We repair the Alienware 15 R4 at our workshop in Bermondsey, from cracked screens and worn batteries to board faults and data recovery. It is a 15.6-inch gaming laptop from 2018. Both the drive and, on most configurations, the memory can be upgraded, which makes it a good candidate for a refresh.
- Model number
- 15 R4
- Released
- 2018
- Type
- Gaming laptop
- Screen
- 15.6-inch
- Storage
- M.2 SSD, two slots on most configurations
- Memory
- SODIMM slots
Repairs we carry out on the Alienware 15 R4
Screen replacement
The 15.6-inch panel is matched to the original by part number, including refresh rate and connector type, so games run as they did before.
Price confirmed before work starts
Graphics repair
The graphics chip is soldered to the board. Artefacts, crashes under load and a black screen with the fans running are diagnosed to the chip, its memory or its power stage, and repaired at board level where it is economical.
Windows repair and reinstall
The Alienware 15 R4 meets Microsoft’s Windows 11 requirements in most configurations. We upgrade from Windows 10, which reached end of support in October 2025, or reinstall Windows 11 cleanly with your files kept.
Battery replacement
We replace the internal battery and check the charging circuit and adapter at the same time. At this age, short runtime and sudden shutdowns usually point to a worn battery and not a board fault.
Price confirmed before work starts
Charging port and power repair
We replace worn charging sockets and repair USB-C ports and charging circuits at component level. The adapter is tested first, because it is the cheapest thing to be wrong.
Overheating and fan repair
We strip the cooling system, clean the fans and heatsink fins and renew the thermal compound and pads. We check temperatures under load afterwards.
SSD and storage upgrade
Most configurations of the Alienware 15 R4 have two M.2 slots, so a second SSD can be added, or the existing one cloned to a larger drive.
Price confirmed before work starts
Memory upgrade
Most configurations of the Alienware 15 R4 have SODIMM memory slots, so memory can be increased. We check what is fitted and the maximum the board supports.
We also carry out keyboard and trackpad repair, motherboard repair, liquid damage repair, hinge and casing repair, virus removal on the Alienware 15 R4, along with USB, HDMI and audio port repair, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth card replacement, webcam and speaker faults, BIOS password removal with proof of ownership and data transfer to a new machine.
Notes from the workshop
- The graphics chip is soldered to the motherboard, so graphics faults are board-level repairs.
- Several m15, m17 and x-series generations have soldered memory, so check before buying an upgrade.
- Alienware laptops run at high temperatures by design. Thermal compound dries out and a full thermal service makes a measurable difference.
Data recovery from the Alienware 15 R4
The SSD in the Alienware 15 R4 can be removed and imaged on our own equipment, so files can usually be recovered even when the machine will not start.
Estimate the cost with our data recovery calculator, or read about recovering files after a ransomware attack.
Where the Alienware 15 R4 sits in the range
Its nearest relatives in the Alienware laptops range are the older Alienware 15 R2 (2016) and the newer Alienware m15 R2 (2019). Memory differs: SODIMM slots on the Alienware 15 R4, soldered on the Alienware m15 R2.
Questions
Can the SSD or memory in the Alienware 15 R4 be upgraded?
The SSD can be replaced, and most configurations have a second M.2 slot. Memory is in slots on most configurations and can be increased.
My Alienware 15 R4 will not turn on. Is my data lost?
Usually not. The drive is separate from the fault in most cases, and we can remove it and copy your files even if the machine itself is not worth repairing.
How do I get my Alienware 15 R4 to you?
Bring it to our workshop at Unit 1 The Willows, 80 Willow Walk, London SE1 5SY, or call 020 7237 6805 to ask about courier collection. We confirm the price before any work starts.
Why does my Alienware 15 R4 overheat or slow down in games?
Usually dust in the heatsinks and thermal compound that has dried out. A thermal service fixes it in most cases. If temperatures are normal and it still slows down, we test the graphics chip and power delivery.