Alienware x14 Service Manual

Removing the system board

About this task

NOTE:When removing this component, see the tech sheet that is bundled with the service kit. This is only applicable for computers with the following Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) configurations that have Element 31 grease applied to the CPU.

• NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060

The following image indicates the connectors on your system board.

1. I/O-board cable
2. Display cable
3. Headset port cable
4. Left-fan cable
5. Power-button cable
6. Wireless-card slot
7. Speaker cable
8. Battery cable
9. Keyboard-controller board cable
10. Solid-state drive slot
11. Right-fan cable

The following image(s) indicate the location of the system board and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure.

1. Remove the two screws (M1.6x1.8) that secure the display-cable bracket to the system board.
2. Disconnect the display cable from the system board.
3. Lift the Mylar to access the I/O-board cable.
   NOTE:The I/O-board connector is covered by the Mylar. In order to disconnect the I/O-board cable, the Mylar must be lifted to access the connector.
4. Open the latch and disconnect the I/O-board cable from the system board.
5. Open the latch and disconnect the headset-port cable from the system board.
6. Peel the headset-port cable from the system board.
7. Open the latch and disconnect the power-button cable from the system board.
8. Using the plastic scribe, disconnect the speaker cable from the system board.
9. Open the latch and disconnect the keyboard-controller board-cable from the system board.
10. Remove the nine screws (M2x4) that secure the system-board assembly to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.
11. Route the headset-port cable through the gap between the system board and the left fan.
    NOTE:When lifting the system-board assembly from the palm-rest and keyboard assembly, grab and lift the system-board assembly holding the heat sink on both sides carefully, by routing the headset-port cable from the gap between the system board and the left fan.
12. Lift the system-board assembly off the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.
13. Turn the system-board assembly over and place it on a clean and flat surface.
14. Remove the screw (M2x4) that secures the USB Type-C port bracket to the system board.
15. Lift the two USB Type-C port brackets off the system board.
    NOTE:The USB Type-C port brackets must be transferred to the system board that will be replaced.
16. Remove the fan and heat-sink assembly.
17. Turn the system board over.
18. After performing all the above steps, you are left with the system board.
    CAUTION:Do not use alcohol wipes to clean the Element 31 thermal grease from the processor chip which is surrounded by the processor barrier sheet. The alcohol solution from the wipes dissolves the Element 31 thermal grease into conductive metal particles. If these conductive metal particles come into contact with the surface of the system board, it causes an electrical short when the computer is turned on.

    NOTE:Before returning the faulty system board. Adhere the processor (CPU) sticker over the processor (CPU) chip and ensure that it covers the entire surface of it.