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Alienware a51 Desktop
I am looking to start a new build, preferably with the A51 desktop case. My plan is to source a water cooled 3090 AIO 240MM radiator. Does the A51 case allow for a 240MM radiator? Or just two 120s?
I’ve done some research and cannot find a close up picture of the inside where the radiators mount.
The a51 case looks great. And can be found refurbished for like $700 with the outdated 1156 motherboard of course. I am not a big fan of custom cases. I like OEM look like most of us in here.
Any thoughts?
Anonymous
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October 12th, 2020 23:00
@Cass-Ole
WOW . . . that's a good call. UPS is literally next door.
Cass-Ole
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October 11th, 2020 15:00
LGA 1156 is the Aurora R2
1366 is A51 R1 & 2011-v3 / 2066 is 51 R2-R7 etc
51 R1 can house a 240mm rad normally for the CPU
or, dual / triple 120s (ie CPU + GPU / dual-GPU) --> but can't support a 120 9CPU) + 240 (GPU) etc
51 R2 type cases, are generally designed to support 120mil-rads, the right case wall area where the 120 fans mount isn't designed to drop-in a 240 due to the fan/mount spacing being so wide, see photo
For a 240mil rad on the right case wall, the front trim comes off & you have to mod-cut the inner chassis similar to a photo seen on page3 51 R2 A look on the inside
Otherwise u have to invent a way to mount one, I'm unaware of any tutorials or how-to posts etc to help out with ... a google of alienware area 51 240mm radiator links (& image search) didnt produce much
Bmwpower603
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October 11th, 2020 16:00
Thank you.
This answers my question. I’m a little disappointed that this case needs to be modded for 240MM.
Anonymous
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October 11th, 2020 17:00
@Bmwpower603 I’m a little disappointed that this case needs to be modded for 240MM.
The mod actually doesn't look that difficult. The case allows for some pretty thick radiators, so two 120mm radiators in series would cool quite well. I think it would need to be an open loop . . . not AIO.
If you get an Area 51 R5, the mobo has the X299 chip set and LGA2066 socket . . . and even with the Dell BIOS limitation, you can go up to i9-9980XE . . . so if 18 cores/36 threads is enough for you, the mobo would not need to be swapped out. That is what I have next on my list for modding. Let me know if you want to see and specific photos of the inside.
Bmwpower603
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October 11th, 2020 17:00
@Anonymous
The R5 is going be to difficult to find. Even used or refurbished.
Why would AIO not work on the case? The hoses maybe aren’t long enough to reach the front of the case?
If anyone wants to sell there case please LMK!
You would think Alienware would come out with a nice rig already. These R11s are becoming a joke. The aren’t even utilizing the pci e slot radiator they made a huge deal about. It’s used on ONE video card lol
Anonymous
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October 11th, 2020 18:00
@Bmwpower603 There appears to be a weird bracket in between the GPU, and intake fan. Do you have any idea what this is? Can it be removed?
That is a triple graphics card support bracket . . . it pops right out.
Why would AIO not work on the case? The hoses maybe aren’t long enough to reach the front of the case?
AIO will work for a 120mm rad . . . what I meant was that if you wanted to hook two 120mm rads in series, like; VGA --> Rad1 --> Rad2 --> pump/reservoir --> back to VGA . . . that would have to be a custom loop.
Bmwpower603
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October 11th, 2020 18:00
@Anonymous
There appears to be a weird bracket in between the GPU, and intake fan. Do you have any idea what this is? Can it be removed?
Anonymous
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October 11th, 2020 19:00
@Bmwpower603
Area 51 R7 on the BIG auction site
Alienware Area 51 R7 Ryzen 2950X 32GB 2TB + 512GB SSD 2080 SUPER Gaming Desktop
If you like Ryzen . . . which is not for me personally.
Anonymous
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October 11th, 2020 19:00
@Bmwpower603
I don't know if the Dell BIOS is the same for the R4 and R5 . . . so I don't know what the max CPU is for the R4. If you are swapping out the mobo . . . it doesn't matter.
This is the ad for the one I bought for $3399 and the BIG auction site;
Bmwpower603
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October 11th, 2020 19:00
My goal is to install a 240mm radiator on the front. Instead of 120, or x2 120s. I have found an r4 on Amazon for $3000. Which is worth it I guess compared to what Dell is selling now..
R4 Specs:
VR-Ready
Cass-Ole
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October 11th, 2020 20:00
Max CPU for R4 is 7980XE --> if you're going to invest into one then I suggest the R5 (9980XE = max), whose N4R4N mthrbrd may bring more $ on resale than the R4 HJ5Y7 since those can't run Gen9 etc --> R5 also gets better looking black case / PSU cables + I think that's the launch of the better 80Plus Gold-rated 850w PSU (all 1500w are 80Gold) ...
If u wait it out u might score an R2 for cheap ... this one packs a Z490 / 10700
Anonymous
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October 11th, 2020 20:00
@Cass-Ole
The R5 also does not have the slot to the right of the power button . . . what is that?
Cass-Ole
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October 11th, 2020 21:00
slot?, for the slim DVD player, lol
Bmwpower603
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October 11th, 2020 23:00
@Anonymous
I am very interested in the rig from micro minute.
Are they able to transfer it to Boston’s store? Or can I pay for shipping over the phone?
They need to ship it due to covid19
Anonymous
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October 12th, 2020 05:00
@Bmwpower603 Are they able to transfer it to Boston’s store? Or can I pay for shipping over the phone?
The ad says 'in store pickup', but it can't hurt to call and try. They may be motivated to move the units out, as I have seen that ad for some time now. The ad says they have 3 Area 51 R5 rigs . . . ask if they are all exactly the same, so you can pick the best one if they are different.