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Processor

Alienware Aurora Service Manual

  Removing the Processor

  Replacing the Processor


WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer. For additional safety best practices information, see the Regulatory Compliance Homepage at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.
WARNING: Do not operate your computer with any cover(s) (including computer panels, bezels, filler brackets, etc.) removed.
WARNING: To guard against likelihood of electric shock, laceration by moving fan blades, or other unexpected injuries, always unplug your computer from the electrical outlet before removing the side panel(s).
CAUTION: Only a certified service technician should perform repairs on your computer. Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by your warranty.
CAUTION: To avoid electrostatic discharge, ground yourself by using a wrist grounding strap or by periodically touching an unpainted metal surface (such as a connector on your computer).

Removing the Processor

  1. Follow the instructions in Before You Begin.

  2. Remove the left side-panel (see Removing the Left Side-Panel).

WARNING: Despite having a plastic shield, the processor liquid-cooling assembly may be very hot during normal operation. Ensure that it has had sufficient time to cool before you touch it.
  1. Remove the processor liquid-cooling assembly (see Removing the Processor Liquid-Cooling Assembly).

  2. Press and push the release lever down and out and release it from the tab that secures it.

1

processor

2

center-cover latch

3

tab

4

release lever

5

processor cover

CAUTION: When removing the processor, do not touch any of the pins inside the socket or allow any objects to fall on the pins in the socket.
  1. Open the processor cover and gently lift the processor to remove it from the socket.

  2. Leave the release lever extended in the release position so that the socket is ready for the new processor.

1

socket

2

processor


Replacing the Processor

CAUTION: When replacing the processor, do not touch any of the pins inside the socket or allow any objects to fall on the pins in the socket.
CAUTION: Ground yourself by touching an unpainted metal surface on the back of the computer.
  1. Follow the instructions in Before You Begin.

  2. Unpack the new processor. Ensure that you do not to touch the underside of the processor.

CAUTION: You must position the processor correctly in the socket to avoid permanent damage to the processor and the computer when you turn on the computer.
  1. Extend the release lever on the processor socket if it is not fully extended.

CAUTION: Socket pins are delicate. To avoid damage, ensure that the processor is aligned properly with the socket, and do not use excessive force when you replace the processor. Be careful not to touch or bend the pins on the system board.
  1. Align the pin-1 corners of the processor and socket.

  2. Set the processor lightly in the socket and ensure that the processor is positioned correctly.

1

processor pin-1 indicator

2

socket

3

processor

  1. When the processor is fully seated in the socket, close the processor cover. Ensure that the processor cover is positioned underneath the center-cover latch on the system board.

  2. Pivot the release lever back towards the socket, and snap it into place to secure the processor.

1

processor

2

center-cover latch

3

processor cover

4

release lever

  1. Clean the thermal grease from the bottom of the processor liquid-cooling assembly.

CAUTION: Ensure that you apply new thermal grease. New thermal grease is critical for ensuring adequate thermal bonding, which is a requirement for optimal processor operation.
  1. Apply the new thermal grease to the top of the processor.

  2. Replace the processor liquid-cooling assembly (see Replacing the Processor Liquid-Cooling Assembly).

CAUTION: Ensure that the processor liquid-cooling assembly is correctly seated and secured.
  1. Replace the left side-panel (see Replacing the Left Side-Panel).

CAUTION: Before turning on the computer, replace all screws and ensure that no stray screws remain inside the computer. Failure to do so may result in damage to the computer.
  1. Connect your computer and all attached devices to electrical outlets, and then turn them on.


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