites.................................................................................................................................................123

Removing the bottom tron-lighting cable......................................................................124

Prerequisites....................................................................................................................................................124

Procedure....................................................................................................................................................... 124

Replacing the bottom tron-lighting cable......................................................................126

Procedure....................................................................................................................................................... 126

Post-requisites.................................................................................................................................................126

Removing the antenna cables......................................................................................... 127

Prerequisites....................................................................................................................................................127

Procedure....................................................................................................................................................... 127

8

Replacing the antenna cables......................................................................................... 130

Procedure.......................................................................................................................................................130

Post-requisites.................................................................................................................................................130

Device drivers..................................................................................................................131

Intel Chipset Software Installation Utility........................................................................................................... 131

Video drivers................................................................................................................................................... 131

Intel Serial IO driver..........................................................................................................................................131

Intel Trusted Execution Engine Interface............................................................................................................ 131

Intel Virtual Button driver................................................................................................................................. 131

Wireless and Bluetooth drivers..........................................................................................................................131

System setup................................................................................................................... 132

BIOS overview.................................................................................................................................................132

Entering BIOS setup program...........................................................................................................................132

Navigation keys...............................................................................................................................................132

Boot Sequence................................................................................................................................................132

System setup options........................................................................................................................................133

Clearing CMOS Settings..................................................................................................................................136

Clearing Forgotten Passwords.......................................................................................................................... 137

Troubleshooting.............................................................................................................. 139

Flashing the BIOS............................................................................................................................................139

Flashing BIOS (USB key)..................................................................................................................................139

Enhanced Pre-Boot System Assessment (ePSA) diagnostics............................................................................... 139

Running the ePSA diagnostics.................................................................................................................... 140

Diagnostics..................................................................................................................................................... 140

Flea power release.......................................................................................................................................... 140

9

Before working inside your computer

NOTE: The images in this document may dier from your computer depending on the conguration you ordered.

Before you begin

1 Save and close all open les and exit all open applications.

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

NOTE: If you are using a dierent 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.

5 Remove any media card and optical disc from your computer, if applicable.

10

After working inside your computer

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

1 Replace all screws and ensure that no stray screws remain inside your computer.

2 Connect any external devices, peripherals, or cables you removed before working on your computer.

3 Replace any media cards, discs, or any other parts that you removed before working on your computer.

4 Connect your computer and all attached devices to their electrical outlets.

5 Turn on your computer.

11

Safety instructions

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

WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer. For

more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.

WARNING: Disconnect all power sources before opening the computer cover or panels. After you nish working

inside the computer, replace all covers, panels, and screws before connecting to the electrical outlet.

CAUTION: To avoid damaging the computer, ensure that the work surface is at and clean.

CAUTION: To avoid damaging the components and cards, handle them by their edges, and avoid touching pins and

contacts.

CAUTION: You should only perform troubleshooting and repairs as authorized or directed by the Dell technical

assistance team. Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by your warranty. See the

safety instructions that shipped with the product or at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.

CAUTION: Before touching anything inside your computer, ground yourself by touching an unpainted metal surface,

such as the metal at the back of the computer. While you work, periodically touch an unpainted metal surface to

dissipate static electricity, which could harm internal components.

CAUTION: When you disconnect a cable, pull on its connector or on its pull tab, not on the cable itself. Some cables

have connectors with locking tabs or thumb-screws that you must disengage before disconnecting the cable. When

disconnecting cables, keep them evenly aligned to avoid bending any connector pins. When connecting cables,

ensure that the ports and connectors are correctly oriented and aligned.

CAUTION: Press and eject any installed card from the media-card reader.

Electrostatic discharge—ESD protection

ESD is a major concern when you handle electronic components, especially sensitive components such as expansion cards,

processors, memory DIMMs, and system boards. Very slight charges can damage circuits in ways that may not be obvious, such

as intermittent problems or a shortened product life span. As the industry pushes for lower power requirements and increased

density, ESD protection is an increasing concern.

Due to the increased density of semiconductors used in recent Dell products, the sensitivity to static damage is now higher than

in previous Dell products. For this reason, some previously approved methods of handling parts are no longer applicable.

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

• Catastrophic – Catastrophic failures represent approximately 20 percent of ESD-related failures. The damage causes an

immediate and complete loss of device functionality. An example of catastrophic failure is a memory DIMM that has

received a static shock and immediately generates a "No POST/No Video" symptom with a beep code emitted for missing

or nonfunctional memory.

• Intermittent – Intermittent failures represent approximately 80 percent of ESD-related failures. The high rate of

intermittent failures means that most of the time when damage occurs, it is not immediately recognizable. The DIMM

receives a static shock, but the tracing is merely weakened and does not immediately produce outward symptoms related to

the damage. The weakened trace may take weeks or months to melt, and in the meantime may cause degradation of

memory integrity, intermittent memory errors, etc.

The more dicult type of damage to recognize and troubleshoot is the intermittent (also called latent or "walking wounded")

failure.

Perform the following steps to prevent ESD damage:

• Use a wired ESD wrist strap that is properly grounded. The use of wireless anti-static straps is no longer allowed; they do

not provide adequate protection. Touching the chassis before handling parts does not ensure adequate ESD protection on

parts with increased sensitivity to ESD damage.

• Handle all static-sensitive components in a static-safe area. If possible, use anti-static oor pads and workbench pads.

12

• 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 eld 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 eld service kit

The components of an ESD eld 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 oce to

nd 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 dierent 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 oce desks or cubicles.

Always look for a large open at 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 eld 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.

13

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 rm 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, osetting 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.

14

Recommended tools

The procedures in this document may require the following tools:

• Philips screwdriver #1

• Philips screwdriver #2

• Torx #20 (T20) screwdriver

• Flat-head screwdriver

• Plastic scribe

15

Screw list

NOTE: Screw color may vary with the conguration ordered.

Table 1. Screw list

Component Secured to Screw type Quantity Screw image

Stability foot Computer #6-32x6 2

Security-cable slot latch Computer M2x3 1

Battery-case door Battery case M2x5.7 1

Battery case Chassis #6-32x5.2 2

Hard-drive assembly Chassis #6-32x6 1

Hard drive Hard-drive bracket #6-32x3.6 4

U.2 fan Hard-drive assembly

bracket

#6-32x6 2

Right AlienFX side-panel

connector assembly

Chassis #6-32x6 2

Right AlienFX side-panel

connector

Bracket #6-32x6 1

Left AlienFX side-panel

connector assembly

Chassis #6-32x6 2

Left AlienFX side-panel

connector

Bracket #6-32x6 1

I/O board Chassis #6-32x6 5

Wireless card Chassis M2x3 1

16

Component Secured to Screw type Quantity Screw image

Top fan Chassis #6-32x6 1

Logo board Chassis #6-32x6 1

Logo board Bracket #6-32x6 6

Solid-state drive System board M2x2.5 1

PCI fan Chassis M3x5.25 2

Fan shroud PCI fan M5x10 4

Processor liquid-cooling

assembly

Chassis #6-32x6 4

Power-supply unit Chassis #6-32x6 4

System-board Chassis #6-32x6 9

Rear-handle bar Chassis #6-32x6.5 14

Front-handle bar Chassis #6-32x6.5 14

Bottom-handle bar Chassis #6-32x6.5 14

Front bezel Chassis #6-32x6 5

Rear bezel Chassis #6-32x6 4

Rear bezel Chassis M3x5 3

17

Component Secured to Screw type Quantity Screw image

Base panel Chassis #6-32x6 4

Base panel Chassis #6-32x6 5

Antennas Chassis #6-32x6 6

18

Technical overview

WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and

follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions

in

After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at

www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.

Inside view of your computer

To view the dierent components installed in your computer. See “Left view” and “Right view”.

Right view

Figure 1. Right view

1 I/O board (IO BRD) 2 U.2 2.5–inch drive bracket (HDD3/HDD4)

3 drive-bay heat-sensor 4 U.2 2.5–inch drive bracket (HDD1/HDD2)

5 AlienFX side-panel connector 6 rear I/O accessibility lighting batteries

7 3.5-inch drive bracket (HDD1) 8 3.5-inch drive bracket (HDD2)

9 3.5-inch drive bracket (HDD3)

19

Left view

Figure 2. Left view

1 processor liquid-cooling assembly fan 2 graphics card

3 system board 4 power-supply unit

5 AlienFX side-panel connector 6 PCI fan

7 processor liquid-cooling assembly pump 8 memory modules

9 top fan

20

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Alienware Area-51 Threadripper Edition R7 User manual

Alienware Area-51 Threadripper Edition R7 User manual

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