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!