Dell Aurora-R2 manual

A L IENW ARE ® DESKTOP MANU AL[...]

e contents herein are subject to change without notice. © 2010 Dell Inc. Al l rights reserved. Reproduction of these materials in any manner whatsoever without the prior written permission of Dell Inc. is strictly prohibited. T rademarks used in this manual: Alienware , AlienFX , and the AlienHead logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of[...]

3 CONTENTS CONTENTS CHAPTER 1: SETTING UP YOUR DESKTOP ................................... 7 Before Setting Up Y our Desktop ...................................... 8 Connect the Display .................................................. 9 Connect the Keyboard and Mouse .................................... 10 Connect the Network Cable (Optional) ...[...]

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5 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. e Alienware technicians who have craf ted y our computer have made certain that your high-performance computer is properly optimized and per forms to its fullest potential. W e b[...]

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7 CHAPTER 1: SETTING UP YOUR DESKTOP CHAPTER 1: SETTING UP YOUR DESKTOP CHAPTER 1: SET TING UP YOUR DESKTOP[...]

8 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 you explore your new desktop’ s capabilities. See the documentation for technical information or general use as required to answer questions in [...]

9 CHAPTER 1: SETTING UP YOUR DESKTOP Connection T ype Computer Cable Display DVI-to-DVI (DVI cable) HDMI-to-HDMI (HDMI cable) HDMI-to-DVI (HDMI-to-DVI adapter + DVI cable) Connect the Display Connect the display using the connector available on the graphics card on y our computer . NOTE: A DVI or HDMI connector may be available on the graphics card[...]

10 CHAPTER 1: SETTING UP YOUR DESKTOP Connect the Network Cable (Optional) Connect the Keyboard and Mouse[...]

11 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 vary among countries. Using an incompatible cable or improperly connecting the cable to a power strip or electrical outlet may cause re or equipment damage.[...]

12 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 y our wireless Internet connection, y ou need to connect to y our wireless router . T o set up y our connection to a wireless router: Save and close any open les[...]

13 CHAPTER 1: SETTING UP YOUR DESKTOP Setting Up Y our Internet Connection ISPs and ISP oerings var y by country . Contact your ISP for oerings available in y our countr y . If you cannot connect to the Internet but have successful ly connected in the past, the Internet Service Provider (ISP) might have a service outage. Contact your ISP to c[...]

14 CHAPTER 1: SETTING UP YOUR DESKTOP[...]

15 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. CHAPTER 2: GET TING TO KNOW YOUR DESKTOP CHAPTER 2: GETTING T O KNOW YOUR DESKT OP[...]

16 CHAPTER 2: GETTING TO KNOW YOUR DESKTOP 1 Hard drive activity light — Blinks to indicate hard driv e activity when the computer reads or writes data. CAUTION: T o avoid loss of data, never turn o the computer while the hard drive activity light is blinking. 2 Alienhead — Lowers the drive panel when pressed. e drive panel can also be lo[...]

17 CHAPTER 2: GETTING TO KNOW YOUR DESKTOP 1 Security cable slot — Attaches a commercially available security cable to the computer . NOTE: Before y ou buy a security cable, ensure that it ts into the security cable slot on y our computer . 2 Latch — Closes or opens the security cable slot and locks or unlocks the release panel. Slide the la[...]

18 CHAPTER 2: GETTING TO KNOW YOUR DESKTOP Back Light Button Press the back light button to turn on the light to view the back panel connectors. is light automatically turns o af ter 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[...]

19 CHAPTER 2: GETTING TO KNOW YOUR DESKTOP Back Panel Connectors 7 6 5 3 2 1 4 NOTE: Some back panel connectors may not be available on y our computer . For details, see “Specications” on page 5 9 . 1 Optical S/PDIF connector — Connects to ampliers, speakers, or TVs for digital audio output through optical digital cables. is format c[...]

20 CHAPTER 2: GETTING TO KNOW YOUR DESKTOP Connecting External Speakers Y our Alienware desktop has v e integrated audio out connectors and one audio in connector . e audio out connectors deliver quality sound and support 7.1 surround audio. Y ou can connect the audio input connector from a home stereo or speaker system for a heightened gamin[...]

21 CHAPTER 2: GETTING TO KNOW YOUR DESKTOP T op V iew Features Accessing the T op Panel Connectors Press the top panel downwards to access the top panel connectors. 1 1 T op panel[...]

22 CHAPTER 2: GETTING TO KNOW YOUR DESKTOP T op Panel Connectors 5 2 1 3 4 1 Headphone connector — Connects to headphones. NOTE: T o 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 y our computer . 2 Microphone connector — Connects[...]

23 CHAPTER 4: USING YOUR DESKT OP CHAPTER 4: USING YOUR DESKTOP CHAPTER 4: USING YOUR DESKT OP[...]

24 CHAPTER 4: USING YOUR DESKT OP Alienware Command Center e Alienware ® Command Center gives you access to Alienware’ s exclusive sof tware and is a continuously upgradable control panel. As Alienware releases new programs, they download directly into the Command Center al lowing y ou to build a library of system management, optimization, an[...]

25 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. Data striping writes consecutive segments, or stripes, of data sequentia[...]

26 CHAPTER 4: USING YOUR DESKT OP RAID Level 5 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). is results in excellent per formance and good fault tolerance. If a dri[...]

27 CHAPTER 4: USING YOUR DESKT OP Optimizing Per formance Y our computer has been congured to operate optimally across a wide range of applications. Depending on the conguration you purchased, the computer may have been overclocked at the factor y to achieve maximum per formance in resource intensive applications including gaming and multimed[...]

28 CHAPTER 4: USING YOUR DESKT OP Conguring the BIOS System Setup e System Setup options allow you to: Change the system conguration information af ter y ou add, change, or • remove any hardware in y our desktop. Set or change a user-selectable option. • View the amount of memory installed. • Set the type of hard drive installed. •[...]

29 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.del l.com/manuals . System Information Product Name Displays the product na[...]

30 CHAPTER 4: USING YOUR DESKT OP Standard CMOS Features Wait for ‘F1’ If Errors If enabled, the system will HAL T 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 o[...]

31 CHAPTER 4: USING YOUR DESKT OP 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 Al lows y ou to enable or disable the onboard IEEE 1394 controller . LAN1 BCM5784 Device (available on Au[...]

32 CHAPTER 4: USING YOUR DESKT OP Frequency/V oltage Control CPU Speed Displays the current processor speed. Memory Speed Displays the current memory speed. Current QPI 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 rati[...]

33 CHAPTER 4: USING YOUR DESKT OP Overclock Conguration Submenu Turbo Mode TDC Limit Override Allows you to program the current thresholds for the processor while in turbo mode. Turbo Mode TDP Limit Override Allows you to program the power thresholds for the processor while in turbo mode. Overvoltage Conguration Submenu CPU Temperature Sensor[...]

34 CHAPTER 4: USING YOUR DESKT OP BIOS Security Features Change Supervisor Password Allows you to change the supervisor password. Change User Password Allows you to change the user password. Y ou 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,[...]

35 CHAPTER 5: INST ALLING ADDITIONAL OR REPLACEMENT COMPONENTS is chapter provides guidelines and instructions for increasing the processing power and storage capacity , b y upgrading equipment. Y ou can purchase components for y our desktop at www.dell.com or www .alienware.com . NOTE: See the Service Manual at suppor t.dell.com/manuals for ins[...]

36 CHAPTER 5: INST ALLING ADDITIONAL OR REPLACEMENT COMPONENTS Before Y ou Begin is section provides procedures for removing and installing the components in y our desktop. Unless otherwise noted, each procedure assumes that the following conditions exist: Y ou have per formed the steps in “T urning O Y our Desktop” and “Before • Work[...]

37 CHAPTER 5: INST ALLING ADDITIONAL OR REPLACEMENT COMPONENTS CAUTION: When you disconnect a cable, pul l on its connector or on its pull-tab, not on the cable itself . Some cables hav e connectors with locking tabs; if y ou are disconnecting this type of cable, press in on the locking tabs before y ou disconnect the cable. As y ou pull connectors[...]

38 CHAPTER 5: INST ALLING ADDITIONAL OR REPLACEMENT COMPONENTS Removing and Replacing the Side Panel CAUTION: Before removing the side panel, disconnect the power cable from y our desktop. T o remov e the side panel: Follow the instructions in “Before Y ou Begin ” on page 1. 3 6. NOTE: Ensure that y ou remove the security cable from the securit[...]

39 CHAPTER 5: INST ALLING ADDITIONAL OR REPLACEMENT COMPONENTS Inside V iew of Y our Computer 1 2 3 4 1 memory module(s) 2 graphics cards (2) 3 optical drives (3) 4 hard drives (4) Removing and Replacing Memory Module(s) T o remov e the memor y module(s): Follow the instructions in “Before Y ou Begin ” on page 1. 3 6. Remove the side panel (see[...]

40 CHAPTER 5: INST ALLING ADDITIONAL OR REPLACEMENT COMPONENTS Aurora-R2 Recommended memory conguration: T ype Slots 1066 MHz and I333 MHz DDR3 Slots 1 and 2 or slots 1 — 4 T o replace memory module(s): Aurora/Aurora ALX Recommended memory conguration: T ype Slots 1066 MHz and I333 MHz DDR3 Slots 1, 3, and 5 or slots 1 — 6 1600 MHz XMP Sl[...]

41 CHAPTER 5: INST ALLING ADDITIONAL OR REPLACEMENT COMPONENTS Follow the instructions in “Before Y ou Begin ” on page 1. 3 6. Align the notch on the bottom of the memory module with the tab on the 2. memory module connector . 4 3 2 1 1 memory module connector 2 tab 3 notch 4 memory module CAUTION: T o avoid damage to the memory module, press t[...]

42 CHAPTER 5: INST ALLING ADDITIONAL OR REPLACEMENT COMPONENTS Press the release tabs together and slide the hard drive out of the hard 4. drive cage. 2 1 1 hard driv e 2 release tabs (2) Removing and Replacing Hard Drive(s) T o remov e the hard drive(s): Follow the instructions in “Before Y ou Begin ” on page 1. 3 6. Remove the side panel (see[...]

43 CHAPTER 5: INST ALLING ADDITIONAL OR REPLACEMENT COMPONENTS T o replace a hard drive: Follow the instructions in “Before Y ou Begin ” on page 1. 3 6. See the documentation that shipped with y our new hard drive to verify that 2. it is congured for y our computer . Snap the new-hard drive bracket on to the new hard drive (if applicable). 3[...]

44 CHAPTER 5: INST ALLING ADDITIONAL OR REPLACEMENT COMPONENTS Locate the expansion card on the system board (see “Inside View of Y our 4. Computer“ on page 39 ). Disconnect any cables connected to the card (if applicable). 5. Remove the screw the secures the card to the chassis. 6. Remove the card. 7. For a PCI Express x1 card, grasp the card [...]

45 CHAPTER 5: INST ALLING ADDITIONAL OR REPLACEMENT COMPONENTS Connect any cables that should be attached to the card (if applicable). 5. For information about the card’ s cable connections, see the documentation that shipped with the card. Replace the screw that secures the card to the chassis. 6. Push the shroud to snap it into place. 7. Replac[...]

46 CHAPTER 5: INST ALLING ADDITIONAL OR REPLACEMENT COMPONENTS[...]

47 CHAPTER 6: TROUBLESHOOTING CHAPTER 6: TROUBLESHOOTING CHAPTER 6: TROUBLESHOOTING[...]

48 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 . T urn o your computer and any connect[...]

49 CHAPTER 6: TROUBLESHOOTING If the PSA completes successfully , the fol lowing message appears 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).” Press < y > to continue if y ou are experiencing memory issue, otherwise press < n > to [...]

50 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 specied in the system setup program. When the boot device list appears, highlight 3. CD/DVD/CD-RW and press <Enter>. Select 4. Boot from CD-ROM from the menu that appears and pr[...]

51 CHAPTER 6: TROUBLESHOOTING Beep Code Possible Problem One Possible motherboard failure — BIOS ROM checksum failure T wo No RAM detected NOTE: If y ou instal led or replaced the memory module, ensure that the memory module is seated properly . ree Possible motherboard failure — Chipset error Four RAM read/write failure Five Real T ime Cloc[...]

52 CHAPTER 6: TROUBLESHOOTING A program is designed for an earlier version of Microsof t ® Windows ® Run the Program Compatibility W izard: e Program Compatibility Wizard congures a program so that it runs in an environment similar to non-Windows operating system environment. Click 1. Start → Control Panel → Programs → Programs and Fe[...]

53 CHAPTER 6: TROUBLESHOOTING Other sof tware problems Back up y our les immediately Use a virus-scanning program to check the hard drive, or CDs 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 computer per formance, you frequently receive[...]

54 CHAPTER 6: TROUBLESHOOTING Hard Drive Problems Allow the computer to cool before turning it on A hot hard drive may prevent the operating system from star ting. T r y al lowing the computer to return to room temperature before turning it on. Run Check Disk Click 1. Start → Computer . Right-click 2. Local Disk C: . Click 3. Properties → T ool[...]

55 CHAPTER 6: TROUBLESHOOTING 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 b y t[...]

56 CHAPTER 6: TROUBLESHOOTING[...]

57 CHAPTER 7: SYSTEM RECOVER Y CHAPTER 7: SYSTEM RECOVER Y CHAPTER 7: SYSTEM RECOVERY Y our computer has the fol lowing system recov ery options: Operating System Reinstallation DVD • — Contains operating system installation media. Dell Datasafe local • — Y our computer is pre-installed with Del l DataSafe Local Backup (see “Dell DataSafe[...]

58 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, accidentally delete critical les or folders, or if the hard drive crashes. is application allows you to: Restore les and folders • Restore y our[...]

59 CHAPTER 8: SPECIFICA TIONS is chapter provides specications of y our desktop. CHAPTER 8: SPECIFICA TIONS CHAPTER 8: SPECIFICA TIONS[...]

60 CHAPTER 8: SPECIFICA TIONS 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 : e weight of y our desktop wil l vary depending on the conguration a[...]

61 CHAPTER 8: SPECIFICA TIONS Processor and System Chipset External bus frequency 133 MHz Data bus bandwidth up to 6.4 GT/s RAID support (internal SA T A drives only) RAID 0 RAID 1 RAID 5 RAID 10 BIOS chip (NVRAM) 32 MB Memory Connectors Aurora/Aurora ALX six internally-accessible DDR3 DIMM sockets Aurora-R2 four internally-accessible DDR3 DIMM soc[...]

62 CHAPTER 8: SPECIFICA TIONS Communications Network adapter 10/100/1000 Ethernet LAN on system board Wireless (optional) WiFi/Bluetooth ® wireless technology Drives Ext ernally ac ces sible thr ee 5.25-inch drive bays for Blu-ray Disc™ combo, Blu-ray Disc Writer (6x), DVD+/-RW , or DVD Combo Internally accessible four 3.5-inch drive bays for SA[...]

63 CHAPTER 8: SPECIFICA TIONS Computer Environment T emperature ranges: Operating 10°C to 35°C (50°F to 95°F) Storage –10°C to 45°C (14°F to 113°F) Relative humidity (maximum) 20% to 80% (noncondensing) Maximum vibration (using a random-vibration spectrum that simulates user environment): Operating 0.25 GRMS Non-Operating 2.2 GRMS Maximum[...]

64 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 . • T o avoid electrical shock, always unplug all power , modem and any other • cable[...]

65 APPENDIX A: GENERAL AND ELECTRICAL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS When Should Y ou Contact Alienware? e power cable or plug is damaged. • Y our computer has had liquid spil led into it. • Y our computer was dropped or the case was damaged. • Normal operation of the computer does not occur when the operating • instructions are followed. Replacemen[...]

66 APPENDIX B: CONT ACTING ALIENWARE Websites Y ou can learn about Alienware products and ser vices on the following websites: www .dell.com • www .dell.com/ap • (Asian/Pacic countries only) www .dell.com/jp • (Japan only) www .euro.dell.com • (Europe only) www .dell.com/la • (Latin American and Caribbean countries) www .dell.ca • (C[...]

67 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 • conguration, HDMI output is not supported. NOTE: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 295 graphics card’ s HDMI output is limited to single-card congurations only . Whe[...]

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