Alienware X51 USFF (Ultra Small Form Factor) FAQ

Owner's Manual http://dell.to/wUcgch
Does the X51 support Bios overclocking? No
How to Reset the System Setup (BIOS) back to Default? http://dell.to/xA2ifx
How to open the left side panel?http://dell.to/MiFDW0 
How to remove the CPU HeatSink and Fans? http://dell.to/MvVjWf 
Specifications http://dell.to/zrUXJA 

Beep Codes
1 Possible motherboard failure - BIOS ROM checksum failure
2 No RAM detected. NOTE: If you installed or replaced the memory module, ensure that the memory module is seated properly.
3 Possible motherboard failure - chipset error
4 RAM read/write failure
5 Real Time Clock failure
6 Video card failure
7 Processor Failure

Bios Downloads
02/06/12 Alienware X51-A01.exe http://dell.to/H7IG5Q
02/13/12 Alienware X51-A02.exe http://dell.to/HbXLQZ
05/14/12 Alienware X51-A03.exe http://dell.to/KBmRGJ
1. Add the uEFI PXE Lan
2. Updated Microcode to 4.6.0_INTEL_MICROCODE_34 to support Ivy Bridge CPU
3. Change Intel ME firmware to ME8 8 8.0.4.1441
4. Updated VBIOS to snd_2132_D1.dat
5. No BIOS error message of keyboard by default
6. The A03 BIOS will only upgrade the Intel VBIOS as it is part of the graphics within the CPU itself. So the GTX555 VBIOS is unchanged

Command Center Downloads
03/20/12 A01-00 2.7.25.0 http://ftp.dell.com/FOLDER00298405M/5/CC27250_setup_ZPE.exe

Problem: Pink and Green screen issue
Solution: Uninstall our Dell OEM driver and load the latest driver from Nvidia. When done, restart the X51 and see if the issue reappears.

Problem: No video when using Onboard HDMI port? I cannot see the Dell splash screen? http://dell.to/zo2grB
Solution: If the X51 shipped with a discrete video card, then the Bios- Advanced- Primary Display is set to Discrete. If the user wants to use the onboard HDMI video port instead of the discrete video card ports, they must be connected to the discrete video card, boot into the Bios and change Advanced- Primary Display to iGFX. Press F10 to Save the change and exit the Bios. Then connect the HDMI cable.
* Power the X51 off
* Disconnect the HDMI cable from the X51
* Connect a DVI cable from the discrete video card to a PC monitor DVI port
* Power the monitor on
* Power the X51 on
* Press F2 to enter the Bios
* Go to Advanced- Primary Display
* Change it from Discrete to iGFX
* Press F10 to Save the change and exit the Bios
* Re-connect the HDMI cable from the turned on TV to the X51

Problem: The ODD Eject Button is not functioning.
Solution: Reinstall the Optical Disc Drive Eject driver http://dell.to/zJTZ4L

Problem: The disk is accepted then rejected. 
Solution: The drive twisted/torqued in the chassis. Remove the case cover and loosen the single screw affixing the ODD to the chassis to free up the drive.

Problem: The Intel Firmware ME8 goes into recovery mode resulting in a symptom of losing the hardware DRM (Digital Rights Management) used for DVD/Blu-ray play back.
Solution: While doing a flash memory validation cycle and the power is lost, the firmware will believe that there has been some sort of tampering and disable key features such as anti-theft, digital rights, etc. The one primarily used on X51 is DRM. Intel has a new ME8 firmware available to us. We will roll this into another BIOS release (A03) to be posted on our File Library.

Problem: When disks are ejected, they drop out of the X51 when it is in a vertical orientation.
Solution: The felt material inside the front bezel has too little friction when in the vertical position allowing the media to escape upon eject. The replacement front bezel part number 8YP4G should be available now. Contact Alienware support (AWCC-Resolution_experts@dell.com). They will need to setup an onsite or Parts Only Service to replace bezel D4HG0 with bezel 8YP4G.
8YP4G includes -
Front Bezel
Alienhead and Cable
Power Button and Cable
ODD Dust Cover
M2 Tapping Screw
Be sure to provide the following information in the email:
Service Tag =
Name =
Shipping Address =
Phone Number =
Email Address =
Issue = Disc dropping out of X51 when ejected
Need = Choose the Onsite Service or Parts Only Service (means you would do the work yourself)
Parts Needed = 8YP4G

Problem: Wireless Issues with D006W DW1502
Solution:
* Contact this Dell email address: AWCC-Resolution_expert@dell.com
* They will need the following information in the email:
Reason: X51 Connection/Drop Issues. Replace current 0X5MG wireless antenna with new VRHN0 wireless antenna kit via an Onsite Service. Our policy dictates that our onsite technician must do the labor since they will have been shown how to route the antenna in the chassis
Service Tag number:
Name:
Phone number:
Email Address:
Shipping Address:
Best time to reach you:

Problem: Noise from top CPU fan
Solution: The RR3J2 AVC CPU Fan should be available for delivery starting June 25. Since changing the fan is a simple job, contact Alienware Support. Have them setup a Parts Only Service to send you the new fan. Send us the old fan VTY96 via the Return Waybill found in the delivery.

Problem: Auto Shutdown/Overheating Issue. No video output (black screen), a blue-screen with graphics driver error report, unexpected shutdown.
Discussion: A video card power cable is slipping from the chassis retention mechanism and hindering the video card fan.
Solution: Alienware X51 GTX555 Cable Repair: http://dell.to/xqwPfK. Also install the A02 Bios http://dell.to/Ha3M0X

Problem: Internal Hard Disk Not Found
Solution: We loaded the operating system using Boot Mode UEFI and if yours somehow changed the Boot Mode to Legacy, you will get the "internal hard disk not found error". Boot into the Bios by restarting the PC and pressing F2. Go into Boot- Boot Mode and change it to UEFI. Press F10 to Save the change.

Problem: No Morph or Pulse in Command Center?
Solution: The X51 does not use Morph or Pulse.

AUDIO Realtek ALC892 7.1 channel HD audio with S/PDIF

CHIPSET Intel H61 Express

CONNECTORS
Internal
PCI Express x1 (1X) 36-pin connector
PCI Express x16 (1X) 164-pin connector on Riser Card
Three 7-pin sata2 3Gbps

External Front 
Microphone/Audio In
Headphone/Audio Out
Two Front Black USB 2.0 (Top or Bottom)

External Rear
Surround sound connector
Side surround sound connector
Microphone connector
Line-out connector
Line-in connector
Center/Subwoofer LFE connector
SPDIF (1x) SPDIF Digital Output (TOSLINK)
SPDIF Digital Output (Coax)
Network adapter (1x) RJ-45 Gigabit Ethernet 10/100/1000
Four Rear Black USB 2.0 (Top 1/2, Bottom 3/4)
Two Rear Blue USB 3.0 (1/2)
HDMI On-board HDMI 1.4 Output. The integrated Intel HD Graphic 2000 output works via the HDMI connector

CABLES
2YG07 DC Jack Cable
34V51 Extended Left Lighting Board Cable, Connecting to Front I/O Board
5120P Power Cord, 125V, 2M/6Ft
F5P0J Audio Cable Assembly
F643J DP Cable 2M
KYCKM LED Control Cable, Connecting from MB to Front I/O Board
VH6P0 USB2 Cable
WG6ND HDD & ODD SATA Cable
X1NYK 24 Pin Power Cable, Connecting from Power Board to MB
X218X VGA Power Cable
XFR0T Fan Thermal Cable, Connecting from MB to Front I/O Board
Y73N2 4 Pin Power Cable, Connecting from Power Board to MB
YHN6N Front I/O Power Cable, Connecting from Power Board to Front I/O Board

CPU
3rd Gen Ivy Bridge i7-3770, 3.40GHz, L3 Cache 8MB

706FY Sandy Bridge i7-2600
4 cores
8 threads
3.40GHz clock speed
3.80GHz max turbo frequency
8MB L3 Cache
Intel HD Graphics 2000 integrated graphics
Hyper-Threading
Turbo Boost 2.0

F6KN0 Sandy Bridge i5-2320
4 cores
8 threads
3.00GHz clock speed
3.30GHz max turbo frequency
6MB L3 Cache
Intel HD Graphics 2000 integrated graphics
Turbo Boost 2.0
 
972H5 Sandy Bridge i3-2120
2 cores
4 threads
3.30GHz clock speed
3MB L3 Cache
Intel HD Graphics 2000 integrated graphics
Hyper-Threading

DISPLAYS
PF48H U2212HM
79CPP ST2220LB
1XGM4 ST2220Lb Retail
4DDG1 ST2220Lc
PRR51 ST2220Lc Retail
DFF58 ST2320L
DWYC0 S2230MX
5GX1Y S2230MX Retail
RMW9V AW2310 Retail
T9MJ3 U2312HM
GRV8V ST2320L
597GG S2330MX
VWXFG S2330MX Retail
4X6C0 ST2420L
M2GCR U2412M
C592M U2410
D952T U2711
PH5NY U3011

DRIVES
One external 5.25" drive bay
One internal 3.50" drive bay
M5F6V 8X DVD+/-RW, SATA, 12.7 Slot, PLDS
1HC8F 8x DVD+/-RW, SATA, 12.7 Slot, HLDS
FJ8W4 6X Blu-Ray Combo DVDRW/BD-ROM, SATA, 12.7 Slot, HLDS
Internal 3.5" SATA drive bay for internal SATA hard disk drive
YD6FM HDD 2TB, 3.5", Seagate, 512e, S3, 7.2K
0GTP0 HDD 1TB, 3.5", Seagate, 512e, S3, 7.2K
7GPGH HDD 1TB, 3.5", Samsung, S3, 7.2K
9V4PG HDD 1TB, 3.5", Western Digital XL500M, S3, 7.2K

Adding SSD drive. See picture here: http://bit.ly/AqC02N
Notice the two screws just to the right, in front of the fan. That's where the cable originally was installed so that the HDD would slide into it and dock with it. Since the SSD mounted in it's 3.5" adapter was just a few mm off, I had to unscrew it and plug it in to make it work.

http://bit.ly/Au9lpp
Although it is quite easy to completely replace the hard drive within the X51 (remove the Graphics bracket 2 screws then remove a screw on the drive before sliding it out) we feel that leaving it in is best, then installing a SSD on the spare SATA port, storing it elsewhere with the ideal location being the top of the optical drive caddy. This will require the user to purchase a short SATA cable and splitter for the optical drive power but is otherwise a simple process. The GPU upgrade is also simple, remove that bracket, flip the clips holding the card in place and remove it from the slot. A new GPU can be placed in though Alienware note it should use no more than 150w. That said even under full load the high spec X51 comes nowhere close to the PSUs 330w so there is more room for upgrades in there, in theory. We wanted to see how far we could push things so went for the 7950 in this case. That highlighted some considerations users will need to be aware of. Firstly cards of similar size to the reference GTX 555 will drop in easily, that's the likes of a GTX 560, Radeon 6870 and so on. Longer cards are supported but we need to be a little creative. For example the XFX 7950 is a worthwhile candidate as once we remove the heatsink shroud the shape of the cooling fins used offers a better fit than the standard model (though it is VERY tight and some tweaking of fan attachment is required). Additionally we need to place protective tape over the wiring hook on the bracket so that it doesn't short on the back of the GPUs PCB and cards with rear power connectors rather than top are easier to fit as the top edge doesn't have a lot of room... it just allows for top power mounting (2x 6-pin).
So in summary, SSDs fit with wiring a consideration and the 7950 sized cards also fit though heatsink, fans and wiring are an issue. This means that the upcoming 7800 series or mainstream next gen GeForce cards may be a more user friendly option (we will only know at release though).

HEATSINKS, FANS
F718G Power Board Fan, 40x10, 12V
MDFXF PCI Fan, 60x20
RR3J2 CPU Heatsink and Fan Assembly 80x80x20mm. Includes Fan Duct (Replaces VTY96)
OLD VTY96 CPU Heatsink & Fan Assembly 80x80x20mm

KEYBOARDS, MOUSE
F4R75 Alienware Entry Level Keyboard, KG100
KKMH5 Alienware Entry Level Mouse, Obelix, MG100
P895N Alienware Mid Range Gaming Keyboard, KG900,Tanaris, Logitech
P90W8 Alienware Entry Level Keyboard, KG100, Liteon
U253N Alienware Gaming Mouse, Merciless, MG900, Logitech

LEDs
Power Light White light - Solid white light indicates power-on state.
Drive Activity Light Blue light - Blinking Blue light indicates that the computer is reading data from or writing data to the hard drive.
Network Connectivity Light Green light - A good connection exists between the network and the computer.
Off (no light) - The computer is not detecting a physical connection to the network.

MECHANICAL, CHASSIS
0V3CR PCI Slot Filler
49YWC HDD Cage
D0HY5 Power Board
F21P9 Graphics Holder Assembly (Graphic Hook, Graphic Cage, and Retention Piece)
K14KH ODD Bracket
MCD7R ODD Eject Button & Cable Assembly
PRJPX Front I/O Board
YKC2X Riser Card Assembly
Chassis Color Matte Stealth Black with Dark Chrome Accents
Front 13.504" (343mm)
Rear 12.54" (318.5mm) 
Width 3.74" (95mm)
Depth 12.52" (318mm)
Weight (Minimum): 12.1 lbs - (5.49 Kg)

MOTHERBOARD
J1TW5 motherboard with the Intel H61 Express Cougar Point Chipset and the LGA 2011 CPU Socket

PLASTICS
06RPH Top Cover
TPVVR Right Rubber Foot
2PY25 Left Rubber Foot
60Y5F Left Side Cover
62TVG PCI Back Cover
D4HG0 Front Bezel Assembly (Front Bezel, Alienhead & Cable, Power Button & Cable, ODD Dust Cover, and M2 Tapping Screw)
MMT1H Right Side Cover (Lighting Board & Cable)
RTG2V Pull-out Label Holder
RW147 Bottom Cover (Rubber Feet (R)x1 & (L) x1)
YY0KD Rear I/O Gasket
The replacement front bezel 8YP4G (replacing D4HG0) should be available now. Contact Alienware support. They will need to setup an onsite service. 8YP4G includes -
Front Bezel
Alienhead and Cable
Power Button and Cable
ODD Dust Cover
M2 Tapping Screw

POWER
Input voltage 100-240 VAC
Input current 2.3 A/2.5 A
Input frequency 50Hz to 60Hz
0J313 Coin Cell Battery
J211H 240W AC Adapter, 3-Pin, Delta (Standard) (Uses C13 Straight Power Cord) (GT545)
J938H 240W AC Adapter, 3-Pin, Flextronics (Uses C13 Straight Power Cord) (GT545)
XM3C3 330W AC Adapter, 3-Pin, Delta (Uses C13 Straight Power Cord) (GTX555)

RAM
Two DDR3 DIMM sockets
Capacities 2GB and 4GB
Type DDR3 SDRAM Non-ECC
Speed 1333MHz
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AMhHcbyduDc
Maximum 8GB
H7JD8 8GB 1333MHz, 1GX64,  8, 240, 2RX8
P382H 4GB 1333MHz, 512X64, 8, 240, 2RX8
1N7HK 2GB 1333MHz, 128X64, 8, 240, 1RX8
G8NT0 2GB 1333MHz, 128X64, 8, 240, 1RX8
* Some customers upgraded to 16GB (2x8GB Mushkin Enhanced Essentials 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10600)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820226257

SCREWS
1W428 6-32X1/4" for Left Side Cover Assembly
4270E M2X3, for Wireless Card
48480 6-32X1/4", for HDD SCR,6-32X1/4",HX
750CJ M2X2, for ODD
DP56D M3X16MM, for Power Board Fan
DU555 M3X.5X5MM, HEX, Phillips Head, for Wireless Antenna
MYDYT 6-32X3/8, Flat Head, for MB, Power Board, Front I/O Board, Riser Card, Graphics Cage, HDD Cage, ODD Bracket, ODD Eject Button & Cable Assembly, USB Bracket, PCI Lock Support, SATA Cable Assembly, & DC Jack Cable Assembly
NHKN4 SCR,M5X10MM for System Fan
VHD69 M3X5MM for Top Cover, Bottom Cover, Right Side Cover, & Metal Piece of Left Side Cover
Y569K M5x10MM to Secure the Liquid Cooling Fan to Rear Chassis

SPEAKER U464N 2.1 Multimedia Speaker, Sting, AY410

SOFTWARE
40DV6 Alienware Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 64-Bit
RCD6C Resource DVD
R4DW2 PowerDVD 3D 9.6, Remote Media 1.6
94JT2 PowerDVD 9.5.1
5G9T8 Roxio Creator 2011
GYD9F Roxio Creator
HDNJT Adobe Standard ver 10 (ver. X), CD media, No serial product key
VX2N9 McAfee Antivirus

TEMPERATURES
Operating 50°F-95°F 10°C-35°C

VIDEO
You cannot use any video card that uses more than 150w. The AMD Radeon HD7850 uses 130w and scores higher then the Nvidia GeForce GTX470. The Nvidia GTX460/470 max at 150w and generate thermal issues.
Integrated HDMI 1GB Intel HD2000
(To switch from IGFX to Discrete, restart the PC, press F2, go to Integrated Devices- Primary Display, make your change, press F10)
Discrete PCIe x16 =
0N3PJ 1GB Nvidia Geforce GT545 (Mini HDMI 1.4a, DVI-I-2, DVI-I-1) uses 240w AC adapter
G9H1F 1GB Nvidia Geforce GTX555 D14P2-20 (Mini HDMI 1.3a, DVI-I-2, DVI-I-1) uses 330w AC adapter
(Auto shutdown due to video card overheating. A system cord was hindering the video card fan causing the auto shutdown. Tuck the cord away from the video card fan)
Supports Nvidia Optimus Technology
Supports UEFI Architecture
Confirmed -
AMD Sapphire Radeon HD7770 OC 240w power supply
AMD XFX Radeon HD7770 Black edition 240w power supply
Radeon HD7850 Idle 122w/Load 252w (Managed to improve the HD 7850 temperature by another 6C by rerouting the graphics card cable and attaching the card to the tray with a cable tie so that gravity doesn't pull it down. This maximizes the airflow. Fan 2 isn't blocked by the graphics card cable or the card itself.) http://i.imgur.com/ip1uQ.jpg 
EVGA GeForce GTX560 SC 330w power supply (System fans louder. Use SpeedStep to auto adjust fans)

Not confirmed -
GeForce GTX560Ti OC Idle 135w/Load 355w
AMD Radeon HD6870 Idle 130w/Load 278w
AMD Radeon HD7870 Idle 124w/Load 254w
Sapphire Radeon HD7870 Idle 121w/Load 239w

WIRELESS
The Alienware X51 system is offered with only a half height mini-cardy. The following WLAN card is offered/validated on this system:
D006W DW1502 (Old wirless antenna 0X5MG replaced by VRHN0)
0X5MG Wireless Antenna Black
XTNFK Wireless Antenna Gray