How to open Alienware 16X Aurora (AC16251) – disassembly and upgrade options

LaptopMedia.com Guides How to open Alienware 16X Aurora (AC16251) – disassembly and upgrade options

From: Dimitar Stalev 23 January 2026 / 15:18 0

#CommissionsEarned

Alienware 16X Aurora

Processor: Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX
VideoCard: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 (Laptop, 8GB GDDR7)
RAM: 32GB RAM
STORAGE: 2000GB SSD

Detailed review

$2249^.00

Alienware 16X Aurora

Processor: Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX
VideoCard: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 (Laptop, 8GB GDDR7)
RAM: 64GB RAM
STORAGE: 4000GB SSD

Detailed review

$2549^.00

Alienware 16X Aurora

Processor: Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX
VideoCard: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 (Laptop, 8GB GDDR7)
RAM: 32GB RAM
STORAGE: 2000GB SSD

Detailed review

$2987^.99

View all results

Before you start: Shut the laptop down completely, unplug the charger and peripherals, and hold the power button for a few seconds to discharge residual power. Work on a clean surface and use ESD protection if available.

Opening the bottom panel

Remove the eight bottom screws. Two are captive and can help lift the panel slightly to create a starting gap.
Use a thin plastic pick to release the perimeter clips. Start near the area where the panel naturally lifts.
Important: Insert the tool shallowly. Some entry points sit close to the cooling radiators, and pushing too far can bend the fins.
Work around the sides and front, then finish near the hinge edge, and lift the cover away.

Battery and safety

Disconnect the battery connector before touching any other components.
The connector is typically protected by tape and includes a small locking mechanism—make sure it is re-locked during reassembly.
The laptop uses a large 6-cell, 96 Wh battery secured with multiple screws. Once the screws are removed, the pack lifts out without needing to remove other major assemblies.

Storage upgrade

Storage is handled by two M.2 2230 slots.
The primary SSD sits under an EMI/RFI shield with an integrated thermal pad—reinstall the shield and pad exactly as found to maintain proper heat transfer.
The second M.2 slot is also accessible, but note the physical limitation: this chassis is designed for 2230 drives, not the more common 2280 format.
To swap a drive, remove the shield (if present), undo the retention screw, slide the SSD out, insert the replacement at an angle, then secure it and reinstall the thermal interface.

Hint: Consider reviewing our Top M.2 SSDs Performance Rankings to select the best storage solution for your needs.

You can buy M.2 2230 Gen4 SSDs here: Buy from Amazon.com (#CommissionsEarned)

Memory upgrade

Memory is upgradeable via two DDR5 SO-DIMM slots rated at up to 5600 MT/s.
Dell/Alienware’s official maximum configuration is 64 GB for this platform, and the modules are standard removable sticks.
For best results, use a matched pair to maintain dual-channel operation and stick to standard-height modules to avoid clearance issues with shields.

Wireless card

The Wi-Fi card is replaceable; our unit uses a MediaTek MT7925B22M module in an M.2 socket.
It is usually covered by a protective film and uses the standard two-antenna-lead setup.
To replace it, lift the antenna leads straight up, remove the retaining screw, swap the card, then press the antennas back down until they click.

Cooling system and maintenance

Cooling relies on a dual-fan design with heatsinks on both sides, positioned close to the chassis openings.
Routine dust cleaning is straightforward once the bottom cover is removed; hold fan blades still while using compressed air to avoid overspin.
Fan replacement is typically a screw-and-connector job, while deeper work (repaste / full thermal module removal) is more involved and should be done only with the correct thermal materials and procedure.

Reassembly checklist

Confirm SSD shields and thermal pads are reinstalled with full contact.
Confirm both SO-DIMMs are fully seated and latched.
Confirm Wi-Fi antennas are snapped on and routed away from fan blades.
Reconnect and lock the battery connector, then reapply any protective tape/film as originally placed.
Press the bottom cover around the perimeter until all clips engage, then tighten the screws evenly.

Summary: The Alienware 16X Aurora (AC16251) is enthusiast-friendly: it combines a screw-mounted 96 Wh battery with upgradeable DDR5 SO-DIMM memory, two M.2 2230 SSD bays, and a replaceable Wi-Fi module, making routine maintenance and common upgrades relatively straightforward.

Alienware 16X Aurora (AC16251) in-depth review

The Alienware 16X Aurora (AC16251) arrives with the confidence of a premium contender, flaunting a sleek aluminium and magnesium chassis that feels every bit as expensive as it looks. It promises a top-tier experience with a stunning 240Hz QHD+ display and powerful internals designed to crush modern games. But as we dug deeper into our testing, a stark contrast emerged. While the exterior is cool and composed, the internal reality is a different story entirely. This is a laptop of extreme highs and lows, where exceptional build quality and display performance clash with thermal management [...]

Read the full review