Dell Area-51 Alienware Command Center, Working With RAID, AlienFX, AlienFusion, Thermal Controls

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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.

To access the Command Center, click 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 standby mode, and opening a new application.

AlienFusion

AlienFusion gives you access to your Alienware computer’s power management controls to help increase energy efficiency.

CHAPTER 4: USING YOUR DESKTOP

Thermal Controls

Thermal Controls lets you control the thermal and venting capabilities of your computer by changing the fan speed and behavior of the vents present on the top of your computer.

Working With RAID

A redundant array of independent disks (RAID) is a disk storage configuration that increases performance or data redundancy. There are four basic RAID levels discussed in this section.

•RAID level 0 is recommended for higher performance (faster throughput).

•RAID level 1 is recommended for users who need a high level of data integrity.

•RAID level 5 is recommended for higher performance and fault tolerance.

•RAID level 10 is recommended for higher performance and data integrity.

NOTE: RAID requires multiple hard drives. The number of hard drives required varies depending on the RAID configuration.

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Contents Alienware Desktop Manual 02 /02 Contents Basic Specifications Introduction Setting UP Your Desktop Before Setting Up Your Desktop Product Documentation and MediaPlacing Your Desktop Connect the Display Connect the Network Cable Optional Connect the Power Cable Set Up Microsoft Windows Connect to the Internet OptionalSetting Up Your Internet Connection Getting to Know Your Desktop Front View Features AlienheadBack View Features Appropriate connectorsBack Panel Connectors Top View Features Accessing the Top Panel ConnectorsBack Light Button Top Panel Connectors Headphone connector Connects to headphonesConnecting Devices Connecting External Speakers Connecting Printers Connecting a Plug and Play PrinterConnecting USB Devices Connecting Ieee 1394 FireWire DevicesConnecting a Non Plug and Play Printer Using Your Desktop Alienware Command Center Working With RAIDAlienFX AlienFusionRAID Level 026 /026 Optimizing Performance Configuring the Bios System SetupEntering System Setup System Setup ScreensSystem Setup Options Sata LAN1 BCM5784 Device Suspend Mode Adjust CPU BClk MHz CPU Temperature Sensor Installing Additional or Replacement Components Before You Begin Turning Off Your DesktopBefore Working Inside Your Desktop Opening and Closing the Side Panel Inside View of Your Computer Memory module connector Securing clips Tab Notch Removing and Replacing Memory Modules041 /041 Removing and Replacing Hard Drives Side panel Release panel043 /043 Removing and Replacing Expansion Cards 045/045 Troubleshooting Backup and General Maintenance Basic Hints and TipsSoftware Diagnostic Tools Pre-Boot System Assessment PSAAlienware Diagnostics Starting Alienware Diagnostics From the Support CD/DVDAnswers to Common Problems CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, CD-R/W, DVD±R/W, or Blu-ray Disc DriveComputer does not recognize the disc or drive An audio CD does not produce soundComputer Computer fails the PostComputer stops responding or a solid blue screen appears Program stops responding or crashes repeatedlyOther software problems Hard Drive Problems InternetInternet connection is slow Keyboard MemoryDisplay MouseIf the display is blank If the display is difficult to readPower PrinterPrinter does not turn on Printer does not printGame Controllers SpeakersComputer does not recognize the game controller There is no sound from the speakersSystem Recovery Using AlienRespawn AlienRespawnRecovery Options Microsoft System RestoreAdvanced Recovery Factory System RecoveryPassword Protection To Enable or Change Password SettingsDell DataSafe Local Backup AlienRespawn v2.0 DiscTo Use the AlienRespawn v2.0 Disc 063/063 Basic Specifications USB PCI Non-Operating Grms Computer Setup Computer UseElectrostatic Discharge ESD Warning General Safety Precautions When Should You Contact Alienware?Replacement Components or Accessories Appendix B Contacting Alienware WebsitesAppendix C Important Information Nvidia GeForce GTX 295 Graphics Cards0K830RA00