ALIENWARE® DESKTOP MANUAL
Notes, Cautions, and Warnings NOTE: A NOTE indicates important information that helps you make better use of your computer. CAUTION: A CAUTION indicates either potential damage to hardware or loss of data and tells you how to avoid the problem. WARNING: A WARNING indicates a potential for property damage, personal injury, or death. The contents herein are subject to change without notice. © 2010 Dell Inc. All rights reserved.
CONTENTS CHAPTER 1: SETTING UP YOUR DESKTOP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Before Setting Up Your Desktop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Connect the Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Connect the Keyboard and Mouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dear Valued Alienware Customer, Welcome to the Alienware family. We are thrilled to include you among the growing number of savvy high-performance computer users. The Alienware technicians who have crafted your computer have made certain that your high-performance computer is properly optimized and performs to its fullest potential. We build computers with a single unwavering purpose: Build It As If It Were Your Own.
CHAPTER 1: SETTING UP YOUR DESKTOP CHAPTER 1: SETTING UP YOUR DESKTOP CHAPTER 1: SETTING UP YOUR DESKTOP 7
Before Setting Up Your Desktop Product Documentation and Media Congratulations on the purchase of your Alienware® Aurora! The documentation that ships with your Alienware® desktop is designed to provide answers to many of the questions that may arise as you explore your new desktop’s capabilities. See the documentation for technical information or general use as required to answer questions in the future, or aid you in finding answers and solutions.
Connect the Display Connect the display using the connector available on the graphics card on your computer. NOTE: A DVI or HDMI connector may be available on the graphics card you purchased. Connection Type Computer Cable Display DVI-to-DVI (DVI cable) You can purchase the DVI-to-VGA adapter, HDMI-to-DVI adapter, and additional HDMI or DVI cables at www.dell.com. HDMI-to-HDMI (HDMI cable) Use the appropriate cable based on the connectors available on your computer and display.
Connect the Keyboard and Mouse 10 CHAPTER 1: SETTING UP YOUR DESKTOP Connect the Network Cable (Optional)
Connect the Power Cable WARNING: The power connectors and power strips vary among countries. Using an incompatible cable or improperly connecting the cable to a power strip or electrical outlet may cause fire or equipment damage. Press the Power Button Press the power button on the top of the computer.
Set Up Microsoft Windows Setting Up a Wireless Connection CAUTION: Do not interrupt the operating system’s setup process. Doing so may render your desktop unusable. NOTE: To set up your wireless router, see the documentation that shipped with your router. Your computer is preconfigured with the operating system settings that you selected while ordering your computer. To configure the remaining settings, follow the instructions on the screen.
Setting Up Your Internet Connection ISPs and ISP offerings vary by country. Contact your ISP for offerings available in your country. If you cannot connect to the Internet but have successfully connected in the past, the Internet Service Provider (ISP) might have a service outage. Contact your ISP to check the service status, or try connecting again later. Have your ISP information ready. If you do not have an ISP, the Connect to the Internet wizard can help you get one.
CHAPTER 1: SETTING UP YOUR DESKTOP
CHAPTER 2: GETTING TO KNOW YOUR DESKTOP CHAPTER 2: GETTING TO KNOW YOUR DESKTOP This chapter provides information about your new desktop to familiarize you with its various features, and to get you up and running quickly.
Front View Features 1 2 3 4 5 16 CHAPTER 2: GETTING TO KNOW YOUR DESKTOP 1 6 Hard drive activity light — Blinks to indicate hard drive activity when the computer reads or writes data. CAUTION: To avoid loss of data, never turn off the computer while the hard drive activity light is blinking. 2 Alienhead — Lowers the drive panel when pressed. The drive panel can also be lowered when the computer is turned off. 3 Optical drive — Plays or records CDs, DVDs, and Blu-ray Discs.
Back View Features 1 1 Security cable slot — Attaches a commercially available security cable to the computer. NOTE: Before you buy a security cable, ensure that it fits into the security cable slot on your computer. 2 Latch — Closes or opens the security cable slot and locks or unlocks the release panel. Slide the latch to the right to open the security lock slot and to unlock the release panel. 3 Back panel connectors — Connect USB, audio, and other devices into the appropriate connectors.
Back Light Button Press the back light button to turn on the light to view the back panel connectors. This light automatically turns off after a few seconds. NOTE: In Alienware Aurora Standard, the back light will function only when the computer is turned on. In Alienware Aurora ALX, the back light will function even when the computer is turned off, as the light is powered by internal batteries.
Back Panel Connectors 1 NOTE: Some back panel connectors may not be available on your computer. For details, see “Specifications” on page 59. 7 1 Optical S/PDIF connector — Connects to amplifiers, speakers, or TVs for digital audio output through optical digital cables. This format carries an audio signal without going through an analog audio conversion process (available on Aurora and Aurora ALX only).
Connecting External Speakers Your Alienware desktop has five integrated audio out connectors and one audio in connector. The audio out connectors deliver quality sound and support 7.1 surround audio. You can connect the audio input connector from a home stereo or speaker system for a heightened gaming and media experience. NOTE: On computers with a sound card, use the connector on the card. 1 2 3 1 Side L/R surround connector — Connects to side L/R surround speakers.
Top View Features Accessing the Top Panel Connectors 1 Press the top panel downwards to access the top panel connectors.
Top Panel Connectors 1 1 22 23 4 5 CHAPTER 2: GETTING TO KNOW YOUR DESKTOP Headphone connector — Connects to headphones. NOTE: To connect to a powered speaker or sound system, use the audio out connector or one of the S/PDIF connectors (available on Aurora and Aurora ALX only) at the back of your computer. 2 Microphone connector — Connects to a microphone for voice or audio input into a sound or telephony program.
CHAPTER 4: USING YOUR DESKTOP CHAPTER 4: USING YOUR DESKTOP CHAPTER 4: USING YOUR DESKTOP 23
Alienware Command Center Working With RAID The Alienware® Command Center gives you access to Alienware’s exclusive software and is a continuously upgradable control panel. As Alienware releases new programs, they download directly into the Command Center allowing you to build a library of system management, optimization, and customization tools. A redundant array of independent disks (RAID) is a disk storage configuration that increases performance or data redundancy.
RAID Level 0 CAUTION: RAID level 0 provides no redundancy. Therefore, a failure of one drive results in the loss of all data. Perform regular backups to protect your data. RAID level 0 uses data striping to provide a high data access rate. Data striping writes consecutive segments, or stripes, of data sequentially across the physical drive(s) to create a large virtual drive. This allows one of the drives to read data while the other drive is searching for and reading the next block.
RAID Level 5 RAID Level 10 RAID level 5 uses data parity. RAID level 5 stripes both data and parity information across three or more drives. It provides data striping at the byte level and also stripe error correction information (rotating parity array). This results in excellent performance and good fault tolerance.
Optimizing Performance Using Software Your computer has been configured to operate optimally across a wide range of applications. Depending on the configuration you purchased, the computer may have been overclocked at the factory to achieve maximum performance in resource intensive applications including gaming and multimedia development. Your computer is preinstalled with the Intel Extreme Tuning Utility (available on Aurora and Aurora ALX only), that allows you to optimize your computer’s performance.
Configuring the BIOS System Setup Entering System Setup 1. The System Setup options allow you to: • • • • Change the system configuration information after you add, change, or remove any hardware in your desktop. Set or change a user-selectable option. View the amount of memory installed. Set the type of hard drive installed. Before you use System Setup, it is recommended that you write down the current System Setup information for future reference.
System Setup Options NOTE: The items listed in this section may or may not appear exactly as listed depending on your computer model and installed devices. NOTE: For the updated system setup information, see the Service Manual at support.dell.com/manuals. System Information Product Name BIOS Version Service Tag Asset Tag Displays the product name. Displays the BIOS version number and date information. Displays the service tag of the computer. Displays the asset tag of the computer.
Standard CMOS Features Wait for ‘F1’ If Errors If enabled, the system will HALT during boot to display system errors. Advanced BIOS Features NumLock Status Select power-on state for num-lock. ACPI APIC support Include ACPI APIC table pointer to RSDT pointer list. OptionROM Display Screen Allows you to enable or disable the RAID Option ROM screen during POST. Boot Configuration Features 1st Boot Device Displays the first boot device. 2nd Boot Device Displays the second boot device.
Integrated Devices USB Functions Allows you to enable or disable the integrated USB controller. HD Audio Controller Allows you to enable or disable the integrated audio controller. Onboard IEEE1394 Controller Allows you to enable or disable the onboard IEEE 1394 controller.
Frequency/Voltage Control CPU Speed Memory Speed Current QPI Speed Displays the current processor speed. Displays the current memory speed. Displays current QPI speed. QPI Frequency Allows you to change the QPI frequency. Memory Ratio Allows you to change the memory ratio. Core (Non-Turbo) Ratio Displays the ratio between the processor core clock and the FSB frequency.
Advance DRAM Configuration Submenu tRRD Displays RAS to RAS delay (editable in Manual Mode). tRTP Displays Read to Precharge Command Delay (editable in Manual Mode). 1T/2T Timing Displays the Command Rate (editable in Manual Mode). Overclock Configuration Submenu Adjust CPU BClk (MHz) Spread Spectrum Overclock Configuration Submenu Turbo Mode TDC Limit Override Turbo Mode TDP Limit Override Allows you to adjust BClk of processor.
BIOS Security Features Change Supervisor Password Change User Password Exit Exit Options 34 CHAPTER 4: USING YOUR DESKTOP Allows you to change the supervisor password. Allows you to change the user password. You cannot use the user password to enter the BIOS setup, during POST. Provides options to Save Changes and Exit, Discard Changes and Exit, Load Optimal Defaults, and Discard Changes.
CHAPTER 5: INSTALLING ADDITIONAL OR REPLACEMENT COMPONENTS CHAPTER 5: INSTALLING ADDITIONAL OR REPLACEMENT COMPONENTS This chapter provides guidelines and instructions for increasing the processing power and storage capacity, by upgrading equipment. You can purchase components for your desktop at www.dell.com or www.alienware.com. NOTE: See the Service Manual at support.dell.com/manuals for installation instructions of all serviceable components.
Before You Begin This section provides procedures for removing and installing the components in your desktop. Unless otherwise noted, each procedure assumes that the following conditions exist: • • • You have performed the steps in “Turning Off Your Desktop” and “Before Working Inside Your Desktop” in this section. You have read the safety information that shipped with your desktop. A component can be replaced or—if purchased separately—installed by performing the removal procedure in reverse order.
Before Working Inside Your Desktop CAUTION: When you disconnect a cable, pull on its connector or on its pull-tab, not on the cable itself. Some cables have connectors with locking tabs; if you are disconnecting this type of cable, press in on the locking tabs before you disconnect the cable. As you pull connectors apart, keep them evenly aligned to avoid bending any connector pins. Also, before you connect a cable, ensure that both connectors are correctly oriented and aligned.
Removing and Replacing the Side Panel CAUTION: Before removing the side panel, disconnect the power cable from your desktop. To remove the side panel: 1. Follow the instructions in “Before You Begin” on page 36. 1 NOTE: Ensure that you remove the security cable from the security cable slot (if applicable). 2. Slide the latch to the right to unlock the release panel. 3. Lift the release panel to open the side panel. 4. Place the side panel in a secure location.
Inside View of Your Computer Removing and Replacing Memory Module(s) To remove the memory module(s): 3 1 1. 2. Follow the instructions in “Before You Begin” on page 36. Remove the side panel (see “Removing and Replacing the Side Panel“ on page 38). 3. Locate the memory module connectors on the system board (see “Inside View of Your Computer“ on page 39). 2 CAUTION: The memory module(s) may become very hot during normal operation. Allow the memory module(s) to cool before touching them.
To replace memory module(s): Aurora/Aurora ALX Aurora-R2 Recommended memory configuration: Recommended memory configuration: Type Slots Type Slots 1066 MHz and I333 MHz DDR3 Slots 1, 3, and 5 or slots 1 — 6 1066 MHz and I333 MHz DDR3 Slots 1 and 2 or slots 1 — 4 1600 MHz XMP Slots 1, 3, and 5 40 CHAPTER 5: INSTALLING ADDITIONAL OR REPLACEMENT COMPONENTS
1. 2. Follow the instructions in “Before You Begin” on page 36. Align the notch on the bottom of the memory module with the tab on the memory module connector. 4 2 3 1 1 memory module connector 2 tab 3 notch 4 memory module 3. Insert the memory module into the memory module connector until the memory module snaps into position. If you insert the memory module correctly, the securing clips snap into the cutouts at each end of the memory module.
Removing and Replacing Hard Drive(s) 4. Press the release tabs together and slide the hard drive out of the hard drive cage. To remove the hard drive(s): 1. 2. Follow the instructions in “Before You Begin” on page 36. Remove the side panel (see “Removing and Replacing the Side Panel“ on page 38). 3. Disconnect the power and data cable from the hard drive (if applicable).
5. Remove the hard drive out of the hard-drive bracket (if applicable). 1 2 To replace a hard drive: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 1 hard drive 2 Follow the instructions in “Before You Begin” on page 36. See the documentation that shipped with your new hard drive to verify that it is configured for your computer. Snap the new-hard drive bracket on to the new hard drive (if applicable). Slide the new hard drive into the hard drive cage until the release tabs snap into place.
Removing and Replacing Expansion Card(s) To remove a card: 1. Follow the instructions in “Before You Begin” on page 36. 2. Remove the side panel (see “Removing and Replacing the Side Panel“ on page 38). 3. Press the shroud button and rotate the shroud away from the computer. 2 4. Locate the expansion card on the system board (see “Inside View of Your Computer“ on page 39). 5. Disconnect any cables connected to the card (if applicable). 6. Remove the screw the secures the card to the chassis. 7.
card-slot opening. To replace a card: 1. 2. 3. 4. Follow the instructions in “Before You Begin” on page 36. Remove the filler bracket to create a card-slot opening (if applicable). Align the card with the slot on the connector. Place the card in the connector and press down firmly. Ensure that the card is firmly seated in the slot. If you are installing a PCI Express Card into the x16 connector, press the securing tab and place the card in the connector. 1 5.
CHAPTER 5: INSTALLING ADDITIONAL OR REPLACEMENT COMPONENTS
CHAPTER 6: TROUBLESHOOTING CHAPTER 6: TROUBLESHOOTING CHAPTER 6: TROUBLESHOOTING 47
Basic Hints and Tips When troubleshooting your computer, remember the following safety guidelines: • • • • The computer does not turn on: Is your computer securely plugged into a working electrical outlet? If plugged into a power strip, ensure that the strip is working. Connections: Check all the cables to ensure that there are no loose connections anywhere. Power Savings: Ensure that your computer is not in hibernate or standby mode by pressing the power button for less than 4 seconds.
Software Diagnostic Tools If the PSA completes successfully, the following message appears on your screen. Pre-Boot System Assessment (PSA) “Do you want to run the remaining memory tests? This will take about 30 minutes or more. Do you want to continue? (Recommended).” The computer runs the Pre-boot System Assessment (PSA), a series of initial tests for the system board, keyboard, display, memory, hard drive, and so on. To invoke PSA: 1. Restart the computer. 2.
Alienware® Diagnostics If you experience a problem with your Alienware desktop, run the Alienware Diagnostics. NOTE: Back up all data before initiating a system recovery. NOTE: The Resource DVD contains drivers for your computer. You can also download the latest drivers and software for your computer from support.dell.com. Review your desktop’s configuration information, and ensure that the device that you want to test appears in the system setup program and is active.
Computer Problems Beep Code Possible Problem The computer fails the POST One Possible motherboard failure — BIOS ROM checksum failure The computer POST (Power On Self Test) ensures that all hardware is working properly before starting the remainder of the boot process. If the computer passes the POST, the computer continues to start normally. However, if the computer fails the POST, the computer emits a series of beeps during start‑up.
The computer stops responding or a solid blue screen appears CAUTION: You might lose data if you are unable to perform an operating system shutdown. If you are unable to get a response by pressing a key on your keyboard or moving your mouse, press and hold the power button for at least 6 seconds until the computer turns off, then restart your computer. A program stops responding or crashes repeatedly End the program: 1. 2. Press simultaneously.
Other software problems Back up your files immediately Use a virus-scanning program to check the hard drive, or CDs Save and close any open files or programs and shut down your computer through the Start menu. Scan the computer for spyware: If you are experiencing slow computer performance, you frequently receive popup advertisements, or you are having problems connecting to the Internet, your computer might be infected with spyware.
Hard Drive Problems Memory Allow the computer to cool before turning it on Memory errors detected on start up A hot hard drive may prevent the operating system from starting. Try allowing the computer to return to room temperature before turning it on. Run Check Disk 1. Click Start → Computer. 2. Right-click Local Disk C:. 3. Click Properties→ Tools→ Check Now. If the User Account Control window appears, click Continue. 4. Follow the instructions on the screen.
Power When you press the power button, the computer does not turn on • • • • If the computer is connected into a surge protector or UPS, ensure that the surge protector or UPS is securely connected to an electrical outlet, is switched on and is working correctly. Ensure that the electrical outlet is working properly by testing another device such as a radio or lamp that is known to be working. If the electrical outlet is not working, contact an electrician or your power company for further assistance.
CHAPTER 6: TROUBLESHOOTING
CHAPTER 7: SYSTEM RECOVERY CHAPTER 7: SYSTEM RECOVERY Your computer has the following system recovery options: • • • Operating System Reinstallation DVD — Contains operating system installation media. Dell Datasafe local — Your computer is pre-installed with Dell DataSafe Local Backup (see “Dell DataSafe Local Backup” on page 58). Resource DVD — Contains drivers for your computer. You can also download the latest system drivers from support.dell.com.
Dell DataSafe Local Backup Dell DataSafe Local Backup is a backup and recovery application that can restore your computer if you lose data due to a virus attack, accidentally delete critical files or folders, or if the hard drive crashes. This application allows you to: • Restore files and folders • Restore your hard drive to the operating state it was in when you purchased your computer, without erasing the existing personal files and data To schedule backups: 1. 2.
CHAPTER 8: SPECIFICATIONS This chapter provides specifications of your desktop.
Computer Model Processor and System Chipset Alienware Aurora/Aurora ALX Alienware Aurora-R2 Aurora/Aurora ALX Dimensions Height (with top vents open) 426 mm to 447 mm (16.77 inches to 17.59 inches) Width 250 mm (9.84 inches) Depth 645 mm (25.39 inches) Average weight 22.09 kg (48.7 lb) NOTE: The weight of your desktop will vary depending on the configuration and the manufacturing variability.
Memory Processor and System Chipset Connectors External bus frequency 133 MHz Data bus bandwidth up to 6.
Communications Back Panel Connectors IEEE 1394 one 6-pin serial connector Network adapter 10/100/1000 Ethernet LAN on system board Network adapter one RJ45 connector Wireless (optional) WiFi/Bluetooth® wireless technology USB six 4-pin USB 2.0-compliant connectors eSATA one 4-pin eSATA connector Drives Audio 7.
Audio Computer Environment Type Temperature ranges: Aurora/Aurora ALX Aurora-R2 Controller integrated 7.1 channel, High Definition Audio with S/PDIF support integrated 7.
APPENDIX A: GENERAL AND ELECTRICAL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS Computer Setup • • • • • • • • • • 64 Read all instructions marked on the product and in the documentation before operating your computer. Retain all safety and operating instructions. Never use this product near water or a heat source. Only set-up the computer on a stable work surface. Only operate the computer using the power source type indicated on the rating label. Never block or cover any openings or fans in the computer case.
When Should You Contact Alienware? • • • • The power cable or plug is damaged. Your computer has had liquid spilled into it. Your computer was dropped or the case was damaged. Normal operation of the computer does not occur when the operating instructions are followed. Replacement Components or Accessories It is only advised to use replacement parts or accessories recommended by Alienware. Retain all boxes that were originally shipped to you in case you need to return any merchandise.
APPENDIX B: CONTACTING ALIENWARE NOTE: If you do not have an active Internet connection, you can find contact information on your purchase invoice, packing slip, bill, or Dell product catalog. Dell provides several online and telephone-based support and service options. Because availability varies by country and product, some services may not be available in your area. To contact Dell for sales, technical support, or customer service issues: 1. 2. 3. 4. 66 Visit www.dell.com/contactdell.
APPENDIX C: IMPORTANT INFORMATION NVIDIA GeForce GTX 295 Graphics Cards • When you utilize dual NVIDIA GeForce GTX 295 graphics cards in a Quad SLI configuration, HDMI output is not supported. NOTE: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 295 graphics card’s HDMI output is limited to single-card configurations only. • • • When Quad SLI is enabled on a GeForce GTX 295 graphics card, the video quality can be optimized using the Dual Link DVI.
Printed in China.
