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Dell Alienware m18 R2 Owner's Manual
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Dell Alienware m18 R2 Owner's Manual

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Alienware m18 R2
Owner's Manual
Regulatory Model: P51E
Regulatory Type: P51E001
December 2023
Rev. A00

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Summary of Contents for Dell Alienware m18 R2

  • Page 1 Alienware m18 R2 Owner's Manual Regulatory Model: P51E Regulatory Type: P51E001 December 2023 Rev. A00...
  • Page 2 WARNING: A WARNING indicates a potential for property damage, personal injury, or death. © 2024 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.

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    Chapter 1: Views of Alienware m18 R2....................7 Display....................................7 Right...................................... 8 Left......................................8 Top......................................9 Back.......................................9 Bottom....................................10 Service Tag...................................11 Chapter 2: Set up your Alienware m18 R2....................12 Chapter 3: Specifications of Alienware m18 R2..................13 Dimensions and weight...............................13 Processor....................................13 Chipset....................................14 Operating system................................14 Memory....................................14 External ports..................................15 Internal slots..................................
  • Page 4 Transporting sensitive components..........................30 After working inside your computer..........................30 Recommended tools................................30 Screw list..................................... 30 Major components of Alienware m18 R2.......................... 32 Chapter 6: Removing and installing Customer Replaceable Units (CRUs).........35 Base cover...................................35 Removing the base cover............................. 35 Installing the base cover..............................37 Memory....................................
  • Page 5 Installing the touchpad..............................63 Top heat-sink..................................64 Removing the top heat-sink............................64 Installing the top heat-sink............................65 Power-adapter port................................66 Removing the power-adapter port..........................66 Installing the power-adapter port..........................67 Display assembly................................69 Removing the display assembly............................69 Installing the display assembly............................71 System board..................................74 System board overview..............................74 Removing the system board............................
  • Page 6 Clearing BIOS (System Setup) and System passwords....................118 Chapter 10: Troubleshooting........................119 Handling swollen rechargeable Li-ion batteries......................119 Locate the Service Tag or Express Service Code of your Dell computer ..............119 Dell SupportAssist Pre-boot System Performance Check diagnostics................120 Running the SupportAssist Pre-Boot System Performance Check................120 Built-in self-test (BIST)..............................120...

  • Page 7: Chapter 1: Views Of Alienware M18 R2

    Views of Alienware m18 R2 Display 1. Left microphone Provides digital sound input for audio recording and voice calls. 2. Infrared emitter Emits infrared light, which enables the infrared camera to sense and track motion. 3. Infrared camera Enhances security when paired with Windows Hello face authentication.

  • Page 8: Right

    Right 1. USB 3.2 Gen 1 (Type-C) port Connect to external storage devices. Provides data transfer speeds up to 5 Gbps. NOTE: This port does not support video or audio streaming. Left 1. Network port Connect an Ethernet (RJ45) cable from a router or a broadband modem for network or Internet access. 2.

  • Page 9: Top

    Press to put the computer into the Sleep state when it is turned on. When the computer is turned on, press and hold the power button for four seconds to force shut-down the computer. NOTE: You can customize power-button behavior in Windows. For more information, see Me and My Dell at www.dell.com/ support/manuals.

  • Page 10: Bottom

    1. Thunderbolt 4.0 ports (2) Supports USB 4, DisplayPort 1.4, Thunderbolt 4 and also enables you to connect to an external display using a display adapter. Thunderbolt 4.0 port provides data transfer rates of up to 40 Gbps for USB 4 and Thunderbolt 4. NOTE: A USB Type-C to DisplayPort adapter (sold separately) is required to connect a DisplayPort device.

  • Page 11: Service Tag

    The Service Tag is a unique alphanumeric identifier that enables Dell service technicians to identify the hardware components in your computer and access warranty information. 3. Right speaker Provides audio output. Service Tag The service tag is a unique alphanumeric identifier that allows Dell service technicians to identify the hardware components in your computer and access warranty information.

  • Page 12: Chapter 2: Set Up Your Alienware M18 R2

    Set up your Alienware m18 R2 About this task NOTE: The images in this document may differ from your computer depending on the configuration you ordered. Steps Connect the power adapter and press the power button.

  • Page 13: Chapter 3: Specifications Of Alienware M18 R2

    NOTE: The weight of your computer depends on the configuration that is ordered and manufacturing variability. Processor The following table lists the details of the processors that are supported on your Alienware m18 R2. Table 2. Processor  Description Option one...

  • Page 14: Chipset

    33 MB 36 MB Integrated graphics Intel UHD Graphics Intel UHD Graphics Intel UHD Graphics Chipset The following table lists the details of the chipset that is supported for your Alienware m18 R2. Table 3. Chipset  Description Values Chipset HM770 Processor...

  • Page 15: External Ports

    ● 32 GB, 2 x 16 GB, DDR5, 5600 MT/s, dual-channel ● 64 GB, 2 x 32 GB, DDR5, 5200 MT/s, dual-channel External ports The following table lists the external ports of your Alienware m18 R2. Table 5. External ports  Description...

  • Page 16: Internal Slots

    Killer E5000 integrated Ethernet controller Transfer rate 5000 Mbps for Killer E5000 Ethernet controller Wireless module The following table lists the Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) modules that are supported on your Alienware m18 R2. Table 8. Wireless module specifications  Description Option one...

  • Page 17: Audio

    ● Two M.2 2230/22280 solid-state drive slots, for computers shipped with NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060/4070 graphics card The primary drive of your Alienware m18 R2 varies with the storage configuration. The primary drive of your computer is the M.2 2280 drive where the operating system is installed.

  • Page 18: Redundant Array Of Independent Disks (Raid)

    Redundant Array of Independent Disks (RAID) For optimal performance when configuring drives as a RAID volume, Dell Technologies recommends drive models that are identical. RAID 0 (Striped, Performance) volumes benefit from higher performance when drives are matched because the data is split across multiple drives: any I/O operations with block sizes larger than the stripe size splits the I/O and become constrained by the slowest of the drives.

  • Page 19: Keyboard Shortcuts

    Table 12. Keyboard specifications (continued) Description Values ● Japanese: 106 keys ● English (United States and Canada): 102 keys ● English (United Kingdom): 103 keys Keyboard size X = 19.05 mm key pitch Y = 19.05 mm key pitch Keyboard shortcuts Some keys on your keyboard have two symbols on them.

  • Page 20: Camera

    Keys Description Mute microphone Mute speakers Increase volume Decrease volume Camera The following table lists the camera specifications of your Alienware m18 R2. Table 16. Camera specifications  Description Values Number of cameras Camera type One FHD-RGB Infrared camera Camera location...

  • Page 21: Touchpad

    For more information about touchpad gestures available on Windows, see the Microsoft Knowledge Base article at support.microsoft.com. Power adapter The following table lists the power adapter specifications of your Alienware m18 R2. Table 18. Power adapter specifications  Description Option one...

  • Page 22: Battery

    CAUTION: Operating and storage temperature ranges may differ among components, so operating or storing the device outside these ranges may impact the performance of specific components. Battery The following table lists the battery specifications of your Alienware m18 R2. Table 19. Battery specifications  Description...

  • Page 23: Display

    CAUTION: Dell Technologies recommends that you charge the battery regularly for optimal power consumption. If your battery charge is depleted, connect the power adapter, turn on your computer, and then restart your computer to reduce the power consumption.

  • Page 24: Sensor

    Table 21. Sensor  Sensor support Infra-Red sensor for Facial Recognition (Windows Hello) G-sensor GPU—Integrated The following table lists the specifications of the integrated Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) supported by your Alienware m18 R2. Table 22. GPU—Integrated  Controller Memory size Processor...

  • Page 25: External Display Support

    External display support The following table lists the external display support for your Alienware m18 R2. Table 24. External display support  Graphics card Supported external displays with laptop Supported external displays with laptop display enabled display disabled ● Intel UHD Graphics ●...

  • Page 26: Chapter 4: Alienware Command Center

    AlienFX, and game library. AWCC also supports Sound Management, Thermal Controls, CPU, GPU, Memory (RAM) monitoring. For more information about AWCC, see the Alienware Command Center Online Help or search in the Knowledge Base Resource at www.dell.com/support.

  • Page 27: Chapter 5: Working Inside Your Computer

    CAUTION: You should only perform troubleshooting and repairs as authorized or directed by the Dell technical assistance team. Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by your warranty. See the safety instructions that is shipped with the product or at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.

  • Page 28: Safety Precautions

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

  • Page 29: Esd Field Service Kit

    ESD protection summary It is recommended to use the traditional wired ESD grounding wrist strap and protective anti-static mat always when servicing Dell products. In addition, it is critical to keep sensitive parts separate from all insulator parts while performing service and that they use...

  • Page 30: 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. After working inside your computer About this task CAUTION: Leaving stray or loose screws inside your computer may severely damage your computer.
  • Page 31 Table 27. Screw list (continued) Component Screw type Quantity Screw image Small fan M2x4 Rear I/O cover M2x3 Rear I/O cover M2.5x5 I/O board M2x3 Battery M2x3 Keyboard-controller board M2x2 USB Type-C board M2x4 Touchpad M2x2 Touchpad bracket M2x2 Top heat-sink M2x3 Power-adapter port-bracket M2x3...

  • Page 32: Major Components Of Alienware M18 R2

    Table 27. Screw list (continued) Component Screw type Quantity Screw image Heat-sink assembly M2x4 (Captive screw) Audio board M2x3 Power button bracket M2x3 Major components of Alienware m18 R2 The following image shows the major components of Alienware m18 R2.
  • Page 34 Computers that are shipped with NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 or RTX 4070 graphics card have only two M.2 2230/2280 solid-state drive slots. NOTE: Dell provides a list of components and their part numbers for the original computer configuration purchased. These parts are available according to warranty coverage purchased by the customer. Contact your Dell sales representative for purchase...

  • Page 35: Chapter 6: Removing And Installing Customer Replaceable Units (Crus)

    Removing and installing Customer Replaceable Units (CRUs) The replaceable components in this chapter are Customer Replaceable Units (CRUs). CAUTION: Customers can replace only the Customer Replaceable Units (CRUs) following the safety precautions and replacement procedures. NOTE: The images in this document may differ from your computer depending on the configuration you ordered. Base cover Removing the base cover Prerequisites...

  • Page 37: Installing The Base Cover

    Steps 1. Remove the six screws (M2.5x5) that secure the base cover to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 2. Loosen the two captive screws (M2.5x8) that secure the base cover to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 3. Pry the base cover from the bottom left and continue to work on the sides to open the base cover. 4.

  • Page 39: Memory

    Steps 1. Slide the tabs on the top of the base cover under the rear I/O-cover and snap the base cover to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 2. Tighten the two captive screws (M2.5x8) on the base cover that secure the base cover to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 3.
  • Page 40 Steps 1. Lift the Mylar to access the memory. 2. Use your fingertips to carefully spread apart the securing-clips on each end of the memory-module slot until the memory module pops up. 3. Slide and remove the memory module from the memory-module slot. CAUTION: To prevent damage to the memory module, hold the memory module by the edges.

  • Page 41: Installing The Memory Module

    Installing the memory module Prerequisites If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation process. About this task NOTE: Up to two memory modules may be installed into this computer. The following images indicate the location of the memory module and provide a visual representation of the installation procedure. Steps 1.

  • Page 42: Solid-State Drive

    NOTE: Repeat the steps to install any other memory module into your computer. NOTE: The securing clips should revert to a locked state. If you do not hear the clicking sound, take out the memory module and reinstall it. Next steps 1.

  • Page 43: Installing The M.2 2280 Solid-State Drive In Slot One And Slot Two

    Steps 1. Remove the two screws (M2x3.5) that secure the M.2 2280 thermal shield to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 2. Lift the M.2 2280 thermal shield off the solid-state drive. 3. Slide and remove the M.2 2280 solid-state drive from the solid-state drive slot (SSD1 or SSD2). Installing the M.2 2280 solid-state drive in slot one and slot two Prerequisites If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation process.

  • Page 44: Removing The M.2 2230 Solid-State Drive In Slot Three And Slot Four

    Removing the M.2 2230 solid-state drive in slot three and slot four Prerequisites 1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer. 2. Remove the base cover. NOTE: The following steps can also be followed to remove the M.2 2230 solid-state drive from slot one and two. About this task The following images indicate the location of the M.2 2230 solid-state drive in slot three and four and provide a visual representation of the removal procedure.

  • Page 45: Procedure To Move The Screw Mount In Ssd Slot One And Two

    Steps 1. Align the notch on the M.2 2230 solid-state drive with the tab on the M.2 card slot (SSD3 or SSD4) on the system board. 2. Slide the M.2 2230 solid-state drive into the M.2 card slot (SSD3 or SSD4) on the system board. 3.

  • Page 46: Wireless Card

    3. To install a M.2 2230 solid-state drive in SSD slot one and slot two, see installing the M.2 2230 solid-state drive in SSD slot three four. 4. To install a M.2 2280 solid-state drive in SSD slot one and slot two, see installing the M.2 2280 solid-state drive in SSD slot one and slot two.

  • Page 47: Installing The Wireless Card

    Steps 1. Remove the two screws (M2x3) that secure the wireless-card thermal shield to the wireless card and palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 2. Slide and lift the wireless-card thermal shield. 3. Disconnect the antenna cables from the wireless card. 4. Slide and lift the wireless card from the wireless-card slot (WLAN1). Installing the wireless card Prerequisites If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation process.

  • Page 48: Small Fan

    Steps 1. Connect the antenna cables to the wireless card. NOTE: The following table provides the antenna-cable color scheme for the wireless card that the computer supports. Table 28. Antenna-cable color scheme  Connectors on the Antenna-cable color Silkscreen marking wireless card △...

  • Page 49: Installing The Small Fan

    About this task The following image indicates the location of the small fan and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure. Steps 1. Disconnect the fan cable from the connector (FAN3) on system board. 2. Remove the three screws (M2x4) that secure the fan to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 3.

  • Page 50: Speakers

    Steps 1. Place and align the screws on the system board with the screw holes on the fan. 2. Replace the three screws (M2x4) that secure the fan to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 3. Connect the fan cable to the connector (FAN3) on the system board. Next steps 1.

  • Page 51: Installing The Speakers

    Steps 1. Disconnect the speaker cable from the audio board. 2. Remove the speaker cable from the routing guides on the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 3. Lift the right and left speakers, along with their cable, off the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. Installing the speakers Prerequisites If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation process.

  • Page 52: Rear I/O Cover

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

  • Page 53: Installing The Rear I/O Cover

    Steps 1. Remove the two screws (M2.5x5) that secure the rear I/O cover to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 2. Disconnect the Tron-light cable from the system board. 3. Remove the three screws (M2x3) that secure the rear I/O cover to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. NOTE: To prevent damaging your computer, ensure that the Tron-light cable has been disconnected from the connector (LEDON1) on the system board and peel the Tron-light cable off the power-adapter port cable, before removing the rear I/O cover.
  • Page 54 Steps 1. With the correct orientation, slide the rear I/O cover into the palm-rest and keyboard assembly, and snap it into place. NOTE: To avoiding damaging your computer, ensure that the Tron-light cable is not pinched before snapping the rear I/O cover into place.

  • Page 55: Chapter 7: Removing And Installing Field Replaceable Units (Frus)

    CAUTION: To avoid any potential damage to the component or loss of data, ensure that an authorized service technician replaces the Field Replaceable Units (FRUs). CAUTION: Dell Technologies recommends that this set of repairs, if needed, to be conducted by trained technical repair specialists.

  • Page 56: Installing The Battery

    About this task NOTE: This computer is designed without an RTC coin-cell battery. After a service incident where the computer battery is disconnected, when the battery is fully discharged, or when the computer is reassembled and turned on, an RTC reset cycle will occur.

  • Page 57: Keyboard-Controller Board

    Steps 1. Using the alignment posts, place the battery on the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 2. Align the screw holes on the battery with the screw holes on the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 3. Replace the four screws (M2x3) that secure the battery to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 4.

  • Page 58: Installing The Keyboard-Controller Board

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

  • Page 59: Usb Type-C Board

    Steps 1. Using the alignment posts, place the keyboard-controller board into the slot on the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 2. Replace the two screws (M2x2) that secure the keyboard-controller board to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 3. Connect the keyboard cable to the connector on the keyboard-controller board and close the latch to secure the cable. 4.

  • Page 60: Installing The Usb Type-C Board

    Steps 1. Open the latch and disconnect the USB Type-C board cable from the connector on the USB-C Type-C board. 2. Remove the three screws (M2x4) that secure the USB Type-C board to the system-board assembly. 3. Lift the USB Type-C board shield from the left side. 4.

  • Page 61: Touchpad

    Steps 1. Align the USB Type-C board with the screw holes on the system-board assembly. 2. Align the USB Type-C shield on the left side with the screw holes on the system-board assembly. 3. Replace the three screws (M2x4) that secure the USB Type-C board to the system-board assembly. 4.
  • Page 62 Prerequisites 1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer. 2. Remove the base cover. 3. Remove the battery. About this task The following images indicate the location of the touchpad and provide a visual representation of the removal procedure. Steps 1.

  • Page 63: Installing The Touchpad

    Installing the touchpad CAUTION: The information in this installation section is intended for authorized service technicians only. Prerequisites If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation process. About this task The following images indicate the location of the touchpad and provide a visual representation of the installation procedure. Steps 1.

  • Page 64: Top Heat-Sink

    3. Close the display and turn the computer over. 4. Replace the four screws (M2x2) that secure the touchpad to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 5. Connect the keyboard-controller board cable to the connector on the keyboard-controller board and close the latch to secure the cable.

  • Page 65: Installing The Top Heat-Sink

    Steps 1. Remove the four screws (M2x3) that secure the top heat-sink to the system board. 2. Lift the top heat-sink off the system board. Installing the top heat-sink CAUTION: The information in this installation section is intended for authorized service technicians only. Prerequisites If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation process.

  • Page 66: Power-Adapter Port

    Steps 1. Place the top heat-sink on the system board. 2. Align the screw holes on the top heat-sink to the screw holes on the system board. 3. Replace the four screws (M2x3) that secure the top heat-sink to the system board. Next steps 1.

  • Page 67: Installing The Power-Adapter Port

    Steps 1. Peel the tape that secures the display-cable connector latch to the system board. 2. Open the latch and disconnect the display cable from the connector (LCD1) on the system board. 3. Peel the display cable off the system board and remove the display cable from the slot on the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 4.
  • Page 68 About this task The following images indicate the location of the power-adapter port and provide a visual representation of the installation procedure. Steps 1. Slide the power-adapter port into the slot on the palm-rest and keyboard assembly and adhere the power-adapter port cable to the system board.

  • Page 69: Display Assembly

    3. Install the base cover. 4. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer. Display assembly Removing the display assembly CAUTION: The information in this removal section is intended for authorized service technicians only. Prerequisites 1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer.
  • Page 70 Steps 1. Disconnect the rear I/O board cable from the connector on the system board. 2. Peel the tapes securing the rear I/O board cable to the system board. 3. Peel the tape securing the camera cable to the system board. 4.

  • Page 71: Installing The Display Assembly

    11. Remove the display cable and camera cable from the routing guides on the display assembly. 12. Remove the eight screws (M2.5x5) that secure the display assembly to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 13. Lift the display assembly off the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. Installing the display assembly CAUTION: The information in this installation section is intended for authorized service technicians only.
  • Page 72 Steps 1. Place the display assembly on the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 2. Route the display cable and camera cable on the routing guides on the display assembly. 3. Align the screw holes on the display assembly to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 4.
  • Page 73 5. Align the screw holes on the antenna holder with the screw holes on the display assembly. 6. Replace the two screws (M2x3) that secure the antenna holder to the display assembly. 7. Turn over the computer.

  • Page 74: System Board

    8. Adhere the display cable to the system board. 9. Connect the display cable to the connector (LCD1) on the system board and close the latch to secure the cable. 10. Adhere the tape that secures the display-cable connector latch to the system board. 11.

  • Page 75: Removing The System Board

    1. Display cable (LCD1) 2. Alien head LED-cable (LEDON1) 3. Power-adapter port cable (DCIN1) 4. Right-fan cable (FAN2) 5. M.2 card slot for solid-state drive 1 (SSD1) 6. M.2 card slot for solid-state drive 2 (SSD2) 7. Wireless-card slot (WLAN1) 8.
  • Page 76 Prerequisites 1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer. 2. Remove the base cover. 3. Remove the memory module. 4. Remove the M.2 2280 solid state drive M.2 2230 solid-state drive in slot one and two, whichever is applicable. 5.
  • Page 77 4. Open the latch and disconnect the camera cable from the connector (CAM1) on the system board. 5. Peel the tape that secures the display-cable connector latch to the system board. 6. Open the latch and disconnect the display cable from the connector (LCD1) on the system board. 7.

  • Page 78: Installing The System Board

    16. Lift the Type-C bracket off the system board. 17. Remove the three screws (M2x3) that secure the audio board to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 18. Loosen the captive screw (M2x6) that secures the left fan to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 19.
  • Page 79 Steps 1. Turn the system board over. 2. Install the heat-sink assembly. 3. Install the audio board. 4. Turn the system-board assembly over. 5. Using the alignment posts, place the system-board assembly on the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 6. Replace the twelve screws (M2x4) that secure the system board to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 7.
  • Page 80 9. Connect the speaker cable to the connector on the system board. 10. Connect the right-fan cable to the connector (FAN2) on the system board. 11. Connect the two left-fan cables to the connector (FAN1 and FAN4) on the system board. 12.
  • Page 81 18. Adhere the power-adapter port cable to the system board. 19. Connect the power-adapter port cable to the connector (DCIN1) on the system board. 20.Connect the display cable to the connector (LCD1) system board and close the latch to secure the cable. 21.

  • Page 82: Heat-Sink Assembly

    Heat-sink assembly Removing the heat-sink assembly CAUTION: The information in this removal section is intended for authorized service technicians only. Prerequisites 1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer. 2. Remove the base cover. 3. Remove the M.2 2280 solid state drive M.2 2230 solid-state drive in slot one and two, whichever is applicable.

  • Page 83: Installing The Heat-Sink Assembly

    Steps 1. Turn over the system-board assembly. 2. In reverse sequential order (8>7>6>5>4>3>2>1), loosen the eight captive screws (M2) that secure the fan and heat-sink assembly to the system board. 3. Lift the heat-sink assembly off the system board. Installing the heat-sink assembly CAUTION: The information in this installation section is intended for authorized service technicians only.
  • Page 84 Steps 1. Place the heat-sink assembly on the system board. 2. Align the screw holes on the fan and heat-sink assembly to the screw holes on the system board. 3. In sequential order (1>2>3>4>5>6>7>8), tighten the eight captive screws that secure the fan and heat-sink assembly to the system board.

  • Page 85: Power Button

    Power button Removing the power button CAUTION: The information in this removal section is intended for authorized service technicians only. Prerequisites 1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer. 2. Remove the base cover. 3. Remove the memory module.

  • Page 86: Installing The Power Button

    Steps 1. Open the latch and disconnect the power-button cable from the connector on the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 2. Remove the two screws (M2x3) that secure the power-button bracket to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 3. Peel the tapes securing the power-button bracket to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 4.
  • Page 87 Steps 1. Align and place the power button, along with its cable, into the slot on the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 2. Adhere the tape securing the power button on the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 3. Align the screw holes on the power-button bracket with the screw holes on the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 4.

  • Page 88: Antennas

    Antennas Removing the antennas CAUTION: The information in this removal section is intended for authorized service technicians only. Prerequisites 1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer. 2. Remove the base cover. 3. Remove the memory module. 4. Remove the M.2 2280 solid state drive M.2 2230 solid-state drive in slot one and two, whichever is applicable.

  • Page 89: Installing The Antennas

    3. Disconnect the antenna holder from the display assembly. 4. Remove the antenna cables from the routing guides on the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. Installing the antennas CAUTION: The information in this installation section is intended for authorized service technicians only. Prerequisites If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation process.
  • Page 90 Steps 1. Route the antenna cables through the routing guides on the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 2. Align the screw holes on the antenna holder with the screw holes on the display assembly. 3. Replace the two screws (M2x3) that secure the antenna holder to the display assembly. 4.

  • Page 91: I/O Board

    2. Install the rear I/O cover. 3. Install the heat-sink. 4. Install the small fan. 5. Install the wireless card. 6. Install the M.2 2230 solid-state drive in slot three and four, if applicable. 7. Install the M.2 2280 solid-state drive M.2 2230 solid-state drive in slot one and two, whichever is applicable.

  • Page 92: Installing The I/O Board

    Steps 1. Peel the tape securing the I/O board cable to the I/O board. 2. Open the latch and disconnect the I/O board cable from the connector on the I/O board. 3. Open the latch and disconnect the power-button cable from the connector on the I/O board. 4.
  • Page 93 Steps 1. Align the screw holes on the I/O board with the screw holes on the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 2. Replace the four screws (M2x3) that secure the I/O board to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 3. Connect the rear I/O board cable to the connector on the I/O board and close the latch. 4.

  • Page 94: Audio Board

    10. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer. Audio board Removing the audio board CAUTION: The information in this removal section is intended for authorized service technicians only. Prerequisites 1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer.

  • Page 95: Installing The Audio Board

    Installing the audio board CAUTION: The information in this installation section is intended for authorized service technicians only. Prerequisites If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation process. About this task The following image indicates the location of the audio board and provides a visual representation of the installation procedure. Steps 1.

  • Page 96: Palm-Rest And Keyboard Assembly

    Palm-rest and keyboard assembly Removing the palm-rest and keyboard assembly CAUTION: The information in this removal section is intended for authorized service technicians only. Prerequisites 1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer. 2. Remove the base cover. 3.

  • Page 97: Installing The Palm-Rest And Keyboard Assembly

    Steps After performing the pre-requisites, you are left with the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. NOTE: Ensure that the solid-state drive mounts are removed from the old palm-rest and keyboard assembly before installing the new palm-rest and keyboard assembly. Install these solid-state drive mounts into the new palm-rest and keyboard assembly. Installing the palm-rest and keyboard assembly CAUTION: The information in this installation section is intended for authorized service technicians only.
  • Page 98 Steps Place the palm-rest and keyboard assembly on a flat and clean surface and perform the post-requisites to install the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. NOTE: Install the solid-state drive mounts from the old palm-rest and keyboard assembly into the new palm-rest and keyboard assembly.

  • Page 99: Chapter 8: Software

    Your Alienware m18 R2 supports the following operating systems: ● Windows 11 Home (64-bit) ● Windows 11 Professional (64-bit) Drivers and downloads When troubleshooting, downloading, or installing drivers, it is recommended that you read the Dell Knowledge Base article, Drivers and Downloads FAQs 000123347.

  • Page 100: Chapter 9: Bios Setup

    BIOS Setup CAUTION: Unless you are an expert computer user, do not change the settings in the BIOS Setup. Certain changes can make your computer work incorrectly. NOTE: Depending on the computer and its installed devices, the items that are listed in this section may or may not be displayed.

  • Page 101: System Setup Options

    ● UEFI SSD Boot ● UEFI PXEv4 ● UEFI PXEv6 The boot sequence screen also displays the option to access system setup. System setup options NOTE: Depending on this computer and its installed devices, the items that are listed in this section may or may not be displayed.
  • Page 102 The computer stops booting to the operating system when a component is not authenticated during the boot process. Secure Boot can be enabled in BIOS setup or using management interfaces like Dell Command|Configure, but can only be disabled from BIOS setup.
  • Page 103 Table 31. System setup options—Boot Configuration menu (continued) Boot Configuration For additional security, Dell Technologies recommends keeping the Microsoft UEFI CA option enabled to ensure the broadest compatibility with devices and operating systems. Secure Boot Mode Displays the secure boot operation mode .
  • Page 104 By default, the Video/Power only on Type-C Ports option is disabled. Type-C Dock Override Enables or disables to use connected Type-C Dell Dock to provide data stream with external USB ports disabled. When Type-C Dock override is enabled, the Video/Audio/LAN submenu is activated.
  • Page 105 Table 33. System setup options—Storage menu (continued) Storage Enable MediaCard Secure Digital (SD) Card Enables or disables the Secure Digital (SD) Card. By default, Secure Digital (SD) Card option is selected. Secure Digital (SD) Card Read-Only Mode Enables or disables the Secure Digital (SD) Card Read-Only Mode. By default, Secure Digital (SD) Card Read-Only Mode option is not selected.
  • Page 106 By default, the Enable USB Wake Support option is disabled. Wake on Dell USB-C Dock When enabled, connecting a Dell USB-C Dock wakes the computer from Standby, Hibernate, and Power Off. By default, the Wake on Dell USB-C Dock option is enabled.
  • Page 107 BIOS. This option returns to the disabled state when the computer restarts.. By default, the Clear option is disabled. Dell Technologies recommends enabling the Clear option only when TPM data is required to be cleared. SMM Security Mitigation SMM Security Mitigation Enables or disables additional UEFI SMM Security Mitigation protections.
  • Page 108 Absolute Absolute Absolute Software provides various cyber security solutions, some requiring software pre-loaded on Dell computers and integrated into the BIOS. To use these features, you must enable the Absolute BIOS setting and contact Absolute for configuration and activation. By default, Enabled option is selected.
  • Page 109 ● The computer password is not prompted when the computer resumes from standby mode. Dell Technologies recommends using the computer password in situations where it is likely that a computer may be lost or stolen. M.2 PCIe SSD-0 Enables you to set, change, or delete the M.2 PCIe SSD-0 password.
  • Page 110 NOTE: When an internal hard drive password is set, it must first be cleared before Master Password Lockout can be changed. By default, the Enable Master Password Lockout option is disabled. Dell does not recommend enabling the Master Password Lockout unless you have implemented your own password recovery computer. Allow Non-Admin PSID Revert...
  • Page 111 Enables or disables cloud Service OS recovery if the main OS fails to boot within the number of failures equal or greater than the value specified by Dell Auto OS Recovery Threshold, and local Service does not boot, or is not installed.
  • Page 112 Table 40. System setup options—System Management menu (continued) System Management By default, the Power-on Self-Test Automatic Recovery option is enabled. Table 41. System setup options—Keyboard menu  Keyboard Numlock Enable Enable Numlock Enables or disables the Numlock functions when the computer boots. By default, the Enable Numlock option is enabled.
  • Page 113 (VT-d/AMD Vi). By default, the Enable Pre-Boot DMA Support option is enabled. For additional security, Dell Technologies recommends keeping the Enable Pre- Boot DMA Support option enabled. NOTE: This option is provided only for compatibility purposes, since some older hardware is not DMA capable.
  • Page 114 Table 43. System setup options—Virtualization Support menu (continued) Virtualization NOTE: This option is provided only for compatibility purposes, since some older hardware is not DMA capable. Table 44. System setup options—Performance menu  Performance Multi-Core Support Multiple Atom Cores Enables to change the number of Atom cores available to the operating system. The default value is set to the maximum number of cores.

  • Page 115: Updating The Bios

    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 about how to update the system BIOS, search in the Knowledge Base Resource at www.dell.com/support. Updating the BIOS using the USB drive in Windows Steps 1.

  • Page 116: Updating The Bios From The F12 One Time Boot Menu

    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.

  • Page 117: Assigning A System Setup Password

    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, when not locked and left unattended. NOTE: System and setup password feature is disabled. Assigning a System Setup password Prerequisites You can assign a new System or Admin Password only when the status is in Not Set.

  • Page 118: Clearing Cmos Settings

    Clearing BIOS (System Setup) and System passwords About this task To clear the system or BIOS passwords, contact Dell technical support as described at www.dell.com/contactdell. NOTE: For information about how to reset Windows or application passwords, see the documentation accompanying Windows...

  • Page 119: Chapter 10: Troubleshooting

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

  • Page 120: Dell Supportassist Pre-Boot System Performance Check Diagnostics

    About this task SupportAssist diagnostics (also known as system diagnostics) performs a complete check of your hardware. The Dell SupportAssist Pre-boot System Performance Check diagnostics is embedded with the BIOS and launched by the BIOS internally. The embedded system diagnostics provides options for particular devices or device groups allowing you to: ●...

  • Page 121: Lcd Power Rail Test (L-Bist)

    LCD Built-in Self-Test (BIST) Dell laptops have a built-in diagnostic tool that helps you determine if the screen abnormality you are experiencing is an inherent problem with the LCD (screen) of the Dell laptop or with the video card (GPU) and computer settings.

  • Page 122: System-Diagnostic Lights

    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. Your warranty does not cover damages due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell.

  • Page 123: Recovering 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.
  • Page 124 6. Install the battery. 7. Install the base cover. 8. Connect the power adapter to your computer. 9. Turn on your computer. NOTE: For more information about performing a hard reset, search in the Knowledge Base Resource at www.dell.com/ support.

  • Page 125: Chapter 11: Getting Help And Contacting Alienware

    Express Service Code. To view relevant support resources for documents. your Dell computer, enter the Service Tag or Express Service Code at www.dell.com/support. For more information about how to find the Service Tag for your...

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