It's the one with active venting. A cd drive would be no problem to install as it is deep enough to lock into the bay with the clip release mechanism in the case. The fan controller however is only 1-2 inches deep and so doesn't clip into the mechanism in the case. The screw holes also do not line up if I try and inset the fan controller in the case. 

Yep, spot on. I thought about modifying the caddy so that the fan controller could slot into it, however it's the same width as the caddy so won't fit into it. 

Really annoying as I can work out a way of getting it to be securely fitted. 

I've contacted NZXT and they have no ideas on how to install the controller. 

I think my option. is to try and find an adaptor or look into the Alienware card reader tray, or drill holes in my case or somehow adapt the blank tray that I have taken out. 

I'm guessing you mean Area51-R1.

Seems like it would install like a normal 5.25inch optical drive. I had no problems installing a Blu-Ray Burner in my similar vintage Aurora-R1.

crackernibbles wrote:

1. It's the one with active venting.

2. A cd drive would be no problem to install as it is deep enough to lock into the bay with the clip release mechanism in the case. The fan controller however is only 1-2 inches deep and so doesn't clip into the mechanism in the case. The screw holes also do not line up if I try and inset the fan controller in the case. 

1. Right. So it is an Area51-R1.

2. Oh, ok, it's been a while.

Can you use part of the tray you removed? If not, how about one of those cheap-thin-metal 3.5" to 5.25" adapter trays?

What he's saying is that the controller is thin and designed to snap into a 5.25 inch bezel.  This design is not working with Dells Rail/Shoulder Screw Design.

Sentry 3 PC Case Fan Controller - Digital Fan Controller - NZXT 

Yes, I'm familiar with the challenges of Railed Slots. I have already posted 2 possible solutions to start the required mod.

A third is ... there is an Alienware tray that holds the Alienware OEM 3.5-inch multi-card reader.

A forth is drill some holes (but be careful to collect the metal shavings).

A fifth is contact NZXT.

I use the NZXT Sentry Mesh, it fits fine ... in others I use a fan controller in the 3.5" floppy bay. Maybe time to try a different fan controller model. I might try buying a basic 5.25" hard drive tray (like your blank, anything similar to your blank) & mod it instead

• basic eBay search might = 5.25" bay (price = low to high)
• 5.25" dvd tray >< 5.25" tray, insert, blank, or similar language

$5 - $7 tray may be good candidate to modify ... maybe yes maybe no ... eBay/USA shows several versions ... NZXT Sentry Mesh or similar styled 'long' controllers = best bet

Replaceable original DVD bay 'blanks' are easily found here, search = Alienware Area-51 (price = low to high) & scan results:

• further buzzwords are 'Alienware Area-51' + ODD, optical, DVD, blank, card, insert etc