Congrats on your purchase ! The liquid cooling is for the processor. It is self contained, it is either an Asetek or Corsair self contained cooler, you won't have any probs with it as long as it was seated properly on the processor. I use compressed air to blow out my rig weekly - dusty in Arizona. Just keep it well ventilated ( mine is about 8 inches from the wall to the back of computer) and free of dust. Most of the problems you see on these boards are typical of any high end computer no matter who puts them together or who makes the parts that go inside. Some problems are genuine faulty parts which can happen. Some of the problems are due to software / hardware conflicts . You then have people who "tinker" or push things to the edge and wonder why all kinds of symptoms show up. Look up any competitors forums or manufacturers forums and you will see the same complaints.  The A/W desktop is easy to maintain just like any other desktop. I being a fam man could only afford the refurb A/W  and it is serving me well.

Also, recommendations on surge protectors or UPS at reasonable prices?

Yes, no desktop PC should be without a real UPS. I use and recommend APC UPS units. For a high-end desktop, you can use something like this. Street price on the 1300 is around $160 and the 1500 goes for around $200.

http://www.apc.com/products/resource/include/techspec_index.cfm?base_sku=BR1500G&total_watts=200

http://www.officedepot.com/a/products/206137/APC-Back-UPS-XS-Series-Battery/

Just keep it well ventilated ( mine is about 8 inches from the wall to the back of computer) and free of dust. Most of the problems you see on these boards are typical of any high end computer no matter who puts them together or who makes the parts that go inside. Some problems are genuine faulty parts which can happen. Some of the problems are due to software / hardware conflicts . You then have people who "tinker" or push things to the edge and wonder why all kinds of symptoms show up. Look up any competitors forums or manufacturers forums and you will see the same complaints.  The A/W desktop is easy to maintain just like any other desktop.

Good post and well said FloTown

Some systems are like that.

However, this one is a little different. It's completely sealed so you don't have to change the coolant.

http://www.asetek.com/products/oem-custom-products/alienware-cooling.html

Thanks for the info!  Also, I was reading that you have to change the coolant or add to it every once in a while for the liquid cooling.  You wouldn't happen to know how often?


Like I said... total noob on my part Haha. 

Thanks!  I was looking a bit into UPS's but have never had one before, so its good to get a recommendation.