Unsolved
This post is more than 5 years old
7 Posts
0
35137
Replacing the motherboard
So i learned that i would need to replace my motherboard. I would like to know if there is any specific board i need to buy or can i get whatever board i want. I took out my old board already and the only noticeable markings are MSI SFC and LGA 2011.
beamermt79
4 Operator
4 Operator
•
2.3K Posts
0
August 13th, 2015 10:00
As long as you get the same size motherboard ex ATX, Mini ATX, ITX, etc. If you want to transfer your processor and memory, you will have to get a board that supports LGA 2011 which is the processor socket on your old board, as well as one that supports your memory type and speed. I would let us know what computer you are using as Dell has used proprietary power supplies and thus motherboards in some of their systems, although from what I have read that was a few years ago.
Cass-Ole
2 Intern
2 Intern
•
1.8K Posts
0
August 13th, 2015 13:00
did u find the 5-digit part#? did you run it through eBay/bing/google?
What motherboard do I have? ... http://en.community.dell.com/owners-club/alienware/f/3746/t/19623009
SolidWarSnake
7 Posts
0
August 14th, 2015 16:00
Let me add some info. It's and Aurora R4 bought back in late 2011. I believe the number is 07JN0. The reason i wanted to get maybe a different board is price, I haven't done research yet so I don't know yet. Also general performance overall, I still have my old desktop and I have't had to ever replace the board yet. It's 10 years old and still working fine.
Cass-Ole
2 Intern
2 Intern
•
1.8K Posts
0
August 14th, 2015 17:00
note you can only use a micro-atx form-factor mthrbrd 9.6 × 9.6 in (244 × 244 mm). motherboard connecting kits can also be bought, like this:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/PC-Motherboard-Dupont-2-54-Connectors-Front-Panel-pack-/251551370378?hash=item3a91a14c8a
Command Center & non-Alienware Motherboards
Command Center 2.8.09 is the last version which can install (not have a proprietary software block) on a non-Aurora motherboard. The only way to have a CmndCntr version higher than 2.8.09 is to make sure you do not wipe your hard drive. Simply boot into your new mthrbrd with your current hard drive, then install-uninstall drivers software as needed. Image your drive of course, since you can not install CC versions higher than 2.8.09 ...
SolidWarSnake
7 Posts
0
August 14th, 2015 17:00
Well a little search and i found some info.
Processor Support Intel Socket LGA 2011
* Core i7 Quad-Core 3820, 3930K, 3960x (Extreme)
1 x Optical S/PDIF connector
1 x Front Panel header
1 x Battery socket (3V)
I am assuming if i do get a different board it needs to be similar.
Cass-Ole
2 Intern
2 Intern
•
1.8K Posts
0
August 14th, 2015 17:00
if you try to re-use your socket 2011 cpu, there are other mthrbrd types. here, an owner swapped in an Asus & had some thoughts about the swap:
We'd note that the 7JNH0 / FPV4P R4 mthrbrd has a specific front panel (pwr on / hdd led / pwr led) wiring scheme, using a typical usb 5x5 connector, while Asus boards typically use a 10x10. Whatever the connector-type, the wiring in the front panel connector may need to be changed to suit the new mthrbrd. Your R4 board has printed text at the front panel header; jot-down what wires go to what, lift the tab on the 5x5 connector, bac the wire/pin out, transfer-change as needed for the new mthrbrd.
I'm running a pair of Asus in my Aliens, I've redone the front panel wiring using these 10x10 DuPont connectors: http://www.ebay.com/itm/141529452681?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT
An alternative is to re-use the original 5x5 DuPont/usb & obtain another one (two make a 10x10): http://www.ebay.com/itm/10x-Dupont-Wire-Jumper-Pin-Header-Connector-Housing-2x5-Male-Female-/141363193422?hash=item20e9e7264e
You'll have to figure out your front panel wiring on your own time, I haven't swapped-out on Aurora yet
SolidWarSnake
7 Posts
0
August 14th, 2015 20:00
The problem is I have zero experience with replacing anything on a computer. The biggest issue i see is finding the right sized mobo. I am not experienced at all, this would be my first time trying to replace anything on my computer.
Cass-Ole
2 Intern
2 Intern
•
1.8K Posts
0
August 14th, 2015 20:00
again, if u plan to re-use your cpu/memory then you buy a micro-atx socket 2011 mthrbrd, where the Asus is probably the best board available. I bought an AsRock extreme4-m for cheap which will fit fine, I just haven't put it in yet, no reason to.
If you're out to buy a new cpu, then buy a micro-atx board for it. I believe someone's done a haswell z87 or z97 skt 1150 already. If your plan is a new haswell-e x99 skt 2011-v3 or skylake z170 skt 1151 then you also need to buy new ddr4 memory, although z170 can accept a different type of ddr3 called ddr3l (low-power), but x99/z170 reqwire newer hardware either way.
You need to be advised that Cmnd Cntr isn't meant to install on a non-Aurora mthrbrd past version 2.8.09. That version may or may not run smoothe on Win8 however which is why the newer versions are there.
To run the newer proprietary 2.8.11 / 3.5 / 3.6 versions you basically have to kick your current hard drive since those versions will be pre-installed & get around the proprietary block. I suppose you could attempt a clean install of Windows on your 7JNH0, pull the mthrbrd out, install new mthrbrd, then deal with the hard drive configuring afterwards ... a step like that in order to get 2.8.11/3.5/3.6 installed 1st on the drive ... normally .netframework 3.5/4 also have to be installed b4 CC will even work. ok?