Area-51 R2, upgrade compatibilities?

Question

I have a Alienware Area 51 r2 with a i7 5820k cpu. I want to replace my motherboard and processor with one compatible with my 64GB DDR4 Ram and chassis. I want to be able to still use the lighting and other accessories (such as sdcard slot, etc) that are built in to my case along with the Killer wireless card.

What would be my best solution?

Can I upgrade to a newer board such as the Aurora that supports newer cpus and has more memory slots for future expansion?

Should I go with a newer revision of the Area51 board such as a R4?

Will they support the 16x4 DDR4 ram I am using now?

Would it be possible to use a non alienware mb as a alternative?

Vanadiel · Answer

Would first have to determine what the reason for the upgrade is.

Real_Boy85 · Answer

I have something similar planned in the coming weeks.
I'm going to install a new z790 motherboard with i9 13900k and RTX 4090.
According to the information I have collected so far, it is possible to even install the alienware control center.
I also own a newer Alienware model, but I want the AREA 51!
It is a PC case that allows many possibilities of innovation !!!

ProfessorW00d · Answer

No advantage to limiting to Aurora mobo selection.

Newer Area-51 is an option . . . might as well go to R5 with X299 2066 socket i9-9980XE CPU.

Choose a mobo that supports DDR4 for best chance of compatible RAM.

Many ATX motherboards should work . . . do your research.

Real_Boy85 · Answer

BeauStyles · Answer

I agree, I love the original design of the Area51 towers.  The only thing I could see improving is the small Heat Exchanger/Radiator size, and quieter fans.

BeauStyles · Answer

My old room-mate tried to tell me his MX-5 thermal paste was better than the Arctic Silver V I use. I came home one day after work and noticed my tower failed to boot. It turns out he drenched my cpu with thermal paste (I assume MX-5) and damaged several cpu pins on the motherboard. Ya, I was furious!!! He was quick to move out afterwards, leaving me to deal with the mess.

Now I'm trying to find a solution to get back up and running without spending a huge amount of money. Everything still works except the motherboard and cpu according to Geek Squad.

ProfessorW00d · Answer

both versions very nice!

ProfessorW00d · Answer

for a larger radiator . . . think outside the box

Alienware Desktops

Area-51 R2, upgrade compatibilities?

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