ALIENWARE® M18x MOBILE 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. © 2011 Dell Inc. All rights reserved.
CONTENTS CHAPTER 1: SETTING UP YOUR LAPTOP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Before Setting Up Your Laptop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Connect the AC Adapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Press the Power Button . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
CHAPTER 5: TROUBLESHOOTING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 Basic Hints and Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 Backup and General Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 Software Diagnostic Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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 LAPTOP CHAPTER 1: SETTING UP YOUR LAPTOP CHAPTER 1: SETTING UP YOUR LAPTOP 7
Before Setting Up Your Laptop Product Documentation and Media Congratulations on the purchase of your Alienware M18x! The documentation that ships with your Alienware laptop is designed to provide answers to many of the questions that may arise as you explore your new laptop’s capabilities. You may see the documentation for technical information or general use as needed to answer questions in the future, or aid you in finding answers and solutions.
Connect the AC Adapter Press the Power Button WARNING: The AC adapter works with electrical outlets worldwide. However, 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.
Connect the Network Cable (Optional) Set Up Microsoft Windows Your computer is preconfigured with the Microsoft Windows operating system. To set up Windows for the first time, follow the instructions on the screen. These steps are mandatory and may take some time to complete. The Windows setup screens will take you through several procedures including accepting license agreements, setting preferences, and setting up an Internet connection. CAUTION: Do not interrupt the operating system’s setup process.
Set Up WirelessHD (Optional) The WirelessHD feature allows you to share high-definition video from your computer display to a TV without the use of cables. To set up WirelessHD, use a WirelessHD kit. For instructions on setting up WirelessHD, see the document that shipped with your WirelessHD kit. Set Up Wireless Display (Optional) NOTE: The wireless display feature may not be supported on all computers.
Connect to the Internet (Optional) Setting Up a Wireless Connection NOTE: To set up your wireless router, see the documentation that shipped with your router. Setting Up a Wired Connection • • If you are using a dial-up connection, connect the telephone line to the optional external USB modem 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.
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. 1.
CHAPTER 1: SETTING UP YOUR LAPTOP
CHAPTER 2: GETTING TO KNOW YOUR LAPTOP CHAPTER 2: GETTING TO KNOW YOUR LAPTOP CHAPTER 2: GETTING TO KNOW YOUR LAPTOP 15
This chapter provides information about your new laptop to familiarize you with its various features, and get you up and running quickly. 4 Left View Features 1 1 2 3 16 2 3 HDMI-output connector — Connects to a TV for both multi-channel digital audio and video signals. NOTE: For a monitor without built-in speakers, only the video signal will be read. 4 5 6 5 Mini-DisplayPort connector — Connects your computer to external DisplayPort monitors and projectors. 6 USB 3.
Right View Features 4 USB 2.0 connectors (2) — Connect to USB devices, such as a mouse, keyboard, printer, external drive, or MP3 player. 5 eSATA/USB combo connector with USB PowerShare — Connects to eSATA compatible storage devices (such as external hard drives or optical drives) or USB devices (such as a mouse, keyboard, printer, external drive, or MP3 player). The USB Powershare feature allows you to charge USB devices when the computer is powered on/off or in sleep state.
Back View Features 1 1 18 AC adapter connector — Connects to the AC adapter to power the computer and charge the battery.
Display Features 1 23 4 5 1 Left digital-array microphone — Combines with the right digital-array microphone to provide high quality sound for video chatting and voice recording. 2 Camera activity indicator — Indicates if the camera is on or off. A solid white light indicates camera activity. 3 Camera — Built-in camera for video capture, conferencing, and chat.
Computer Base and Keyboard Features 7 6 1 1 Status lights (3) — Indicate if the Caps Lock, Number Lock, or Scroll Lock lights are turned on or off. 2 Macro keys — You can assign keystrokes, predefined functions, macros, or shortcuts for your games using the TactX Macro Key Controls option available in the Alienware Command Center. For more information, see “Alienware Command Center” on page 26. 3 Backlit keyboard — Illuminates to provide visibility in low lit or dark environments.
Status Lights Media Control Keys The three status lights are located at the top-left side of the keyboard. For the exact location, see “Computer Base and Keyboard Features” on page 20. The media control keys are located at the top-right side of the keyboard. For the exact location, see “Computer Base and Keyboard Features” on page 20. To activate, press the desired keys. The keys will illuminate temporarily to confirm your selection. Caps Lock Light Turns on when the keyboard is in Caps Lock mode.
Power Button You can program this button to perform actions like shutting down the operating system or entering the standby mode. For details on how to program this button, see Power Options in the control panel of Microsoft Windows operating system. The power button is located in the center of the hinge cover. For the exact location, see “Computer Base and Keyboard Features” on page 20. The color of the AlienHead rim indicates the power status.
Function Keys NOTE: Depending on the configuration of the laptop you purchased, some of the function keys may have no associated tasks. The key is located at the bottom-left corner of the keyboard, and is used together with other keys to activate certain functions. Hold down the key along with the key described below: FI – Suspend Mode Press to enable the suspend mode. In the suspend mode, the display and selected devices will switch off for less energy consumption.
CHAPTER 2: GETTING TO KNOW YOUR LAPTOP
CHAPTER 3: USING YOUR LAPTOP CHAPTER 3: USING YOUR LAPTOP CHAPTER 3: USING YOUR LAPTOP 25
Alienware Command Center 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. You can access Alienware Command Center by pressing on the media control keys. See “Media Control Keys” on page 21.
1. Turn off your laptop. 2. Turn off the display and disconnect it from the power supply. 3. Connect one end of the display cable to the VGA, mini-DisplayPort, or HDMI connector on your Alienware laptop. 4. Connect the other end of the cable to the same connector on your display. 5. If necessary, connect one end of the power cable to the display’s power connector. 6. Connect the other end of the power cable to a grounded three-prong power strip or wall outlet. 7.
Using the Optical Drive Using the Integrated Camera Your laptop has a slot load optical drive. Depending on the configuration ordered, your laptop may have one of the following drive types. These logos are used to indicate each drive’s capabilities and media compatibility. Turning the Camera On and Off DVD±R/W Dual Layer Writer DVD±R/W drive can read CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-R/W, DVD, DVD+R/W, and DVD-R/W media. It can also record to CD-R, CD-RW, DVD+R/W, DVD-R/W, and DVD+R Dual Layer (DL) media.
Battery Pack Power Management Your laptop is equipped with a high-energy rechargeable Lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery pack. Battery life varies depending on your laptop configuration, model, applications installed, power management settings, and features used. As with all batteries, the maximum capacity of this battery decreases with time and usage. Understanding Power Consumption The battery-meter lights on the battery pack indicate the charge level of the battery.
Customizing Your Power Settings 1. 2. 3. 4. Click Start → Control Panel. Click All Control Panel Items. Double-click the Power Options icon. Select a power plan from the options shown. To customize specific settings, click Change plan settings next to the selected power plan. Reducing Power Consumption Although your laptop (together with the operating system) is capable of power conservation, there are measures you can take to reduce the power consumption: • Lower the intensity of the display backlight.
Configuring the BIOS Entering System Setup 1. Turn on (or restart) your laptop. 2. NOTE: Keyboard failure may result when a key on the keyboard is held down for extended periods of time. To avoid possible keyboard failure, press and release in even intervals until the System Setup screen appears. While the laptop is booting, press immediately before the operating system logo appears to access the BIOS Setup Utility.
System Setup Options NOTE: Depending on your computer and installed devices, the items listed in this section may not appear, or may not appear exactly as listed. NOTE: For the updated system setup information, see the Service Manual at support.dell.com/manuals. Main Menu System Time (hh:mm:ss) System Date (mm/dd/yyyy) Alienware Service Tag BIOS Version EC Version ME Version CPU 32 Displays the system time. Displays the system date. Displays the model number of your computer.
Advanced Menu Intel SpeedStep Allows you to enable or disable the Intel SpeedStep technology. Disabling this feature may improve performance, but will greatly reduce battery life. Virtualization Allows you to enable or disable the Intel Virtualization technology. USB Emulation Allows you to enable or disable the USB emulation feature. This feature defines how the BIOS, in the absence of a USB-aware operating system, handles USB devices. USB emulation is always enabled during POST.
Advanced Menu Performance Options Allows you to configure fields in the Performance Options sub-menu (for more information, see “Advanced Menu – Performance Options“ on page 34). SATA Operation Allows you to configure the operating mode of the integrated SATA hard drive controller. • AHCI: SATA is configured for AHCI mode. • RAID: SATA is configured for RAID mode. SATA HARD DRIVE 1 SATA HARD DRIVE 2 Displays the installed primary SATA hard drive model.
Advanced Menu – Performance Options DIMM Profile Allows you to select different XMP options. (XMP) Override Turbo Allows you to override CPU Turbo Mode settings. Settings Long Duration Allows you to specify the Turbo Mode power limit 1 PWR Limit in Watts. The value may vary from 0 to the fused value. A value of 0 programs this value to the fused limit. You cannot specify a value greater than the fused limit.
Security Menu Set Service Tag Displays the service tag of the computer when the service tag is present. Displays a field to input the service tag manually when the service tag is absent. Set Supervisor Password Allows you to set the supervisor password. The supervisor password controls access to the system setup utility. Set User Password Allows you to set the user password. The user password controls access to the computer at boot.
CHAPTER 4: INSTALLING ADDITIONAL OR REPLACEMENT COMPONENTS CHAPTER 4: INSTALLING ADDITIONAL OR REPLACEMENT COMPONENTS CHAPTER 4: INSTALLING ADDITIONAL OR REPLACEMENT COMPONENTS 37
Before You Begin This section provides procedures for removing and installing the components in your laptop. Unless otherwise noted, each procedure assumes that the following conditions exist: • • • 38 You have performed the steps in “Turning Off Your Computer” and “Before Working Inside Your Computer” in this section. You have read the safety information that shipped with your computer. A component can be replaced or—if purchased separately—installed by performing the removal procedure in reverse order.
CAUTION: To avoid damaging the computer, perform the following steps before you begin working inside the computer. Before Working Inside Your Computer Use the following safety guidelines to help protect your computer from potential damage and to help to ensure your own personal safety. WARNING: Before working inside your laptop, read the safety information that shipped with your computer. For additional safety best practices information, see the Regulatory Compliance Homepage at dell.
Replacing the Battery Pack This battery pack can easily be removed and replaced. Ensure that the laptop is properly shut down before changing the battery pack. CAUTION: To avoid damage to the laptop, use only the battery designed for this particular Alienware laptop. Do not use batteries designed for other Alienware or Dell laptops. To remove the battery pack: 1. Follow the instructions in “Before You Begin” on page 38. 2. Shut down the laptop and turn it over. 3.
Upgrading or Replacing Memory Removing the Memory Module(s) Your laptop is equipped with a configurable memory unit. The industry standard JEDEC PC3-12800 (DDR3-1600) SODIMM memory module connectors are available for memory upgrade. NOTE: If you purchased a dual-core processor, your computer supports only memory module connectors DIMM A and DIMM B. NOTE: The table below illustrates one possible way the system memory can be configured.
5 4 3 1 2 1 2 1 screws (4) 2 compartment door 5. Use your fingertips to carefully spread apart the memory-module connector’s spring locks until the memory module pops up. 6. Remove the memory module. 1 memory module 4 notch 2 spring locks (2) 5 memory-module connector 3 tab To replace the memory modules, perform the removal steps in reverse order. While inserting the memory module into the connector align the notch on the memory module with the tab on the memory module connector.
Upgrading or Replacing the Hard Drive(s) Your laptop is equipped with two hard drives. Removing the Hard Drive(s) 1. Follow the instructions in “Before You Begin” on page 38. 2. Remove the battery pack (see “Replacing the Battery Pack“ on page 40). 3. Remove the four screws that secure the compartment door to the computer base. 4. Slide the compartment door towards the rear of the computer, lift it up, and remove it from the computer.
5. Release the connector latch and disconnect the hard-drive cable from the connector on the system board. 6. Loosen the four captive screws that secure the hard-drive assembly. 7. Using the pull tab, lift the hard-drive assembly out of the computer base. 8. Disconnect the interposer from the hard drives.
9. Remove the four screws that secure the primary hard drive (HDD0) and lift the hard drive out of the hard-drive bracket. 10. Remove the four screws that secure the secondary hard drive (HDD1) and slide the hard drive out of the hard-drive bracket. 3 2 1 1 screws (8) 2 primary hard drive (HDD0) 3 secondary hard drive (HDD1) To replace the hard drive(s), perform the removal steps in reverse order.
CHAPTER 4: INSTALLING ADDITIONAL OR REPLACEMENT COMPONENTS
CHAPTER 5: TROUBLESHOOTING CHAPTER 5: TROUBLESHOOTING CHAPTER 5: TROUBLESHOOTING 47
Basic Hints and Tips Backup and General Maintenance • • • • • • • 48 Computer does not power on: Is your AC adapter cable securely connected to a working electrical outlet? If connected to a power strip, ensure that the strip is actually 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.
When troubleshooting your computer, remember the following safety guidelines: Software Diagnostic Tools • Enhanced Pre-Boot System Assessment • • Before touching any of the computer’s internal components, touch an unpainted portion of the chassis. Doing so will safely discharge any static electricity, which could damage your computer. Turn off your computer and any connected peripherals. Disconnect any peripherals from your computer.
If failures are detected during ePSA, write down the error code(s) and contact Alienware (for more information, see “Contacting Alienware“ on page 70). If the ePSA completes successfully, the following message appears “Do you want to run the remaining memory tests? This will take about 30 minutes or more. Do you want to continue? (Recommended).” If you are experiencing memory issues, press , else press . The following message appears: “Enhanced Pre-boot System Assessment complete.
Software Problems A program stops responding or crashes repeatedly End the program: 1. 2. Press simultaneously. Click the Applications tab and select the program that is no longer responding. 3. Click End Task. Check the software documentation. If necessary, uninstall and then reinstall the program. Other software problems Back up your files immediately. Use a virus-scanning program to check the hard drive, or CDs.
Check the software documentation or contact the software manufacturer for troubleshooting information: Hard Drive Problems • Allow the computer to cool before turning it on • • • • 52 Ensure that the program is compatible with the operating system installed on your computer. Ensure that your computer meets the minimum hardware requirements needed to run the software. See the software documentation for information. Ensure that the program is installed and configured properly.
Memory Problems Power Problems Memory errors detected on startup When you press the power button, the computer does not turn on • • • Check memory modules for correct seating and orientation. Reseat the memory modules if applicable (see “Upgrading or Replacing Memory” on page 41). Computers using a dual-channel memory configuration require that memory modules be installed in pairs.
CHAPTER 5: TROUBLESHOOTING
CHAPTER 6: SYSTEM RECOVERY CHAPTER 6: SYSTEM RECOVERY CHAPTER 6: SYSTEM RECOVERY 55
AlienRespawn CAUTION: Using AlienRespawn permanently removes any programs or drivers installed after you received your computer. Create backup media of applications you need to install on your computer before using AlienRespawn. Use AlienRespawn only if System Restore did not resolve your operating system problem. CAUTION: Although AlienRespawn is designed to preserve the data files on your computer, it is recommended that you backup your data files before using AlienRespawn.
Upgrading to AlienRespawn Professional AlienRespawn provides additional features that allow you to: • Backup and restore your computer based on file types • Backup files to a local storage device • Schedule automated backups To upgrade to AlienRespawn Professional: 1. Double-click the AlienRespawn icon in the notification area of your desktop. 2. Click Upgrade Now! 3. Follow the instructions on the screen.
My Dell Downloads NOTE: My Dell Downloads may not be available in all regions. Some of the software pre-installed on your new Alienware computer do not include a backup media. This software is available on the My Dell Downloads website. From this website, you can download available software for reinstallation or create your own backup media. To register and use My Dell Downloads: 1. Go to DownloadStore.dell.com/media. 2. Follow the instructions on the screen to register and download the software. 3.
CHAPTER 7: BASIC SPECIFICATIONS CHAPTER 7: SPECIFICATIONS CHAPTER 7: SPECIFICATIONS 59
Computer Model Computer Information Alienware M18x Processor • • Dimensions Height Intel Core i7 Extreme Edition (second generation) Intel Core i7 and i5 (second generation) L2 cache 256 KB Front 53.0 mm (2.09 inches) L3 cache up to 8 MB Back 54.20 mm (2.13 inches) Bus clock 100 MHz 436.0 mm (17.17 inches) System chipset Mobile Intel HM67 Express Chipset Depth 322.0 mm (12.68 inches) SDRAM bus width Weight with 12-cell battery and optical drive (starting at) 5.41 kg (11.
Ports and Connectors Memory Connectors four internally accessible DDR3 using JEDEC SODIMM sockets Audio • • Capacities 2 GB, 4 GB, and 8 GB S/PDIF one headphone/S/PDIF combo connector Memory type • Media Card Reader one 9-in-1 slot ExpressCard one ExpressCard/54 connector • Memory configurations possible up to 1600 MHz unbuffered non-ECC dual‑channel DDR3 configuration Extreme Memory Profiles (XMP) 1600 and 1866 4 GB, 6 GB, 8 GB, 16 GB, and 32 GB Ports and Connectors Network adapter one R
Video Audio Video memory Output power Integrated 512 MB dedicated video memory (for total system memory greater than 4 GB) Discrete • • External display support 1.5 GB GDDR5 for NVIDIA GeForce GTX 460M 2.0 GB GDDR5 for AMD Radeon HD 6970M HDMI, Mini DisplayPort, VGA, WiDi (optional), and WirelessHD (optional) Speaker up to 5 W average per channel; up to 2.
Media Card Reader Cards supported Display • • • • • • • • • • Secure Digital (SD) memory card Secure Digital Input/Output (SDIO) card Secure Digital Extended Capacity (SDXC) card MultiMedia Card (MMC) MultiMedia Card plus (MMC+) Memory Stick Memory Stick PRO xD-Picture Card (type - M and type - H) Hi Density-SD (SDHD) Hi Capacity-SD (SDHC) Type 18.4 inch FHD WLED TrueLife Maximum resolution 1920 x 1080 Dimensions (active area) Height 230.04 mm (9.06 inches) Width 408.96 mm (16.
Touch Pad X/Y position resolution (graphics table mode) Battery 240 cpi Operating time battery operating time varies depending on operating conditions and can be significantly reduced under certain power-intensive conditions. Life span (approximate) 300 discharge/charge cycles Size Height 56.00 mm (2.20 inches) sensor-active area Width 99.5 mm (3.92 inches) rectangle Camera Temperature range Operating 0° to 50°C (32° to 122°F) Storage –20° to 60°C (–4° to 140°F) Camera resolution 3.
AC Adapter Computer Environment Output current Temperature range 240 W 12.30 A (continuous) Operating 0 °C to 35 °C (32 °F to 95 °F) 330 W 16.92 A Storage –40 °C to 65 °C (–40 °F to 149 °F) Output power 240 W 240 W 330 W 330 W Rated output voltage 19.50 VDC Temperature range Operating 240 W 0 °C to 40 °C (32 °F to 104 °F) 330 W 10 °C to 35 °C (50 °F to 95 °F) Storage –40 °C to 70 °C (–40 °F to 158 °F) Connector types DC connector 3-pin, 7.
CHAPTER 7: SPECIFICATIONS
APPENDIX A APPENDIX APPENDIX 67
GENERAL AND ELECTRICAL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS Computer Setup • • • • • • • • • • 68 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.
General Safety Precautions • • Mechanical Shock: Your computer should never be subjected to severe mechanical shocks. Careless handling of your computer may cause damage. Mechanical Shock is not covered by the warranty. Electrical Shock: If you do not open up your computer, there is nothing to worry about. Your computer protects itself against most irregularities in the power source. When You Should Contact Alienware • • • • The battery, power cable or connector is damaged.
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. Visit dell.com/contactdell. 2. Select your country or region. 3.
Information for NOM, or Official Mexican Standard (Only for Mexico) The following information is provided in the device(s) described in this document in accordance with the requirements of the Official Mexican Standard (NOM): Importer: Dell México S.A. de C.V. Paseo de la Reforma 2620 - Flat 11° Col. Lomas Altas 11950 México, D.F. Regulatory Model Number Voltage Frequency Electricity Consumption Output Voltage Output Intensity P12E 100-240 VAC 50–60 Hz 3.50 A/4.40 A 19.50 VDC 12.30 A/16.
Printed in China.
