Alienware X51 Troubleshooting

The PC does not start or starts at an incompatible speed

Check the amount of RAM you have available and have used. If you have reached the maximum amount of RAM, the computer will have trouble starting up. Clear up some storage patiently. Delete unnecessary programs that use RAM, or consider adding more RAM to your computer using this replacement guide.

Once the PC is able to boot up, close out all programs. If the system still crashes, most likely you have a virus. Make sure to note unexpected pop-up messages which would also likely be a virus.

System is shutting down but does not complete shutdown mode

Leaving applications running can prevent the PC from shutting down properly. Try to exit out of active applications before shutting down the PC. Apps include games, tv & streaming apps, etc. Also try to leave as little tabs open as possible.

Out of date software including corrupted files can prevent the PC from shutting down. Make sure to always scan your file system to ensure it is up to date. When checking system files, a system checker should be able to repair it. Try restarting the PC.

Usually people try updating their PC as it sleeps or is powered off. However, the PC will not shutdown if the updates are not compatible. Make sure there is also enough space for updating as insufficient storage will prevent running updates. Try restarting the PC.

PC will randomly shut off without warning while being used.

If you had work down on the CPU then the wires may have been moved. The wires can get in the way of the fan which is meant to help cool down the PC. If the wires are touching the fan, the PC will not cool down properly, causing it to shut down. Here is how to fix it:

1. remove screws and open PC panel.
2. locate the wires touching the fan.
3. use a tech friendly putty to move wires away from the fan.
4. then place panel back with the screws.

Making sure you are cleaning your PC often. Dirt, dust, crumbs, and hair will cause the fan to get clogged causing the PC to not cool down properly. When the PC is not cleaned regularly it build up bacteria. This makes the system overheat and cause random shut offs. Heres how to fix it:

1. unplug and turn off PC.
2. remove screws and open up PC.
3. use a can of compressed air and spray until all the dust is gone.
4. then place panel back with screws and clean the outside with a microfiber towel.

Check to see if you need to update windows. The more updates it needs the slower the system will be. This will eventually cause the PC to shut off and not function properly. Here is how to fix it:

1. start the PC.
2. Open settings on the top right.
3. click on update and security.
4. then click on check for updates.
5. you can also click on windows driver verifier this will see if the system needs other updates.
6. open start menu -> type verifier -> enter

When you try to search for something, watch videos, or play video games, the system will freeze until you have to shut down the system.

To avoid any trouble or unnecessary steps, always start with restarting your system. Sometimes, your system malfunctions and needs to restart. The reason for this issue can be your system is outdated, or hardware is having issues trying to perform swiftly. This can be solved with these steps:

-       Windows: Click the Windows Logo > The Power Button > Restart

-       Apple: Apple Menu > Restart

If you click into a link on a sketchy website, or try downloading a document, software, or game, there can be additional corrupted files, and/or malware that comes with it. Infection by malware or a virus can cause your computer to freeze. You can remove the infection by downloading a virus scanner, or by simply doing the following:

1.      Open your Windows Security settings.

2.      Select Virus & threat protection > Scan options

3.      Select Windows Defender Offline scan, and then select Scan now.

If the fan is malfunctioning, the processor will overheat causing the system to freeze. This can cause not only long-term damage to the processor, so the processing power of the pc is slower, but can also cause external damage if the fan is not working, you will need to replace it. Refer to the Alienware X51 Fan Replacement guide.

When searching the web, playing video games, or watching videos your system begins to overheat and fans are very loud.

If you have replaced your fans and noticed the fans are noisy it could be because you didn’t reapply thermal paste on the CPU. Without thermal paste, there can be air gaps between CPU/GPU and the cooling compartment not equal heat distribution causing overheating and fans to be loud.

1. Start by turning off and unplugging PC
2. Remove the fan and clean up any thermal paste residue on the CPU
3. If there are any build up or dust around the CPU and GPU use a dust blower or a Q-Tip to clean
4. Apply a pea-sized amount of thermal paste
5. Reattach back to the motherboard

If your system is overloaded, The CPU fan will run constantly resulting in a loud fan. You can check and adjust your fan speed in your PC BIOS settings. Ensure that your fans are not set to run at maximum speed.

Users may place their laptops on surfaces that interrupt airflow, and prevent proper ventilation. This prevents the PC from cooling properly. Additionally, using a laptop on soft surfaces can lead to dust build up. Where you set up your PC is crucial. Hard table tops are best to prevent your PC from overheating. Avoid placing PCs on any type of cloth or any other soft material.

If you have overclock your PC, intentionally pushing the limits of your GPU. This increases the power and heat generated and may overheat your PC. Reduce or revert to the default clock speeds.