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Dell XPS 720 H2C Owner's Manual - Page 49

Optimizing for Greater Performance, Understanding Dual-Graphics Technology - overclocked

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Optimizing for Greater Performance Understanding Dual-Graphics Technology With dual-graphics technology, an optional second PCI Express graphics card will significantly increase graphics performance on your computer. Benefits of this technology can be seen in the improved portrayal of the 3-D graphics used in gaming and design applications. Each graphics card includes at least one GPU (graphics processing unit). In dual graphics card configurations, multiple GPUs dynamically share their workload to provide the best possible performance. For a given application, the software selects the optimum rendering (processing) mode. For more information about your graphics card, go to support.dell.com. Understanding CPU Overclocking NOTICE: Dell does not recommend operating the processor or other system components beyond the factory default settings. This may cause system instability and reduce the operating life of your system components. NOTICE: Dell Technical Support will verify the full functionality of the CPU at the factory default setting and support the CPU performance settings available within the system BIOS. Dell does not provide technical support for any hardware or software issues arising from any third party applications used to enable overclocking, such as NVIDIA nTune 5.0. Overclocking is the process of causing a computer component to run faster than designed or designated by the component manufacturer. Depending upon your application (such as gaming or video editing), your performance may benefit from overclocking different subsystems within your computer. The Dell™ XPS™ 720 H2C™ Edition ships with an overclocked Intel® Core™2 Extreme Edition processor and an H2Ceramic (also called H2C™ or Hot-to-Cold) cooling system designed to improve overall thermal capacity. The processor has been overclocked through CPU multiplier overclocking via the BIOS to speeds faster than the standard speed of the processor. You can make limited adjustments to the CPU operating frequency in system setup. For more information on accessing system setup, see "System Setup" on page 168. For information on performance options, see "Performance" on page 171. Optimizing for Greater Performance 49

Section	Page
Contents	3
Finding Information	9
Setting Up and Using Your Computer	13
Front and Back View of the Computer	13
Front View	13
Front I/O Connectors	15
Back View	16
Back I/O Connectors	17
Attaching the Computer Stand	18
Installing Your Computer in an Enclosure	20
Connecting Monitors	22
Connecting a Monitor (Without an Adapter)	23
Connecting a Monitor (With an Adapter)	24
Connecting a Monitor in a Dual Graphics Card Configuration	25
Connecting Two or More Monitors	27
Connecting a TV	27
Changing the Display Settings to Support Two or More Monitors	28
About Your RAID Configuration	29
RAID Level 0 Configuration	29
RAID Level 1 Configuration	30
RAID Level 0+1 Configuration	30
RAID Level 5 Configuration	32
Configuring Your Hard Drives for RAID	32
Setting Your Computer to RAID-Enabled Mode	33
Using the NVIDIA MediaShield ROM Utility	33
Using NVIDIA MediaShield	34
Using Multimedia	37
Copying CD, DVD, and Blu-ray Disc™ (BD) Media	38
Helpful Tips	40
Using a Media Card Reader (Optional)	41
Network Setup Wizard	42
Transferring Information to a New Computer	43
Power Management Options in Windows XP	44
Standby Mode	44
Hibernate Mode	45
Power Options Properties	45
Power Management Options in Windows Vista	47
Sleep Mode	47
Hibernate Mode	47
Configuring Power Management Settings	47
Optimizing for Greater Performance	49
Understanding Dual-Graphics Technology	49
Understanding CPU Overclocking	49
Dell™ QuickSet	51
Troubleshooting	53
Solving Problems	53
Battery Problems	53
Drive Problems	53
E-Mail, Modem, and Internet Problems	55
Error Messages	56
IEEE 1394 Device Problems	57
Keyboard Problems	57
Lockups and Software Problems	58
Memory Problems	59
Mouse Problems	60
Network Problems	60
Power Problems	61
Printer Problems	61
Scanner Problems	62
Sound and Speaker Problems	63
Video and Monitor Problems	63
Power Lights	65
Diagnostic Lights	66
Beep Codes	69
System Messages	70
Dell Diagnostics	72
When to Use Dell Diagnostics	72
Starting Dell Diagnostics From Your Hard Drive	72
Starting Dell Diagnostics From the Drivers and Utilities Media	73
Dell Diagnostics Main Menu	74
Drivers	75
What Is a Driver?	75
Identifying Drivers	75
Reinstalling Drivers and Utilities	76
Using Windows Device Driver Rollback	76
Using the Drivers and Utilities Media	76
Restoring Your Operating System	78
Using Microsoft Windows System Restore	78
Using Dell PC Restore and Dell Factory Image Restore	79
Using the Operating System Media	82
Troubleshooting Software and Hardware Problems	83
Removing and Installing Parts	85
Before You Begin	85
Recommended Tools	85
Preparing to Work Inside Your Computer	85
Removing the Computer Cover	86
Inside View of Your Computer	88
System Board Components	89
Memory	90
DDR2 Memory Overview	90
Addressing Memory Configurations	91
Installing Memory	92
Removing Memory	93
Cards	94
Removing PCI and PCI Express Cards	95
Installing PCI and PCI Express Cards	97
Removing a PCI Express Graphics Card from a Dual Configuration	100
Installing a PCI Express Graphics Card in a Dual Configuration	102
Network Adapter and Sound Card Settings	105
Drives	106
About Serial ATA Drives	107
General Drive Installation Guidelines	107
Hard Drive	108
Removing a Hard Drive	108
Installing a Hard Drive	110
Drive Panel	113
Removing the Drive Panel	113
Replacing the Drive Panel	114
Floppy Drive	115
Removing a Floppy Drive	115
Installing a Floppy Drive	117
Media Card Reader	119
Removing a Media Card Reader	119
Installing a Media Card Reader	121
Optical Drive	123
Removing an Optical Drive	123
Installing an Optical Drive	125
Liquid Cooling Assembly	128
Safety Instructions for Liquid Cooling Assembly	128
Removing the Liquid Cooling Assembly	128
Installing the Liquid Cooling Assembly	131
Processor	132
Removing the Processor	132
Installing the Processor	133
Fans	135
Removing the Card Fan	135
Installing the Card Fan	137
Removing the Optional Hard Drive Fan	138
Installing the Optional Hard Drive Fan	139
System Board	140
Removing the System Board	140
Installing the System Board	141
Power Supply	142
Power Supply (PSU) DC Connector Pin Assignments	143
Removing the Power Supply	152
Installing the Power Supply	155
Front I/O Panel	156
Front I/O-Panel Components	156
Removing the Front I/O Panel	157
Installing the I/O Panel	158
Battery	158
Replacing the Battery	158
Removing the Computer Stand	159
Replacing the Computer Cover	160
Appendix	163
Specifications	163
System Setup	168
Overview	168
Entering System Setup	168
System Setup Options	169
Boot Sequence	175
Clearing Forgotten Passwords	176
Clearing CMOS Settings	177
Cleaning Your Computer	178
Computer, Keyboard, and Monitor	178
Mouse	178
Floppy Drive	179
CDs and DVDs	179
FCC Notices (U.S. Only)	179
Class A	180
Class B	180
FCC Identification Information	180
Contacting Dell	181
Glossary	205

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Optimizing for Greater Performance

Understanding Dual-Graphics Technology

With dual-graphics technology, an optional second PCI Express graphics card will significantly

increase graphics performance on your computer. Benefits of this technology can be seen in the

improved portrayal of the 3-D graphics used in gaming and design applications.

Each graphics card includes at least one GPU (graphics processing unit). In dual graphics card

configurations, multiple GPUs dynamically share their workload to provide the best possible

performance. For a given application, the software selects the optimum rendering (processing)

mode.

For more information about your graphics card, go to

support.dell.com

Understanding CPU Overclocking

NOTICE:

Dell does not recommend operating the processor or other system components beyond the factory

default settings. This may cause system instability and reduce the operating life of your system components.

NOTICE:

Dell Technical Support will verify the full functionality of the CPU at the factory default setting and

support the CPU performance settings available within the system BIOS. Dell does not provide technical

support for any hardware or software issues arising from any third party applications used to enable

overclocking, such as NVIDIA nTune 5.0.

Overclocking is the process of causing a computer component to run faster than designed or

designated by the component manufacturer. Depending upon your application (such as gaming or

video editing), your performance may benefit from overclocking different subsystems within your

computer.

The Dell™ XPS™ 720 H

C™ Edition ships with an overclocked Intel

Core™2 Extreme Edition

processor and an H

Ceramic (also called H

C™ or Hot-to-Cold) cooling system designed to improve

overall thermal capacity.

he processor has been overclocked through CPU multiplier overclocking via the BIOS

to speeds

faster than the standard speed of the processor.

You can make limited adjustments to the CPU operating frequency in system setup. For more

information on accessing system setup, see "System Setup" on page 168. For information on

performance options, see "Performance" on page 171.