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Alienware Area 51 with i975X - Please advise - SSD / MotherBoard!
Hi guys, so I went ahead and bought a new SSD for my computer, just a SANDISK EXTREME 240GB SSD. Have to say it works like a charm.. it may be a little overkill at Sata III, as our systems I believe are Sata II? After finally installing an SSD, I realise now how much it changes the experiences.. everything is so fast! Well it got me thinking and I would love to get those Sata III speeds! I am currently getting about 270 read and 250 Write with the new SSD. Using a toshiba drive. 7200rpm 1TB I am getting 141 read and 178 write? Not bad for HDD. Using my other and final Samsung drive also 7200rpm 1TB I am getting 112MB/s read and 90 write. So anyway, the SSD is obviously faster and Im glad I got round to getting one.. but I was wondering what motherboard I can put in this thing that can support faster SSD sata III, USB 3.0 and still fit the computer the absolute best! Any ideas PLEASE!! :) Number one goal is for a nice fit and the features I mentioned. I understand I might lose some light features? Any mohterboards avoid this? Can I fit a new Alien motherboard if not an aftermarket one?
thanks again
morblore
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August 15th, 2012 13:00
It's kinda like changing any other board but It's harder getting the fans, vents and lights to work. It's a roll of the dice. I'm sure if you play with it you can get them all working but I try to tell people that there is a good chance they won't because there is, especially for someone that has to ask the questions you did. There is also a plate that the stock board screws onto that then mounts in the case. You may need to mod it to install the board.
Couple examples of the ones I know who did it.
http://forum.desktopreview.com/alienware/245337-alienware-area-51-alx-case.html, this is his rig http://www.evga.com/forums/tm.aspx?m=1649050&mpage=1&print=true
http://www.alienowners.com/showthread.php/494-Alienware-Area-51-Mod-Project
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/photo.php?fbid=387848307949303&set=o.71644901972&type=1&theater
http://en.community.dell.com/owners-club/alienware/f/3746/p/19327202/19676673.aspx#19676673
http://www.thebestcasescenario.com/forum/showthread.php?t=28742
BoostJuice
30 Posts
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August 14th, 2012 05:00
Just to elaborate and bump, what motherboards, aftermarket or otherwise, can I buy to use USB 3.0 and maybe firewire, and definitely sata III.
Thanks. Am I asking this in the right spot?
DELL-Chris M
Community Manager
Community Manager
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54.2K Posts
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August 14th, 2012 17:00
BoostJuice,
You could try an EVGA X58 Classified motherboard but you cannot control the lights, fans, or the vents. That is why you did not get any hits. Most users do not want to lose the control over the lights, fans, and vents.
BoostJuice
30 Posts
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August 15th, 2012 11:00
Hey thanks very much Chris.
I understand the beauty of the lights, and it definitely makes the case. But I would rather extreme boot up times from SSD Sata III, USB 3.0 and more than 12GB ram, than the function of pretty lights. But that is just me and I appreciate everyones different. I was sure I saw a few people who have already done this?
Does it just "bolt in"?
BoostJuice
30 Posts
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August 15th, 2012 11:00
As in, does the board just slot in and your ready to go? Any fancy work cutting etc needed?
BoostJuice
30 Posts
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August 22nd, 2012 01:00
Thank you morblore, this is exactly what I was after. That second link looks incredible!!