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Alienware x14 R2 Service Manual

Installing the fan and heat-sink assembly

Prerequisites

If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation process.

About this task

NOTE:When installing this component, please refer to the techsheet bundled with the service kit. This is only applicable for computers with the following Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) configurations that have Element 31 grease is applied to the CPU or GPU.
  • NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080
NOTE:Thermal grease is already pre-applied to the new thermal assembly. DO NOT apply additional thermal grease.

The following image(s) indicate the location of the fan and heat-sink assembly and provides a visual representation of the installation procedure.

Image: Installing the fan and heat-sink assembly

Steps

  1. CAUTION:Do not use an alcohol wipe to clean the Element 31 thermal grease off the surface of the CPU or GPU, the alcohol solution from the wipes will dissolve the Element 31 grease into conductive metal particles. If these conductive metal particles come into contact with the surface of the system board, it will cause the an electrical short when your computer is powered on.
    Align and place the fan and heat-sink assembly on the system board.
  2. Align the screw holes on the fan and heat-sink assembly to the screw holes on the system board.
  3. In the sequential order (1>2>3>4>5>6), replace the six screws (M2x3) that secure the fan and heat-sink assembly to the system board.
  4. Turn the system-board assembly over.

Next steps

  1. Follow the procedure from step 5 to step 19 in Replacing the system board.
    NOTE:The system board can be removed and installed along with the heat sink. This simplifies the removal and installation procedure and avoids breaking the thermal bond between the system board and heat sink.
  2. Install the rear I/O-cover.
  3. Install the M.2 2230 solid-state drive or M.2 2280 solid-state drive, as applicable.
  4. Install the wireless card.
  5. Install the battery.
  6. Install the base cover.
  7. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer.

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