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Aurora R4, motherboard upgrade, CPU? #3
So, I'm looking for advice and suggestions for upgrading my Motherboard & Intel Processors for my Alienware Aurora R4. Yeah, I'm in love with This Beast, and plan to hold on to her for a far longer time, longer than my last Dell I had for over 10 years. I'm kind of sold on Dell products, I guess you could say. But THIS MOTHERBOARD, what is it? I can't figure out if it's "A Custom" and/ or what? And, IF I'm going to try to please Dell/ Alienware and keep her in the family, or will I be forced to give her a brain-transplant? So many decisions, and I need to be smart about it. Here's both Dell's original standard(s) specs & my own current specs. https://www.dell.com/support/article/us/en/04/sln296935/alienware-aurora-r4-system-specifications?lang=en
ALL HARDWARE & MAJOR SOFTWARE SPECS - Alienware Aurora-R4 (with ALX Chassis); 3rd Gen - Intel Quad Core i7-3820 CPU 3.60GHz, Intel x79 Express Chipset and Micro-ATX Motherboard 07JNH0, **Dual Drives; *Seagate 4TB SSHD (Servant Drive) & *Samsung V-NAND 860 EVO 1TB (Master Drive), 16GB RAM (out of 32GB max.) - 16GB Dual Quad Channel (4X4GB) Overclocked DDR3 @ 1600MHz, **Gigabyte RTX 2060 SUPER w/ OC 8GB, GDDR6, 2x Fans - Windforce, Turing, Ray Tracing, DLSS, G-Sync, Nvidia GPU Boost, PCIe 3.0 x16, 256 bit, HDMIx1, DPx3, GDDR6/ 256 bit, Integrated RealTek ALC892 Codex, 2 Optical Drives (Blu-Ray & DVD), 19-in-1 Media Card Reader, Network Wireless RealTek Integrated 10/100/1000 GB Card, MS3871 Bluetooth Wireless Combo WLAN802.11b/g/n, Power Supply is 875 Watt - Multi-GPU Approved Power, **SOFTWARE - BIOS A11, **Windows 10 Home 64 bit... Asterisk/ Star (*) denotes items already upgraded from original specs.
I really have my eyes fixed on the Intel i9-9900K. Yes, I've heard that it's overrated! But, I don't mind throwing in another $100 for something that is far superior than anything else out there, will put me far ahead in terms of unbridled power, and help teleport me into the future. I don't intend to upgrade in this area for another 10 years, so there's my explanation and summary on getting it right the first time... It's just that motherboard (?) that I'm really perplexed with, among other variables and features that come along with other motherboards. If I go with some standard models, like the Gigabyte Z390 Ultra Gamer, Gigabyte Z390 Designare, or Asus Rog Maximus XI Hero?! That's what I've been looking at and seem to like, but would that even physically fit, or do I have to go Micro too?! IF ONLY Dell had "an online virtual garage" where I could drive my PC in and virtually upgrade and try out what I want to see if it's all the right fit... Imma gamer! I'm going to be playing Cyberpunk 2077, and been waiting on it for like around 6 years. Tick tock goes the clock! That game has very demanding spec requirements and I want to far exceed that. I don't wanna upgrade the same thing more than once in a decade, so it's gotta count right the first time around. I believe I did it right the first time around when purchasing Aurora R4. Gotta make some good discussion making. Can you give me some suggestions and push me in the right direction, peps? Love our Dell Community. And I know we have some real geeks, freaks, and nerds out there to help steer me right. Looking forward to hearing back from anyone in the know. I'm thinking this Cyber Monday or Black Friday of 2019 is going to be my big purchase day for all of this, motherboard and processors. And I don't have the foggiest how to custom build a motherboard, or how to even go about doing that. Geeks will install, because I have service with them. So, a few good months to get all the info on all of this before purchase. Thanks in advance, Peps!
Cass-Ole
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September 13th, 2019 23:00
Aurora R4 8700k 2080ti
Link to owner mod, assume questions direct into that thread
Anonymous
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274.2K Posts
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September 14th, 2019 08:00
@Catpsyche do I have to go Micro too?!
As you can see from that nice build linked by @Cass-Ole you will most likely need microATX. If you want to stay in the Dell arena, you might consider an R8/R9 mobo, which I believe is microATX, and Dell has released the BIOS to enable the i9-9900K processor.
Catpsyche
26 Posts
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September 14th, 2019 14:00
Okay, REALLY interesting info here! Taking a closer look here... 1.) The link to another Aurora R4 with ALX chassis, and the same motherboard replacement upgraded with EVGA Z370 Micro ATX, as referred from @Cass-Ole . And, 2.) Dell's newer Aurora R8 & R9's from @Anonymous ... While the R8 & R9 does appear to have Micro ATX Mobo's, it's unclear what brands or customs Dell's are flying. I'd really like to know more about that.(?) And, I'm certainly Not going to be upgrading for a whole new PC. Still, it's good to know that the Micro ATX Z370 &/ or Micro ATX Z390 is where it's at in forms of the i9-9900 series that I'm looking at as well... And, how does Dell/ Alienware feel about replacing their Mobo's with other name brands? I mean, is that like an abomination or are there actual Dell Custom Mobo out there that I could upgrade to, tempered with; what price point(s), what variable components offered (8th & 9th Gen Intel, DRAM overclocking stability, Speed, Connectivity, FANS (cooling), and THIS has to mesh with what already exists in my PC, just to name a few variables. Got some more digging to do, but I really appreciate both of your info and facts!
amstel78
402 Posts
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September 14th, 2019 18:00
@Catpsyche if I were you, I'd get out of the Dell ecosphere post haste.
Upgrading motherboards? Upgrading CPUs? You might as well build your own rig.
Look, you sound like someone who has a modicum of knowledge when it comes to PCs. If that's the case, then I'd highly advise you to build your own... with an AMD Ryzen 3K processor to boot. Believe me when I say that's it highly satisfying knowing you assembled your own computer from parts, got it running, and know enough about the system to troubleshoot it yourself. You can only achieve the above three by buying parts and assembling your own rig. LEARN. FROM. YOUR. MISTAKES. Something this millennial generation can't seem to get into their fraking heads,
If you're dead set on wasting your money and buying Dell turnkey though, then for the love of baby Jesus and all things cute and furry, please purchase an R8. Dell's included the microcode for 9th gen intel processors within the the R9 BIOS files. At least you'll be good until Dell's bean counters decide to throw you under the bus with the rest of the peasants.
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r72019
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September 14th, 2019 19:00
The R7/8/9 motherboard is a z370 board manufactured by Pegatron for Dell. The R8/9 ships with a BIOS update to allow 9th gen processors, that update has't been offered to R7 owners. The R10, when it comes out, will likely be on a 400-series board running Comet Lake 10th gen CPUs. To my knowledge there is no OEM Alienware desktop z390 board currently available or offered anywhere.
REPLYING TO:
While the R8 & R9 does appear to have Micro ATX Mobo's, it's unclear what brands or customs Dell's are flying.
Still, it's good to know that the Micro ATX Z370 &/ or Micro ATX Z390 is where it's at in forms of the i9-9900 series that I'm looking at as well
Anonymous
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September 14th, 2019 21:00
Aurora R8 mobo's are selling at the Egg store for $300 - condition = "New Pulls"
I am the Egg Man
GTS81
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September 14th, 2019 22:00
@Catpsyche:
I just started reading about the Aurora R4 and looks like it comes from an era when Alienwares are revered machines with top notch quality and support. Maybe that's why you have that loyalty. I hope you spend some time going through forum threads like "CRAZY FAN NOISE" and "Aurora R7, upgrade to i9-9900K". You'll see the reason why some community members are suggesting you move to custom build.
Similarly, I had great Dell machines from 2003 through 2014 but it's taken me a lot of work to like my R8.
Catpsyche
26 Posts
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September 15th, 2019 01:00
Whoa! Um, yeah, I don't get all of this hate for the Aurora R4. I've been exceedingly happy with The Beast, and have had very little upgrades until fairly recently, 7 years and going strong. You can check out my other 2 posts for further explanations on this. My Micro ATX Motherboard and i7-3820 are still very current, still functioning, and I'm just looking to upgrade these. But, I'm not here to either defend or advocate for Aurora R4. Don't like it, don't get one! I love mine, period. I do want and need some good, solid advice and suggestions on replacing these, Not rebuilding or purchasing another PC from scratch, or purchasing an R8, but this R4. LOL And, I do understand that everyone is coming from differently places and for different reasons. Now, hopefully, I've finally cleared the air and can get back to what I came here for, answers for my specific questions. Thank you all so much so far! I'm both humored and flattered... Moving on!
Catpsyche
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September 15th, 2019 02:00
@r72019 Thank you! This is some really good info here.
Replying to
["The R7/8/9 motherboard is a z370 board manufactured by Pegatron for Dell. The R8/9 ships with a BIOS update to allow 9th gen processors, that update has't been offered to R7 owners. The R10, when it comes out, will likely be on a 400-series board running Comet Lake 10th gen CPUs. To my knowledge there is no OEM Alienware desktop z390 board currently available or offered anywhere."]
Particularly, Z370 boards being manufactured by Pegatron, AND Z390 boards currently unavailable in Alienware. Simply because that I'm finding that a lot of Z370's are only 8th Gen and Not 9th Gen compatible. And, I'm going to need some kind of Z390 for an i9-9900k, or a custom, like Pegatron. So, you may see my dilemma trying to work it all out correctly... *Shouts. So many choices, decisions, and variables to work with!
Anonymous
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September 15th, 2019 08:00
@Catpsyche I'm going to need some kind of Z390 for an i9-9900k
This is not true. R8 & R9 Z370 boards will support i9-9900K.
Also, if you will only need one graphics card, you could consider a mobo from an XPS 8930, which are microATX, Z370 Intel Coffee Lake boards and support i9-9900K processors.
GTS81
2.2K Posts
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September 15th, 2019 09:00
The one thing to note is that there is one minor difference between 8930 boards that shipped with unlocked and locked processors. While both 8930 boards support i9-9900K if and when you decide to drop one in, be on the lookout for the heat sink over the row of VRMs which exists on the boards with unlocked CPUs shipped. Or you can consider aftermarket heat sink/ cooling solution for those VRMs should you want to drive them to the max with the beast of the i9-9900K 8C/16T
Catpsyche
26 Posts
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September 15th, 2019 22:00
@Cass-Ole Hey, I finally did what you asked a while back, and created a page. I never even heard of AlienOwners before. Check mine out... https://www.alienowners.com/threads/catpsyches-full-specs-aurora-r4.8028/
Catpsyche
26 Posts
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September 20th, 2019 00:00
Alright, been thinking (which can be dangerous) about which mobo to get. Again, so many variables, choices, and even limitations in mobo combos. None seem to have everything I want, and always things that I won't need because even the best has outdated ports and such. I even stumbled across things I didn't even know about while researching and had to reconsider and added to my list of things I do need, such as M.2 ports, and M.2 with NVMe technology specifically (Not SATA M.2's, but M.2's that uses PCIe instead). So, I kept coming back to a mobo that seems to have most of the things I believe I need and matches what I want. And, I've "currently decided" to go with the Rog Maximus Xl Gene out of all other mobo's. It seems to work really well with the i9-9900k, which I'll be pairing it up with. I believe my AIO Alienware Liquid Cooling that is currently attached to my current CPU i7 3 Gen Intel, and mobo, and is still adequate for cooling this more hotter one, but I'll still have to look around just in case. Check it out, and do leave feedback. Here's a few links.
https://www.asus.com/us/Motherboards/ROG-MAXIMUS-XI-GENE/overview/
https://youtu.be/OtYAEhmfBC4
https://youtu.be/XPIsShdo0uc
https://www.tomshardware.com/news/zadak-511-32gb-dc-ddr4-ram,37859.html
https://youtu.be/HvfIeTieXOI
amstel78
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September 20th, 2019 08:00
Anonymous
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September 20th, 2019 09:00
@Catpsyche Alright, been thinking . . . .
Agree with @amstel78, that looks like a very nice mobo. Be prepared for some custom fab work at the back, as the I/O panel on the Asus mobo looks to be longer and wider than the R4 (in photos, at least), and it may interfere with your CPU radiator.
If you don't think your current CPU water block will be sufficient, consider Aquacomputer. I am not sure if it can be incorporated into an AIO closed loop, but I don't see why not.
The reply function is particularly annoying today, for some reason.