Alienware m15
Setup and Specications
Computer Model: Alienware m15
Regulatory Model: P79F
Regulatory Type: P79F001
Notes, cautions, and warnings
NOTE: A NOTE indicates important information that helps you make better use of your product.
CAUTION: A CAUTION indicates either potential damage to hardware or loss of data and tells you how to avoid
the problem.
WARNING: A WARNING indicates a potential for property damage, personal injury, or death.
© 2018-2019 Dell Inc. or its subsidiaries. All rights reserved. Dell, EMC, and other trademarks are trademarks of Dell Inc. or its
subsidiaries. Other trademarks may be trademarks of their respective owners.
2019 - 06
Rev. A03
Contents
Set up your Alienware m15................................................................................................ 5
Create a USB recovery drive for Windows........................................................................6
Views of Alienware m15.....................................................................................................7
Right...................................................................................................................................................................7
Left.....................................................................................................................................................................7
Base....................................................................................................................................................................8
Display................................................................................................................................................................8
Back................................................................................................................................................................... 9
Bottom..............................................................................................................................................................10
Specications of Alienware m15.......................................................................................11
Computer model................................................................................................................................................ 11
Dimensions and weight.......................................................................................................................................11
Processors.......................................................................................................................................................... 11
Chipset.............................................................................................................................................................. 11
Operating system...............................................................................................................................................12
Memory.............................................................................................................................................................12
Ports and connectors..........................................................................................................................................12
Communications.................................................................................................................................................13
Ethernet.......................................................................................................................................................13
Wireless module........................................................................................................................................... 13
Audio................................................................................................................................................................14
Storage............................................................................................................................................................. 14
Keyboard.......................................................................................................................................................... 15
Camera............................................................................................................................................................. 15
Touchpad.......................................................................................................................................................... 15
Touchpad gestures........................................................................................................................................16
Power adapter...................................................................................................................................................16
Battery..............................................................................................................................................................16
Display.............................................................................................................................................................. 17
Video................................................................................................................................................................18
Computer environment...................................................................................................................................... 18
Hybrid power.................................................................................................................... 19
Keyboard shortcuts...........................................................................................................20
Alienware Command Center............................................................................................ 21
3
Getting help and contacting Alienware...........................................................................22
Self-help resources............................................................................................................................................22
Contacting Alienware........................................................................................................................................22
4
Set up your Alienware m15
NOTE: The images in this document may dier from your computer depending on the conguration you ordered.
Connect the power adapter and press the power button.
5
Create a USB recovery drive for Windows
Create a recovery drive to troubleshoot and x problems that may occur with Windows. An empty USB ash drive with a
minimum capacity of 16 GB is required to create the recovery drive.
NOTE: This process may take up to an hour to complete.
NOTE: The following steps may vary depending on the version of Windows installed. Refer to the Microsoft support
site for latest instructions.
1 Connect the USB ash drive to your computer.
2 In Windows search, type Recovery.
3 In the search results, click Create a recovery drive.
The User Account Control window is displayed.
4 Click Yes to continue.
The Recovery Drive window is displayed.
5 Select Back up system les to the recovery drive and click Next.
6 Select the USB ash drive and click Next.
A message appears, indicating that all data in the USB ash drive will be deleted.
7 Click Create.
8 Click Finish.
For more information about reinstalling Windows using the USB recovery drive, see the
Troubleshooting
section of your
product's
Service Manual
at www.dell.com/support/manuals.
6
Views of Alienware m15
Right
1 USB 3.1 Gen 1 ports (2)
Connect peripherals such as external storage devices and printers. Provides data transfer speeds up to 5 Gbps.
Left
1 Security-cable slot (for Noble locks)
Connect a security cable to prevent unauthorized movement of your computer.
2 Network port
Connect an Ethernet (RJ45) cable from a router or a broadband modem for network or Internet access.
3 USB 3.1 Gen 1 port with PowerShare
Connect peripherals such as external storage devices and printers.
Provides data transfer speeds up to 5 Gbps. PowerShare enables you to charge your USB devices even when your
computer is turned o.
NOTE: If your computer is turned o or in hibernate state, you must connect the power adapter to charge your
devices using the PowerShare port. You must enable this feature in the BIOS setup program.
NOTE: Certain USB devices may not charge when the computer is turned o or in sleep state. In such cases,
turn on the computer to charge the device.
4 Headset port
Connect headphones or a headset (headphone and microphone combo).
7
Base
1 Power button (Alienhead)
Press to turn on the computer if it is turned o, in sleep state, or in hibernate state.
Press to put the computer in sleep state if it is turned on.
Press and hold for 4 seconds to force shut-down the computer.
NOTE: You can customize the power-button behavior in Power Options.
2 Right-click area
Press to right-click.
3 Left-click area
Press to left-click.
4 Touchpad
Move your nger on the touchpad to move the mouse pointer. Tap to left-click and two nger tap to right-click.
Display
8
1 Left microphone
Provides digital sound input for audio recording and voice calls.
2 Camera
Enables you to video chat, capture photos, and record videos.
3 Camera-status light
Turns on when the camera is in use.
4 Right microphone
Provides digital sound input for audio recording and voice calls.
Back
1 HDMI port
Connect to a TV or another HDMI-in enabled device. Provides video and audio output.
2 Mini DisplayPort
Connect to a TV or another DisplayPort-in enabled device. Provides video and audio output.
3 Thunderbolt 3 (USB Type-C) port
Supports USB 3.1 Gen 2, DisplayPort 1.2, Thunderbolt 3 and also enables you to connect to an external display using a
display adapter.
Provides data transfer rates up to 10 Gbps for USB 3.1 Gen 2 and up to 40 Gbps for Thunderbolt 3.
NOTE: A USB Type-C to DisplayPort adapter (sold separately) is required to connect a DisplayPort device.
4 External graphics port
Connect an Alienware Graphics Amplier to enhance the graphics performance.
5 Power-adapter port
Connect a power adapter to provide power to your computer and charge the battery.
9
Bottom
1 Right speaker
Provides audio output.
2 Service Tag label
The Service Tag is a unique alphanumeric identier that enables Dell service technicians to identify the hardware
components in your computer and access warranty information.
3 Left speaker
Provides audio output.
10
Specications of Alienware m15
Computer model
Alienware m15
Dimensions and weight
Table 1. Dimensions and weight
Description Values
Height:
Front
17.90 mm (0.70 in.)
Rear
19.99 mm (0.78 in.)
Width
362.50 mm (14.27 in.)
Depth
275 mm (10.85 in.)
Weight (minimum) 2.20 kg (4.85 lbs)
NOTE: The weight of your computer depends on the
conguration ordered and the manufacturing
variability.
Processors
Table 2. Processor specications
Features Values
Processor
8
th
Generation Intel
Core i5
8
th
Generation Intel Core i7 9
th
Generation Intel Core i7
Wattage
45 W 45 W 45 W
Core count
4 6 6
Thread count
8 12 12
Speed
Up to 4 GHz Up to 4.1 GHz Up to 4.5 GHz
L2 cache
1 MB 1.5 MB 1.5 MB
L3 cache
9 MB 9 MB 9 MB
Integrated graphics
Intel UHD graphics
630
Intel UHD graphics 630 Intel UHD graphics 630
Chipset
Table 3. Chipset specications
Features Values
Chipset
HM370
Processor
• 8
th
Generation Intel Core i5/i7
11
Features Values
• 9
th
Generation Intel Core i7
DRAM bus width
64-bit
Flash EPROM
16 MB
PCIe bus
PCIe Gen3
External bus frequency
8 GT/s
Operating system
• Windows 10 Home (64-bit)
• Windows 10 Professional (64-bit)
Memory
Table 4. Memory specications
Features Values
Slots
Two SODIMM slots
Type
Dual-channel DDR4
Speed
2666 MHz
Maximum memory
32 GB
Minimum memory
8 GB
Memory per slot
4 GB, 8 GB and 16 GB
Congurations supported
• 8 GB DDR4 at 2666 MHz (2 x 4
GB)
• 16 GB DDR4 at 2666 MHz (2 x 8
GB)
• 32 GB DDR4 at 2666 MHz (2 x 16
GB)
Ports and connectors
Table 5. External ports and connectors specications
Features Values
Network
One RJ-45 port
USB
• Two USB 3.1 Gen 1 ports
• One USB 3.1 Gen 1 with PowerShare
• Thunderbolt 3 (USB Type-C)
Audio
One headset port
Video
• One HDMI 2.0b port
• One mini DisplayPort 1.4
• One external graphics port
12
Features Values
Media-card reader
Not supported
Power adapter port
7.4 mm DC_IN
Security
Noble lock
Table 7. Internal ports and connectors specications
Features Values
M.2
• One M.2 slot for Wi-Fi
and Bluetooth combo
card
• One M.2 2230/2280
PCIe/SATA slots for solid-
state drive
• One M.2 2280 PCIe slot
for Intel Optane
Communications
Ethernet
Table 8. Ethernet specications
Features Values
Model number
Killer E2500 PCI-E Gigabit Ethernet Controller
Transfer rate
10/100/1000 Mbps
Wireless module
Table 9. Wireless module specications
Features Values
Model number
Qualcomm QCA61x4A (DW1820) Killer 1550
Transfer rate
867 Mbps (maximum) 1733 Mbps (maximum)
Frequency bands supported
Dual band 2.4 GHz/5 GHz Dual band 2.4 GHz/5 GHz
Wireless standards
Wi-Fi 802.11b/g/a/n/ac Wi-Fi 802.11b/g/a/n/ac
Encryption
• 64-bit/128-bit WEP
• AES-CCMP
• TKIP
• 64-bit/128-bit WEP
• AES-CCMP
• TKIP
Bluetooth
Bluetooth 4.2 Bluetooth 5.0
13
Audio
Table 10. Audio specications
Features Values
Type
4 channel High Denition Audio
Controller
Realtek ALC3281-CG
Stereo conversion
Supported
Internal interface
High-denition audio interface
External interface
Universal Audio Jack supports Headset/Headphone/Line-
out/Microphone/Line-in function
Speakers
Supported
Internal speaker amplier
Supported
External volume controls
Supported
Speaker output:
Average
2 W
Peak
2.5 W
Subwoofer output
Not supported
Microphone
Digital-array microphones in camera assembly
Storage
Your computer supports one of the following congurations:
• One 2.5-inch hard drives
• One M.2 PCIe solid-state drive
• One M.2 PCIe solid-state drive and one 2.5-inch hard drive
• One M.2 Intel Optane and one 2.5-inch hard drive
• Two M.2 PCIe solid-state drives
NOTE: The primary drive of your computer varies depending on the storage conguration.
For computers:
• with a M.2 drive, the M.2 drive is the primary drive.
• without M.2 drive, the 2.5-inch drive is the primary drive.
Table 11. Storage specications
Storage type Interface type Capacity
One 2.5-inch hard drive SATA AHCI 6 Gbps Up to 1 TB
One M.2 2230/2280 solid-state drive SATA AHCI 6 Gbps/PCIex4 NVMe Up to 1 TB
One M.2 2280 Intel Optane storage PCIex4 NVMe up to 32 Gbps Up to 118 GB
14
Keyboard
Table 12. Keyboard specications
Features Values
Type
4-zone RGB backlit keyboard
Layout
QWERTY
Number of keys
• United States and Canada: 101 keys
• United Kingdom: 102 keys
• Japan: 105 keys
Size
• X = 19.05 mm key pitch
• Y = 18.05 mm key pitch
Shortcut keys Some keys on your keyboard have two symbols on them.
These keys can be used to type alternate characters or to
perform secondary functions. To type the alternate character,
press Shift and the desired key. To perform secondary
functions, press Fn and the desired key.
NOTE: You can dene the primary behavior of the
function keys (F1–F12) by changing Function Key
Behavior in BIOS setup program.
Keyboard shortcuts
Camera
Table 13. Camera specications
Features Values
Number of cameras
One
Type
FHD xed focus
Location
Front camera
Sensor type
CMOS sensor technology
Resolution:
Still image
2.0 megapixel (FHD)
Video
1920 x 1080 (FHD) at 30 fps
Diagonal viewing angle 74.9 degrees
Touchpad
Table 14. Touchpad specications
Features Values
Resolution:
Horizontal
1229
Vertical
749
15
Features Values
Dimensions:
Horizontal
105 mm (4.13 in.)
Vertical
65 mm (2.56 in.)
Touchpad gestures
For more information about touchpad gestures for Windows 10, see the Microsoft knowledge base article 4027871 at
support.microsoft.com.
Power adapter
Table 15. Power adapter specications
Features Values
Type
130 W 180 W
Diameter (connector)
7.4 mm 7.4 mm
Input voltage
100 VAC-240 VAC 100 VAC-240 VAC
Input frequency
50 Hz-60 Hz 50 Hz-60 Hz
Input current (maximum)
1.80 A 2.34 A
Output current (continuous)
6.70 A 9.23 A
Rated output voltage
19.50 VDC 19.50 VDC
Temperature range:
Operating
0°C to 40°C (32°F to 104°F) –40°C to 70°C (–40°F to 158°F)
Storage
–40°C to 70°C (–40°F to 158°F)
–40°C to 70°C (–40°F to 158°F)
NOTE: Alienware m15 supports Hybrid power feature during heavy loading. For more information, see Hybrid
power.
Battery
Table 16. Battery specications
Features Values
Type
4-cell “smart” lithium-ion (60 WHr) 6-cell “smart” lithium-ion (90 WHr)
Voltage
15.20 VDC 11.40 VDC
Weight (maximum)
0.25 kg (0.56 lb) 0.37 kg (0.81 lb)
Dimensions:
Height
11.60 mm (0.46 in.) 11.60 mm (0.46 in.)
Width
222.20 mm (8.75 in.) 332.65 mm (13.09 in.)
Depth
74.20 mm (2.92 in.) 74.20 mm (2.92 in.)
Temperature range:
Operating
0°C to 35°C (32°F to 95°F) 0°C to 35°C (32°F to 95°F)
Storage
–40°C to 65°C (–40°F to 149°F) –40°C to 65°C (–40°F to 149°F)
16
Features Values
Operating time
Varies depending on operating conditions and can signicantly reduce under
certain power-intensive conditions.
Charging time (approximate) 4 hours (when the computer is o) 4 hours (when the computer is o)
Life span (approximate)
300 discharge/charge cycles 300 discharge/charge cycles
Coin-cell battery
CR-2032 CR-2032
NOTE: Alienware m15 supports Hybrid power feature during heavy loading. For more information, see Hybrid
power.
Display
Table 17. Display specications
Features Values
Type
15.6-inch non-touch screen Full High
Denition (FHD)
15.6-inch non-touch screen Ultra High
Denition (UHD)
Panel technology
Wide Viewing angle(WVA) Wide Viewing angle(WVA)
Luminance (typical)
300 nits 300 nits
Dimensions (active area):
Height
344.16 mm (13.54 in.) 344.21mm (13.55 in.)
Width
193.59 mm (7.62 in.) 193.62 mm (7.62 in.)
Diagonal
394.87 mm (15.60 in.) 394.92 mm (15.60 in.)
Native resolution
1920 x 1080 3840 x 2160
Megapixels
2.07 8.29
Pixels Per Inch (PPI)
141 282
Contrast ratio (minimum)
700:1 1000:1
Response time (maximum)
35 msec rise/fall 35 msec rise/fall
Refresh rate
60 Hz 60 Hz
Horizontal view angle
+/- 85 degrees +/- 85 degrees
Vertical view angle
+/- 85 degrees +/- 85 degrees
Pixel pitch
0.179 mm 0.089 mm
Power consumption (maximum)
6.2 W 5.15 W
Anti-glare vs glossy nish
Anti-glare Anti-glare
Touch options
No No
17
Video
Table 18. Discrete graphics specications
Discrete graphics
Controller External display support Memory size Memory type
GTX 1050 Ti One HDMI port, one mini-
DisplayPort
4 GB GDDR5
GTX 1060 One HDMI port, one mini-
DisplayPort
6 GB GDDR5
GTX 1070 with Max-Q One HDMI port, one mini-
DisplayPort
8 GB GDDR5
Table 19. Integrated graphics specications
Controller External display support Memory size Processor
Intel UHD Graphics 630 One Thunderbolt 3 (USB
Type-C)
Shared system memory
• 8
th
Generation Intel Core
i5/i7
• 9
th
Generation Intel Core
i7
Computer environment
Airborne contaminant level: G1 as dened by ISA-S71.04-1985
Table 20. Computer environment
Operating Storage
Temperature range
0°C to 35°C (32°F to 95°F) –40°C to 65°C (–40°F to 149°F)
Relative humidity (maximum)
10% to 90% (non-condensing) 0% to 95% (non-condensing)
Vibration (maximum)
0.66 GRMS 1.30 GRMS
Shock (maximum)
110 G† 160 G‡
Altitude (maximum)
–15.2 m to 3,048 m (–50 ft to 10,000
ft)
–15.2 m to 10,668 m (–50 ft to 35,000
ft)
* Measured using a random vibration spectrum that simulates user environment.
† Measured using a 2 ms half-sine pulse when the hard drive is in use.
‡ Measured using a 2 ms half-sine pulse when the hard-drive head is in parked position.
18
Hybrid power
The Hybrid power feature enables your computer to function optimally during the following instances of heavy loading.
Examples of heavy loading include:
• Graphics and processor-intensive applications and/or gaming
• External power loading from devices relying on your computer as a power source such as gaming mice, keyboards, external
speakers, and headsets
When during instances of heavy loading, system performance is maintained through hybrid power. Hybrid power coordinates
the power drawn from the power adapter and battery, allowing power to be drawn from the battery for up to ve percent per
hour with the power adapter plugged in. This feature is disabled when the battery falls below 20 percent charge.
The following table shows the dierent scenarios and benets of hybrid power:
Table 21. Hybrid power feature description
Battery capacity Feature description
100%~20%
When the battery charge reaches 100 percent and the power
adapter is plugged in, battery stops charging to avoid
lithium-ion degradation.
Under heavy loading, hybrid power is enabled and battery
charge will deplete to maintain system performance.
If your computer is no longer under heavy load, battery will
resume charging.
<20%
Hybrid function is disabled.
Computer will throttle during heavy loading and may
encounter performance issues.
19
Keyboard shortcuts
NOTE: Keyboard characters may dier depending on the keyboard language conguration. Keys used for shortcuts
remain the same across all language congurations.
NOTE: You can dene the primary behavior of the function keys (F1–F12) by changing Function Key Behavior in
BIOS setup program.
Table 22. List of keyboard shortcuts
Keys Description
Disconnect Alienware Graphics Amplier
Disable/enable wireless
Mute audio
Decrease volume
Increase volume
Switch to external display
Decrease brightness
Increase brightness
Disable/enable touch pad
Disable/enable AlienFX
Table 23. List of Macro keys
Keys Description
Macro keys
NOTE: You can congure modes and assign multiple
tasks for the macro keys on the keyboard.
20
Alienware Command Center
Alienware Command Center (AWCC) provides a single interface to customize and enhance the gaming experience. The
AWCC dashboard displays most recently played or added games, and provides game-specic information, themes, proles,
and access to computer settings. You can quickly access settings such as game-specic proles and themes, lighting, macros,
and audio that are critical to the gaming experience.
AWCC also supports AlienFX 2.0. AlienFX enables you to create, assign, and share game-specic lighting maps to enhance the
gaming experience. It also enables you to create your own individual lighting eects and apply them to the computer or
attached peripherals. AWCC embeds Peripheral Controls to ensure a unied experience and the ability to link these settings to
your computer or game.
AWCC supports the following features:
• FX: Create and manage the AlienFX zones.
• Fusion: Includes the ability to adjust game-specic Power Management, Sound Management, and Thermal Management
features.
• Peripheral Management: Enables peripherals to appear in and be managed in Alienware Command Center. Supports key
peripheral settings and associates with other functions such as proles, macros, AlienFX, and game library.
AWCC also supports Sound Management, Thermal Controls, CPU, GPU, Memory (RAM) monitoring. For more information
about AWCC, see the
Alienware Command Center Online Help
.
21
Getting help and contacting Alienware
Self-help resources
You can get information and help on Alienware products and services using these online self-help resources:
Table 24. Alienware products and online self-help resources
Self-help resources Resource location
Information about Alienware products and services www.alienware.com
My Dell
Tips
Contact Support In Windows search, type Contact Support, and press Enter.
Online help for operating system www.dell.com/support/windows
www.dell.com/support/linux
Troubleshooting information, user manuals, setup instructions,
product specications, technical help blogs, drivers, software
updates, and so on
www.alienware.com/gamingservices
VR Support www.dell.com/VRsupport
Videos providing step-by-step instructions to service your
computer
www.youtube.com/alienwareservices
Contacting Alienware
To contact Alienware for sales, technical support, or customer service issues, see www.alienware.com.
NOTE: Availability varies by country/region and product, and some services may not be available in your country/
region.
NOTE: If you do not have an active Internet connection, you can nd contact information about your purchase
invoice, packing slip, bill, or Dell product catalog.
22
