Area-51m R2, with 2 power adapters, why? Docking?

Some of the answer depends on the GPU and CPU you have -- but if you want full performance out of the system, you must connect both adapters.

@davek456  Review of the Alienware Area-51m specify that you can use only one power adapter (I can't remember which one) for situations where you don't plan to use the NVIDIA GPU.  So I guess if you decided you wanted to take that system to a coffee shop to do some everyday work, you could get by with only one power adapter.  But it might have to be the 330W adapter; I'm not sure.  But if you want proper performance, you need both.  If you haven't already, you might want to head over to the Dell Support site, enter your Service Tag, click the Documentation tab, and peruse the User Guide to see if this is mentioned.

As for a docking station, you can use them, but as you've surmised, the docking station won't adequately power your system.  The USB PD spec maxes out at 100W.  Dell stretched that to 130W on some of their systems and docks, and even developed dual connector docking stations to push 210W to cover the needs of their Precision 7000 Series systems, but even that doesn't come close to what your system requires -- and to my knowledge, Dell has only implemented firmware-level support for using their dual connector docking stations in actual dual connector mode on those Precision 7000 Series systems.  So if you get a docking station, it will simply be to consolidate most/all peripherals EXCEPT your power adapter(s) onto a single cable connection to your system. Also be aware that to my knowledge, Dell has still not given their Inspiron or Alienware systems the necessary firmware-level support for using a dock Power button to control the system.  So even if you get a Dell dock that has one, like the WD19TB, you won't be able to use it to power on your system with the lid closed, for example.  No idea why they're withholding that feature, but they are.  And they're not alone in the industry, annoyingly.

Hi @davek456 

The Dell Support for Alienware Area-51m R2 is generic, using the system service tag does not customise the Documentation for the model.  

Setup and Specifications, Setup says: "Connect one or both power adapters that are supplied with your computer, it operates normally with one power adapter connected." So why the meaningless Pre-Boot "Alert....The system can only boot with a 510 power adapter or greater."? 

Setup and Specifications, External Ports says Docking port not supported. 

See Dell post Alienware Area 51 R2 Thunderbolt port? not supported. 

Hi @Wicky  if that was true, you would have provided the hyperlink in your post. 

Yes thunder does work....it's just a pain in to do it. Welcome to Dell....

I just posted this because I like my music...plugs

I hate that they bought Alienware.

And next time you need a hyperlink....look somewhere else

Dell support leaves something to be desired.....I hate that they bought Alienware.

I used mine for a second monitor, but yes the port works.

There are many replies and I have learned a great deal. Thank all of you.

My goal today is to summarize it all.

It appears that I would be safe taking it to a "coffeeshop" or library with one power supply. 

I am ok with 500 watts will it is on my desk, but it has to be truly Mobil for a couple of hours, even if the one power pack gives it a trickle charge.

Do I harm it in any way on one power pack?

Dave

Good morning.

I am not sure of your comment. Sounds like I did something wrong.

@crimsom  Dell saying that a docking station is not supported is not the same as saying that a docking station won't work.  Dell does not formally support docking stations on product lines that are not marketed to businesses but people with such systems still use docking stations successfully.  Same with using eGPUs on systems other than Alienware models and using a whole range of third-party products that Dell doesn't officially "support" but that actually work.  I noted in my earlier post that certain functions of Dell docking stations won't work with Alienware systems, including using the dock Power button, which prevents Dell from claiming that full support is available.  But that doesn't mean it's completely impossible to use a dock.

@davek456  No, you won't harm anything by running the system from an undersized power source, so long as you're using Dell power adapters.  The system will attempt to adapt to operate within that reduced power budget, and in cases of extreme shortfall (like plugging a 45W power supply into a system like yours), the system might just ignore the power supply completely and continue running on the battery.  But you won't damage anything.

Is it a bad investment on my part for Adobe Video and Photos and gendering CAD?

Dave