Alienware Aurora R11 Service Manual

Removing the processor liquid-cooling assembly

Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer.
WARNING Despite having a plastic shield, the processor liquid-cooling assembly may be very hot during normal operation. Ensure that it had sufficient time to cool before you touch it.
CAUTION To ensure maximum cooling for the processor, do not touch the heat transfer areas on the processor liquid-cooling assembly. The oils in your skin can reduce the heat transfer capability of the thermal grease.
Remove the left-side cover.
Remove the top-cover.
Remove the right-side cover.
Remove the memory modules.

The following images indicate the location of the processor liquid-cooling assembly and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure.

Image: Lifting the power-supply unit cage

Image: Removing the processor liquid-cooling assembly

Lay the computer on the right side.
Press the releasing clip on the power-cable connectors and disconnect the power cables from the graphics card.
Slide the power-supply unit cage release latches to the unlock position.
Lift the power-supply unit cage.
Rotate the power-supply unit cage away from the chassis.
Loosen the three captive screws that secure the VR heat sink to the system board.
Remove the four screws (#6-32) that secure the radiator and fan assembly to the radiator and fan cage.
Lift the VR heat sink off the computer.
Disconnect the processor-cooling assembly cables from the system board.
In the reverse sequential order (as indicated on the processor cooler), loosen the four captive screws that secure the processor cooler to the system board.
NOTE If your are using an electric screwdriver, torque the screws at 6.9 +/-1.15 kilogram-force centimeter (6 +/-1 pound force inch).
Lift the processor-cooling assembly along with the cables off the computer.