Yes, I know that custom-built desktop is more worthwhile than OEM desktop. It is just that I am not knowledgable wenough to built one oneself. Sure, you can get a recommended specification for your budget from Hardware Questions & Answers. However, a PC is more than just processor, RAM, hard disk, video card and so on. You need to know as well the proper brand of thermal paste, heatsink, fan, etc.

I am sure that I can just ask any Lowyat retailer to build one desktop for me, based on the specification I want. Some of them may claim that they know everything, but they may have wrongly installed some components and caused damage to your system. I may be unlucky enough to stumble upon unscrupulous retailer. Suppose that I want to have Brand A in my system. The retailer may just installed Brand B which is inferior in quality and similar to Brand A, in order to gain more profit. I may not realised it, until it is too late. Plus, certain things, like warranty, is not standardized. The retailer may earlier claim that every component is under 3-year warranty, but when you come to claim warranty in the future, the retailer may try to beat around the bush and claim such components are not under warranty. Thus, you end up paying more than you should.

For advanced computer users, DIY desktop is the way to go. For someone who is not so computer-savvy like me, it is better to go for branded desktop. It is safer and standardized.

It is okay. I am collecting information here and there about Alienware desktop. It is just my intention in the future, so nothing is confirmed yet.

This post has been edited by alvinkhorfire: Nov 4 2010, 03:42 PM

Generally, we, owner of Dell Alienware laptop, do not have to do anything for our service tag to be valid. I do have same problem as you, which is that my service tag remain invalid for way too long. Just talk to your Dell sales agent who will forward your request to Dell Technical Support to activate your service tag. This is how I solved my problem.


Yes, he is a reputable Alienware seller and if you check his post in his signature, you will know that many users here have pleasant comments about his service.

I am wondering why he can obtain such low price for Alienware laptops. Does he charge lower sale commission (usual Dell Sales commission is 10 %), or does he utilize Dell Staff price? I am not questionng his creditability. I am just curious.

This post has been edited by alvinkhorfire: Nov 5 2010, 01:12 PM

The following picture shows the vent of the bottom surface of my M15x.



The part of the vent exposed to hot air from fan starts to whiten, or in other words, its black paint peels off. Both of my vents exhibits the same appearance. Is it normal for M15x? Any advice given is very much appreciated.

This post has been edited by alvinkhorfire: Nov 13 2010, 09:40 AM

For those who have not formatted their Windows and tampered with the Recovery partition, if possible, I need your help regarding AlienRespawn.

1. Go to AlienRespawn website.

2. Download DSLCheck.exe from right column of the page.

3. Run the DSLCheck.exe in your laptop.

4. Tell me what happens after running the DSLCheck.exe.

Do not worry as it is harmless. This software just checks the Recovery partition of your laptop and subsequently provides the download link for AlienRespawn. I really need the download link.

Thank you for your help.

This post has been edited by alvinkhorfire: Nov 22 2010, 01:20 PM

Sorry, can anyone help me please? As confirmed by Dell Community Forum, it is 100% safe and legitimate Dell website.

I was told that DSLCheck.exe will save the full installer of AlienRespawn from your hard disk. Thus, it is not downloaded from the internet. I really appreciate it if anyone is kind enough to upload the full installer of AlienRespawn here. I am really in need of it. Thank you once again.

Thanks. Very much appreciated.

This post has been edited by alvinkhorfire: Nov 29 2010, 07:53 PM

Guys, here are the way to download the full installer of AlienRespawn. Before you attempt to format your Windows, please create the AlienRespawn Recovery DVDs.

1. Go to AlienRespawn website.

2. Download DSLCheck.exe from right column of the page and run it.
Do not worry as it is harmless. This software just checks the Recovery partition of your laptop and subsequently provides the installer for AlienRespawn.

3. DSLCheck.exe would direct you to another web link:
AlienRespawn: http://alwdownload.alienrespawn.com/alwdownload-en.html

For Dell DataSafe Local Backup: http://dslbdownload.datasafelocalbackup.co...ownload-en.html

4. For AlienRespawn, you will be able to download the installer: AlienRespawn_Basic.exe, 183 MB.

Do you achieve the same result as I am, which is the AlienRespawn_Basic.exe, 183 MB?

Did you activate your McAfee license before formating your Windows?

This post has been edited by alvinkhorfire: Dec 2 2010, 05:40 PM

Alienware Alien Font can be obtained from this site. Credit to Alienware Arena Forum for the link.

For those who originally obtained the standard nameplate, did you guys attempt to obtain a personalized nameplate? Is it by calling Dell Technical Support? Do we need to pay for it?

This post has been edited by alvinkhorfire: Dec 8 2010, 03:15 PM

Is the personalized name plate, bundled with new Alienware laptop purchase, still originated from USA? And, the personalized one is only for new Alienware laptop purchase? Sigh!

Technically, Lowyat forum has neither any subforum or any dedicated forum thread about Alienware Desktop, right? I am interested to know more about these computers

If you previously installed Dell Driver or flashed your vBios to higher speed, this post may help you:
Notebook Review

This post has been edited by alvinkhorfire: Dec 19 2010, 01:44 PM

No, you cannot be too honest. Tell them that your touchpad malfunctions. As such, Dell will replace your palm rest. Job done, you have replaced the missing rubber.

This post has been edited by alvinkhorfire: Dec 22 2010, 12:50 PM

Fraps shows FPS count during gaming. On the other hand, what is the free software that displays GPU temperature during gaming? Thanks for the help.

If your BIOS version is A08 as your laptop is newly purchased, then you do not have to flash it.

Gently tap the speedometer button above the top right of the keyboard, until it becomes dim.

This post has been edited by alvinkhorfire: Dec 28 2010, 02:26 PM

Thanks, rc2x.

How do I configurate MSI afterburner to show the GPU temperature inside the game, similar to this screenshot?

Taken form Sager thread:


For the screenshot, all credit goes to GreaseMonkey90.

This post has been edited by alvinkhorfire: Dec 28 2010, 04:58 PM