Alienware Area-51m

Setup and Specifications

Regulatory Model: P38E

Regulatory Type: P38E001
Contents

1 Set up your Alienware Area-51m.......................................................................................................3

Alienware Graphics Amplifier...................................................................................................................................... 3

2 Create a USB recovery drive for Windows.......................................................................................4

3 Views of Alienware Area-51m............................................................................................................5

Front............................................................................................................................................................................5
Right............................................................................................................................................................................5
Left.............................................................................................................................................................................. 5
Base............................................................................................................................................................................ 6
Display........................................................................................................................................................................ 7
Back............................................................................................................................................................................ 7
Bottom.........................................................................................................................................................................8

4 Specifications of Alienware Area-51m..............................................................................................9

Dimensions and weight............................................................................................................................................... 9
Processors.................................................................................................................................................................. 9
Chipset........................................................................................................................................................................ 9
Operating system...................................................................................................................................................... 10
Memory..................................................................................................................................................................... 10
Ports and connectors................................................................................................................................................ 10
Communications....................................................................................................................................................... 11
Audio......................................................................................................................................................................... 11
Storage......................................................................................................................................................................12
Keyboard...................................................................................................................................................................12
Camera..................................................................................................................................................................... 13
Touchpad.................................................................................................................................................................. 13
Touchpad gestures.............................................................................................................................................. 13
Power adapter...........................................................................................................................................................13
Battery.......................................................................................................................................................................14
Display...................................................................................................................................................................... 14
Video......................................................................................................................................................................... 15
Computer environment..............................................................................................................................................15

5 Keyboard shortcuts..........................................................................................................................17

6 Alienware Command Center............................................................................................................19

7 Getting help and contacting Alienware.......................................................................................... 20

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Set up your Alienware Area-51m
NOTE: The images in this document may differ from your computer depending on the configuration you ordered.

1. Connect one or both power adaptors supplied with your computer, then press the power button.

NOTE: Your computer ships with two power adapters, and it will operate normally with one power adapter
connected. For maximum gaming performance, it is recommended to connect two adapters. Only use adapters
supplied with your device, or Dell-approved adapters to power your device.
2. Create recovery drive for Windows.
NOTE: It is recommended to create a recovery drive to troubleshoot and fix problems that may occur with
Windows.
For more information, see Create a USB recovery drive for Windows.

Alienware Graphics Amplifier

Alienware Graphics Amplifier enables you to connect an external graphics card to your computer.
When using the Virtual Reality (VR) headset, connect the HDMI cable to the graphics card installed on your Alienware Graphics
Amplifier. The USB cables from the VR headset can be connected either to your computer or your Alienware Graphics Amplifier.
NOTE: The USB dongle is not required, if you are connecting the USB 3.1 Gen 1 cables on your VR headset to the
USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-A port on your Alienware Graphics Amplifier.
For more information about Alienware Graphics Amplifier, see Alienware Graphics Amplifier User’s Guide at www.dell.com/
support.

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Create a USB recovery drive for Windows
Create a recovery drive to troubleshoot and fix problems that may occur with Windows. An empty USB flash drive with a minimum
capacity of 16 GB is required to create the recovery drive.

NOTE: This process may take up to an hour to complete.

NOTE: The following steps may vary depending on the version of Windows installed. Refer to the Microsoft support
site for latest instructions.
1. Connect the USB flash drive to your computer.
2. In Windows search, type Recovery.
3. In the search results, click Create a recovery drive.
The User Account Control window is displayed.
4. Click Yes to continue.
The Recovery Drive window is displayed.
5. Select Back up system files to the recovery drive and click Next.
6. Select the USB flash drive and click Next.
A message appears, indicating that all data in the USB flash drive will be deleted.
7. Click Create.
8. Click Finish.
For more information about reinstalling Windows using the USB recovery drive, see the Troubleshooting section of your
product's Service Manual at www.dell.com/support/manuals.

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Views of Alienware Area-51m
Front

1. Left speaker
Provides audio output.
2. Right speaker
Provides audio output.

Right

1. USB 3.1 Gen 1 ports (2)

Connect peripherals such as external storage devices and printers. Provides data transfer speeds up to 5 Gbps.

Left

1. Security-cable slot (wedge-shaped)

Connect a security cable to prevent unauthorized movement of your computer.
2. Thunderbolt 3 (USB Type-C) port
Supports USB 3.1 Gen 2, DisplayPort 1.2, Thunderbolt 3 and also enables you to connect to an external display using a display
adapter.
Provides data transfer rates up to 10 Gbps for USB 3.1 Gen 2 and up to 40 Gbps for Thunderbolt 3.

NOTE: A USB Type-C to DisplayPort adapter (sold separately) is required to connect a DisplayPort device.
3. USB 3.1 Gen 1 port with PowerShare
Connect peripherals such as external storage devices and printers.
Provides data transfer speeds up to 5 Gbps. PowerShare enables you to charge your USB devices even when your computer
is turned off.
NOTE: If the charge on your computer’s battery is less than 10 percent, you must connect the power adapter to
charge your computer, and USB devices connected to the PowerShare port.

NOTE: If a USB device is connected to the PowerShare port before the computer is turned off or in hibernate state,
you must disconnect and connect it again to enable charging.

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 NOTE: Certain USB devices may not charge when the computer is turned off or in sleep state. In such cases, turn
on the computer to charge the device.
4. Microphone/headphone port (configurable)
Connect an external microphone for sound input or headphones for sound output.
5. Headset port
Connect headphones or a headset (headphone and microphone combo).

Base

1. Touchpad
Move your finger on the touchpad to move the mouse pointer. Tap to left-click and two finger tap to right-click.
2. Left-click button
Press to left-click.
3. Right-click button
Press to right-click.
4. Power button (Alienhead)
Press to turn on the computer if it is turned off, in sleep state, or in hibernate state.
Press to put the computer in sleep state if it is turned on.
Press and hold for 4 seconds to force shut-down the computer.
NOTE: You can customize the power-button behavior in Power Options.

NOTE: This computer supports AlienFX, which lets you choose from an array of color and transition effects across
multiple zones on the computer, including the keyboard, power button, and touchpad. For more information, see
Alienware Command Center.

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Display

1. Left microphone
Provides digital sound input for audio recording and voice calls.
2. Camera
Enables you to video chat, capture photos, and record videos.
3. Camera-status light
Turns on when the camera is in use.
4. Right microphone
Provides digital sound input for audio recording and voice calls.
5. Tobii Eye Tracker
Application that enables you to interact with your computer using your eyes.

Back

1. HDMI port
Connect to a TV or another HDMI-in enabled device. Provides video and audio output.
2. DisplayPort
Connect an external display or a projector.

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3. Network port
Connect an Ethernet (RJ45) cable from a router or a broadband modem for network or Internet access.
4. External graphics port
Connect an Alienware Graphics Amplifier to enhance the graphics performance.
5. Power-adapter ports (2)
Connect a power adapter to provide power to your computer.
6. AlienFX lighting
AlienFX lets you choose from an array of color and transition effects across multiple zones on the computer.
NOTE: AlienFX is configurable in Alienware Command Center (AWCC). For more information about AWCC, see
Alienware Command Center.

Bottom

1. Service Tag label

The Service Tag is a unique alphanumeric identifier that enables Dell service technicians to identify the hardware components
in your computer and access warranty information.

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Specifications of Alienware Area-51m
Dimensions and weight
Table 1. Dimensions and weight

Description Values
Height:
Front 27.65 mm (1.09 in.)

Rear 31.2 mm (1.23 in.)

Width 402.6 mm (15.85 in.)

Depth 319.14 mm (12.56 in.)

Weight (maximum) 3.87 kg (8.54 lbs)

NOTE: The weight of your computer depends on the
configuration ordered and the manufacturing variability.

Processors
Table 2. Processors

Description Values
Processors • 8th Generation Intel Core i7
• 9th Generation Intel Core i7/i9

Wattage Up to 95 W

Core count Up to 8

Thread count Up to 16

Speed Up to 3.6 GHz Base, 5.0 GHz Boost, 5.20 GHz Overclocked

L2 Cache Up to 2 MB

L3 Cache Up to 16 MB

Integrated graphics Intel UHD Graphics 630

Chipset
Table 3. Chipset

Description Values
Chipset Intel Z390

Processor • 8th Generation Intel Core i7

• 9th Generation Intel Core i7/i9

DRAM bus width Not supported

Flash EPROM 16 MB

PCIe bus PCIe Gen3

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Description Values
External bus frequency 100 MHz

Operating system
• Windows 10 Home (64-bit)
• Windows 10 Professional (64-bit)

Memory
Table 4. Memory specifications

Description Values
Slots Four SoDIMM slots

Type DDR4

Speed 2400 MHz

Maximum memory 64 GB

Minimum memory 8 GB

Memory size per slot 4 GB, 8 GB, and 16 GB

Configurations supported • 8 GB DDR4 at 2400 MHz (1 x 8 GB)

• 16 GB DDR4 at 2400 MHz (2 x 8 GB)
• 32 GB DDR4 at 2400 MHz (2 x 16 GB)
• 64 GB DDR4 at 2400 MHz (4 x 16 GB)
NOTE: The computer is shipped with these default
configurations. You can also configure the memory
according to the supported memory per slot.

Ports and connectors

Table 5. External ports and connectors

Description Values
External:
Network One RJ-45 port

USB • One Thunderbolt 3 (USB Type-C) port

• One USB 3.1 Gen 1 port with PowerShare
• Two USB 3.1 Gen 1 ports

Audio • One global headset port

• One microphone/headphone port (configurable)

Video • One HDMI 2.0 port

• One Mini DisplayPort 1.4
• One external graphics port

Media card reader Not supported

Docking port Not supported

Power adapter port Two power-adapter ports

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Description Values
Security Wedge-shaped lock
Table 6. Internal ports and connectors

Description Values
Internal:
M.2 • One M.2 slot for WiFi and Bluetooth combo card
• Two PCIe/SATA M.2 2230/2280 slots for solid-state drive/
Intel Optane storage
NOTE: To learn more about the features of different
types of M.2 cards, see the knowledge base article
SLN301626.

Communications
Ethernet
Table 7. Ethernet specifications

Description Values
Model number Killer E3000 Ethernet controller (integrated on system board)

Transfer rate 2.5 Gbps

Wireless module
Table 8. Wireless module specifications

Description Values
Model number Killer 1550 Killer AX1650

Transfer rate Up to 1.73 Gbps Up to 2400 Mbps

Frequency bands supported Dual band 2.4 GHz/5 GHz Dual band 2.4 GHz/5 GHz

Wireless standards • 802.11a/b/g • 802.11a/b/g

• Wi-Fi 4 (WiFi 802.11n) • Wi-Fi 4 (WiFi 802.11n)
• Wi-Fi 5 (WiFi 802.11ac) • Wi-Fi 5 (WiFi 802.11ac)
• Wi-Fi 6 (WiFi 802.11ax)

Encryption • 64-bit/128-bit WEP • 64-bit/128-bit WEP

• AES-CCMP • AES-CCMP
• TKIP • TKIP

Bluetooth Bluetooth 5.0 Bluetooth 5.0

Audio
Table 9. Audio specifications

Description Values
Controller Realtek ALC3282-CG

Stereo conversion Supported

Internal interface High-definition audio

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Description Values
External interface One global headset jack supports headset/headphone, one
microphone/headphone port (configurable)

Speakers Four

Internal speaker amplifier Supported

External volume controls Media-control shortcut keys

Speaker output:
Average 8W

Peak 10 W

Subwoofer output Not supported

Microphone Digital array microphones in camera assembly

Storage
Your computer supports one 7.5 mm or 9.5 mm hard drive and two M.2 2230/2280 solid-state drives/Intel Optane storage.
Table 10. Storage specifications

Storage type Interface type Capacity

One 7 mm or 9.5 mm hard drive SATA AHCI 6 Gbps Up to 1 TB

Two M.2 2230/2280 solid-state drives/Intel Optane • SATA AHCI 6 Gbps • Up to 1 TB (for SSD)
storage • PCIe NVMe up to 32 Gbps • Up to 240 GB (for Intel
Optane storage)

Keyboard
Table 11. Keyboard specifications

Description Values
Type RGB per Key keyboard

Layout QWERTY

Number of keys • United States and Canada: 103 keys

• United Kingdom: 104 keys
• Japan: 107 keys

Size X = 19.05 mm key pitch

Y = 18.05 mm key pitch

Shortcut keys Some keys on your keyboard have two symbols on them.
These keys can be used to type alternate characters or to
perform secondary functions. To type the alternate character,
press Shift and the desired key. To perform secondary
functions, press Fn and the desired key.
NOTE: You can define the primary behavior of the
function keys (F1–F12) by changing Function Key
Behavior in BIOS setup program.
Keyboard shortcuts

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Camera
Table 12. Camera specifications

Description Values
Number of cameras One

Type HD RGB Camera

Location Front camera

Sensor type CMOS sensor technology

Resolution:
Still image 0.92 megapixel (HD)

Video 1280 x 720 (HD) at 30 fps

Diagonal viewing angle 74.9 degrees

Touchpad
Table 13. Touchpad specifications

Description Values
Resolution:
Horizontal 1727

Vertical 1092

Dimensions:
Horizontal 56 mm (2.20 in.)

Vertical 100 mm (3.94 in.)

Touchpad gestures
For more information about touchpad gestures for Windows 10, see the Microsoft knowledge base article 4027871 at
support.microsoft.com.

Power adapter
Table 14. Power adapter specifications

Description Values
Type E4 180 W E4 240 W E4 330 W

Diameter (connector) 7.4 mm 7.4 mm 7.4 mm

Input voltage 100 VAC-240 VAC 100 VAC-240 VAC 100 VAC-240 VAC

Input frequency 50 Hz-60 Hz 50 Hz-60 Hz 50 Hz-60 Hz

Input current (maximum) 2.34 A 3.50 A 4.40 A

Output current (continuous) 9.23 A 12.31 A 16.92 A

Rated output voltage 19.50 VDC 19.50 VDC 19.50 VDC

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Description Values
Temperature range:
Operating 0°C to 40°C (32°F to 104°F) 0°C to 40°C (32°F to 104°F) 0°C to 40°C (32°F to 104°F)

Storage –40°C to 70°C (–40°F to –40°C to 70°C (–40°F to –40°C to 70°C (–40°F to
158°F) 158°F) 158°F)

Battery
Table 15. Battery specifications

Description Values
Type 6-cell “smart” lithium-ion (90 WHr)

Voltage 11.40 VDC

Weight (maximum) 0.37 kg (0.82 lb)

Dimensions:
Height 15.8 mm (0.62 in.)

Width 81.0 mm (3.19 in.)

Depth 222 mm (8.74 in.)

Temperature range:
Operating 0°C to 35°C (32°F to 95°F)

Storage –40°C to 65°C (–40°F to 149°F)

Operating time Varies depending on operating conditions and can significantly

reduce under certain power-intensive conditions.
Charging time (approximate) 4 hours (when the computer is off)
NOTE: Control the charging time, duration, start and
end time, and so on using the Dell Power Manger
application. For more information on the Dell Power
Manger see, Me and My Dell on https://www.dell.com/

Life span (approximate) 300 discharge/charge cycles

Coin-cell battery CR-2032

Operating time Varies depending on operating conditions and can significantly

reduce under certain power-intensive conditions.

Display
Table 16. Display specifications

Description Values
Type 17-inch Full High Definition (FHD) panel 17-inch Full High Definition (FHD) panel

Panel technology In-plane switching (IPS) In-plane switching (IPS)

Luminance (typical) 300 nits 300 nits

Dimensions (Active area):

Height 214.81 mm (8.46 in.) 214.81 mm (8.46 in.)

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Description Values
Width 381.89 mm (15.04 in.) 381.89 mm (15.04 in.)

Diagonal 438.16 mm (17.25 in.) 438.16 mm (17.25 in.)

Native resolution 1920 x 1080 1920 x 1080

Megapixels 2.07 2.07

Pixels per inch (PPI) 127 127

Contrast ratio (min) 600:1 600:1

Response time (max) 35 msec rise/fall 19 msec rise/fall

Refresh rate 60 Hz 144 Hz

Horizontal view angle +/- 85 degrees +/- 85 degrees

Vertical view angle +/- 85 degrees +/- 85 degrees

Pixel pitch 0.1989 mm 0.1989 mm

Power consumption (maximum) 8W 8.5 W

Anti-glare vs glossy finish Anti-glare Anti-glare

Touch options No No

Video
Table 17. Video specifications

Discrete graphics
Controller External display support Memory size Memory Type

Nvidia GeForce RTX 2060 One HDMI port and one Mini DisplayPort 6 GB GDDR6

Nvidia GeForce RTX 2070 One HDMI port and one Mini DisplayPort 8 GB GDDR6

Nvidia GeForce RTX 2080 One HDMI port and one Mini DisplayPort 8 GB GDDR6
Table 18. Video specifications

Integrated graphics
Controller External display support Memory size Processor

Intel UHD Graphics 630 One Thunderbolt (USB Type-C) port Shared system memory • 8th Generation
Intel Core i7
• 9th Generation
Intel Core i7/i9

Computer environment
Airborne contaminant level: G1 as defined by ISA-S71.04-1985
Table 19. Computer environment

Description Operating Storage

Temperature range 0°C to 40°C (32°F to 104°F) –40°C to 65°C (–40°F to 149°F)

Relative humidity (maximum) 10% to 90% (non-condensing) 0% to 95% (non-condensing)

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Description Operating Storage
Vibration (maximum)* 0.66 GRMS 1.30 GRMS

Shock (maximum) 140 G† 160 G‡

Altitude (maximum) 0 m to 3,048 m (0 ft to 10,000 ft) 0 m to 10,668 m (0 ft to 35,000 ft)

* Measured using a random vibration spectrum that simulates user environment.

† Measured using a 2 ms half-sine pulse when the hard drive is in use.

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Keyboard shortcuts
NOTE: Keyboard characters may differ depending on the keyboard language configuration. Keys used for shortcuts
remain the same across all language configurations.
Table 20. List of keyboard shortcuts

Keys Description
Disconnect Alienware Graphics Amplifier

Disable/enable wireless

Mute audio

Decrease volume

Increase volume

Switch to external display

Decrease brightness

Increase brightness

Disable/enable touchpad

Disable/enable AlienFX

17
Table 21. List of Macro keys

Keys Description

Macro keys
NOTE: You can configure modes and assign multiple
tasks for the macro keys on the keyboard.

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Alienware Command Center
Alienware Command Center (AWCC) provides a single interface to customize and enhance the gaming experience. The AWCC
dashboard displays most recently played or added games, and provides game-specific information, themes, profiles, and access to
computer settings. You can quickly access settings such as game-specific profiles and themes, lighting, macros, and audio that are
critical to the gaming experience.
AWCC also supports AlienFX 2.0. AlienFX enables you to create, assign, and share game-specific lighting maps to enhance the
gaming experience. It also enables you to create your own individual lighting effects and apply them to the computer or attached
peripherals. AWCC embeds Peripheral Controls to ensure a unified experience and the ability to link these settings to your
computer or game.
AWCC supports the following features:
• FX: Create and manage the AlienFX zones.
• Fusion: Includes the ability to adjust game-specific Power Management, Sound Management, and Thermal Management
features.
• Peripheral Management: Enables peripherals to appear in and be managed in Alienware Command Center. Supports key
peripheral settings and associates with other functions such as profiles, macros, AlienFX, and game library.
AWCC also supports Sound Management, Thermal Controls, CPU, GPU, Memory (RAM) monitoring. For more information about
AWCC, see the Alienware Command Center Online Help or the knowledge base article SLN309565 at www.dell.com/support.

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Getting help and contacting Alienware
Self-help resources
You can get information and help on Alienware products and services using these online self-help resources:
Table 22. Alienware products and online self-help resources

Self-help resources Resource location

Information about Alienware products and services www.alienware.com
My Dell

Tips

Contact Support In Windows search, type Contact Support, and press Enter.
Online help for operating system www.dell.com/support/windows
www.dell.com/support/linux

Troubleshooting information, user manuals, setup instructions, www.alienware.com/gamingservices

product specifications, technical help blogs, drivers, software
updates, and so on
VR Support www.dell.com/VRsupport
Videos providing step-by-step instructions to service your www.youtube.com/alienwareservices
computer

Contacting Alienware
To contact Alienware for sales, technical support, or customer service issues, see www.alienware.com.
NOTE: Availability varies by country/region and product, and some services may not be available in your country/
region.

NOTE: If you do not have an active Internet connection, you can find contact information about your purchase
invoice, packing slip, bill, or Dell product catalog.

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