Aurora R7, 3rd party case, motherboard compatibility

Question

Hi, I have an Alienware Aurora R7 and was thinking of changing the case to accommodate a larger GPU such as RTX 3080. I wish I didn't have to do this but this case only supports GPUs with a max length of 10.5 inches, and RTX 3080 is 11.2 inches. I could be lazy and just get the 3070 which is 10.5 inches, but for $200 more the performance improvement is worth it in my opinion. Plus, though not the main reason for my case change, the new case is a bit bigger and has way better airflow than this case.

The new case is Fractal Define 7, but I am a bit concerned about the Alienware motherboard since I heard that Dell parts are not third-party friendly, and that my current case uses some sort of power adapters. Or should I just get a new motherboard just to future proof a bit?

For general information, the motherboard that I have is by Alienware, model is 0VDT73, version is A00 (that is, A Zero Zero).

Thanks for reading.

LK21 · Answer

UPDATE: Looks like I need to get a new motherboard anyway if I want a new case since I/O port is a part of the case, not the motherboard. If anyone read this far, I would appreciate a motherboard recommendation. Thanks.

EDIT: Nevermind, based on the pictures it seems the motherboard has i/o ports unlike other XPS motherboards? Not too sure about it but seems like I only have to worry about my current motherboard having compatible screw slots for the new case.

r72019 · Answer

The IO shield is a part of the R7 chassis. You can move the motherboard over to the new case, it will just have a big air hole, no labels, where all those ports are in the new case.  In other words, there will be a hole/gap in the back of your new case where all the hdmi, sound, dp, usb, etc., connectors go.

r72019 · Answer

The current gen CPUs are on a different socket than the 8th gen CPUs that shipped with the R7.  If you replace the motherboard and reuse the CPU, it would have to be with last year's tech, and it will not support the current gen CPUs.  Considering the shortage of 3000 series GPUs, and the fact that Rocket Lake 11th gen is getting released early next year, it might be worthwhile to wait 3 or 4 months and start clean with the latest releases (if you are intent on getting a 3080).

r72019 · Answer

Also, the LED and power button connection is proprietary in the Aurora R7.  You will need to rewire the case to get it to boot (or some people remove the power button and port it over to the new case, tape it to the top or whatnot).

LK21 · Answer

Yeah, I remember reading something like this on other posts. I guess it really is a pain in the butt to move the parts into a new case. I might as well just build a new PC at that point. Thanks for your input.

LK21 · Answer

I see. How is the GPU and CPU temperatures with the RTX 3080? I just think the fan design on RTX 3080 is not good for this case. Thanks for letting me know about changing the fan to fit the RTX 3080.

Also, may I know the specific model of the Noctua fan shown in your picture?

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Aurora R7, 3rd party case, motherboard compatibility

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