You answered yourself, the CPU marked F is locked and the CPU marked K is unlocked, so yes, you will have the option of overclocking. That's not true with that motherboard. Feel free to buy an Intel with the K designation.
As mentioned, the overclocking capability is a function of the processor with an unlocked clock multiplier and not dependent on the motherboard. However, the i9-13900KS is not listed as a Dell supported CPU. That is not to say the KS processor will not work . . . only that it has not been validated by the Dell testing engineers.
Always ask the important question first: do I need an i9-13900KS, or is an 17-13700F enough for my needs?
If the question is you need an i9-13900KS, than the most logical step to take is purchase an Aurora R15 with that configuration as it is typically cheaper.
Now as pointed out by the Professor, currently the i9-13900KS is not validated as a CPU for the R15. So if you do decide to upgrade, you are talking a risk the machine might not boot due to an unsupported processor.
So really think carefully on how you want to proceed with this, as this will become costly quickly...
Also, I still am wondering if the Alienware Command Center Overclock Profiles would just appear if upgraded to a K style processor. That was what I was wondering.
The supported profiles are includes with each installation. As long as the model number of the CPU is officially listed the profile for it will be available.
Any future supported processors would be listed in the firmware change log files for the motherboard, if they decide to add support for it. The document might not necessarily be updated right away to reflect BIOS updates.
Alienware has a history of not supporting future CPU upgrades the way retail boards often do.
I feel like I need to buy one of these stupid Auroras just to do the external radiator mod. The primary thing that is stopping me is the proprietary PSU. Its not that the 1000 or 1350 wattage is insufficient . . . it is the principle. I do not want to support that direction of design garbage.
Do you know if Dell ever released 12900KS update for BIOS for the Aurora R13? I don't see it in the details. Does that mean they never will have compatibility for the 13900KS too? I don't see it in the manual either. I guess 13900KS isn't going to happen either?
Based on past practice I would say not going to happen. They are not in the process of offering upgrades, although they advertise these systems are upgradable.
They often are not upgradable or very limited in upgrades, and even something as simple as a cooling fan upgrade can be a failure and cause startup errors and other issues...
Real_Boy85
2 Intern
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203 Posts
0
March 1st, 2023 02:00
You answered yourself, the CPU marked F is locked and the CPU marked K is unlocked, so yes, you will have the option of overclocking. That's not true with that motherboard. Feel free to buy an Intel with the K designation.
ProfessorW00d
4 Operator
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2.4K Posts
0
March 1st, 2023 05:00
As mentioned, the overclocking capability is a function of the processor with an unlocked clock multiplier and not dependent on the motherboard. However, the i9-13900KS is not listed as a Dell supported CPU. That is not to say the KS processor will not work . . . only that it has not been validated by the Dell testing engineers.
Vanadiel
6 Professor
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7.1K Posts
0
March 1st, 2023 10:00
Always ask the important question first: do I need an i9-13900KS, or is an 17-13700F enough for my needs?
If the question is you need an i9-13900KS, than the most logical step to take is purchase an Aurora R15 with that configuration as it is typically cheaper.
Now as pointed out by the Professor, currently the i9-13900KS is not validated as a CPU for the R15. So if you do decide to upgrade, you are talking a risk the machine might not boot due to an unsupported processor.
So really think carefully on how you want to proceed with this, as this will become costly quickly...
jonthantun
8 Posts
0
March 1st, 2023 13:00
Also, I still am wondering if the Alienware Command Center Overclock Profiles would just appear if upgraded to a K style processor. That was what I was wondering.
jonthantun
8 Posts
0
March 1st, 2023 13:00
Hi Professor and Vanadiel,
How do you know it is supported by Dell Engineers? When they release a new computer with the KS?
Vanadiel
6 Professor
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7.1K Posts
0
March 1st, 2023 14:00
The supported profiles are includes with each installation. As long as the model number of the CPU is officially listed the profile for it will be available.
Vanadiel
6 Professor
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7.1K Posts
0
March 1st, 2023 14:00
The current supported CPU's are always listed in the technical specifications document for each Aurora model.
R15 specifications
Any future supported processors would be listed in the firmware change log files for the motherboard, if they decide to add support for it. The document might not necessarily be updated right away to reflect BIOS updates.
Alienware has a history of not supporting future CPU upgrades the way retail boards often do.
F34R
2 Intern
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436 Posts
0
March 1st, 2023 20:00
Even if it did support it, you're not getting anywhere with a 13900ks overclocked with a 240mm AIO. You're just wasting money.
ProfessorW00d
4 Operator
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2.4K Posts
0
March 1st, 2023 21:00
I feel like I need to buy one of these stupid Auroras just to do the external radiator mod. The primary thing that is stopping me is the proprietary PSU. Its not that the 1000 or 1350 wattage is insufficient . . . it is the principle. I do not want to support that direction of design garbage.
jonthantun
8 Posts
0
March 3rd, 2023 00:00
Do you know if Dell ever released 12900KS update for BIOS for the Aurora R13? I don't see it in the details. Does that mean they never will have compatibility for the 13900KS too? I don't see it in the manual either. I guess 13900KS isn't going to happen either?
Vanadiel
6 Professor
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7.1K Posts
0
March 3rd, 2023 08:00
Based on past practice I would say not going to happen. They are not in the process of offering upgrades, although they advertise these systems are upgradable.
They often are not upgradable or very limited in upgrades, and even something as simple as a cooling fan upgrade can be a failure and cause startup errors and other issues...