Alienware m17 R2 - User Manual

Alienware m17 R2
Setup and Specifications
Regulatory Model: P41E
Regulatory Type: P41E001
June 2020
Rev. A01

Summary

Alienware m17 R2 Setup

Alienware m17 R2 Component Views

Left and Right Side Views

Details ports and features on the left and right sides of the laptop.

Laptop Base Features

Power Button and Touchpad

Explains power button functions and touchpad navigation.

Display Panel Components

Microphones and Camera

Details display-mounted microphones and front camera.

Back Panel Connectivity

Ports and Slots

Lists video, data, power, and security ports on the back.

Bottom Panel Features

Speakers and Service Tag

Describes bottom speakers and service tag label.

Dimensions and Weight

Processor Specifications

Chipset Information

Operating System

Memory Specifications

External Ports and Connectors

Ethernet Specifications

Wireless Module

Audio Specifications

Storage Configurations

Keyboard Features

Camera Specifications

Touchpad Specifications

Power Adapter Specifications

Battery Specifications

Display Specifications

Video Graphics

Computer Environment

Hybrid Power Feature

Keyboard Shortcuts

Alienware Command Center

Getting Help and Contacting Alienware

Overview

1. Function Description
2. Usage Features
3. Physical Layout and Connectivity
4. Input Devices
5. Audio and Visuals
6. Power Management
7. Software and Customization
8. Maintenance Features
9. System Information and Support
10. Internal Components
11. Battery Management
12. Cooling and Environment

The Alienware m17 R2 is a high-performance gaming laptop designed for an immersive user experience. It features a sleek and robust design, incorporating various ports and components strategically placed for optimal functionality and connectivity. The device is built to handle demanding applications and games, offering a range of features to enhance performance, user interaction, and overall system management.

Function Description

The Alienware m17 R2 serves as a portable gaming and high-performance computing platform. Its primary function is to provide a powerful and responsive environment for gaming, content creation, and other resource-intensive tasks. The laptop integrates advanced processors, graphics, and memory to deliver smooth performance. It also includes specialized features like the Alienware Command Center (AWCC) to customize and optimize the gaming experience, allowing users to manage lighting, power, sound, and thermal settings.

Usage Features

The Alienware m17 R2 offers a comprehensive set of usage features designed to cater to gamers and power users.

Physical Layout and Connectivity:

The laptop's physical design includes several ports for external connectivity. On the left side, it features a security-cable slot, a network port (RJ45) for wired internet access, and a USB 3.1 Gen 1 port with PowerShare. The PowerShare feature allows users to charge USB devices even when the computer is turned off, provided the power adapter is connected and the feature is enabled in the BIOS setup. On the right side, there are two additional USB 3.1 Gen 1 ports for connecting peripherals like external storage devices and printers. The back of the laptop houses an HDMI port for connecting to external displays, a Mini DisplayPort, and a Thunderbolt 3 (USB Type-C) port, which supports USB 3.1 Gen 2, DisplayPort 1.2, and Thunderbolt 3, offering high data transfer rates and external display connectivity via an adapter. An external graphics port is also present for connecting an Alienware Graphics Amplifier to boost graphics performance. The power-adapter port is located at the back for charging the battery and powering the system.

Input Devices:

The Alienware m17 R2 features a responsive keyboard and touchpad. The keyboard is a full-size RGB backlit keyboard with a QWERTY layout, providing a comfortable typing and gaming experience. It includes shortcut keys that can perform alternate characters or secondary functions, such as controlling multimedia, adjusting volume, or switching displays. The behavior of these function keys (F1-F12) can be customized in the BIOS setup program. Additionally, the laptop includes pre-programmable macro keys (A, B, C) that allow users to execute multiple actions with a single key press, which can be configured through the Alienware Command Center. The touchpad supports multi-finger gestures for intuitive navigation and interaction with the operating system.

Audio and Visuals:

The laptop is equipped with a high-definition display, offering clear and vibrant visuals for gaming and multimedia consumption. It features a camera for video chat and capturing photos, accompanied by left and right microphones for clear audio input. The audio system includes internal speakers (left and right) and an internal speaker amplifier, providing immersive sound. A headset port is available for connecting headphones or a headset (headphone and microphone combo).

Power Management:

The Alienware m17 R2 incorporates a "Hybrid Power" feature, which optimizes performance during heavy loading scenarios like gaming or running processor-intensive applications. This feature allows the system to draw power from both the power adapter and the battery simultaneously to maintain peak performance. When the battery charge is between 20% and 100% and the power adapter is plugged in, the system will use hybrid power, depleting the battery by up to five percent per hour to sustain performance. If the battery charge drops below 20%, the hybrid function is disabled, and the computer may experience performance throttling during heavy loads. The power button, located on the base, also serves as an Alienhead logo and allows users to turn the computer on/off, put it into sleep state, or force a shut-down by holding it for 4 seconds. The power-button behavior can be customized in Power Options.

Software and Customization:

The Alienware Command Center (AWCC) is a central hub for customizing and enhancing the gaming experience. It provides a dashboard to display recently played games and offers game-specific information, themes, profiles, and access to computer settings. AWCC allows users to manage AlienFX zones for customizable lighting effects, adjust power, sound, and thermal management settings through the Fusion feature, and manage connected peripherals. It also supports monitoring of CPU, GPU, and RAM.

Maintenance Features

While the Alienware m17 R2 is designed for robust performance, certain aspects of its design and software facilitate maintenance and longevity.

System Information and Support:

The laptop includes a Service Tag label on the bottom, which is a unique alphanumeric identifier. This tag is crucial for Dell service technicians to identify hardware components and access warranty information, streamlining support and repair processes. Users can also access self-help resources through the Dell Help & Support app, online support websites (www.alienware.com, www.dell.com/support/windows, www.dell.com/support/linux), and video tutorials (www.youtube.com/alienwareservices) for troubleshooting, setup instructions, and software updates.

Internal Components:

The memory in the Alienware m17 R2 is integrated on the system board and cannot be upgraded after purchase, which simplifies component management but limits future memory upgrades. The wireless card is also soldered onto the left I/O-board, meaning it cannot be upgraded. These design choices ensure stability and integration but require users to consider their needs at the time of purchase.

Battery Management:

The Dell Power Manager application allows users to control battery charging time, duration, and start/end times, which can help optimize battery health and lifespan. The operating range for battery charging is specified, and charging will discontinue if the battery temperature falls outside this range, protecting the battery from damage. The battery is a 6-cell lithium-ion polymer type, designed for a certain number of discharge/charge cycles.

Cooling and Environment:

The computer is designed to operate within specific temperature and humidity ranges, and it is important to adhere to these guidelines to ensure optimal performance and prevent damage. The "Hybrid Power" feature, by managing power draw, also indirectly contributes to thermal management during high-load scenarios.

Alienware m17 R2 Specifications