Learn how to optimize your Alienware system for peak performance with these essential tips. This guide covers cleaning vents, maintaining proper ventilation, updating Windows, using SupportAssist for system and driver updates, and configuring performance presets in the Alienware Command Center.
Here are our top three recommendations to set up your Alienware system for optimal performance. Clean the system’s vents regularly to prevent dust and dirt accumulation that can cause your computer to overheat. An overheated system can result in poor performance and potentially damage components. You’ll also want to keep your computer in a cool and well-ventilated area while gaming or using high-stress applications.
We suggest placing the device on a hard, flat surface and ensuring nothing is blocking the air vents. Keeping Windows up to date can also ensure your computer performs at its best. Click on the Windows “Start” button in the taskbar and select the “Settings” app. In “Settings”, click on “Windows Update” on the left menu. If your computer has not searched for updates recently, there will be a “Check for updates” button. Click on this button to prompt Windows to search for and install updates.
The system may need to restart to complete the process. If your computer has already searched for and found updates, the button will say “Download and install”. Click on the button and wait for Windows to complete the updates. If the computer has checked for and partially installed updates but requires a restart, the button will say “Restart now”. Click on the button and wait for the installation to complete. Optimize your system and update drivers with SupportAssist.
Before you begin, if you're using a laptop, keep the computer connected to the charger during this entire process. Click on the Windows “Start” button to search for and open SupportAssist. In the “Home” tab, click on “Full system scan”, click “Start”. SupportAssist will begin optimizing your system and searching for any driver updates. When the process is finished, click on “View updates” and then “Install”. The app will download and install all pending updates. This process might take a few minutes and the computer may restart to complete the installation.
You can set performance presets in the Alienware Command Center that adjusts your system thermals. Click on the Windows “Start” button and open the Alienware Command Center app. Select the “PERFORMANCE” tab to choose between the available presets. “BATTERY” with the system not plugged in conserves battery power by reducing the power consumption of your GPU where possible. This option saves the most energy, but your computer's performance may be impacted. “BATTERY” with the system plugged in also reduces power consumption of the GPU where possible, but allows you to use Expresscharge to quickly charge the battery.
However, please note that Expresscharge may diminish overall battery health over time. The “QUIET” preset lowers noise produced by your system’s cooling fans when possible. Your computer’s performance may be impacted, but this option reduces both CPU and GPU power consumption. The “BALANCED” preset has both the CPU and GPU run at their rated power levels, delivering the optimal performance that your computer was designed for.
The “PERFORMANCE” preset prioritizes the graphics processors' power consumption. Your device's graphics performance may be amplified while consuming more energy. For systems that support “OVERDRIVE”, the GPU and CPU power levels are overclocked to provide the ultimate performance. Your system prioritizes performance, but this may result in significant energy consumption, higher temperatures, and fan noise. To further customize your experience, you can also configure a custom preset to be applied while in system mode. To create a custom preset, select “CUSTOM” from the top options.
Click on “ADVANCED VIEW” to create an overclock profile for each component that supports it. Adjust your custom settings and click on “Save”. You can remove the changes by clicking on “Revert”. If you have questions about the information in this video, contact us via one of the options on our support website.
