Alienware Aurora ALX (GDDR3): Looking to Upgrade Motherboard & CPU (x58, LGA1366)

[edzomars9]

OS: Windows 10 Home

Current Hardware:

Motherboard

Manufacturer: Alienware
Model: 04VWF2 (CPU 1)
Verson: A02
Chipset Vendor: Intel
Chipset Model: X58
Chipset Revision: 13
Southbridge Vendor: Intel
Southbridge Model: 82801JR (ICH10R)
Southbridge Revision: 00
BIOS Brand: Alienware
BIOS Version: A11 (7/30/2010)

CPU

Intel Core i7 930 @ 2.80 GHz
Package: Socket 1366 LGA

RAM

Memory Type: DDR3
Size: 12288 MBytes
Channels #: Dual
DRAM Frequency: ~800 MHz
8-8-8-24 2T
Total Memory Slots: 6 (3 used)

Graphics

Manufacturer: NVIDIA
Model: GeForce GTX 680
Device ID: 10DE-1180
Revision: A2
Subvendor: EVGA (3842)
Current Performance Level: Level 0
Voltage: 0.987 V
Technology: 28 nm
Bus Interface: PCI Express x16
Driver version: 21.21.13.7306
BIOS Version: 80.04.47.00.80
Physical Memory: 2047 MB
Virtual Memory : 2048 MB

Storage

1.) ST3500418AS
Manufacturer: Seagate
Form Factor: 3.5"
Heads: 16
Cylinders: 60,801
Tracks: 15,504,255
Sectors: 976,768,065
SATA type: SATA-II 3.0Gb/s
Device type: Fixed
ATA Standard: ATA8-ACS
Serial Number: 9VMNPPX0
Firmware Version Number: CC46
LBA Size: 48-bit LBA
Power On Count: 3182 times
Power On Time: 480.3 days
Speed: 7200 RPM
Features S.M.A.R.T., AAM, NCQ
Max. Transfer Mode: SATA II 3.0Gb/s
Used Transfer Mode: SATA II 3.0Gb/s
Interface: SATA
Capacity: 465 GB
Real size: 500,107,862,016 bytes
RAID Type: None

Network

Broadcom NetLink Gigabit Ethernet
DW1525 (802.11n) WLAN PCIe Card




I purchased my computer in 2010. Since then, I have made the following additions; GTX 680 (was GTX 480), added Crucial 120GB SSD, and replaced the RAM with 12GB(4x4x4) instead of 6GB(2x2x2). My rig is getting a little outdated, and I want to get more out of my favorite games, such as: Fallout 4, Skyrim Special Edition, World of Warcraft, Battlefield 4, and Battlefield 1. What hardware upgrades are most logical for my computer? I understand there are CPU upgrades within the 900 series, but I want to upgrade the motherboard and from my understanding that will make the CPU not compatible. Are there any issues with compatibility if I were to put in a new Motherboard and CPU with the rest of my hardware? I am looking to spend $500 at the most, but more if I can drag it out. I am somewhat comfortable taking my computer apart, swapping parts, etc.. but a little foggy with Motherboards and CPUs. The 900 series is pretty outdated, and I feel as if a new Motherboard will open up my future options. This is just tricky to me because I keep reading about the difficulties with Alienware Mobos, and it doesn't seem like something I should approach without some assistance. Perhaps you guys can help me understand what that's about. I am hoping for a solution that won't hurt my brain or my wallet, but any ideas or insight will do! Thank you in advance!

 

[Obakasama]

Hm...

(1) If you were to upgrade the motherboard and CPU, then there is a chance you may need to upgrade the RAM as well. For example, the current Skylake compatible motherboards use DDR4. Everything else should be compatible.

(2) What precisely did you read about Alienware motherboards which has you doubting? With prebuilt PCs, there is the possibility of proprietary hardware (like PSU, motherboard) which may not conform to industry standards in a physical sense; this can cause a lot of hardware upgrade issues. The other known potential issue is a proprietary BIOS which could limit upgrade potential (some won't even allow a graphics card upgrade - which wasn't your case); which won't be an issue for you if you change the motherboard.

Comments

From what I can tell, your PC uses a Micro-ATX motherboard, so a like-for-like replacement size-wise makes sense (assuming the Alienware motherboard has standard holes for mounting). Looking at the pictures on their website, it does look like a tight squeeze when it comes to trying to install the motherboard.

Not entirely sure how Windows 10 works if upgraded from an OEM Windows licence. If the information here is accurate, then you may not need a new Windows licence. Worst case scenario: you need a new Windows licence.

I offer this as a consideration (knowing full well the regulars will have far better suggestions) assuming the Alienware case uses standard mounting for the motherboard. You could get a better cooler than using the stock one.