Dell Alienware Aurora R3 Users Guide

							29CHAPTER 3: USING YOUR DESKTOP 
Advanced — CPU Configuration
Hyper-threading TechnologyIf disabled only one thread per enabled core is active.
XD Bit CapabilityEnable XD Bit Capability to allow the processor to  distinguish  between  the  bits  of  code  that can  be  executed  and  the  ones  that  cannot  be executed. 
Intel(R) Speedstep techIf enabled, the processor clock speed and core voltage are adjusted dynamically based on the processor load.
Intel(R) C-State TechIf enabled, C-State: Processor idle is set to  C2/C3/C4.
Advanced — Integrated Devices
USB ControllerAllows you to enable or disable the integrated USB controller.
HD AudioAllows you to enable or disable the integrated audio controller.
Onboard IEEE1394 Controller Allows you to enable or disable the onboard IEEE 1394 controller. 
Onboard LAN ControllerAllows you to enable or disable the onboard LAN controller.
LAN Option ROMAllows you to enable or disable the network controller’s boot option.
Advanced — Integrated Devices
Jmicron 362 ATA ControllerAllows you to enable or disable the ATA controller.
ICH SATA Configuration
SATA ModeAllows you to configure the integrated hard drive controller to AHCI or RAID.
Advanced — Power Management Setup
Suspend ModeSets the energy-saving mode of the ACPI function.
AC RecoverySets what action the computer takes when power is restored.
Auto Power OnAllows the computer to start up at a certain time.
Advanced — Frequency/Voltage Control
Current CPU FrequencyDisplays the current processor speed.
Current DRAM FrequencyDisplays the current memory speed.
Adjust Cpu RatioAllows you to change the processor ratio.
Memory RatioAllows you to change the memory ratio.
DRAM Timing ModeAllows you to change the memory timing mode. 
						

							30CHAPTER 3: USING YOUR DESKTOP 
Advanced — Frequency/Voltage Control
Advance DRAM ConfigurationAllows you to access the Advance DRAM Configuration submenu.
Overclock ConfigurationAllows you to access the Overclock Configuration submenu.
Overvoltage ConfigurationAllows you to access the Overvoltage Configuration submenu.
Load Level 1 DefaultsAllows you to load Level 1 default setting.
NOTE: This setting may not be available for some processors.
Load Level 2 DefaultsAllows you to load Level 2 default setting.
NOTE: This setting may not be available for some processors.
Advanced — ME Subsystem
ME VersionDisplays the ME version number.
ME subsystemAllows you to enable or disable the ME subsystem.
End of Post MessageAllows you to enable or disable the End of Post Message.
Advanced — ME Subsystem
Execute MEBxAllows you to enable or disable the Execute MEBx.
Integrated Clock Chip ConfigurationAllows you to access the Integrated Clock Chip Configuration submenu.
Advanced — ME Subsystem — Integrated Clock Chip Configuration Submenu
ICC OverClocking Lib VersionDisplays the ICC OverClocking Lib Version number.
Number of ICC Profiles:Displays the number of ICC Profiles supported on your computer.
Current ICC Profile Index:Displays the current ICC Profile Index value.
ICC EnableAllows you to enable or disable the Integrated Clock Chip.
Advance DRAM Configuration Submenu
Memory-ZOpens submenu to display the SPD configuration for each memory module.
Command RateDisplays the Command Rate (editable in Manual Mode).
tCLDisplays the Column Address Strobe Latency (editable in Manual Mode). 
						

							31CHAPTER 3: USING YOUR DESKTOP 
Advance DRAM Configuration Submenu
tRCDDisplays timing of RAS to CAS delay (editable in Manual Mode).
tRPDisplays timing of RAS Precharge (editable in Manual Mode).
tRASDisplays timing of Row Address Strobe (editable in Manual Mode).
tRFCDisplays timing of Refresh to Archive/Refresh cycle time (editable in Manual Mode).
tWRDisplays timing of Write Recover (editable in Manual Mode).
tWTRDisplays Write to Read Delay (editable in Manual Mode).
tRRDDisplays RAS to RAS delay (editable in Manual Mode).
tRTPDisplays Read to Precharge Command Delay 
(editable in Manual Mode).
tFAWDisplays the Four Activate Window (editable in Manual Mode).
tWCLDisplays the Write CAS Latency (editable in Manual Mode).
tCKEDisplays the Minimum CKE High and Low Pulse Width (editable in Manual Mode).
Overclock Configuration Submenu
Turbo ModeIf enabled, allows processor to run at faster frequencies than marked.
Long duration power limitAllows you to change the long duration power limit.
Long duration maintainedAllows you to change the long duration time limit.
Short duration power limitAllows you to change the short duration power limit.
1-Core Ratio LimitAllows you to change the ratio limit of the processor’s first core.
2-Core Ratio LimitAllows you to change the ratio limit of the processor’s second core.
3-Core Ratio LimitAllows you to change the ratio limit of the processor’s third core.
4-Core Ratio LimitAllows you to change the ratio limit of the processor’s fourth core.
VID Override for Max Turbo RatioAllows you to change the VID override for max turbo ration value. 
						

							32CHAPTER 3: USING YOUR DESKTOP 
Overvoltage Configuration Submenu
DDR3 Memory VoltageAdjusts the DDR3 Memory Voltage.
Dynamic CPU VCore OffsetAllows you to change the Processor Core Voltage Offset value.
Adjust DDR_VREF_DQ_AAdjusts the DDR3 Data VREF – Channel A.
Adjust DDR_VREF_DQ_BAdjusts the DDR3 Data VREF – Channel B.
Adjust DDR_VREF_CA_AAdjusts the DDR3 Address VREF – Channel A.
Adjust DDR_VREF_CA_BAdjusts the DDR3 Address VREF – Channel B.
Security
Supervisor Password:Allows you to change the supervisor password.
User Password:Allows you to change the user password. You cannot use the user password to enter the BIOS setup, during POST.
Set Supervisor PasswordAllows you to set a supervisor password.
Boot
Set Boot Priority
1st Boot DeviceDisplays the first boot device.
2nd Boot DeviceDisplays the second boot device.
3rd Boot DeviceDisplays the third boot device.
4th Boot DeviceDisplays the fourth boot device.
5th Boot DeviceDisplays the fifth boot device.
6th Boot DeviceDisplays the sixth boot device.
7th Boot DeviceDisplays the seventh boot device.
Hard Disk Drive BBS PrioritiesSets the hard drive boot priority. The items displayed are dynamically updated according to the hard drives detected.
CD/DVD ROM Drive BBS PrioritiesSets the CD/DVD drive boot priority.
Exit
Provides options to Save Changes and Reset, Discard Changes and Reset, Restore Defaults, and Reset System with ME disable Mode. 
						

							33CHAPTER 4: INSTALLING ADDITIONAL OR REPLACEMENT COMPONENTS 
This chapter provides guidelines and instructions for increasing the processing 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 ship with specific replacement instructions.
 
CHAPTER 4: INSTALLING ADDITIONAL 
OR REPLACEMENT COMPONENTS
CHAPTER 5: INSTALLING ADDITIONAL 
OR REPLACEMENT COMPONENTS 
						

							34CHAPTER 4: INSTALLING ADDITIONAL OR REPLACEMENT COMPONENTS 
Before You Begin
This section provides procedures for removing and installing the components in your desktop. Unless otherwise noted, each procedure assumes that the following conditions exist:
You have performed the steps in “Turning Off Your Desktop” and “Before • 
Working Inside Your Desktop” in this section.
You have read the safety information that shipped with your desktop.• 
A component can be replaced or—if purchased separately—installed by • performing the removal procedure in reverse order.
The procedures in this section may require the following tools:
Small flat-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.
Save and close all open files and exit all open programs. 1. 
Click 2. Start → Shut Down.  The desktop turns off after the operating system shutdown process finishes.
Ensure that the desktop and any attached devices are turned off. If your 3. desktop and attached devices do not automatically turn off when you shut down your operating system, press and hold the power button for at least 8 to 10 seconds until the desktop turns off. 
						

							35CHAPTER 4: INSTALLING ADDITIONAL OR REPLACEMENT COMPONENTS 
CAUTION:  When  you  disconnect  a  cable,  pull  on  its  connector  or  on  its pull-tab, not on the cable itself. Some cables have connectors with locking tabs; if you are disconnecting this type of cable, press in on the locking tabs before you disconnect the cable. As you pull connectors apart, keep them  evenly  aligned  to  avoid  bending  any  connector  pins.  Also,  before you connect a cable, ensure that both connectors are correctly oriented and aligned.
To  avoid  damaging  the  desktop,  perform  the  following  steps  before  you  begin working inside the desktop.
Ensure that the work surface is flat and clean to prevent the side panel from 1. being scratched.
Turn off your desktop (see “Turning Off Your Desktop” on page 2. 34). 
CAUTION:  To  disconnect  a  network  cable,  first  unplug  the  cable  from your desktop and then unplug the cable from the network device.
Disconnect all telephone or network cables from the desktop. 3. 
Disconnect your desktop and all attached devices from their electrical 4. outlets.
Press the power button to ground the system board.5. 
Before Working Inside Your Desktop
Use  the  following  safety  guidelines  to  help  protect  your  desktop  from  potential damage and to help to ensure your own personal safety.
WARNING: Before  working  inside  your  desktop,  read  the  safety information that shipped with your computer. For additional safety best practices information, see www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.
CAUTION:  Handle  components  and  cards  with  care.  Do  not  touch  the components  or  contacts  on  a  card.  Hold  a  card  by  its  edges.  Hold  a component such as a processor by its edges, not by its pins.
CAUTION: Only a certified service technician should perform repairs 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). 
						

							36CHAPTER 4: INSTALLING ADDITIONAL OR REPLACEMENT COMPONENTS 
Removing and Replacing the Side Panel
CAUTION:  Before  removing  the  side  panel,  disconnect  the  power  cable from your desktop.
To remove the side panel:
Follow the instructions in “Before You Begin” on page 1. 34. 
NOTE: Ensure that you remove the security cable from the security cable slot (if applicable). 
Slide the latch to the right to unlock the release panel.2. 
Lift the release panel to open the side panel.3. 
Place the side panel in a secure location.4. 
NOTE:  Theater  lighting  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.
1
3 2
4
1release panel2security cable slot
3latch4side panel 
						

							37CHAPTER 4: INSTALLING ADDITIONAL OR REPLACEMENT COMPONENTS 
Inside View of Your Computer
12 3
4
1memory module(s)2graphics cards (2)
3optical drives (3)4hard drives (4)
Removing and Replacing Memory Module(s)
To remove the memory module(s):
Follow the instructions in “Before You Begin” on page 1. 34.
Remove the side panel (see “Removing and Replacing the Side Panel“ on 2. page 36).
Locate the memory module connectors on the system board (see “Inside 3. View of Your Computer“ on page 37).
CAUTION:  The  memory  module(s)  may  become  very  hot  during  normal operation. Allow the memory module(s) to cool before touching them.
NOTE: For better access to memory module(s), remove the graphics card if the card is full length.
Spread apart the securing clips at both ends of the memory module 4. connector.
Lift the memory module off the memory module connector. If the memory 5. module is difficult to remove, gently ease the memory module back and forth to remove it from the memory module connector. 
						

							38CHAPTER 4: INSTALLING ADDITIONAL OR REPLACEMENT COMPONENTS 
Follow the instructions in “Before You Begin” on page 1. 34.
Align the notch on the bottom of the memory module with the tab on the 2. memory module connector.
4
3
2
1
1memory module connector2tab
3notch4memory module
CAUTION:  To  avoid  damage  to  the  memory  module,  press  the  memory module  straight  down  into  the  memory  module  connector  while  you apply equal force to each end of the memory module.
To replace memory module(s):
Recommended memory configuration:
TypeSlots
1333 MHz, 1600 MHz, and 1866 MHzSlots 1 and 2 or slots 1 — 4