Unfortunately you can not run 8th gen Intel cpu i7 on this motherboard with a 200 series chipset (Z270).  In Aurora series you need motherboard of 300 series chipset such as that in R7 (Z370 chipset) to run i7-8700(k).

9th and 8th Generation Intel® Core™ Desktop Processors use an LGA1151 socket. However, they require motherboards based on Intel® 300 Series Chipset. Some Intel® 300 Series Chipset based motherboards may need a BIOS update to support 9th Generation Intel® Core™ Desktop Processors. Please check with your motherboard manufacturer for details.

These processors aren't backward compatible with motherboards based on Intel® 200 Series Chipset and Intel® 100 Series Chipset.

Similarly, 7th Generation Intel® Core™ Processors and 6th Generation Intel® Core™ Processors aren't compatible with the Intel® 300 Series Chipset motherboards.

The Desktop Intel® Core™ processors 6th and 7th Generation support both DDR3 and DDR4 memory.  The Desktop 9th and 8th Generation Intel®  Core™ processors supports only DDR4 memory.

https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/support/articles/000025694/processors/intel-core-processors....

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@OverBite wrote:

Looks like the 7700K is compatible but can I put in a faster CPU while I am at it? Would an 8 series i7 work?

Thanks

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The 7700K is the max supported by the Aurora R6.  You need the 850W CPU, VRM heatsinks (not included when purchasing non-K CPU configs in the R6) and liquid cooling if you want to add a 7700K. 

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@OverBite wrote:

Apparently  the 7700 is not compatible with W11.

Looks like the 7700K is compatible  

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Neither the 7700 nor the 7700K are officially supported by Microsoft for Windows 11. 

https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-hardware/design/minimum/supported/windows-11-supported-intel-processors

Also, keep in mind that the Aurora R6 is not validated by Dell to support Windows 11 regardless of CPU: 

https://www.dell.com/support/kbdoc/en-us/000187485/dell-computers-tested-for-upgrade-to-windows-11#Alienware-DT-W11

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@r72019 wrote:

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@OverBite wrote:

Apparently  the 7700 is not compatible with W11.

Looks like the 7700K is compatible  

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Neither the 7700 nor the 7700K are officially supported by Microsoft for Windows 11. 

https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-hardware/design/minimum/supported/windows-11-supported-intel-processors

 

Also, keep in mind that the Aurora R6 is not validated by Dell to support Windows 11 regardless of CPU: 

https://www.dell.com/support/kbdoc/en-us/000187485/dell-computers-tested-for-upgrade-to-windows-11#Alienware-DT-W11

 

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Also, forgot to mention Dell's policy on this here:  

If your PC model is not on the approved upgrade list and you install Windows 11:
- Dell support cannot assist you. Dell support will insist that you back down to Windows 10
- There will not be any Windows 11 drivers provided by Dell

would i be able to run a rizen 5 3600 cpu work in my aurora r6

unfortunately not.  R6 is intel based as most Dell desktops are.  Ryzen 5 3600 needs an AMD based  motherboard.  If you really want, you will need to swap in a microATX AMD motherboard in R6 case, which in itself is a non-trivial project involving rewiring power switch, and in the end most likely R6 case LED will be unlit because they use proprietary wiring for R6 board only.

Apparently if you do a clean install after completely removing Win10 the Win 11 will install. It just wont upgrade.

see https://www.dell.com/community/en/conversations/windows-general-wiki/alienware-aurora-r6-upgrade-to-windows-11/647fa0c1f4ccf8a8de5d240f

Its a bit disappointing that a large company like dell cant put a bit of leverage on Microsoft to support the Alienware units sold with the I7-7700 CPU. Apparently it runs the software no problem and has all the security features required.

My Alienware R6 is still 100% and handles the MS Flight sim very well so I guess I will  be forced to try the method described (Clean reinstall) before replacing my whole PC with another equivalent unit at a cost of NZ$5000 or so once Win 10 support disappears