Alienware Area-51 ALX, Service Manual

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Before Working Inside Your Computer
CAUTION: To avoid damaging the components and cards, handle them by their edges and avoid touching pins and
contacts.
NOTE: The images in this document may differ from your computer depending on the configuration you ordered.
Before You Begin
1. Save and close all open files and exit all open applications.
2. Shut down your computer.
• Windows 8.1: On the Start screen, click or tap the power icon > Shut down.
• Windows 7: Click or tap Start > Shut down.
NOTE: If you are using a different operating system, see the documentation of your operating system for shut-down
instructions.
3. Disconnect your computer and all attached devices from their electrical outlets.
4. Disconnect all cables such as telephone cables, network cables and so on, from your computer.
5. Disconnect all attached devices and peripherals, such as keyboard, mouse, monitor, and so on, from your computer.
6. Remove any media card and optical disc from your computer, if applicable.
7. After the computer is unplugged, press and hold the power button for 5 seconds to ground the system board.
Safety Instructions
Use the following safety guidelines to protect your computer from potential damage and ensure your personal safety.
NOTE: 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 dell.com/regulatory_compliance.
NOTE: Disconnect all power sources before opening the computer cover or panels. After you finish working inside the
computer, replace all covers, panels, and screws before connecting to the power source.
CAUTION: To avoid damaging the computer, make sure that the work surface is flat and clean.
CAUTION: To avoid damaging the components and cards, handle them by their edges and avoid touching pins and
contacts.
CAUTION: Only a certified service technician is authorized to remove the computer cover and access any of the
components inside the computer. See the safety instructions for complete information about safety precautions, working
inside your computer, and protecting against electrostatic discharge.
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, make sure
that the ports and connectors are correctly oriented and aligned.
CAUTION: To disconnect a network cable, first unplug the cable from your computer and then unplug the cable from the
network device.
CAUTION: Press and eject any installed card from the media-card reader.
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