1. Introduction
Welcome to the user manual for your new Alienware m15 Gaming Laptop. This document provides essential information for setting up, operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting your device. The Alienware m15 is designed for high-performance gaming and demanding tasks, featuring an 8th Generation Intel Core i7-8750H processor, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 graphics, 16GB RAM, and a 512GB SSD, all housed within a sleek, epic silver chassis. Please read this manual thoroughly to ensure optimal performance and longevity of your laptop.
2. Product Overview
The Alienware m15 combines powerful hardware with a portable design, offering an immersive gaming experience.
2.1 Key Features
- Display: 15.6 Inches FHD, Ultra Thin Bezel 144 Hertz Anti Glare IPS for fluid visuals.
- Processor: New Intel Core i7 8750H (6 Cores) with speeds up to 4.1 GHz for robust multitasking and gaming.
- Graphics Card: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 6GB GDDR5, enabling real-time ray tracing and AI-enhanced graphics.
- RAM & Storage: 16GB DDR4 2666 megahertz RAM and a fast 512GB PCIE M.2 SSD for quick boot times and ample storage.
- Operating System: Pre-installed with Windows 10 Home, providing a familiar and powerful computing environment.
2.2 Physical Components
Figure 2.1: Front View of Alienware m15. This image shows the Alienware m15 laptop from the front, with the lid open, displaying a vibrant game scene on its 15.6-inch FHD screen. The Alienware logo is visible below the screen, and the backlit keyboard is illuminated.
Figure 2.2: Rear View of Alienware m15. This image highlights the rear of the Alienware m15, showcasing the prominent cooling vents and various ports located at the back for efficient cable management and heat dissipation.
Figure 2.3: Left Side View of Alienware m15. This image displays the left side of the laptop, detailing the placement of the USB ports and the audio jack, essential for connecting peripherals and headphones.
Figure 2.4: Right Side View of Alienware m15. This image shows the right side of the laptop, illustrating the location of additional USB ports for connecting external devices.
Figure 2.5: AlienFX Lighting Keyboard. A detailed view of the Alienware m15's keyboard, showcasing the customizable AlienFX per-key RGB lighting, which enhances the gaming aesthetic and user experience.
Figure 2.6: Cryo-Tech V2.0 System Cooling. This diagram illustrates the internal components of the Alienware m15's Cryo-Tech V2.0 cooling system, designed to maintain optimal temperatures during intensive use.
Figure 2.7: 144Hz Display. The image highlights the 15.6-inch FHD 144Hz IPS display of the Alienware m15, emphasizing its high refresh rate for smooth gaming visuals.
Figure 2.8: Minimal Bezel Display. This image focuses on the narrow bezels surrounding the Alienware m15's display, which contribute to a more immersive viewing experience.
Figure 2.9: Storage and Memory Configuration. An internal view of the Alienware m15, illustrating the 512GB PCIe M.2 SSD and the 16GB (2x8GB) DDR4 2666MHz memory modules, highlighting the laptop's storage and RAM capabilities.
3. Setup Guide
Follow these steps to set up your Alienware m15 for the first time.
3.1 Unboxing and Initial Inspection
- Carefully remove the laptop and all accessories from the packaging.
- Verify that all components are present: Alienware m15 laptop, power adapter, and power charging cord.
- Inspect the laptop for any physical damage. If damage is found, contact customer support immediately.
3.2 Connecting the Power Adapter
- Connect the power charging cord to the power adapter.
- Plug the power adapter into a wall outlet.
- Connect the power adapter's output cable to the power input port on the back of your Alienware m15 laptop.
- It is recommended to use the laptop with the power adapter connected for optimal performance, especially during gaming.
3.3 First Boot and Windows Setup
- Open the laptop lid. The laptop may power on automatically, or you may need to press the power button (located on the top right of the keyboard deck).
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the Windows 10 Home setup process. This includes selecting your region, language, connecting to a Wi-Fi network, and creating a user account.
- Allow Windows to complete any initial updates. This may require several restarts.
3.4 Connecting Peripherals
You can connect external devices such as a mouse, keyboard, external monitor, or headset using the available ports.
- USB Ports: Connect USB devices like external drives, mice, or keyboards. The Alienware m15 features multiple USB 3.0 ports.
- HDMI/Mini DisplayPort: Connect an external monitor or TV for extended display options.
- Audio Jack: Plug in headphones or external speakers.
- Ethernet Port: For a wired network connection.
4. Operating Instructions
This section covers the basic operation of your Alienware m15 laptop.
4.1 Power Management
- Power On: Press the Alienware head icon button above the keyboard.
- Shut Down: Click the Windows Start button, then Power > Shut down.
- Restart: Click the Windows Start button, then Power > Restart.
- Sleep: Click the Windows Start button, then Power > Sleep, or close the laptop lid.
4.2 Keyboard and Touchpad
- Keyboard: The Alienware m15 features an AlienFX series keyboard with alphanumeric keys and customizable backlighting. Use the Alienware Command Center software to personalize lighting effects.
- Touchpad: The integrated touchpad supports multi-touch gestures for navigation. You can adjust touchpad settings in Windows Settings > Devices > Touchpad.
4.3 Alienware Command Center
The Alienware Command Center is a pre-installed software suite that allows you to manage your laptop's performance, lighting, and audio settings.
- Performance Modes: Switch between various performance profiles (e.g., Balanced, Performance, Quiet) to optimize for different tasks. For maximum gaming performance, ensure "Performance Mode" is enabled while plugged into the power source.
- AlienFX: Customize the RGB lighting zones on your keyboard and other Alienware components.
- Thermal Management: Monitor system temperatures and adjust fan curves.
4.4 Display Settings
Your Alienware m15 features a 144Hz display for smooth visuals.
- To ensure the 144Hz refresh rate is active, right-click on the desktop, select "Display settings," then "Advanced display settings," and choose the 144Hz refresh rate for your display.
5. Maintenance
Proper maintenance ensures the longevity and optimal performance of your Alienware m15.
5.1 Cleaning the Laptop
- Screen: Use a soft, lint-free cloth slightly dampened with water or a screen cleaner. Do not spray liquid directly onto the screen.
- Chassis and Keyboard: Use a soft, dry cloth. For stubborn dirt, a slightly damp cloth can be used. Avoid harsh chemicals.
- Vents: Periodically use compressed air to clear dust from the cooling vents to maintain airflow.
5.2 Battery Care
- Avoid completely discharging the battery frequently.
- For extended storage, charge the battery to about 50-60% and store the laptop in a cool, dry place.
- While gaming or performing intensive tasks, keep the laptop plugged into the power adapter.
5.3 Software Updates
- Regularly check for Windows updates via Windows Settings > Update & Security.
- Update graphics drivers (NVIDIA GeForce) and other system drivers through the Alienware Command Center or Dell's official support website to ensure compatibility and performance.
6. Troubleshooting
This section provides solutions to common issues you might encounter.
6.1 Common Issues and Solutions
| Issue | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Laptop does not power on. | No power, dead battery, or hardware issue. | Ensure power adapter is securely connected and wall outlet is functional. Try a different outlet. If battery is completely drained, allow it to charge for a few minutes before attempting to power on. |
| Display is blank or flickering. | Incorrect display settings, driver issue, or hardware problem. | Restart the laptop. Update graphics drivers. If using an external monitor, check cable connections. |
| Poor gaming performance or overheating. | Dust in vents, outdated drivers, or incorrect power settings. | Clean cooling vents with compressed air. Ensure laptop is on a hard, flat surface. Update graphics drivers. Set Alienware Command Center to "Performance Mode" and ensure laptop is plugged in. |
| Battery drains quickly. | High power consumption, background apps, or battery degradation. | Close unnecessary background applications. Adjust power settings in Windows. Reduce screen brightness. For intensive tasks, keep the laptop plugged in. |
6.2 Further Assistance
If you encounter issues not covered in this section or require advanced technical support, please refer to the official Alienware support resources.
7. Specifications
Detailed technical specifications for the Alienware m15 Gaming Laptop (AWm15-7806SLV-PUS).
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Standing screen display size | 15.6 Inches |
| Screen Resolution | 1920 x 1080 pixels |
| Max Screen Resolution | 1920x1080 Pixels |
| Processor | 4.1 GHz core_i7_family (Intel Core i7-8750H) |
| RAM | 16 GB DDR4 |
| Memory Speed | 2666 MHz |
| Hard Drive | 512 GB SSD (PCIe M.2) |
| Graphics Coprocessor | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 |
| Chipset Brand | NVIDIA |
| Graphics Card Ram Size | 6 GB |
| Wireless Type | 802.11ax |
| Number of USB 3.0 Ports | 2 |
| Operating System | Windows 10 Home |
| Item Weight | 4.8 pounds |
| Product Dimensions | 15.72 x 11.79 x 0.82 inches |
| Color | Epic Silver |
| Power Source | Battery Powered |
| Batteries | 1 Lithium Ion battery required (included) |
8. Warranty and Support
Your Alienware m15 Gaming Laptop comes with a standard manufacturer's warranty. For detailed information regarding warranty terms, conditions, and duration, please refer to the documentation included with your purchase or visit the official Alienware support website.
For additional support, driver downloads, and troubleshooting guides, please visit the official Alienware support page:Dell Support for Alienware m15
You can also download the full User Manual in PDF format here:Download User Manual (PDF)
