Alienware X51 R2 Repair

The Alienware X51 R2 is an updated version of the Alienware X51 desktop computer. The R2 was released in 2013 a year after its predecessor and features newer 4th-generation Intel Core processors. Internally, the X51 R2 is a traditional desktop computer, so many of the components can be replaced with off-the-shelf parts. The whole computer is enclosed in a relatively compact black case with the Alienware “alien logo” on the glossy front panel. Above this decorative piece, the front panel also holds a few USB ports and 3.5 mm audio jacks for easy accessibility along with a slot for loading a DVD or Blu-ray disc into the optical drive inside.

While the compact case is great for people with limited space, others online have noted that it can be an issue if you want to perform some upgrades. For example, the small size limits your ability to use a graphics card that is larger than the included Nvidia GeForce GTX 700 series card. Aside from this size issue, however, any PCIe x16 graphics card will work well in this machine. You can upgrade other components like the memory (up to 16 GB total in two memory slots) and the storage drives (there are two 2.5-inch drive bays inside and one 3.5-inch drive bay). Like other standard desktop computers, the processor in the X51 R2 sits in a socket and can be removed and replaced at any time. You can see a quick guide on how to replace a processor in this video, but make sure the new processor you use is compatible with both the CPU socket (LGA 1150) and the chipset on the motherboard (H87). Instructions for replacing a lot of the components in this computer can be found in the Alienware X51 service manual. This document is made for the newer X51 R3, but the instructions should be very similar between the two models.

You can identify this laptop by looking for its unique service tag and/or service code and entering it on the Dell support website. The service tag is located on the back of the case on top of a small lip in the metal. You can see a picture of this location in the X51 quick start guide.

Processor

• Intel Core i5-4430
• or Intel Core i7-4770
• CPU socket: LGA1150

Chipset

• Intel H87 chipset

Memory

• From 4 GB to 16 GB of total memory
• Two DIMM slots
• Accepts DDR3 at 1600 MHz

Storage

• 5.25-inch drive bay
  • Populated from the factory with a Blu-ray disc reader or DVD-RW drive
  • Disc loading slot on the front of the case
• 3.5-inch drive bay
  • SATA interface
• Two 2.5-inch drive bays
  • SATA interfaces

Graphics

• Intel integrated graphics
• Dedicated graphics card
  • Nvidia GeForce GTX 700 series
  • Uses a PCIe x16 slot internally

Connections

• Front panel
  • Two USB 3.0 ports
  • 3.5 mm headphone jack
  • 3.5 mm microphone jack
• Back panel
  • Two USB 2.0 ports
  • Four USB 3.0 ports
  • HDMI port (for integrated graphics)
  • Ethernet port
  • Five 3.5 mm audio outputs (with standard colors)
  • 3.5 mm microphone input
  • Optical S/PDIF output (TOSLINK)
  • Coaxial S/PDIF output

Wireless

• 802.11n Wi-Fi

Alienware desktops on Wikipedia

Alienware X51 R2 official product support

Alienware X51 R2 specifications

Alienware X51 R2 owner’s manual

Generic Alienware X51 service manual (instructions for disassembly)

Alienware X51 R2 review by PC Mag