Alienware Area51 R2 upgraded for 2023
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- čas přidán 12. 03. 2023
- This is my build for the Alienware Area 51 R2.
Motherboard is MSI Z790 Carbon Wifi
CPU: i9-13900k
GPU: MSI Ventus 3x RTX 4080 OC
PSU: MSI MEG Ai1000P PCIES (1000w)
Fans: Lian Li Uni Fan SL120 V2 RGB (black) x4, be quiet! Slient Wings 3 120mm high-speed
Ram: G-Skill Trident DDR5 16GB x4
SSD: 1TB & 2TB Samsung 980 pro, 2TB Crucial SATA.
Monitor: Samsung Odyssey Neo G9
For Alienware command center go to this link and only download this version. Newer Versions will not work. www.dell.com/support/home/en-... - Hry
Go to this link and download this version of the command center. Do not got to the update version. www.dell.com/support/home/en-us/drivers/driversdetails?driverid=0n36d&oscode=wt64a&productcode=alienware-area51-r2
The fantastic part of these PCs is they all came with 1400watt power supplies. No need to change. I have two. 😁
I just only got the case. But if I had the power supply I’d probably put it in something else. To each their own on that.
I own one. I had it all apart a few times. I like. Lots of good stuff
really interesting.. The way of exhausting airflow to the top.. otherwise, the specs look very dope !
As the saying goes if it works it works. And for this case it definitely works.
Thanks for posting your build. It looks so good.
I'm trying to put a 1080ti in mine. Its got the watercool attached to it. Im not sure how to get the fan/sink to sit on the open 120mm slot. The clips are too tight. It almost clips in. Im looking at the other side to screw into, but I cant get the outer facing off.
Any tips or direction on how to get to the other side of the 120 slot to be able to secure the heatsink/fan?
Thanks for any help!
Most don’t do with a heat sink fan because of how the case is shaped and because of how motherboards can get in the way.
If you mean watercool with the radiator or AIO that is different, options one remove brackets and clips use the 120 holes underneath option two use bigger AIO this requires modification of the chassis. The front of the case can do 2x 120 or 2x140. Bracket must be remove. New holes must be drilled and parts of the metal cut out. Can modify to fit 360mm 280mm or 240mm. I recommend putting in a radiator bracket and just cutting out 90% of the front panel. Be careful with the cuts especially around FIO.
I have the same rig man... Having issues 😔 but I find the design so damn interesting I don't wanna give up on it yet!
Interesting. So it's really just the Alienware case. Everything else has been swapped out and customized?
Mobo for example?
Since you're running a boss cpu and not a 5th or 6th gen.
I'm new so excuse the Greenness...ddr5 ?
I have the original board still.
Having fan issues ATM. Could also be having mobo issues. It's in the shop.
I’m using GSKill DDR5 only Z790 at this time can do DDR5 note some Z790’s are made with DDR4 in mind so if you upgrade mobo you will have to be careful. I never use old parts with newer parts support and drivers just aren’t there for it. It’s already a pain getting the case lights to do what you want when you upgrade everything but is doable. I would have to know more about your exact specs though to know what’s really going on or make a educated guess.
And yes it’s just the case everything swapped out. The parts from R2 are no good for modern equipment. I put a list of everything I used in the description for the video.
I'm an R5 owner, shooting for the MSI MPG Z790 EDGE WIFI DDR4 board, and similarly the i9 13900 KF, but keeping the 1500W power supply, my DDR4 RAM (64GB) and recent RTX 3080. Assuming the onboard connectors/headers are in similar locations, what were the specific extensions you used for the Audio, FIO, Molex converter etc?
Highly recommend getting a modular power supply theirs is not great for future proofing. But here you go. LM YN Motherboard Extension Cable... www.amazon.com/dp/B06ZZ2D89Q?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
SATA Power Cable Adapter 3 Pack... www.amazon.com/dp/B07BQFKTG7?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
Zmbroll 400Pcs Computer Screws... www.amazon.com/dp/B08R658PF9?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
how did you manage to wire up the front io? I've been reading into doing an upgrade like this myself but from what I've read the front the alienware cables don't work with other mobos how did you get around it?
They do you just need a combination of mobo extensions. And SATA to molex converter cable. Even the R4s and up you just swap the proprietary cable with a normal usb mobo connection. Follow the mobo instructions on connecting power and led layout each are different.
Amazing build! 🤘
I'm a R7 owner and i did put a 360mm aio ( push/pull) at the front and drill 2x 140mm hole at the bottom for more airflow and put fans to it. No more airflow problem. That was a job tough...
My spec are: MSI B650 Carbon, ryzen 7 7800x3d, rtx 3080ti, MSI 1000w PSU.
Everything working great exept the alienware lights are not working...Such a shame. Ive bought 2x 10 pin usb 2.0 to connect the FIO to the new board but still no lights ( molex from psu is connected and the audio cable too).
My pc detect some usb error so in theories my mobo send a message to the FIO but they dont talk the same language... I've tried to install the command center from your description but in vain, i just cant install it because it wont start the download... I have a R7 so it make sense that a R2 software dont work..
I would to know if you have any idea what im doing wrong?
Sorry for my bad english .😅
You will probably have to look in the Dell forums for a version for your revision. (R7)
Other solution is to do a register bios swap. You will need the bios of a R7 motherboard and you would in register swap the bios files(do not restart) keep a copy of the original bios file, download AWCC it will detect the Alienware bios. After it installs and is working swap the register files back. Just remember to not ever restart until you put the original bios file back you will brick your pc if you don’t.
@@Spacebornekiller Thank you for your reponse! Very appreciate!
That would make sense since ive use my old nvme with my old windows 10 who has the alienware command center install on it. The front alien logo turn on but not other light.. After that ive tried to unplug the molex connector and the side light turn on! I can change the lights even get the morph to works. But when i shut down the pc, i need to do the same manipulation... so 2 problems ahead:
1- Thats my old windows 10 so many drivers problems Will occur someday if i stay on the same install.
2-The manipulation itself, i mean its not hard but its annoying and not very nice to do everytime.
So i would look into it. I think in this mobo there is a way to flash back the bios if i brick it( not sure tough).
Do you have any source to look at for bios hack? I Will do my research.
Oh and btw we have the same psu, ive read some of your comment and ive seen that you have use a sata to molex for the FIO Board is there any reason?
Maybe my problems is a power issues? Im just brainstorming..
Thank you again for you help🤘
@@Silentium-Est-Aureum- no problem. And you haven’t updated your windows to latest version? If not highly recommend doing so very various reasons.
As far as a power issue no. Dell is the issue. They made the hardware needing the proprietary of their software and those software needing to see the Dell bios. (The version I posted was a version that didn’t need to see that for the R2)
There was a website that use to have the bios instructions but they shut it down they also had a copy of the bios.)
I can link you the CZcams video that goes through doing it.
@@Silentium-Est-Aureum- the conversion is necessary for the R2 as it has older version of connectors. Your R7 wouldn’t have that issue.
so the factory case lights still work like normal off command center on a new mobo or is there something special you have to do?
Works normal. If you have the R2 the link I posted will work just can’t use the latest version of it. Only the one posted because it’s the only one unlocked. The other versions may require the ‘bios hack’
So msi still can use alien command for the r2 lights ? Doing my upgrade this month confused on good motherboards for gaming and trading new to pc life
Use the link I pinned in the comments to download the version you need to be able to control the lights. I got MSI because they are pretty reliable and versatile in use. I say get what you budget can handle but so far everyone with a different MB then the original has been able to use the software version I found.
did you use a molex to sata adapter to connect the front io to the psu?
Yes SATA Power Cable Adapter 3 Pack... www.amazon.com/dp/B07BQFKTG7?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
Did you have to modify the case to fit the new PSU and new motherboard in the chassis? Did the PSU fit perfectly? I am thinking about upgrading my fiancee's Alienware Area 51 R5.
Slight modification. There is a tab on the PSU bracket that can be tapped in and hold a smaller one in place. Or use a clip. For new MB there is a piece of embossed metal that would sit behind the cpu you will have to hammer it in to get it out of the way.
@@Spacebornekiller Right on. Thank you for the reply. I appreciate it. Also, props on the rig. It looks sick as hell.
@@BootsandUtes thank you! Stay tuned for the battle station I put together for it!
@@Spacebornekiller Nice! Looking forward to it.
when you built in this case did you manage to see if a itx motherboard can fit? Edit: nice my hero music in the background 😂
You can check the forms to be sure. But from what I remember it can fit a wide variety of motherboards. And thanks that was honestly by accident because of the wallpaper engine.
I want to install new fans on my r2 on the top part but how would i add another fan?
You mean the front panel? You have to modify the case.
Does all the front panel ports and buttons work properly ? And you had to get a cable extender for the front panel connection to reach the new motherboard right? Thanks
Yes everything works and yes bought an extension for FIO cable audio and usb
By any chance do you have a link to the cables you used? I have an r4 and I can't connect anything from the IO to the MB.
@@bradley2984 from what I've read, it sounds like R2 and R4 have different MIO. R2s mio runs via standard USB 2.0 header.. thus, with our r2 we can get a standard USB extension cable
@@bradley2984 these should help you out. I believe you will need an extra usb to swap out the FIO one.LM YN Motherboard Extension Cable... www.amazon.com/dp/B06ZZ2D89Q?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
Did you also have to connect the USB 3.0 cable ? I'm getting an error in command centre suggesting either the molex power for it, USB 2.0 or 3.0 is not connected. On mine both molex power and usb2.0 cable are connected but is not working unfortunately
Is your wifi card the Intel 7260? If so can it be upgraded to the 9260 to increase the wifi speed?
My wifi is built into the motherboard it’s WiFi 6 capable. When I get the chance I can check the device manager to see what it’s using.
Yeah checked it, the wifi is built into my motherboard. It’s a Intel wi-fi 6e AX211 160MHz
I have a Area 51 and haven't built a computer in years, but let me ask you this can you install an RTX series card with the original motherboard or do I have to buy a new one. I read the comment about you having to hammer a piece of embossed metal in order to make it fit, and to be honest I am trying my best to avoid having to do so.
It was a small bit of metal gets in the way of the cooler bracket. Moding of this case is a must to modernize it if you want it to be optimal. If you just want it functional sure a 4090 will fit I just don’t see the point if you can’t use it at it’s full potential. And honestly using the old MB means you are using older CPU’s and Ram to me it’s not worth the bottlenecking.
You can (have to) unscrew the metal piece that was originally used to support smaller GPUs. I have 4090 on the original MB (R5) and once you remove the metal piece you can fit it without any problems
@@Spacebornekiller I don't use mine for gaming, I use it for content creation and blender and for people who do that it's totally worth upgrading to the 4090, even with the old motherboard and CPU as you can use the 4090 as your main renderer in blender.
@@Gorilla_Jones I get that still leaving power that could be used for that endeavor. It’s not efficient.
hey great build. im doing the same but im stuck on the rgb. i downloaded the older version and was able to control them . but there is no power connected to the rest of the lights. just the power button. how did you connect the psu to the lights?. thanks
No, I just connected all connections to motherboard. The LED power connection is on the same hook up as the power switch. Use a motherboard extension cable set and follow the manual on the motherboard exactly. As each board is unique and requires configuration.
@@Spacebornekiller what about the rgb on the front and side panels? How did you connect those
@@Spacebornekiller or where does the r12 and molex cables go. And are they needed? Thankss
@@user-wo7yl9yk9l they are connected through the front IO. They turn on via the connections on the side panels when you put them on. They are located bottom right of the panels bottom left of the case either side. Basically when you put them on they turn on.
@@user-wo7yl9yk9l the molex connector is to give power to the front IO and the CD drive if you have on from the PSU.
Does the case support E-ATX motherboards?
Here you go. Dell tells you how to do it. www.dell.com/community/en/conversations/alienware-general-locked-topics/tutorial-how-to-upgrade-alienware-area-51-r2-with-a-e-atx-x99-premium-mainboard/647f62b5f4ccf8a8deeba0fe
Thanks a lot! This post has so much detail!!! I have a R5 with 9980xe with 2*3090 in SLI as my workstation, but I'm facing the same shiity motherboard issues.@@Spacebornekiller
@@nullpointerexception1685 no problem. And yeah dells proprietary nonsense is really annoying.
Any luck with Alienware command center to work with that MSI motherboard?
Nope. You need the bios software of an Alienware motherboard. (Bios hack) There use to be copies online but I haven’t been able to find any to do the hack yet. My best chance is to find someone with a Alienware MB and having them send me a copy of their BIOS. Edit: I found a solution no BIOS hack required see below comment.
Solution found! czcams.com/video/SD-wLTpTYl8/video.html
@@Spacebornekiller thank you! It works. I subscribed to your channel
@@rockman547 Awesome to hear!
How much was all this
At that time of purchase $4500 for all items
Who cares about the wire management nowone sees it 😂
My OCD definitely cares. Also it’s just best practice. You can get really bad cross interferences with bad management.