Dell Alienware Aurora User Manual

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ALIENWARE® DESKTOP MANUAL

Notes, Cautions, and Warnings

NOTE: ANOTEindicatesimportantinformationthathelpsyoumakebetter 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.

Reproduction of these materials in any manner whatsoever without the prior written permission of Dell Inc. is strictly prohibited.

Trademarks used in this manual: Alienware, AlienFX, and the AlienHead logo are trademarksorregisteredtrademarksofAlienwareCorporation;Dell isatrademark ofDellInc;Microsoft,Windows,andtheWindows startlogoareeithertrademarks or registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/ or other countries; Intel is a registered trademark and Core and Speedstep are trademarks of Intel Corporation in the U.S. and other countries; Blu-ray Disc is a trademark of the Blu-ray Disc Association; Bluetooth is a registered trademark owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and is used by Dell Inc. under license.

Other trademarks and trade names may be used in this manual to refer to either the entities claiming the marks and names or their products. Dell Inc. disclaims any proprietary interest in trademarks and trade names other than its own.

Regulatory Model: D0IM Regulatory Type: D0IM001 and D0IM002

P/N JYTRG Rev. A00 February 2010

CONTENTS

CHAPTER 1: SETTING UP YOUR DESKTOP . . . . . . . . . . . . .	.	. . . . 7					CHAPTER 5: INSTALLING ADDITIONAL OR REPLACEMENT COMPONENTS . .			35
Before Setting Up Your Desktop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	.	. . . . . .8. . . . . . .Before. . . . You. Begin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36. . . . .
Connect the Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9. . . . . . . Removing. . . . . . . and. . Replacing the Side Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38. . . . .
Connect the Keyboard and Mouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10. . . . . . . . Inside. . . . View of Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39. . . .
Connect the Network Cable (Optional) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10. . . . . . . Removing. . .								and Replacing Memory Module(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39. . . . .
Connect the Power Cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	.	.	. .	.	. 11. .	.	. . . . .Removing. . . . . .	and Replacing Hard Drive(s) .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..42
Press the Power Button . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	.	.	. .	.	. 11. .	.	. . . . Removing. . . . . . . and Replacing Expansion Card(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44. . . . .
Set Up Microsoft Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .		.	. .	.	. 12. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Connect to the Internet (Optional) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. .		. .	.			CHAPTER 6: TROUBLESHOOTING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .			. 47
					.12. . . . . . . . . . .
CHAPTER 2: GETTING TO KNOW YOUR DESKTOP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15							Basic Hints and Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48. . . . .
							Backup and General Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .			. 48. . . . .
Front View Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. . . . . . 16. . . . . . . . Software. . . . . . Diagnostic. .								Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49. . . .
Back View Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .		.	. .	.	. 17. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Top View Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	.	.	. .	.			CHAPTER 7: SYSTEM RECOVERY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .			57
					.21. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
CHAPTER 4: USING YOUR DESKTOP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .		. . . . 23					Dell DataSafe Local Backup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .			. 58. . . . .
							CHAPTER 8: SPECIFICATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .			. 59
Alienware Command Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
	. . . . . .24. . . . . . . . . . . . .
Working With RAID . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .		.	. .	.	.24. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Optimizing Performance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .							APPENDIX A: GENERAL AND ELECTRICAL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS . . . . . . 64
	. . . . . .27. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Configuringthe BIOS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .		.	. .	.	28. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
							APPENDIX B: CONTACTING ALIENWARE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
							APPENDIX C: IMPORTANT INFORMATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .			67
							NVIDIA GeForce GTX 295 Graphics Cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .			. 67. . . . .

CONTENTS 3

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. The technicians will not rest until your new computer meets or exceeds our very demanding criteria!

We have tested your computer extensively in order to ensure that you enjoy the highest levels of performance. In addition to a standard burn-in period, your computer has been evaluated using real-world tools such as synthetic performance benchmarks.

Weinviteyoutoshareyourexperiencewithyournewhigh-performancecomputer with us, so do not hesitate to either e-mail or call Alienware with any questions or concerns. The entire staff shares your enthusiasm for new technology and we hope that you enjoy using your new computer as much as Alienware enjoyed building it for you.

Sincerely,

Alienware Staff

CHAPTER 1: SETTING UP YOUR DESKTOP

CHAPTER 1: SETTING UP YOUR DESKTOP 7

Before Setting Up Your Desktop

Congratulations on the purchase of your Alienware® Aurora!

Readallsafetyandsetupinstructionsbeforeconnectingyournewdesktop.Begin by carefully opening the box and removing all components that were shipped to you. Before setting up your desktop or components, be sure to inspect all items for any physical damage that may have occurred during shipment.

Before setting up your desktop or components, see the included invoice to verify that all items ordered are present. Report any missing components to customer service within 5 days of receiving the shipment. Anything reported missing after the first 5 days of receiving a shipment will not be honored. Some of the most common items to check for include:

•Computer

•Microsoft® CD-key located at the back of the desktop

•Keyboard (if ordered)

•Mouse (if ordered)

•Multimedia speakers and sub-woofer (if ordered)

•Joystick controllers (if ordered)

You may also need a small flathead and/or a Phillips head screwdriver for connecting peripheral cables to the desktop.

Product Documentation and Media

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. The media included with your desktop is referenced in some sections of the documentation and may be needed to complete certain tasks. As always, our technical support staff is available to assist you.

Placing Your Desktop

WARNING: Do not place the desktop near or over a radiator or heating vent. If all or parts of your desktop are placed in a cabinet, ensure that adequate ventilation is provided. Do not place the desktop in a humid location or in any area where the desktop may be exposed to rain or water. Be careful not to spill liquid of any kind on or into the desktop.

When placing your desktop, ensure that:

•It is placed on a surface that is both level and stable.

•The power and other cable connectors are not jammed between the desktop and a wall – or any other object.

•Nothing obstructs airflow in front of, behind, or below the desktop.

•The desktop has enough room so that optical drives and other external storage drives can be easily accessed.

8 CHAPTER 1: SETTING UP YOUR DESKTOP

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.

You can purchase the DVI-to-VGA adapter, HDMI-to-DVI adapter, and additional HDMI or DVI cables at www.dell.com.

Use the appropriate cable based on the connectors available on your computer and display. See the following table to identify the connectors on your computer and display.

Connection
Type	Computer	Cable	Display

DVI-to-DVI (DVI cable)

HDMI-to-HDMI (HDMI cable)

HDMI-to-DVI (HDMI-to-DVI adapter + DVI cable)

CHAPTER 1: SETTING UP YOUR DESKTOP 9

Connect the Keyboard and Mouse

Connect the Network Cable (Optional)

10 CHAPTER 1: SETTING UP YOUR DESKTOP

Connect the Power Cable					Press the Power Button
WARNING:Thepowerconnectorsandpower strips vary among countries.					Press the power button on the top of the computer.
Using an incompatible cable or improperly connecting the cable to a
power strip or electrical outlet may cause fire or equipment damage.

CHAPTER 1: SETTING UP YOUR DESKTOP 11

Set Up Microsoft Windows

CAUTION: Do not interrupt the operating system’s setup process. Doing so may render your desktop unusable.

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.

NOTE: For optimal performance of your computer, it is recommended that you download and install the latest BIOS and drivers for your computer available at support.dell.com.

NOTE: For more information on the operating system and features, see support.dell.com/MyNewDell.

Connect to the Internet (Optional)

Setting Up a Wired Connection

•If you are using a dial-up connection, connect the telephone line to the external USB modem (optional) and to the telephone wall jack before you set up your Internet connection.

•If you are using a DSL or cable/satellite modem connection, contact your ISP or cellular telephone service for setup instructions.

To complete setting up your wired Internet connection, follow the instructions in “Setting Up Your Internet Connection” on page 13.

Setting Up a Wireless Connection

NOTE: To set up your wireless router, see the documentation that shipped with your router.

BeforeyoucanuseyourwirelessInternetconnection,youneedtoconnecttoyour wireless router.

To set up your connection to a wireless router:

1.Save and close any open files, and exit any open programs.

2.Click Start → Control Panel.

3.In the search box, type network, and then click Network and Sharing Center→ Connect to a network.

4.Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the setup.

12 CHAPTER 1: SETTING UP YOUR DESKTOP

Setting Up Your Internet Connection

ISPs and ISP offerings vary by country. Contact your ISP for offerings available in your country.

IfyoucannotconnecttotheInternetbuthavesuccessfullyconnectedinthepast, 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.

To set up your Internet connection:

1.Save and close any open files, and exit any open programs.

2.Click Start → Control Panel.

3.In the search box, type network, and then click Network and Sharing Center→ Set up a new connection or Network→ Connect to the Internet. The Connect to the Internet window appears.

NOTE: If you do not know which type of connection to select, click Help me choose or contact your ISP.

4.Follow the instructions on the screen and use the setup information provided by your ISP to complete the setup.

CHAPTER 1: SETTING UP YOUR DESKTOP 13

14 CHAPTER 1: SETTING UP YOUR DESKTOP

CHAPTER 2: GETTING TO KNOW YOUR DESKTOP

Thischapterprovidesinformationaboutyournewdesktoptofamiliarizeyouwith its various features, and to get you up and running quickly.

CHAPTER 2: GETTING TO KNOW YOUR DESKTOP 15

Front View Features

1 2

6 4

1Hard 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.

2Alienhead — Lowers the drive panel when pressed. The drive panel can also be lowered when the computer is turned off.

3Optical drive — Plays or records CDs, DVDs, and Blu-ray Discs.

4Optical drive bays (2) — Can support additional optical drive(s).

5Drive panel — Covers the optical drive(s) or optical drive bay(s). NOTE: The drive panel is shown in the open position.

6Optical drive eject button — Ejects the optical drive tray.

16 CHAPTER 2: GETTING TO KNOW YOUR DESKTOP

Back View Features

1	1	Security cable slot — Attaches a commercially available security cable to
1		the computer.
2		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
3		release panel. Slide the latch to the right to open the security lock slot and
3		to unlock the release panel.
	3	Back panel connectors — Connect USB, audio, and other devices into the
		appropriate connectors.
		For more information, see “Back Panel Connectors” on page 19.
4	4	Expansion card slots — Access connectors for any installed PCI and
4		PCI Express cards.
	5	Power connector — Connects to the power cable.
	6	Diagnostic light — Indicates if the power supply is in working condition.
	7	Diagnostic button — Turns on the diagnostic light when pressed.
5
	6 7

CHAPTER 2: GETTING TO KNOW YOUR DESKTOP 17

Back Light Button

Pressthebacklightbuttontoturnonthelighttoviewthebackpanelconnectors.

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 willfunctionevenwhenthecomputeristurnedoff,asthelightispowered by internal batteries.

18 CHAPTER 2: GETTING TO KNOW YOUR DESKTOP

Back Panel Connectors

1 7

3 5

NOTE: Somebackpanelconnectorsmaynotbeavailableonyourcomputer.

For details, see “Specifications” on page 59.

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).

2 eSATA connector — Connects to eSATA compatible storage devices such as external hard drives or optical drives.

3 USB 2.0 connectors (6) — Connect to USB devices, such as a mouse, keyboard, printer, external drive, or MP3 player.

4Audio connectors — Connect to speakers, microphones, and headphones. NOTE: For information on audio connectors, see “Connecting External Speakers” on page 20 .

5 Network connector — Connects your computer to a network or broadband device.

6 IEEE 1394 connector — Connects to high-speed serial multimedia devices such as digital video cameras.

7 Coaxial S/PDIF connector — Connects to amplifiers, speakers, or TVs for digital audio output through coaxial digital cables. This format carries an audio signal without going through an analog audio conversion process (available on Aurora and Aurora ALX only).

CHAPTER 2: GETTING TO KNOW YOUR DESKTOP 19

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 7.1surroundaudio.Youcanconnecttheaudioinputconnectorfromahomestereo 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.