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1 Rookie

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October 4th, 2025 21:44

Alienware Area 51 R2 Case upgrade help

I am in the process of upgrading my beloved R2 Case.

I plan to put a 

I9 14900k

Asus Tuf z790 plus ATX

Master Cooler MWE Gold 850W Psu

Now I am aware that the cables for the front IO might not work? I don't mind losing the RGB but I kinda need the power button working, and maybe the dvd drive.

Could I get any advice on how to get it all working

6 Professor

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1.8K Posts

October 4th, 2025 23:26

I replied on the Redditware forum. A51 R2-R7 all came brand new using a standard ATX power supply + standard PSU cables. The AlienFX FIO board accepts a standard Molex 4pin peripheral cable, so just buy a retail type of good brand name & sufficient wattage. I also responded there w/ tips on AWCC CmndCntr 4.0 software install

9 Legend

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15.2K Posts

October 5th, 2025 01:33

TUF z790 20-3 pin front panel contains standard 9 pin standard front panel. You need a long enough 9 pin to 9 pin female front panel cable, or easier get a 10 pin to 10 pin USBISP USBASP JTAG female cable.

6 Professor

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1.8K Posts

October 5th, 2025 22:45

As I mentioned on Reddit, u can google "ALIENWARE AREA 51 R2 FRONT PANEL USB CABLE" & browse the forum posts & image results to find the front panel & USB2.0 cables or extensions you'll likely need, & as RED has mentioned above, where  you'll likely come across many posts & images (pics which may help link to posts) from the many people who've motherboard swapped in the R2 - R7 the past 10yrs or so, in fact another google search might be "ALIENWARE AREA 51 R2 motherboard swap" & u can find many user posts that lead back here or to Reddit & then follow the help tips & advice u find, as it's likely your questions & concerns have been documented & addressed in the past, example uTube

(Typical R3 - R7 upgrade using an R2 FIO board)

For the ODD, depending on the new motherboard SATA DATA port location relative to the stock cable length you might simply be able to re-use your 8FHRX Slimline SATA after plugging in the new PSU Molex 4pin into it. Or, buy a longer one in the correct length u need, examples = Slimline SATA

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