- I've had my x51 for around 2 years now. (Shipping date July 2013) and this problem first occurred 1 year into owning it. I was just past my warranty so I too.
- To view all drivers for your Alienware X51 R2, go to Drivers & Downloads. View all drivers. Fixes & Enhancements - Supports Windows 10 Creators Update (Redstone 2).
Discussion for the X51 desktop, including troubleshooting, upgrades, mods, etc. Alienware X51 Drivers and Software Links. SWATGlock; Oct 19, 2012. Alienware X51 R2, after I upgraded from win 8 to win 10, alienware audio that is max audio so to speak, is not completely working. The icon is there, I can open it but I can not use its features like max audio control itself and the equalizer and other stuff.
So you've bought your new Alienware X51 and wanted to upgrade to a SSD. You are also wondering that if you upgrade to a SSD do you need to give up on your existing HDD. The answer is NO!Because firstly there is an extra SATA slot and secondly there is a great location for your slim 2.5 SSD to be placed without removing your HDD.
Let's get your hands dirty!
What you will need
1. An SSD of course! I got the Crucial M500 960GB but do check your budget and if you are just using the SSD to boot or some storage.Best to buy during promotions of course.
2. Double Sided Tape.
Alienware X51 R2 Drivers Windows 7
3. Molex Male to Molex Female Power Y Splitter Extension Cable. It is very important to buy the right one if not it won't fit.
4. Molex to SATA Power Cable Adaptor. This is for the extension to the SSD.
5. SATA Cable for your SSD.
Here are the items from left to right.
IMPORTANT!
Now before you do anything, always remember to 'activate' your SSD first. Clone and backup EVERYTHING! No need to Google. Here is the link.
For me I used this docking station which was cheap and comes with free software (which I didn't use) for backup and cloning.
WARNING!
Alienware X51 R2 Drivers Free
This is not a plug and play. Probably a plug and pray. Unfortunately the tutorials which I've went thru didn't prepare me for the software conflicts which I encountered during my upgrade but I'm glad to share them here. This tutorial will be on the hardware side and I'll update on the cloning and booting later.
If you want you can google on cloning SSD or booting from SSD. I learnt the hard way but luckily none of my files was affected.
Let's Start!
Get a screw driver and start your autopsy of your Alienware. Here is a good video on youtube on how to disassemble. (Not sure why the cat is there though.)
Here is the picture after removing the cover.
You will need to remove the Graphics card casing, Optical Drive and Fan. This is what you will see.
We will start with the Molex Source aka power supply. We will need to split the power.
1. Remove the existing one and replace it with the Y Splitter.
2. Connect the existing one, which links to your existing HDD.
3. Connect the other end of the Y Spiltter to the single Molex to SATA Power Adapter. This will go to your SSD which will be placed above your Optical Drive. Ensure that the cables do not obstruct the fan.
Next get your SATA Cable and find the free SATA slot and slot it in. Again run the cable outside first. You will connect to your SSD only after mounting.
Mount back your Optical Drive.
Choose your sweet spot for your SSD. You can use the double sided tape to keep it in place.
Connect your cables accordingly. Again make sure the cables do not disrupt your fan.
IMPORTANT!
Remove your SATA Cable from your 3.5 HDD when you boot up the first time. Ensure that all settings has been done correctly before connecting back to your HDD.
If done correctly, you will be able to boot up even before your monitor comes on. Amazing!
Disclaimer
This excercise was done in 2013. There was a lot of issues but none related to hardware or connection describe. Always backup your files and it is best to start a fresh.