Alienware X51 not shutting down completely

xGreysonx

Not shutting down - List all of the devices plugged into the X51.

High pitched noise - Since this is going to be a simple parts exchange, any Technical Support representative can set it up. Contact Dell Technical Support via Chat or Email http://dell.to/sHopy
Explain that you have the issue of a high pitched whine coming from the CPU fan. They should setup a used EXG (exchange)
Parts Ordered = RR3J2 AVC CPU fan, 00098 Part for no substitution, 0797C Return Waybill
Parts Returned = VTY96 DC Brushless CPU fan
Go here for fan replacement instructions: http://dell.to/H3nTJV

Normally, these are the devices I have plugged in. 2 flat panel monitors, a set of speakers with a subwoofer, my ethernet cord, a Logitech wireless mouse and keyboard, a phone charger cord, and an iPod charger cord. But, I've tried removing all but the essential devices and it still doesn't shut down properly. After I hit the shut down button Windows shuts down, but the computer itself stays on with the high pitched noise and the power light on the front.

I will set up that parts exchange for the CPU fan.

Hi Greyson, check out this interesting article about that particular issue. Follow these simple steps for the fix.

Hi! i'm on bios A07, new pc, got it yesterday. The Screen shows shutting down, turns off display, but the machine seems to be running still. with fans and lights on.

I was having the same issue with my X51 not shutting down all the way on a new system.

When I received my X51 it had BIOS A08 on it. After many hours troubleshooting with a tech on the phone and him remoting in. The problem still existed. The Tech tried changing all the settings and power settings and also updated the bios to A10. Nothing worked... Then he had me do a fresh install of windows and had another tech call me back to load all the drivers. The problem still existed. (I'm also missing Respwn now, not sure if I need it, but it seemed kind of nice)

Call back to Alienware support the next day and they confirmed that it must be a motherboard of power board issue. However, everything that I read in the support forums was leading to a BIOS issue, anything after A06 not working right.....

So, within a couple days Dell got the parts to a local technician to come out and replace the parts. He replaced the motherboard and graphics card (Graphics card?!?!) not sure why the graphics card, I think he may have received that instead of the power board. He thought is was odd as well. Upon boot-up after replacement BIOS version was A07 and I thought for sure, here we go it's not going to work, because supposedly it should be only A06 BIOS that works correctly for most users. However, It worked! It now shuts down correctly the way it was meant to.

I'm pretty sure anyone having this problem, you're going to need a motherboard. - No matter what the BIOS.

This is my 3rd Dell/Alienware product in the last 2 years. I have a XPS15z, Alienware M14X, and this Alienware X51.

I had no problems with the XPS15z. I had a couple issues right off the bat with the M14X (missing parts and MOBO failure, which lead to a stripped out screw on the battery) and now the Issue with the X51 (not shutting down). I see many things in the forums reguarding Dell's tech support, I would have to say that I have been fairly pleased. Other then all the time spent on the phone or waiting for a repair, they ultimately taken care of the problems and stand behind their product and get things fixed.

I was not too impressed with the technician that came out to my house to replace the motherboard. He had issues getting the cover off and on. Didn't get all the connectiions back together the first time, then it was making a fan noise that I could clearly hear but he couldn't - turns out a missed connection cable to the mobo was hitting a fan. Missplaced the GPU bracket - causing noise. Then he had some trouble  with the BIOS. He must have taken it a part 6 or so times to fix his inital mistakes. This whole time he was spinning it around on my desk marking up the cover and he also never wore a wrist strap....... He was having such a hard time getting the cover on he was  hitting it and forcing it I could hear snaps and cracks everytime he was trying to force it on. I'm not totally sure that the covers are ok. I know the one side is definently all scratched up . I also hope the components are not going to be affected from him not grounding himself.... He was also using a magnetic screwdriver I thought that was a no no with electronics..... After seeing that I would have rather replaced the parts myself or sent it to the repair depot, however from a time standpoint it is nice that they come to you.

Scorp