Hi,

We have not validated those hardware updates to work on the Alienware Area 51 ALX, therefore we won’t be able to verify if there would me any limitations regarding the speed.

Three may be other users that have tried these upgrades, you can also try posting your inquiry on the Alienware Arena forum for assistance. 

For reference ...

Aurora (SATA-2): Samsung 830 256gb MLC (Sata-3 capable) SSD     
- Aurora R1 (x58 chipset with Sata-2 port)
Seq. Read: 265
Seq. Write: 251
IOPS Random Read: 46924
IOPS Random Write: 35784

So, yes ... those IOPS are very low. But sequential speed is high which indicates you are using SATA-3 and at least some part is right.

Now, just so you know ... I don't usually respond to these messages because when you swapped the motherboard, you don't really have a Dell/Alienware Area51-R1 any more.

As far as I know, SATA-2 and SATA-3 use the same cables. It's usually just that SATA-2 cables (and in your case the back-plane PCB) aren't validated for SATA-3 because it wasn't invented yet.

Before you get too excited:

1. Connect SSD directly to motherboard SATA-3 port 0 or 1 with a short SATA-3 certified cable ... only that cable between MB and SSD.

2. Try a different benchmark program

3. Check your drivers. I only use Microsoft Windows basic/bundled SATA drivers ... no Intel RST or other enhanced controller drivers.

Thanks for your response Tesla.  I've tried several different benchmarking programs and they all seem to report my boot drive as being problematic.  

The high sequential thing is the seriously confusing part.  As you pointed out, since its over the SATA II 250mbs cap, that indicates it's not being throttled by SATA II architecture.  I've scoured other forums and others report having problems with IOPS as well, but they're hitting 40k and 60k marks and I can't seem to scrape past 15k and I have no idea why.  

I did try going straight into the board, but still using the cables that came with the system.  I've ordered new cables rated for SATA III and I'll try those when they get here.  I've also contacted Samsung to see if they have a solution or have had users with a similar problem.  

I know that trading out system parts means I don't technically have an Alienware any more, but people on this forum have made similar upgrades to their systems and was wondering if anyone had any insights.  There's quite a few knowledgeable people floating around on this forum =)

Thanks for the replys, I'll keep trying!

Ok, SO.  I removed the SSD caddy and plugged the SSD straight into the connection in the HD bay. and well...

half yay?  random write is up, random read is the same, and sequential read is down.

What does this indicate??  

Also to respond to tesla's suggestion to check drivers, I used the Intel Update utility and:

so assuming their software is good, it shouldn't be a driver issue I would think?

1. half yay?  random write is up, random read is the same, and sequential read is down. What does this indicate??     2. Also to respond to tesla's suggestion to check drivers, I used the Intel Update utility and:

1. I would say cabling problem? Let's see what happens with short real SATA-3 certified cable only.

2. Never used that. Also, (as I said) I don't use Intel-RST or other enhanced SATA-drivers.

Keep hammering away .