Dell Alienware X51 Owners Manual

System Setup11
4
System Setup
Overview
Use the system setup to:
• get information about the hardware installed in your computer, such as the 
amount of RAM, the size of the hard drive, and so on
• change the system configuration information
• set or change a user-selectable option, such as the user password, type of 
hard drive installed, enabling or disabling base devices, and so on
 NOTE: Before you change system setup, it is recommended that you note the 
system-setup screen information for future...

12System Setup
System Setup Screens
The system setup screen displays current or changeable configuration 
information for your computer. Information on the screen is divided into 
three areas: the setup item, active help screen, and key functions.
System Setup Options 
 NOTE: Depending on your computer and installed devices, the items listed in this 
section may appear, or may not appear exactly as listed. Setup Item — This field appears on 
the left side of the system setup 
window. The field is a...

System Setup13
Memory Information
Total MemoryDisplays the total memory of the computer.
Memory AvailableDisplays the amount of memory available on the 
computer.
Memory TechnologyDisplays the type of memory technology used.
Memory SpeedDisplays the memory speed.
CPU Information
Processor IDDisplays the processor identification code.
CPU Speed Displays the processor speed.
Cache L2Displays the processor L2 cache size.
Cache L3Displays the processor L3 cache size.
Advanced — Standard CMOS Features
System...

14System Setup
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 techAllows you to enable the number of cores in each...

System Setup15
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.
Set User PasswordAllows you to set a supervisor password.
Boot
Set Boot Priority
1st Boot DeviceDisplays the first boot device. 
Default: USB floppy-drive.
2nd Boot DeviceDisplays the second boot device.
Default: USB...

16System Setup
Boot Sequence
This feature allows you to change the boot sequence for devices.
Boot Options
•Diskette Drive — The computer attempts to boot from the floppy disk 
drive. If no operating system is on the drive, the computer generates an 
error message.
•
Hard Drive — The computer attempts to boot from the primary hard 
drive. If no operating system is on the drive, the computer generates an 
error message.
•
CD/DVD/CD-RW Drive — The computer attempts to boot from the 
optical drive. If no...

System Setup17
Changing Boot Sequence for the Current Boot
You can use this feature to change the current boot sequence, for example, 
to boot from the optical drive to run Dell Diagnostics from the Drivers and 
Utilities disc. The previous boot sequence is restored at the next boot.
1
If you are booting from a USB device, connect the USB device to a 
USB connector.
2Turn on (or restart) your computer.
3When F2 Setup, F12 Boot Options appears in the lower-right 
corner of the screen, press .
 NOTE: If...

18System Setup
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Flashing the BIOS19
5
Flashing the BIOS
The BIOS may require flashing when an update is available or when replacing 
the system board. To flash the BIOS:
1
Turn on the computer. 
2Go to support.dell.com/support/downloads.
3Locate the BIOS update file for your computer:
 NOTE: The Service Tag for your computer is located on a label at the back of 
your computer.
If you have your computer’s Service Tag:
aClick Enter a Tag.
bEnter your computer’s Service Tag in the Enter a service tag: field, 
click 
Go,...

20Flashing the BIOS
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