Alienware Aurora R4 Owner's Manual

www.dell.com | support.dell.com/manualsAlienware Aurora-R4Owner’s ManualRegulatory model: D01MRegulatory type: D01M004 book.book Page 1 Wednesday, M

10 ContentsRemoving the Right Lighting-Board . . . . . . . . . . 117Replacing the Right Lighting-Board. . . . . . . . . . 118Postrequisites . . .

100 Master I/O BoardReplacing the Master I/O Board1Align the screw holes on the master I/O board to the screw holes on the chassis and place the maste

Master I/O Board 1013Close the PCI shroud. See "Closing the PCI Shroud" on page 46.4Replace the left side-panel. See "Replacing the Lef

102 Master I/O Boardbook.book Page 102 Wednesday, May 16, 2012 2:37 PM

Top Lighting-Board 10321Top Lighting-Board WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer

104 Top Lighting-BoardReplacing the Top Lighting-Board1Align the screw holes on the top lighting-board with the screw holes on the chassis.2Replace th

Top Lighting-Board 1053Replace the left side-panel. See "Replacing the Left Side-Panel" on page 27.4Follow the steps in "After Working

106 Top Lighting-Boardbook.book Page 106 Wednesday, May 16, 2012 2:37 PM

Right-Side Top Panel 10722Right-Side Top Panel WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your compu

108 Right-Side Top Panel2Remove the screw that secures the right-side top panel.book.book Page 108 Wednesday, May 16, 2012 2:37 PM

Right-Side Top Panel3Place the computer in an upright position.4Slide the right-side top panel towards the front of the computer and pull it away from

Contents 1130 Back Bezel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133Prerequisites. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133Removing the

110 Right-Side Top PanelReplacing the Right-Side Top Panel1Align the tabs on the right-side top panel with the slots on the chassis and slide the pane

Right-Side Top Panel3Replace the screw that secures the right-side top panel to the chassis.Postrequisites1Replace the drive-bay shroud. See "Rep

112 Right-Side Top Panelbook.book Page 112 Wednesday, May 16, 2012 2:37 PM

Right-Side Middle Panel 11323Right-Side Middle Panel WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your

114 Right-Side Middle PanelReplacing the Right-Side Middle Panel1Align the right-side middle panel on top of the right-side bottom panel.2Replace the

Right-Side Middle PanelPostrequisites1Replace the right lighting-board. See "Replacing the Right Lighting-Board" on page 118.2Replace the ri

116 Right-Side Middle Panelbook.book Page 116 Wednesday, May 16, 2012 2:37 PM

Right Lighting-Board 11724Right Lighting-Board WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your compu

118 Right Lighting-BoardReplacing the Right Lighting-Board1Route the right lighting-board cable through the slot on the computer.2Align the screw hole

Right Lighting-Board3Replace the screws that secure the right lighting-board to the right-side middle panel.4Connect the right lighting-board cable to

12 ContentsBoot Sequence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152Clearing Forgotten Passwords. . . . . . . . . . . . . 154Password:. . . . . . . .

120 Right Lighting-Boardbook.book Page 120 Wednesday, May 16, 2012 2:37 PM

Right-Side Bottom Panel 12125Right-Side Bottom Panel WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your

122 Right-Side Bottom Panel2Slide and remove the right-side bottom panel from the chassis.1 screws (2)1book.book Page 122 Wednesday, May 16, 2012 2

Right-Side Bottom PanelReplacing the Right-Side Bottom Panel1Align the tabs on the right-side bottom panel with the slots on the chassis and slide the

124 Right-Side Bottom PanelPostrequisites1Replace the right-side middle panel. See "Replacing the Right-Side Middle Panel" on page 114.2Repl

Top Vent 12526Top Vent WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps

126 Top Vent2Place the chassis in an upright position.3Remove the screws that secure the top I/O panel cover to the chassis.4Lift the top I/O panel co

Top Vent 127Replacing the Top Vent1Align the screw holes on the top vent with the screw holes on the chassis.2Replace the screws that secure the top v

128 Top Vent3Align the top panel with the slots in the chassis and replace the screws that secure the top panel to the chassis.4Place the computer on

Front Bezel 12927Front Bezel WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the

Before you Begin 133Before You BeginTurn Off Your Computer and Connected Devices CAUTION: To avoid losing data, save and close all open files and exi

130 Front Bezel3Place the computer in an upright position.4Remove the screws that secure the front bezel to the chassis.5Pull the front bezel away fro

Front Bezel 131Replacing the Front Bezel1Align the front bezel with the front of the chassis.2Replace the screws on the right side that secure the fro

132 Front Bezel4Route and connect the front-bezel cables to the connectors on the master I/O board.5Replace the screws that secure the front bezel to

Back Bezel 13328Back Bezel WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the s

134 Back Bezel3Remove the screws that secure the back bezel to the chassis.4Release the tabs that secure the back bezel to the chassis.5Pull the back

Back Bezel 1351 screws (2) 2 back bezel3 tabs123book.book Page 135 Wednesday, May 16, 2012 2:37 PM

136 Back BezelReplacing the Back Bezel1Align the tabs on the back bezel with the slots on the chassis.2Push the back bezel into place.3Replace the scr

WiFi/Bluetooth Assembly 13729WiFi/Bluetooth Assembly WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your

138 WiFi/Bluetooth AssemblyReplacing the WiFi/Bluetooth Card1Align the tab on the WiFi/Bluetooth assembly with the slot on the chassis and slide it in

WiFi/Bluetooth Assembly 1393Replace the left side-panel. See "Replacing the Left Side-Panel" on page 27.4Follow the steps in "After Wor

14 Before you BeginCAUTION: Only a certified service technician is authorized to remove the computer cover and access any of the components inside the

140 WiFi/Bluetooth Assemblybook.book Page 140 Wednesday, May 16, 2012 2:37 PM

Top I/O Panel 14130Top I/O Panel WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow

142 Top I/O Panel3Remove the screws that secure the top I/O panel to the chassis.4Disconnect the top I/O panel cables from the connectors on the syste

Top I/O Panel 1432Connect the top I/O panel cables to the connectors on the system board and master I/O board.3Replace the screws that secure the top

144 Top I/O Panelbook.book Page 144 Wednesday, May 16, 2012 2:37 PM

System Setup Utility 14531System SetupOverviewUse the system setup to:• get information about the hardware installed in your computer, such as the amo

146 System Setup UtilitySystem Setup Options NOTE: Depending on your computer and installed devices, the items listed in this section may appear, or

System Setup Utility 147Memory Technology Displays the type of memory technology used.Memory Speed Displays the memory speed.CPU InformationProcessor

148 System Setup UtilityOptionROM Display Screen Allows you to display or hide the RAID Option ROM screen during POST.Advanced — CPU Configuration Hyp

System Setup Utility 149Auto Power On Hour Allows you to set RTC Wake Up Hour.Auto Power On Minute Allows you to set RTC Wake Up Minute.Auto Power On

After Working Inside Your Computer 154After Working Inside Your ComputerAfter you complete replacement procedures, ensure the following:• Replace all

150 System Setup UtilitytRCD Displays timing of RAS to CAS delay (editable in Manual Mode).tRP Displays timing of RAS Precharge (editable in Manual Mo

System Setup Utility 151Long duration maintained Allows you to change the long duration time limit.Short duration power limit Allows you to change the

152 System Setup UtilityBoot SequenceThis feature allows you to change the boot sequence for devices.Boot Options•Diskette Drive — The computer attemp

System Setup Utility 153•CD/DVD/CD-RW Drive — The computer attempts to boot from the optical drive. If no disc is in the drive, or if the disc is not

154 System Setup Utility NOTE: Write down your current boot sequence in case you want to restore it.3Press the up- and down-arrow keys to move throug

System Setup Utility 155Password:4Wait for approximately five seconds to clear the password setting.5Remove the 2-pin jumper plug from pins 1 and 2 an

156 System Setup UtilityClearing CMOS Passwords WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your comp

System Setup Utility 1574Wait for approximately five seconds to clear the CMOS setting.5Remove the 2-pin jumper plug from pins 1 and 2 and replace it

158 System Setup Utilitybook.book Page 158 Wednesday, May 16, 2012 2:37 PM

Flashing the BIOS 15932Flashing the BIOSThe BIOS may require flashing when an update is available or when replacing the system board. To flash the BIO

16 Before you Beginbook.book Page 16 Wednesday, May 16, 2012 2:37 PM

160 Flashing the BIOS8Double-click the file icon on the desktop and follow the instructions on the screen.book.book Page 160 Wednesday, May 16, 2012

Specifications 16133SpecificationsTo learn about the features and advanced options available on your desktop, see Specifications at support.dell.com/m

162 Specificationsbook.book Page 162 Wednesday, May 16, 2012 2:37 PM

Technical Overview 171Technical Overview WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer an

18 Technical OverviewBack View of Your Computer1 AlienHead/drive-panel open button 2 optical drive3 optical-drive eject button 4 optical-drive bay5 me

Technical Overview 19Inside View of Your Computer1 coaxial S/PDIF connector 2 optical S/PDIF connector3 USB 2.0 connectors (4) 4 network connector and

Notes, Cautions, and Warnings NOTE: A NOTE indicates important information that helps you make better use of your product. CAUTION: A CAUTION indicat

20 Technical OverviewSystem-Board Components15914151819202122232425262712623 47 81013161117book.book Page 20 Wednesday, May 16, 2012 2:37 PM

Technical Overview 21Master I/O Board Components NOTE: The location of the connectors may vary based on the selections you made at the time of purcha

22 Technical Overview1 FlexBay connector (FLEXBAY) 2 drive-bay shroud battery connector (FRONT_BEZEL)3 AlienHead connector (HEAD1) 4 PCI-fan connector

Technical Overview 23Top Lighting-Board Components9 hard-drive LED connector (HDD_LED1)10 hard-drive LED connector (HDD_LED2)11 USB connector (MB_USB)

24 Technical Overviewbook.book Page 24 Wednesday, May 16, 2012 2:37 PM

Left Side-Panel 252Left Side-Panel WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and foll

26 Left Side-Panel1 release panel 2 security-cable slot3 security-cable slot latch 4 left side-panel1234book.book Page 26 Wednesday, May 16, 2012 2

Left Side-Panel 27Replacing the Left Side-Panel1Align the tabs on the left side-panel with the slots on the left side of the computer and push the pan

28 Left Side-Panelbook.book Page 28 Wednesday, May 16, 2012 2:37 PM

Hard Drive(s) 293Hard Drive(s) WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow t

Contents 3Contents1 Before You Begin. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13Turn Off Your Computer and Connected Devices . . . . 13Safety Instructi

30 Hard Drive(s)Replacing the Hard Drive(s)1Slide the hard drive into the hard-drive cage until the release tabs snap into place.Postrequisites1Replac

Hard Drive(s) 312Follow the steps in "After Working Inside Your Computer" on page 15.book.book Page 31 Wednesday, May 16, 2012 2:37 PM

32 Hard Drive(s)book.book Page 32 Wednesday, May 16, 2012 2:37 PM

Hard-Drive Fan Assembly 334Hard-Drive Fan Assembly WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your c

34 Hard-Drive Fan AssemblyReplacing the Hard-Drive Fan Assembly1Slide the hard-drive fan assembly into the hard-drive fan assembly bay.2Route the cabl

Hard-Drive Fan Assembly 35Postrequisites1Replace the left side-panel. See "Replacing the Left Side-Panel" on page 27.2Follow the steps in &q

36 Hard-Drive Fan Assemblybook.book Page 36 Wednesday, May 16, 2012 2:37 PM

Optical Drive(s) 375Optical Drive(s) WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and fo

38 Optical Drive(s)Replacing the Optical Drive(s)1Lift and hold the securing tab, and then slide the optical drive through the front of the computer u

Optical Drive(s) 392Follow the steps in "After Working Inside Your Computer" on page 15.book.book Page 39 Wednesday, May 16, 2012 2:37 PM

4 Contents5 Hard Drive(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29Prerequisites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29Removing the H

40 Optical Drive(s)book.book Page 40 Wednesday, May 16, 2012 2:37 PM

Media-Card Reader 416Media-Card Reader WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and

42 Media-Card Reader5Remove the screws that secure the media-card reader to the FlexBay dock.6Slide the media-card reader out of the FlexBay dock.1 Fl

Media-Card ReaderReplacing the Media-Card Reader1Slide the media-card reader into the FlexBay dock.2Replace the screws that secure the media-card read

44 Media-Card ReaderPostrequisites1Replace the left side-panel. See "Replacing the Left Side-Panel" on page 27.2Follow the steps in "Af

PCI Shroud 457PCI Shroud WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the ste

46 PCI ShroudClosing the PCI Shroud1Lower the PCI shroud into the chassis and press down until it snaps into position.Postrequisites1Replace the left

Drive-Bay Shroud 478Drive-Bay Shroud WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and fo

48 Drive-Bay ShroudReplacing the Drive-Bay Shroud1Align the drive-bay shroud with the slots on the chassis.2Slide the drive-bay shroud toward the fron

PCI-Express x1 Card 499PCI-Express x1 Card WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer

Contents 5Postrequisites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 449 PCI Shroud. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45Prerequisites.

50 PCI-Express x1 CardReplacing the PCI-Express x1 Card1Remove the screw that secures the filler bracket and remove the filler bracket (if applicable)

PCI-Express x1 Card 512Align the PCI-Express x1 card with the PCI-Express x1 card connector on the system board.3Place the card in the connector and p

52 PCI-Express x1 Card2Replace the left side-panel. See "Replacing the Left Side-Panel" on page 27.3Follow the steps in "After Working

PCI-Fan Assembly 5310PCI-Fan WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the

54 PCI-Fan AssemblyReplacing the PCI-Fan1Align the PCI-fan with the metal brackets on the chassis.2Slide the PCI-fan into the chassis.3Connect the PCI

PCI-Fan Assembly 55Postrequisites1Replace the left side-panel. See "Replacing the Left Side-Panel" on page 27.2Follow the steps in "Aft

56 PCI-Fan Assemblybook.book Page 56 Wednesday, May 16, 2012 2:37 PM

Graphics Card 5711Graphics Card WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow

58 Graphics CardReplacing the Graphics Card1Align the graphics card with the PCI-Express x16 card connector on the system board.2Place the card in the

Graphics Card 594Connect the power cables to the graphics card.Postrequisites1Close the PCI shroud. See "Closing the PCI Shroud" on page 46.

6 ContentsRemoving the PCI-Fan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53Replacing the PCI-Fan. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54Postrequisites . .

60 Graphics Card7Close the PCI shroud. See "Closing the PCI Shroud" on page 46.8Replace the left side-panel. See "Replacing the Left Si

Graphics Card 61Connect the DisplayIf your computer has dual graphics cards, connect the display to the connectors on the primary graphics card.1 prim

62 Graphics Cardbook.book Page 62 Wednesday, May 16, 2012 2:37 PM

Memory Module(s) 6312Memory Module(s) WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and f

64 Memory Module(s)Replacing Memory Module(s) CAUTION: If the memory module is not installed correctly, your computer may not boot. CAUTION: If you r

Memory Module(s) 65 CAUTION: To avoid damage to the memory module, first insert the end away from the securing clip and then insert the end near the

66 Memory Module(s)Postrequisites1Close the PCI shroud. See "Closing the PCI Shroud" on page 46.2Replace the left side-panel. See "Repl

Memory Fan 6713Memory Fan WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the st

68 Memory FanReplacing the Memory Fan1Align the tabs on the memory fan with the slots on the computer chassis and slide the fan until it snaps into po

Memory Fan 692Follow the steps in "After Working Inside Your Computer" on page 15.book.book Page 69 Wednesday, May 16, 2012 2:37 PM

Contents 7Postrequisites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6816 Processor Liquid-Cooling Assembly . . . . 71Prerequisites. . . . . . . .

70 Memory Fanbook.book Page 70 Wednesday, May 16, 2012 2:37 PM

Processor Liquid-Cooling Assembly 7114Processor Liquid-Cooling Assembly WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information th

72 Processor Liquid-Cooling AssemblyReplacing the Processor Liquid-Cooling Assembly CAUTION: Incorrect alignment of the processor liquid-cooling asse

Processor Liquid-Cooling Assembly 731Align the screw holes on the processor liquid-cooling assembly with the screw holes on the chassis.2Replace the s

74 Processor Liquid-Cooling Assemblybook.book Page 74 Wednesday, May 16, 2012 2:37 PM

Processor 7515Processor CAUTION: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the step

76 Processor2Press down and push the release lever away from the processor to release it from the securing tab.3Extend this release lever completely t

Processor 77 CAUTION: When removing the processor, do not touch any of the pins inside the socket or allow any objects to fall on the pins in the soc

78 ProcessorReplacing the Processor1Ensure that the second release lever is fully extended in the open position. CAUTION: You must position the proce

Processor 795Pivot the release lever down and place it under the tab on the processor cover.1 processor cover 2 processor3 securing tabs 4 release lev

8 ContentsRemoving the Coin-Cell Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89Replacing the Coin-Cell Battery. . . . . . . . . . . . . 90Postrequisites . .

80 ProcessorPostrequisites1Replace the processor liquid-cooling assembly. See "Replacing the Processor Liquid-Cooling Assembly" on page 72.2

Processor 81book.book Page 81 Wednesday, May 16, 2012 2:37 PM

82 Processorbook.book Page 82 Wednesday, May 16, 2012 2:37 PM

Power Supply 8316Power-Supply Unit WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and foll

84 Power Supply3Press the securing clips on the DC-wire harness and disconnect the DC-wire harness from the power-supply unit.4Loosen the captive scre

Power Supply 856Remove the screws that secure the power-supply unit to the bezel.7Remove the bezel from the power-supply unit.1 captive screws (4) 2 p

86 Power SupplyReplacing the Power-Supply Unit1Align the screw holes on the power-supply unit with the screw holes on the bezel.2Replace the screws th

Power Supply 87Postrequisites1Replace the left side-panel. See "Replacing the Left Side-Panel" on page 27.2Follow the steps in "After W

88 Power Supplybook.book Page 88 Wednesday, May 16, 2012 2:37 PM

Coin-Cell Battery 8917Coin-Cell Battery WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and

Contents 9Postrequisites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10023 Top Lighting-Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103Prerequisites. . .

90 Coin-Cell BatteryReplacing the Coin-Cell Battery1Insert the battery into the socket with the side labeled + facing up and press down the battery in

Coin-Cell Battery 916Enter the system setup program and set the time and date. See "Entering System Setup" on page 145.7Update the BIOS sett

92 Coin-Cell Batterybook.book Page 92 Wednesday, May 16, 2012 2:37 PM

Theater-Lighting Batteries 9318Theater-Lighting Batteries (ALX Chassis Only) WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety informatio

94 Theater-Lighting BatteriesReplacing the Theater-Lighting Batteries1Insert the two batteries in the theater-lighting battery compartment.2Close the

System-Board Assembly 9519System-Board Assembly WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your comp

96 System-Board Assembly3Slide the system-board assembly towards the front of the chassis to disengage it from the latches that secure it to the chass

System-Board Assembly 974Route and connect the cables that you disconnected from the system-board assembly. NOTE: For information on system board con

98 System-Board Assemblybook.book Page 98 Wednesday, May 16, 2012 2:37 PM

Master I/O Board 9920Master I/O Board WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and f