Introduction to the new features of the X500 G series of gaming laptops

The following article provides information about some new features on the Dell X500 series of gaming laptops. These are some Dell features specific to the latest generation of G-Series laptops.

Table of Contents:

1. Dell Game Shift
2. Dell Power Shift
3. Dell Smart Shift (For AMD computers)
4. Dell Light Bar (On supported computers)

Dell has introduced some new features into the x500 series of Gaming laptops to make for a better customer experience on these computers.

Applicable Systems:

• Dell G3 3500 Gaming Notebook
• Dell G5 5500 Gaming Notebook
• Dell G5 SE 5505 Gaming Notebook (AMD)

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Dell Game Shift

Game Shift is a utility by Dell that provides one-touch performance tuning.

To enable Game Shift tap the dedicated G function key (F7) or enable it in the Alienware Command Center (ACC) on your personal computer. ACC displays a blue G icon, and a notification appears to indicate it is enabled. It dynamically shifts your key components and cooling to the optimal state for best performance.

To disable Game Shift tap the dedicated G function key (F7) again. Alternatively, disable Game Shift in ACC when you are not using the personal computer for gaming. Game Shift is also disabled when:

• You set your computer to a sleep state.
• You restart your computer.
• Game Shift has been active for 24 consecutive hours.
• You start a new game.
• You terminate the game that has been running on Game Shift.
• You change the power plans or the thermal profiles of the computer.

Clean Install Instructions:

Alienware Command Center and Alienware OC Controls are installed at our factory. If you clean install the operating system, you have to reinstall Alienware Command Center, and Alienware OC Controls before you can use Game Shift.

1. Browse to the Dell Drivers & Downloads page for your computer:

   • Dell G3 15 3500 laptop

   • Dell G5 15 5500 laptop

   • Dell G5 15 SE 5505 laptop

2. Select the Operating System.

3. Under Category, select Application

4. Locate the latest Alienware Command Center Application.

5. Click Download and save the file to your computer.

6. Locate the latest Alienware OC Controls Application.

7. Click Download and save the file to your computer.

8. Open File Explorer and browse to the location where the downloaded files are saved.

9. Double-click the first setup file and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation process.

10. Double-click the second setup file and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation process.

11. Restart your computer. You can now enable Game Shift

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Dell Power Shift

Power Shift is a Dell utility that maintains performance and sits in the background of your computer. Power Shift prevents rapid battery drains during plugged-in usage. It is a backup, and preventative feature added to the standard power and performance checks.

Power Shift is enabled by default and cannot be disabled. It monitors battery performance and activates during extreme conditions of heavy loading during gaming without the adapter plugged in. It monitors inadequate power that is drawn from the AC adapter when it is plugged in. It also checks for a high-power drain while the adapter is plugged in. This only happens when the computer’s power consumption is over the AC adapter rating. It is also seen when the battery starts to hybrid discharge to provide extra computer power.

Frequently Asked Questions:

• What happens if the battery still rapidly drains while the AC adapter is plugged in?

  • A battery drain greater than 5% detected while the AC adapter is plugged in, check the health status of the battery and AC adapter.

• Is there a performance decrease to be expected when you run this feature?

  • There was no impact to performance from Power Shift seen during our benchmark validation.

• How do I install this feature?

  • Install the latest version of the BIOS available for your computer. Power Shift is embedded in the BIOS/EC.

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Dell Smart Shift (For AMD computers)

Smart Shift is AMD software that dynamically distributes the power allocation between the processor and graphics. This feature allocates the power to where it is needed most. This feature automatically boosts performance for different demands including gaming, video editing, and productivity.

Smart Shift is enabled by default in the system BIOS. It runs automatically in the background of the computer. Disabling Smart Shift is not supported currently.

You can check the health of the Smart Shift sensors in the Dell SupportAssist application:

(Figure.1 SupportAssist Health Check)

User Interface:

Follow the Dell recommended best practice of keeping your computer up to date with the latest drivers and updates from the Support site. This keeps your computer up to date with the latest user interface from AMD.

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Dell Light Bar (On supported computers)

The Light Bar supports 12 zone lighting for color themes, visual effects, and flair that you have set definitions for.

The Light Bar is enabled and controlled from the ACC application:

1. Open the ACC application.

2. Open FX

   NOTE: FX also controls the Keyboard lights and Keyboard colors.

    

(Figure.2 Alienware Command Center FX)

3. Select Lighting (EDIT)

(Figure.3 12 Zone Lighting Themes)

4. The light bar supports 12 zone lighting for the color themes that you define.

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