Dell ALIENWARE AURORA Manual

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  • Dell ALIENWARE AURORA | Manual - Page 1
    ALIENWARE® DESKTOP MANUAL 
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    whatsoever without the prior written permission of Dell Inc. is strictly prohibited. Trademarks used in this manual: Alienware, AlienFX, and the AlienHead logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Alienware Corporation; Dell is a trademark of Dell Inc; Microsoft, Windows, and the Windows start
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    YOUR DESKTOP 23 Alienware Command Center 24 Working With RAID 24 Optimizing Performance 27 Configuring the BIOS 28 CHAPTER 5: INSTALLING ADDITIONAL OR REPLACEMENT COMPONENTS . . . . 35 Before You Begin 36 Removing and Replacing the Side Panel 38 Inside View of Your Computer 39 Removing
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    4
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    tools such as synthetic performance benchmarks. We invite you to share your experience with your new high-performance computer 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
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    6
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    CHAPTER 1: SETTING UP YOUR DESKTOP CHAPTER 1: SETTING UP YOUR DESKTOP CHAPTER 1: SETTING UP YOUR DESKTOP 7
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    Congratulations on the purchase of your Alienware® Aurora! Read all safety and setup instructions before connecting your new desktop. 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
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    , 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 DVI-to-DVI (DVI cable) HDMI-to-HDMI
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    Connect the Keyboard and Mouse Connect the Network Cable (Optional) 10 CHAPTER 1: SETTING UP YOUR DESKTOP
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    WARNING: The power connectors and power 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
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    . 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
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    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
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    14 CHAPTER 1: SETTING UP YOUR DESKTOP
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    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. CHAPTER 2: GETTING TO KNOW YOUR DESKTOP 15
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    6 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. 4 Optical drive bays (2) - Can support additional optical drive
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    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
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    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. 18 CHAPTER 2: GETTING TO KNOW YOUR DESKTOP
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    1 7 6 2 3 5 4 NOTE: Some back panel connectors may not be available on your computer. For details, see "Specifications" on page 59. 1 Optical S/PDIF connector through an analog audio conversion process (available on Aurora and Aurora ALX only). CHAPTER 2: GETTING TO KNOW YOUR DESKTOP 19
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    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
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    Top View Features Accessing the Top Panel Connectors Press the top panel downwards to access the top panel connectors. 1 1 Top panel CHAPTER 2: GETTING TO KNOW YOUR DESKTOP 21
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    TO KNOW YOUR DESKTOP 1 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
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    CHAPTER 4: USING YOUR DESKTOP CHAPTER 4: USING YOUR DESKTOP CHAPTER 4: USING YOUR DESKTOP 23
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    Start → All Programs→ Alienware→ Command Center→ Command Center. AlienFX AlienFX® lets you customize the lighting behavior on your computer. You can assign lighting behaviors to events like receiving new e-mail, computer going into the sleep mode, and opening a new application. Working With RAID
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    drive. NOTE: In a RAID 1 configuration, the size of the configuration is equal to the size of the smallest drive in the configuration. CHAPTER 4: USING YOUR DESKTOP 25
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    a set of two drives. RAID 1+0 A1 A2 A3 Ap B1 B2 Bp B3 C1 Cp C2 C3 Dp D1 D2 D3 26 CHAPTER 4: USING YOUR DESKTOP If a drive failure occurs, subsequent read and write operations are directed to the other surviving drives. A replacement drive can then be rebuilt using the data
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    settings. Alienware does not provide technical support for any hardware or software issues arising from operating the computer beyond the factory configured settings. Using Software Your computer is preinstalled with the Intel Extreme Tuning Utility (available on Aurora and Aurora ALX only
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    and release in even intervals until the System Setup screen appears. 2. While the desktop is booting, press immediately before the operating system logo appears to access the BIOS Setup Utility. NOTE: If an error occurs during POST (Power On Self Test), press when the prompt appears
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    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 Memory Installed Memory Available Memory
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    boot to display system errors. Advanced BIOS Features NumLock Status ACPI APIC support OptionROM Display Screen Select power-on state for num-lock. Include Technology (available on Aurora-R2 only) Enable XD Bit Capability to allow the processor to distinguish between the bits of code that can be
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    time for SATA or CD/DVD in AHCI mode. Power Management Setup Suspend Mode AC Recovery Remote Wakeup (available on Aurora and Aurora ALX only) Auto Power On Sets the energy-saving mode of the ACPI function. Sets what action the computer takes when power is restored. Sets the system to wake up from
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    the Level 1 overclocking settings that were shipped from the factory (only displayed with an XE processor). Advance DRAM Configuration Submenu Memory-Z Opens submenu to display the SPD configuration for each memory module. Advanced Memory Settings Allows you to toggle to Manual mode and set
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    on Aurora and Aurora ALX only) Limit ratio for cores 1-4 (XE processors only). Overclock Configuration Submenu Turbo Mode TDC Limit Override Turbo Mode TDP Limit Override Allows you to program the current thresholds for the processor while in turbo mode. Allows you to program the power thresholds
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    Password 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. Exit Exit Options Provides options to Save Changes and Exit, Discard Changes and Exit, Load Optimal Defaults, and Discard Changes
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    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. Parts purchased from Dell and Alienware
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    -blade screwdriver • Phillips screwdriver • BIOS executable update program available at support.dell.com Turning Off Your Desktop CAUTION: To avoid losing data, save and close all open files and exit all open programs before you turn off your desktop. 1. Save and close all open files and exit all
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    on your desktop. Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by your warranty. CAUTION: To avoid electrostatic discharge, ground yourself by using a wrist grounding strap or by periodically touching an unpainted metal surface (such as a connector on the back of the computer
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    in a secure location. NOTE: Theater lighting (available only on Alienware Aurora ALX) turns on automatically when the side panel is removed. Theater lighting is powered by internal batteries. To replace the side panel, push the side panel against the side of the computer until it locks into place
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    the memory module(s): 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. Locate the memory module connectors on the system board (see "Inside View of Your Computer" on page 39). CAUTION: The memory
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    To replace memory module(s): Aurora/Aurora ALX Aurora-R2 Recommended memory configuration: Type 1066 MHz and I333 MHz DDR3 1600 MHz XMP Slots Slots 1, 3, and 5 or slots 1 - 6 Slots 1, 3, and 5 40 CHAPTER 5: INSTALLING ADDITIONAL OR
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    1. Follow the instructions in "Before You Begin" on page 36. 2. Align the notch on the bottom of Panel" on page 38). 5. Connect the power cable, and all the external peripherals to the computer. 6. Turn on the computer. As the computer boots, it detects the additional memory and automatically updates
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    and Replacing Hard Drive(s) To remove the hard drive(s): 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. Disconnect the power and data cable from the hard drive (if applicable). 1 2 4. Press the
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    a hard drive: 1. Follow the instructions in "Before You Begin" on page power and data cables (if applicable). 6. Replace the side panel (see "Removing and Replacing the Side Panel" on page 38). 7. Reconnect the power cable, and all the external peripherals to the computer. 8. Turn on the computer
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    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
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    Follow the instructions in "Before You Begin" on page 36. 2. Remove the filler bracket to create a card-slot opening (if applicable panel (see "Removing and Replacing the Side Panel" on page 38). 9. Reconnect the power cable, and all the external peripherals to the computer. 10. Turn on the computer
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    46 CHAPTER 5: INSTALLING ADDITIONAL OR REPLACEMENT COMPONENTS
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    CHAPTER 6: TROUBLESHOOTING CHAPTER 6: TROUBLESHOOTING CHAPTER 6: TROUBLESHOOTING 47
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    secure. • If any computer components were added or removed before the problem began, check to see if you performed the removal and installation procedure properly. • If an error message appears on the screen, write down the exact error message prior to calling Alienware Technical Support to aid in
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    you see the Microsoft® Windows® desktop; then, shut down your computer and try again. 3. Select Diagnostics from the menu and press . 4. During the assessment, answer any questions that appear on the screen. • If a component fails the test, the computer stops and beeps. To stop the assessment
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    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
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    beep codes help you troubleshoot problems with your computer. For assistance, contact Alienware (see "CONTACTING ALIENWARE" on page 66). NOTE: To replace parts, see the Service Manual at support.dell.com/manuals. Beep Code One Two Three Four Five Six Seven Possible Problem Possible motherboard
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    press and hold the power button for at least 6 seconds until the computer turns off, then restart your computer. A program stops Panel→ Programs→ Programs and Features→ Run programs made or previous versions of Windows. 2. In the welcome screen, click Next. 3. Follow the instructions on the screen
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    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
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    memory configuration require that memory modules be installed in pairs. If you require assistance, contact Alienware Technical Support (see "CONTACTING ALIENWARE" on page 66). Display If the display is blank • The computer maybe in a power saving mode. Press a key on the keyboard or press the
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    page 17) . • If the diagnostic light turns ON, the power supply is functioning as designed. • If the diagnostic light does not turn ON, there may be a problem with the computer. For further assistance, contact Alienware support (see "CONTACTING ALIENWARE" on page 66). CHAPTER 6: TROUBLESHOOTING 55
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    56 CHAPTER 6: TROUBLESHOOTING
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    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. CHAPTER 7: SYSTEM
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    , keyboard, mouse, and the power cable. 3. Turn on your computer. 4. When the Alienware logo appears, press desktop; then, shut down your computer and try again. 5. Select Repair Your Computer. 6. Select Dell Factory Image Recovery and DataSafe Options and follow the instructions on the screen
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    CHAPTER 8: SPECIFICATIONS CHAPTER 8: SPECIFICATIONS This chapter provides specifications of your desktop. CHAPTER 8: SPECIFICATIONS 59
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    Computer Model Alienware Aurora/Aurora ALX Alienware Aurora-R2 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
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    and I333 MHz Minimum 3 GB Maximum Aurora/Aurora ALX 24 GB Aurora-R2 16 GB 1600 MHz XMP (Aurora/Aurora ALX) Minimum 3 GB Maximum 12 GB Memory types Aurora/Aurora ALX 3- channel DDR3 and DDR3-XMP Aurora-R2 2- channel DDR3 NOTE: For instructions on upgrading the memory, see "Removing
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    Aurora/Aurora ALX only) one 6-pin serial connector one RJ45 connector six 4-pin USB 2.0-compliant connectors one 4-pin eSATA connector 7.1 channel line output, stereo microphone and stereo line input connectors one optical and one coaxial output connector Top Panel board WiFi/Bluetooth® wireless
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    Aurora/Aurora ALX Aurora-R2 Controller Video Type Operating speed (Aurora-R2) Power Voltage integrated 7.1 channel, High Definition Audio with S/PDIF support voltage settings, see the safety information shipped with your computer. Computer Environment Temperature ranges: Operating 10°C to 35°C (
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    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. These are
  • Dell ALIENWARE AURORA | Manual - Page 65
    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
  • Dell ALIENWARE AURORA | Manual - Page 66
    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. Visit www.dell.com
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    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 image is displayed for about 30 seconds until Windows loads the display driver. • For more information about the functionality of the NVIDIA GeForce GTX295
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    Printed in China. 0JYTRGA00
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DESKTOP MANUAL