15 R3, Fan Replacement and Misc Questions

Question

So I have a busted fan and need to know the proper reference orientation to order the correct part. I'm not sure it that would be to reference the 'left fan' if the lid was open and screen facing the user (as if you would be using it) or if that would be if it was upside down with the back panel off (as if you were working on the internals). Additionally can anyone tell me about how much it might cost to have someone replace that for me? Ive never done more than open the back panel to do some light cleaning and I don't want to get ripped off. Same for if I got them do repaste for me.   Thanks!

ejn63 · Accepted Answer

The left hand fan is the CPU fan. The right-hand one is the GPU fan. This is with the system inverted and the battery facing you.

Service manual:

https://www.dell.com/support/home/en-us/product-support/product/alienware-15-laptop/docs

Just about any computer shop can do a replacement/cleanup for whatever an hour's labor costs in your are. This will vary from place to place.

Odysseus17 · Answer

Thank you

A51-06 · Answer

You might need to use your nails or a rubber prying tool to open the palm rest area to get access to the back side of the motherboard. Good Job @ejn63 ejn63.

Shiroikamui · Answer

I would just order the fan from Dell, shouldn't be too expensive. You can actually replace the R3 fans rather easily, without even moving the HS, if you have experience with opening laptops! (Just be careful with the WiFi card antennas' plugs).

Just email them with your service tag and what you want they should send you an offer.

Shiroikamui · Answer

@Alienware Area-51 ALX 2006 even though the plugs are underneath, they are right by the edges. With a bit of careful wriggling, you can unplug and plug them back in without much effort.

A51-06 · Answer

Actually to remove the fans I’m guessing you have to remove the heatsink because the cabling is wired underneath of the heatsink to the other side.

A51-06 · Answer

I never knew!

Alienware

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