Aurora R12, should I switch to water cooling?

Question

New to building, limited knowledge. Hello, I have an Alienware Aurora R12, and wanted to get into water cooling. The reason is, I'm getting a new RTX 3080 ti  (one that fits) and obviously; This will cause my CPU to get very hot as well as my PC. I've been advised to switch to water cooling, but I don't know where to get started. Would anyone mind helping guide me into this process? Please and thank you. Here are my specs: Ram:  32 gigs (4 slots x 8 gigs) Graphics card: RTX 3080 TI PSU: 850 watts (Fully modular) CPU: 11th Gen Intel Core i5 11400F (6-Core, 12MB Cache, 2.6Ghz to 4.4GHz) If you have any questions, I will be answering.

ProfessorW00d · Accepted Answer

Another option is the NZXT Kraken-120 which was just successfully installed by another Alien on their Aurora R10 (same chassis as R12).

If you are currently air cooled, you will also need the VRM heatsink once you go with liquid cooling.

Also, whatever CPU cooler is currently installed will have thermal paste applied . . . and require cleaning.

Vanadiel · Answer

See R12 service manual has instructions on how to install the liquid cooling assembly: R12 service manual    I do not believe Dell sells these coolers, but it never hurts to check with a sales person.

JOcean · Answer

This forum thread and especially this one should help.

Real_Boy85 · Answer

Noctua nh-l9i chromax black or Amazon.com: EVGA CLC 120mm All-In-One CPU Liquid Cooler, 1x 120mm Fan, Intel, 5 YR Warranty, 400-HY-CL11-V1 : Everything Else

ProfessorW00d · Answer

Are you looking to get into custom water cooling or an All-In-One bolt on solution?

Patrick_Alienware · Answer

Do these aftermarket solutions work? Will it cause any issues since its not one of the Alienware  components? If not thanks for the link!

Vanadiel · Answer

You will need to remove the existing thermal paste, and likely apply new thermal paste unless it comes pre-applied.

I would recommend Noctua thermal paste NT-H1 as it is not electrically conductive and provides good results.

You will also need Isopropyl alcohol to remove the existing thermal paste. I recommend 99% pure or higher to avoid residue left behind. A lot of the ones they sell in stores these days are 50% or less pure. I would avoid those.

The easiest solution is the OEM cooler as it can be installed as per the service manual. Any aftermarket might cause installation or other issues, although they usually install without issue.

Patrick_Alienware · Answer

Most likely the All-In-One bolt on, Since I have little clue what I'm doing the custom water cooling seems more confusing.

Tesla1856 · Answer

@Vanadiel wrote:

I would recommend Noctua thermal paste NT-H1 as it is not electrically conductive and provides good results.

Those are the 2 main reasons I use it also.

@Patrick_Alienware

I'm all on-board with Liquid-Coolers (all 3 of my newest desktops have them) but with just an Intel-i5 I question the need. When you get all the cores up to 100% utilization for a while ... are you seeing temps above 80c ?

Also of note: That sure is a nice Nvidia card you got there.

Patrick_Alienware · Answer

May you leave a link to the OEM cooler? Can't seem to find it, sorry,

Patrick_Alienware · Answer

This sounds great! I have no thermal paste applied so good in there. Thanks for the info about the aftermarket ones I wasn't sure if i should buy one. And thanks for the removal tips.

Patrick_Alienware · Answer

Thanks! May you explain how these work? I thought you had to do some major changes to these. But It seems pretty simple.

Patrick_Alienware · Answer

Thanks for the reply, I probably won't be upgrading for at least another two months. I don't technically have the Nvidia card yet.

ProfessorW00d · Answer

It is pretty simple. This is a good Tube Vid to see all of the processes . . . and get you in the mood for Christmas! This guy is changing and adding radiator fans to an existing AIO liquid cooler, but you will be able to see what tasks you will be facing with a change from air to liquid. Note that he already has the VRM heatsinks.

Real_Boy85 · Answer

Both solutions work like Noctua and EVGA because it is the same water cooling as the Alienware.

Alienware Desktops

Aurora R12, should I switch to water cooling?

New to building, limited knowledge.

Was this post helpful?