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October 4th, 2020 22:00
Aurora R8, Case Swap *COMPLETED*
Hi guys,
I just wanted to make a forum post on a success story in swapping the Aurora R8 into a new case. For starters, a new case gives you more access to future upgrades such as a better graphics card as well as better airflow. Many components from the R8 are reusable with a few exceptions. Here are a few pictures:
Shoutout to Reddit member ZwoukLeBleu and Imgur user xVELGADx, PM me if you want the link to the source
What do you need to know about the case swap?
The challenges include knowing how to gain access to the hidden departments not documented by Dell. This includes taking off the top panel (two pieces), side panels (left side and right side), and optionally the front panel. Once all the panels are off, you can grab both the wifi module and the proprietary power LED connector (requires unscrewing for some). This isn’t required (read below) and if needed, you may skip this in favor of getting just the main components.
Do you need the wifi module and power led connector?
No these are not required. Thanks to ZwoukLeBleu, the optional way is to use the power SWITCH lead that comes with the case and to place them in the 4th and 5th slot starting from the left (skip the first three). This will allow you to use the power button that comes with the case. The only downside is that the power button won’t light up and that holding down the button to shut down your system doesn’t work. The Wifi module, while transferrable, is not needed if you plan to use a wired connection.
Picture:
What are the essential components that are swapped?
Motherboard, data drives, CPU w/ cooler are the main parts that are swapped. If you bought any custom fans or coolers, you may swap them too.
What about the power supply?
While you could use the Dell power supply, the case I used is much larger so the cables don’t have enough length. Because of this, I needed to buy a new PSU with longer cables to support the new case
Why does my case have 4 fans?
The case I used is an NZXT S340 which two of the fans hook up directly to the power supply via a molex cable. The radiator fan and one of the front fans are still connected to the motherboard. The Alienware motherboard requires that the two fan headers have to be connected or else it will fail to boot. I recommended buying your fans if you want something that’s quieter.
Any drawbacks or improvements to doing a case swap?
Better airflow and cable management. But the case swap will also cost extra $ to factor the following:
- New Case
- New PSU
- *Custom fans if you want them
Also, the motherboard back will be exposed since there is no IO shield. There is a soft foam that you can place on top of it that came with the stock case.
There will also be a startup error every time you turn on the machine and this can't be avoided. But clicking 'continue' allows the system to boot normally.
Can the case swap work for other Alienware configurations (R6, R7, R9, etc.)
To the best of my knowledge Yes as long as you're willing the time and effort. If you plan to buy a new PC and want different components such as a new motherboard, CPU, etc., I'd probably recommend skipping this as you'd be better off spending the $$ on better components than the stock Alienware.
Thank you all!
Xuepreme
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June 23rd, 2021 12:00
Thank you! My little brother wanted a new pc and its really difficult to buy a new nvidia gpu. I advised him on the Aurora R10 and we got it yesterday for $1799 plus tax at microcenter instead of building his own from yesterday Prime Day Deal.It comes with ryzen 5600x and nvidia 3060 ti, stock liquid cooler, fan, mobo, wan, and ssd. We added the 2tb Seagate hdd he had from my old pc budget build. We took everything off except the LED cable from the front panel. Need to find a way to get it out just to be a complete full swap. If there are please let us know.
It kinda looks like a new black ps5. Anyways we are waiting for a new case he bought from Amaz0n Prime Day Deal. At the moment it is a caseless new pc.
benonemusic
10 Posts
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August 2nd, 2021 16:00
Thanks for these amazing instructions. My son's friend just moved our R8 to a Corsair 4000 Airflow case with the help of the original post and the great replies. No startup errors, which is amazing. I have one remaining question. We are using the R8 switch to turn on the new PC (see picture). Does anyone have suggestions how we could make a nice cover/button for this switch instead of pushing the contact on this uncovered switch? Thanks!
benonemusic
10 Posts
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August 7th, 2021 18:00
To follow up on the last message, my son used Lego bricks to make a cover for the switch! I'll post a photo in a new discussion.
Gysper
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52 Posts
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October 17th, 2021 09:00
Just came back to this post and congrats to everyone who was able to follow the guide. @Xuepreme @benonemusic I also like the idea of having a shroud for the power button. I just bought a 3D printer and I'm considering designing one and sharing if I have the time.
Someone had asked if it was okay to use an extension kit rather than buying a new PSU. The answer would be yes. I didn't consider the fact that others might have the 850W version and it's defnitely cheaper to buy an extension kit instead. My original build came with the weaker one but I wanted to upgrade it anyways. I can't question the reliability of the dell PSU but if there are some good PSU deals around, I believe the extra cost is worth it to have a backup PSU.
Here's an updated picture of my build still running today with a few changes. Moved the radiator to the back and added some 140mm front fans to make the build look cleaner
survivalbloke
1 Message
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October 26th, 2021 14:00
Hey, great work on this! I've got an issue I'd like to bounce off you. I run a computer repair business and I had an Aurora R8 come in with no power. Turns out it is the power switch. I'm quite electrically inclined(I do circuit board repair, etc) and can't seem to figure out why this isn't working for me. Jumping pin 4 and 5 I get nothing. Shouldn't I have 5vdc on one of those pins with the PSU off?
Gysper
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52 Posts
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October 30th, 2021 09:00
@survivalbloke
Trynthe 3rd and 4th. Can't guarantee that each MB is the same but someone posted way before that they had to switch theirs.
Thehutchis1
2 Posts
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March 17th, 2023 00:00
I'm confdent I can adapt and reuse my R11's front and side leds/rgb (strange, white 9+ pins) that currently are powered by the 19 pin usb front panel connector. How do I adapt them to fit my msi motherboards 9 pin JUSB1 or JUSB2 headers or whatever headers will work like JDASH, JRGB, JRAINBOW, JCORSAIR, etc.?? How do I adapt them?? What even is the name for dell's connector and to what do I adapt it?? Thanks in advance for helping me out.
GrayG70
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31 Posts
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March 17th, 2023 03:00
Good Job.
On a personal note, referring to myself only, too messy for me, if i wanted to switch my R7 Case id just buy a new Mobo that wasnt proprietry, its mainly the switch thing, the rewiring, and sat on the case rather than attached. Looks good tho and im glad you acheived it. I am thinking on changing cases, problem with the R7 is breathing space inside the case and lack of room for more Hdds or SSds, but i think im just going to get a case and buy a new LGA1151 board, Gigabyte do a decent 8th gen coffe Lake.
Good luck with future projects, i would be interested to see if the LED strips in these cases could be reused.
wp4nuv
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August 18th, 2023 14:48
IDK if you're still following this post, but I wonder if an older case would work better for this type of movement. My R8 has worked wonderfully since 2019, but since the release of Baldur's Gate 3, I'm concerned about heat and the AIO working well. I have an older case with a different layout than the ones posted here (it was used for an AMD3 mobo, but it could be used for anything). The disk management is not at the bottom, as I often see in newer boxes. I'll try the Frankenmerge on the old case to see how that works out..
user_1bb8ef
2 Posts
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August 21st, 2023 00:11
@wp4nuv
@wp4nuv I just did my case swap because my video card 6750XT was to big and didnt fit into the R8 case. I decided to cut the part of the power case to continue using the original powe button. not my best work but is does the job. The reason i cut that secction is to be able to use the original screws. (double sided tape will work) i desided to use the case USB connections. I get the O/A error at the start but it doesent bother me. My computer works like a charm.
when it comes to air flo I was able to add 5 LED fans and left the Back fan and the Top CPU Fan and pump.
The extra fans is not expensive (and they are quiet)
5 Fan set found in amazon $49
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BRMTSPRK?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details
Fan and RGB controler 21.99
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08T1SM5CW?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details&th=1
user_1bb8ef
2 Posts
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August 21st, 2023 00:12