First thing to do checklist?

I've been searching around the forums and I thought I saw a topic that told you what to do first when you get your computer but I couldn't find it. All I found is what people did, but what I want to know is something more comprehensive, as I'm a detail-oriented person. I'm not just talking about what software should I install, I also already know to back up my system. But what I want to know is more and how I should check them. Like:

1. How would I check to make sure I got the right hardware, I.E. Correct CPU? Correct wireless card? Correct RAM?

2. What should I check for in terms of defects? Uneven space bar, or if I have a hinge problem or if my computer can't game on battery? Do all my USB drives work? Does my HDMI work? Hell, do all my connections work?

3. What should I update? And how? BIOS? Drivers? Windows Update?

4. What should I install? Antivirus? If so which one?

I realized I kind of answered my own topic, but if there's anything else I should be keeping an eye out for, I'd like to know. I don't want to come to any surprises when my warranty is up you know.

ninja edit: Also the topic I was referring to mentioned how to overclock the GPU and such.

 

1. Go to Device Manager in the Control Panel and check. Can't really check to see the correct type of RAM, but you can see the total RAM. You can also use a tool called GPU-Z if you want to check out your video card in more detail.

2. Just do a quick look over to ensure there are no dents, and that keyboard looks even. The space bar seems to be slightly angled if you REALLY look hard, but it is so minor that I wouldn't even worry about it - its just part of the design of the laptop and a non-issue. Check each connection (3 usb ports, HDMI and VGA out). Shouldn't be any issues with that. Check your AlienFX to ensure you can get your keyboard lights to all function and change colours. Also check your mousepad and adjust settings. I like the 3 finger shortcut feature that automatically launches stuff - I put my google chrome on that and can launch by just placing 3 fingers on the pad. There is also the pinch-to-zoom feature you can enable, but it really isn't as good as a macbook so I leave it off.

3. I recommend updating your video driver to the latest non-directly supported one from laptopvideo2go.com. There are guides in the forums on updating your driver that you can follow. Your BIOS should be the latest one from the DELL website (I checked and mine was). Run Windows Update and do any of the patches required. Other than that, everything else should be fine as is.

4. Alienware m14x comes with a free year of Anti-virus if you want that, but I uninstalled it and put on Microsoft Essentials instead. Works just as well and isn't a resource hog.

I wouldn't even bother with overclocking. The system is very fast to begin with, and generates enough heat and noise that you probably want to skip that for awhile until video games start to tax your system. For now enjoy the fastest 14" laptop money can buy.

Best of luck!

 

This comes before anything.

http://forum.notebookreview.com/ali...k-drive-aftermarket-drive-alienrespawn-q.html

 

Thanks for the help @mojorific.

Also I'm still looking for that thread, it had a list of programs to install, like monitoring your heat temperatures and how to stop throttling on the cpu. Sorry, I'm fairly new to hardcore PC usage, I've been using the same old computer for 10 years now. And since my 360 RROD and my Playstation was lacking PSN for a good while, I decided to jump into PC.

 

I think you're looking for this

 

The alienware system comes with AlienFusion, which lets you specify the 'minimum' throttling setting. For plugged in I have it set to 100% so it always gets the full CPU power, but you can adjust it so that it uses less when required. For battery, I set the minimum to 5% to save power.

I'm new myself - i was in the same situation with Playstation Network down and wanting to play online still. Got back into the addiction of playing Quake Live lately. LOL. The m14x is overkill for that, but the keys on the laptop are wonderful and it looks fantastic at 1600x900 with full everything. I also have been buying too many games from steam lately as a result too.

Mostly everything on the laptop is ready to go out of the box. Just minor tweaks here and there.

 

Yes that is it I don't know why I thought it was under the M14x subforum. Anywho, thanks for that. +1 rep.

Yeah, it's been a loooooong time since I gamed on a PC. I remember playing Starcraft Brood Wars back in the day. I like the idea of gaming basically anywhere (although with a power outlet ) and the fact that I can prolong certain games with the addition of mods. That and most games come basically $10 cheaper for PC. I don't know why people won't just game on PC. I think it's better. I actually plan to game on a 37" HDTV when I'm at home. I'm, I'm, I'm so excited, I'm so excited!

 

If you have $300 laying around I'd H-I-G-H-L-Y recommend getting a PK-301 pico projector. You'll double that screen size for half the cost

My gf got me one for Christmas, and the quality is amazing. It does up to 720p, so right now I've got it hooked up to the ps3 lol.

*This is an unpaid advertisement*

 

Haha well lighting situation around my house is really bright during the day so I think projections would fade off in the wall. I already have a Vizio LED tv in mind that is perfect for my room.

 

Blackout curtains work wonders ;-) LED is always nice too tho