1. I picked up an old Aurora R1 in need of some tlc.

2. Cpu is running at half speed

3. I can not run command centre

4. I can not run OS recovery

5. Is there a copy of Windows 7 ultimate iso anywhere, so I can try a full reinstall.

6. forgot to add that the utility partition is missing.

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1. Cool. I still have mine also.

2. I doubt that. What Intel CPU and why do you say that?

3. Last version you can install/run is v2.8.11.0 . Clean-install it .

4. Correct

5. No. Back then it came on black Alienware DVD-ROMs. Since the Windows-7 key is on back sticker, use it and install Windows-10 64-bit ISO from microsoft.com . Works fine on mine.

6. It is very helpful. Just download it and create a bootable DVD of it. Anyway, I like having Microsoft's Utility Partition in the front of the drive instead. 

R1 board is X58 chipset lga1366 socket 1st gen i7-920 up to 960 quad core or i7-980 up to 990X 6 core.  With latest bios update it also supports 4/6 core Xeon such as W3580, W3690, X5687, X5675, X5690 etc. If your R1 has anodized panel it may be an R1 ALX which was the high end ver.  It is probably good idea to d/c USB_3 from motherboard before you do clean install of Windows 10. After OS install complete then reconnect USB_3.  Senior tech expert may agree or disagree. This may be over precautious step to avoid MIO board issue. You may use AWCC 2.8.9 or 2.8.11. I had good experience w 2.8.9.

Re: one thing I'm not sure about is a cable from the MIO. It's a 4 pin fan connector with 3 wires, it splits from a bunch of others that are connected to the fan header board at the top. Am I right in thinking this goes into one of those headers?

The fan header board at top controls liquid pump and rad fan. It receives command from MIO.  I believe it is designed like the top left power board in A51 R1.  Cass-ole is the guru on this. Wish he could comment.

Re: i7-950 running at 1600MHz in HWinfo.

Very strange report. Never heard one can down clock cpu to half freq. What about CPU freq seen in bios?

Re: AWCC not working. 
First thing first, do you see an orange light of MIO turned on? If yes MIO is receiving power.   Double check it is connected to motherboard properly via USB_3 header.  MIO board communication w motherboard can be finicky. Try disconnect power, power drain the system by pressing power button for 15-30 sec. reset jumper on MIO.  If possible reinstall Win 10 w USB_3 header disconnected. After OS install reconnect then install AWCC. If MIO and mobo start talking, led will turn on by itself at end of install. Worse case you may need to buy another MIO.
Follow the official AW MIO procedure (reference below):

https://www.dell.com/community/Alienware-General-Read-Only/Alienware-Desktops-MIO-Master-Input-Output-Troubleshooting-and/td-p/5525427

R1 MIO pic. MS-4194 ver.1.0. DP/N P0GVP

https://images.esellerpro.com/2131/I/719/05/aw.JPG

@Tesla1856  

Thanks for the reply.

The cpu is only running at 1600mhz according to HWMonitor, I have it set to performance and multiplier is fine in bios. It's an i7 950

Command center will not install at all. I also have a clean install of windows 10 pro. Command center has been installed and runs but does not populate o temps etc and lighting not working. It's version 2.8.9.0 I'll try 2.8.11.0

I want the dell utility so I can test the MIO outside of windows.

@redxps630 

Thanks for replying. I'ts just the regular R1 not ALX. Running an i7 950 and gtx 560 ti.

one thing I'm not sure about is a cable from the MIO. It's a 4 pin fan connector with 3 wires, it splits from a bunch of others that are connected to the fan header board at the top. Am I right in thinking this goes into one of those headers?

Re: First thing first, do you see an orange light of MIO turned on

I have that light above the molex connecter. I'll double check that I have the correct usb header on the MB.

Cpu frequencies are all good in the bios. 

Thanks

1. The cpu is only running at 1600mhz according to HWMonitor, I have it set to performance and multiplier is fine in bios. It's an i7 950

2. Command center will not install at all. I also have a clean install of windows 10 pro. Command center has been installed and runs but does not populate o temps etc and lighting not working. It's version 2.8.9.0 I'll try 2.8.11.0

3. I want the dell utility so I can test the MIO outside of windows.

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1. That is likely Intel-SpeedStep and that is fine. Give it more work (like Prime95). CPU-Z is also good. You can also see in Control Panel/System , Control Panel/Device Manager and Settings/About .

2. This is what AWCC I used for past 5 years ...
Windows-7 = v2.8.9.0
Windows-10 = v2.8.11.0

3. Exactly. You are on the right track.

This thing gets stranger.

Clean install of W10 without USB from MIO 

Without the MIO connected via usb I get the alien head light and lights on the bottom of the front panel. Connect the usb and they go off.

Still getting no readings from command center.

CPU showing Half speed in HWMonitor even under load yet show full speed in Task Manager and CPU-Z

Well I'll just keep trying different things

Thanks for the advice so far.

Re: Without the MIO connected via usb I get the alien head light and lights on the bottom of the front panel. Connect the usb and they go off.

Did you disconnect USB_3 on motherboard for this step?  Lights on means MIO is able to drive lights on its own, good.  Lights off means MB is asking MIO to turn off light.

Did you try jumper reset of MIO? Did you completely uninstall AWCC then reinstall?