Instruction/ maintenance manual of the product Area-51 ALX Dell
Go to page of 72
01 01 / A L IENW ARE ® DESKTOP MANU AL.
02 02 / e contents herein are subject to change without notice. © 2009 Dell Inc. Al l rights reserved. Reproduction of these materials in any manner whatsoever without the prior written permission of Dell Inc.
03 03 / CONTENTS INTRODUCTION ........................................................ 5 CHAPTER 1: SETTING UP YOUR DESKTOP ................................ 6 Before Setting Up Y our Desktop ................................... 7 Connect the Display ..
04 04 / CHAPTER 7: SYSTEM RECOVERY ....................................... 58 AlienRespawn v2.0 ............................................... 59 Recovery Options ................................................ 60 Password Protection ...............
INTRODUCTION 05 05 / Dear V alued Alienware Customer , Welcome to the Alienware family . We are thrilled to include you among the growing number of savvy high-per formance computer users.
CHAPTER 1: SETTING UP YOUR DESKTOP 06 06 / CHAPTER 1: SETTING UP YOUR DESKTOP CHAPTER 1: SET TING UP YOUR DESKTOP.
07 07 / CHAPTER 1: SETTING UP YOUR DESKTOP Product Documentation and Media e documentation that ships with your Alienware ® desktop is designed to provide answers to many of the questions that may arise as y ou explore y our new desktop’ s capabilities.
08 08 / CHAPTER 1: SETTING UP YOUR DESKTOP Connection T ype Computer Cable Display DVI-to-DVI (DVI cable) DVI-to-VGA (DVI-to-VGA adapter + VGA cable) HDMI-to-HDMI (HDMI cable) HDMI-to-DVI (HDMI-to-DVI.
09 09 / CHAPTER 1: SETTING UP YOUR DESKTOP Connect the Network Cable (Optional) Connect the Keyboard and Mouse.
010 010 / CHAPTER 1: SETTING UP YOUR DESKTOP Press the Power Button Press the power button on the top of the computer . Connect the Power Cable W ARNING: e power connectors and power strips var y among countries.
01 1 011 / CHAPTER 1: SETTING UP YOUR DESKTOP Setting Up a Wireless Connection NOTE: T o set up y our wireless router , see the documentation that shipped with y our router . Before you can use your wireless Internet connection, y ou need to connect to your wireless router .
012 012 / CHAPTER 1: SETTING UP YOUR DESKTOP Windows ® 7 Click 1. Start → Control Panel . Click 2. Network and Internet → Network and Sharing Center → Set up a connection or Network → Connect to the Internet . e Connect to the Internet window appears.
013 013 / CHAPTER 2: GETTING TO KNOW YOUR DESKTOP is chapter pro vides information about y our new desktop to familiarize y ou with its various features, and to get y ou up and running quickly.
014 014 / CHAPTER 2: GETTING TO KNOW YOUR DESKTOP 1 Power button — T urns the computer on or o when pressed. is button illuminates indicating that the computer is turned on. e color of the button rim indicates the power status. O • — the computer is either turned o, in hibernate mode, or is not receiving power .
015 015 / CHAPTER 2: GETTING TO KNOW YOUR DESKTOP 1 Security lock slot — Attaches a commercially available security cable to the computer . NOTE: Before y ou buy a security cable, ensure that it works with the security lock slot on y our computer . 2 Back panel connectors — Connects USB, audio, and other devices into the appropriate connectors.
016 016 / CHAPTER 2: GETTING TO KNOW YOUR DESKTOP 1 PS/2 Keyboard connector — Connects to a standard PS/2 keyboard. 2 Optical S/PDIF connector — Connects to ampliers, speakers, or TVs for digital audio output through optical digital cables. is format carries an audio signal without going through an analog audio conversion process.
017 017 / CHAPTER 2: GETTING TO KNOW YOUR DESKTOP T op View Features Accessing the T op Panel Connectors Press the top panel downwards to access the top panel connectors. 1 1 T op panel Back Light Button Press the back light button to turn on the light to view the back panel connectors.
018 018 / CHAPTER 2: GETTING TO KNOW YOUR DESKTOP T op Panel Connectors 1 2 3 4 5 1 USB 2.0 connectors (3) — Connects to USB devices, such as a mouse, keyboard, printer , external drive, or MP3 player . 2 eSA T A connector — Connects to eSA T A compatible storage devices such as external hard drives or optical drives.
019 019 / CHAPTER 3: CONNECTING DEVICES is chapter provides information about connecting optional devices to y our desktop to enhance y our audio, video, and digital experience.
020 020 / CHAPTER 3: CONNECTING DEVICES Connecting External Speakers Y our Alienware desktop has ve integrated audio out connectors and one audio in connector .
021 021 / CHAPTER 3: CONNECTING DEVICES Connecting Printers Connecting a Plug and Play Printer If your printer suppor ts plug and play , y our operating system wil l detect it and attempt to instal l the printer automatically . In some cases, W indows may require a driver for the printer .
022 022 / CHAPTER 3: CONNECTING DEVICES Connecting a Non Plug and Play Printer Windows V ista ® Click 1. Start → Control Panel. Click 2. Hardware and Sound → Add a printer . Follow the instructions on the screen. 3. Windows ® 7 Click 1. Start → Control Panel.
023 023 / CHAPTER 4: USING YOUR DESKT OP CHAPTER 4: USING YOUR DESKTOP CHAPTER 4: USING YOUR DESKT OP.
024 024 / CHAPTER 4: USING YOUR DESKT OP ermal Controls ermal Controls lets you control the thermal and venting capabilities of your computer by changing the fan speed and behavior of the vents present on the top of y our computer .
025 025 / CHAPTER 4: USING YOUR DESKT OP RAID Level 0 CAUTION: RAID level 0 provides no redundancy . erefore, a failure of one drive results in the loss of all data. Per form regular backups to protect y our data. RAID level 0 uses data striping to provide a high data access rate.
026 026 / CHAPTER 4: USING YOUR DESKT OP RAID Level 10 RAID 10, a combination of RAID 1 and RAID 0, uses disk striping across mirrored disks. It provides high data throughput and complete data redundancy . RAID 10 can support up to eight spans, and up to 32 physical disks per span.
027 027 / CHAPTER 4: USING YOUR DESKT OP For computers with the Intel ® Core™i7 Extreme Edition processor , the BIOS has preset overclocking levels that allow you to easily ov erclock y our computer .
028 028 / CHAPTER 4: USING YOUR DESKT OP Conguring the BIOS System Setup e System Setup options allow you to: Change the system conguration information af ter y ou add, change, or • remove any hardware in y our desktop. Set or change a user-selectable option.
029 029 / CHAPTER 4: USING YOUR DESKT OP System Setup Options NOTE: e items listed in this section may or may not appear exactly as listed depending on y our computer model and instal led devices. NOTE: For the updated system setup information, see the Service Manual at support.
030 030 / CHAPTER 4: USING YOUR DESKT OP Standard CMOS Features System Time (hh:mm:ss) Displays the current time. System Date (mm:dd:yy) Displays the current date. SATA 1 Displays the SA T A 1 drive integrated in your computer . SATA 2 Displays the SA T A 2 drive integrated in your computer .
031 031 / CHAPTER 4: USING YOUR DESKT OP CPU Conguration XD Bit Capability Enable XD Bit Capability to allow the processor to distinguish between the bits of code that can be executed and the ones that cannot be executed.
032 032 / CHAPTER 4: USING YOUR DESKT OP Power Management Setup Suspend Mode Sets the energy-saving mode of the ACPI function. AC Recovery Sets what action the computer takes when power is restored. Remote Wakeup Sets the system to wake up from an onboard LAN, PCIE-X1 LAN card, or a PCI LAN card.
033 033 / CHAPTER 4: USING YOUR DESKT OP Advance DRAM Conguration Submenu Memory-Z Opens submenu to display the SPD conguration for each memory module. Advanced Memory Settings Allows you to toggle to Manual mode and set all of the timing parameters.
034 034 / CHAPTER 4: USING YOUR DESKT OP Overvoltage Conguration Submenu CPU Temperature Sensor Displays the processor temperature in Celsius and Fahrenheit. VCore Displays processor Core voltage. Dynamic CPU VCore Offset Processor Core V oltage Oset.
035 035 / CHAPTER 5: INST ALLING ADDITIONAL OR REPLACEMENT COMPONENTS is chapter provides guidelines and instructions for increasing the processing power and storage space by upgrading equipment. Y ou can purchase components for y our desktop at www.
036 036 / CHAPTER 5: INST ALLING ADDITIONAL OR REPLACEMENT COMPONENTS Before Y ou Begin is section provides procedures for removing and instal ling the components in y our desktop.
037 037 / CHAPTER 5: INST ALLING ADDITIONAL OR REPLACEMENT COMPONENTS T o avoid damaging the desktop, perform the fol lowing steps before you begin working inside the desktop. Ensure that the work sur face is at and clean to prevent the desktop co ver 1.
038 038 / CHAPTER 5: INST ALLING ADDITIONAL OR REPLACEMENT COMPONENTS Opening and Closing the Side Panel CAUTION: Before opening the side panel, disconnect the power cable from y our desktop. Follow the instructions in “Before Y ou Begin” on page 1.
039 039 / CHAPTER 5: INST ALLING ADDITIONAL OR REPLACEMENT COMPONENTS Inside V iew of Y our Computer 1 2 1 memory module connectors (3) 2 expansion card slots (6).
040 040 / CHAPTER 5: INST ALLING ADDITIONAL OR REPLACEMENT COMPONENTS T o replace memor y module(s): Align the notch on the bottom of the memory module with the tab on the 1.
041 041 / CHAPTER 5: INST ALLING ADDITIONAL OR REPLACEMENT COMPONENTS As the computer boots, it detects the additional memor y and automatically updates the system conguration information. T o conrm the amount of memor y installed in the computer: Windows V ista ® Click Start → Control Pane l → System and Maintenance .
042 042 / CHAPTER 5: INST ALLING ADDITIONAL OR REPLACEMENT COMPONENTS Press the two release tabs together and slide the hard drive towards the top 3. and out of the computer . 1 2 1 release tabs (2) 2 hard drive Removing and Replacing Hard Drive(s) Follow the instructions in “Before Y ou Begin” on page 1.
043 043 / CHAPTER 5: INST ALLING ADDITIONAL OR REPLACEMENT COMPONENTS T o replace a hard drive: See the documentation that shipped with y our new hard drive to verify that 1. it is congured for y our computer . Slide the new hard drive into the hard drive bay and press it down until the 2.
044 044 / CHAPTER 5: INST ALLING ADDITIONAL OR REPLACEMENT COMPONENTS Removing and Replacing Expansion Card(s) Follow the instructions in “Before Y ou Begin” on page 1. 36 . Open the side panel (see “Opening and Closing the Side Panel“ on page 2.
045 045 / CHAPTER 5: INST ALLING ADDITIONAL OR REPLACEMENT COMPONENTS 2 3 1 1 PCI Express x16 card 3 PCI Express x16 connector 2 retention mechanism NOTE: If y ou are not replacing a card, instal l a ller bracket in the empty card-slot opening. T o replace a card: Remove the ller bracket to create a card-slot opening (if applicable).
046 046 / CHAPTER 6: TROUBLESHOOTING CHAPTER 6: TROUBLESHOOTING CHAPTER 6: TROUBLESHOOTING.
047 047 / CHAPTER 6: TROUBLESHOOTING When troubleshooting your computer, remember the following safety guidelines: Before touching any of the computer’ s internal components, touch an • unpainted portion of the chassis. Doing so wil l safely discharge any static electricity , which could damage y our computer .
048 048 / CHAPTER 6: TROUBLESHOOTING If the Pre-boot System Assessment completes successfully , the fol lowing message will appear on your screen . “Do you want to run the remaining memory tests? This will take about 30 minutes or more. Do you want to continue? (Recommended).
049 049 / CHAPTER 6: TROUBLESHOOTING NOTE: e next steps change the boot sequence for one time only . On the next star t-up, the computer boots according to the devices specied in the system setup program. When the boot device list appears, highlight 3.
050 050 / CHAPTER 6: TROUBLESHOOTING Answers to Common Problems CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, CD-R/W, DVD±R/W, or Blu-ray Disc™ Drive e computer does not recognize the disc or drive Check to see if the disc is properly inserted into the drive with the label • facing up.
051 051 / CHAPTER 6: TROUBLESHOOTING e computer stops responding or a solid blue screen appears W ARNING: Y ou might lose data if y ou are unable to perform an operating system shutdown.
052 052 / CHAPTER 6: TROUBLESHOOTING Save and close any open les or programs and shut down your computer through the Start menu. Scan the computer for sp yware: If you are experiencing slow compute.
053 053 / CHAPTER 6: TROUBLESHOOTING Internet Cannot browse the Internet or the Unable to locate host error message appears Check if y ou are connected to the Internet. • Check if the web address typed into the address bar is correct. T ry a dierent • web address, or URL.
054 054 / CHAPTER 6: TROUBLESHOOTING Memory Memory errors detected on start up Check memory modules for correct seating and orientation. Reseat the • memory modules if applicable. For more information, see “Removing and Replacing Memory” on page 4 0.
055 055 / CHAPTER 6: TROUBLESHOOTING Display If the display is blank e computer may be in a power saving mode: Press a key on the keyboard or press the power button to resume normal operation. T est the electrical outlet: Ensure that the electrical outlet is working b y testing it with another device, such as a lamp.
056 056 / CHAPTER 6: TROUBLESHOOTING Power When you press the power button, the computer does not turn on If the computer is connected to a surge protector or UPS, make sure that • the surge protector or UPS is securely connected to an electrical outlet, is switched on and is working correctly .
057 057 / CHAPTER 6: TROUBLESHOOTING Speakers ere is no sound from the speakers Ensure that subwoofer and the speakers are turned on: See the documentation that shipped with y our speakers. If your speakers have volume controls, adjust the volume, bass, or treble to eliminate distortion.
058 058 / CHAPTER 7: SYSTEM RECOVER Y Y our computer ships with the following media: Recovery CD or DVD • — Contains operating system installation media. Support CD or DVD • — Contains drivers for y our computer . Y ou can also download the latest drivers and software for your computer from support.
059 059 / CHAPTER 7: SYSTEM RECOVER Y AlienRespawn v2.0 NOTE: Back up al l data before initiating a system recovery . Backup functionality is included in AlienRespawn™ v2.0, but as a precaution it is recommended to backup critical les onto an external media before initiating recovery .
060 060 / CHAPTER 7: SYSTEM RECOVER Y Advanced Recovery is method completely reformats y our hard drive and return y our computer to its original factor y conguration resolving al l sof tware or conguration issues. is option is best for most sof tware related issues.
061 061 / CHAPTER 7: SYSTEM RECOVER Y Password Protection Since AlienRespawn v2.0 has the ability to reformat your hard drive and can be accessed without entering Windows, the password-protection functionality has been included for y our security .
062 062 / CHAPTER 7: SYSTEM RECOVER Y Del l DataSafe Local Backup Dell DataSafe Local Backup is a backup and recovery application that can restore y our computer if you lose data due to a virus attack, accidental ly delete critical les or folders, or if the hard drive crashes.
063 063 / CHAPTER 7: SYSTEM RECOVER Y T o restore data: T urn o your computer . 1. Disconnect all the devices connected to the computer (such as USB drive, 2. printer , etc.) and remove any recently added internal hardware. NOTE: Do not disconnect the monitor , keyboard, mouse, and the power cable.
064 064 / CHAPTER 8: BASIC SPECIFICA TIONS is chapter provides the basic specications of y our desktop. For more detailed specications, see the Comprehensive Specications at support.
065 065 / CHAPTER 8: BASIC SPECIFICA TIONS Computer Model Alienware Area-51 Dimensions Width 249 mm (9.8 inches) Depth 635 mm (25 inches) Height 557.6 mm (22 inches) (with top vents closed) 595.5 mm (23.4 inches) (with top vents open) 15.4 mm (0.6 inches) (added height with the rear foot deplo yed) Weight (starting at) 31.
066 066 / CHAPTER 8: BASIC SPECIFICA TIONS T op Panel Connectors IEEE 1394 one 6-pin serial connector USB three 4-pin USB 2.0-compliant connectors Audio stereo headphone and microphone connectors eSA .
067 067 / CHAPTER 8: BASIC SPECIFICA TIONS Computer Environment Maximum shock (measured with hard drive in head-parked position and a 2-ms half-sine pulse): Operating 40G for 2 ms with a change in velocity of 20 in/s (51 cm/s) Non- Operating 50G for 26 ms with a change in velocity of 320 in/s (813 cm/s) Altitude (maximum): Operating –15.
068 068 / APPENDIX A: GENERAL AND ELECTRICAL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS Computer Use Route the power cable and all cables away from where people might walk or • trip over them. Do not allow anything to rest on the power cable. Do not spill anything on or into your computer .
069 069 / APPENDIX A: GENERAL AND ELECTRICAL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS When Should Y ou Contact Alienware? e, power cable or connector is damaged. • Y our computer has had liquid spilled into it.
070 070 / APPENDIX B: CONT ACTING ALIENW ARE Websites Y ou can learn about Alienware products and services on the fol lowing websites: www .dell.com • www .dell.com/ap • (Asian/Pacic countries only) www .dell.com/jp • (Japan only) www .euro.dell.
071 071 / APPENDIX C: IMPORT ANT INFORMA TION APPENDIX C: IMPORT ANT INFORMA TION NVIDIA GeForce GTX 295 Graphics Cards When y ou utilize dual NVIDIA GeForce GTX 295 graphics cards in a Quad SLI • conguration, HDMI output is not supported.
Printed in China. Printed on recycled paper . 0 K 8 3 0 R A 0 0.
An important point after buying a device Dell Area-51 ALX (or even before the purchase) is to read its user manual. We should do this for several simple reasons:
If you have not bought Dell Area-51 ALX yet, this is a good time to familiarize yourself with the basic data on the product. First of all view first pages of the manual, you can find above. You should find there the most important technical data Dell Area-51 ALX - thus you can check whether the hardware meets your expectations. When delving into next pages of the user manual, Dell Area-51 ALX you will learn all the available features of the product, as well as information on its operation. The information that you get Dell Area-51 ALX will certainly help you make a decision on the purchase.
If you already are a holder of Dell Area-51 ALX, but have not read the manual yet, you should do it for the reasons described above. You will learn then if you properly used the available features, and whether you have not made any mistakes, which can shorten the lifetime Dell Area-51 ALX.
However, one of the most important roles played by the user manual is to help in solving problems with Dell Area-51 ALX. Almost always you will find there Troubleshooting, which are the most frequently occurring failures and malfunctions of the device Dell Area-51 ALX along with tips on how to solve them. Even if you fail to solve the problem, the manual will show you a further procedure – contact to the customer service center or the nearest service center
