Quick micro-itx question (x51 r2)

[Mechadream]

Hey everyone, sorry to bother you all with another crappy alienware issue. But I'm looking to upgrade my PC, currently an X51 Andromeda R2.

Initially I was hoping to just get a new case and a new gpu. But I was advised by a friend to use "pcpartpicker" to ensure everything I get is compatible etc.

However, I can't tell what my motherboard is compatible with as my motherboard doesn't seem to be on there and these Alienwares seem to have all sorts of different and possible unique pieces of hardware in them.

Details I have managed to find out about my Motherboard so far come from CPU-Z here if any other information is needed I'll supply it as fast as I can.

 

[Calvin7]

Motherboard is mini-ITX. Does not use standard ATX power supply.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA6393AA9137

Specs:
http://www.dell.com/support/article/us/en/19/SLN296934/en

Alienware 330 Watts AC Adapter
http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/productdetail.aspx?c=us&l=en&s=bsd&cs=04&sku=332-1432&ST=pla&dgc=ST&cid=298721&lid=5704670&acd=12309152537461010&ven1=332-1432:101952148149:901pdb6671:c&ven2=:

Up to 330 watt AC adapter is offered for use with some video cards.

 

[Mechadream]

Motherboard is mini-ITX. Does not use standard ATX power supply.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA6393AA9137

Specs:
http://www.dell.com/support/article/us/en/19/SLN296934/en

Alienware 330 Watts AC Adapter
http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/productdetail.aspx?c=us&l=en&s=bsd&cs=04&sku=332-1432&ST=pla&dgc=ST&cid=298721&lid=5704670&acd=12309152537461010&ven1=332-1432:101952148149:901pdb6671:c&ven2=:

Up to 330 watt AC adapter is offered for use with some video cards.

So I can't buy a 550w PSU to support my GPU (going to buy a Gtx 1070, along with a PG279Q monitor) because of my mobo?

 

[Barty1884]

At the very least, not easily, no.

Which CPU do you have in there?

If it's worthwhile (and i5 or i7), then I would suggest you replace the motherboard. Z97 boards (for unlocked CPUs) and H97 (for locked) are still readily available new, allowing you to use a standard ATX PSU, while reusing the CPU/RAM etc.

 

[Mechadream]

At the very least, not easily, no.

Which CPU do you have in there?

If it's worthwhile (and i5 or i7), then I would suggest you replace the motherboard. Z97 boards (for unlocked CPUs) and H97 (for locked) are still readily available new, allowing you to use a standard ATX PSU, while reusing the CPU/RAM etc.

I have an i7 4790

 

[Calvin7]

As you can see from the picture of the refurbished motherboard on Newegg, there are no connections for an ATX power supply on the motherboard.

 

[Barty1884]

A non-K? Still a great CPU.

You could add an H97 board to the equation for ~$50 and remove any compatibility issues:
https://pcpartpicker.com/product/mhn2FT/asrock-motherboard-h97mpro4

Even an H81 board (older, but still capable) would work for ~$35:
https://pcpartpicker.com/product/2V648d/gigabyte-motherboard-gah81md3v

Either way, standard PSU support and you can reuse your DDR3.

 

[Mechadream]

A non-K? Still a great CPU.

You could add an H97 board to the equation for ~$50 and remove any compatibility issues:
https://pcpartpicker.com/product/mhn2FT/asrock-motherboard-h97mpro4

Even an H81 board (older, but still capable) would work for ~$35:
https://pcpartpicker.com/product/2V648d/gigabyte-motherboard-gah81md3v

Either way, standard PSU support and you can reuse your DDR3.

Yeah it's non-K. Although, I am so glad to hear that it's a good one. To be honest, upgrading from the Alienware sounds like it's going to be such a pain...I'm glad I'm finally able to do it, it's just going to cost a load more than I originally anticipated.

As long as the board (H97) will support the gtx 1070 and a psu to match, it sounds great. Thank you so much for the fast replies. I'll get back to you if I bump into any other issues.

 

[Barty1884]

Yeah - upgrading almost any Dell is a nightmare, with non-standard components (motherboards, PSUs), it's really not as straightforward as it should be..... but they're not designed for upgrading (generally).

If you're not on Windows 10, you'll likely need a new copy of Windows too!!
If you are on W10, then you'll be fine. Just ensure you're on the latest version, and follow the instructions here:
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/20530/windows-10-reactivating-after-hardware-change

That way it'll re-activate once you change the motherboard.

Note, you should clean install your OS also, as changing motherboards/chipsets can be a real pain, and a clean OS install is the smoothest transition - just ensure you back up any data, as reinstalling will format your drive & lose any data stored on it.

 

[Mechadream]

Yeah - upgrading almost any Dell is a nightmare, with non-standard components (motherboards, PSUs), it's really not as straightforward as it should be..... but they're not designed for upgrading (generally).

If you're not on Windows 10, you'll likely need a new copy of Windows too!!
If you are on W10, then you'll be fine. Just ensure you're on the latest version, and follow the instructions here:
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/20530/windows-10-reactivating-after-hardware-change

That way it'll re-activate once you change the motherboard.

Note, you should clean install your OS also, as changing motherboards/chipsets can be a real pain, and a clean OS install is the smoothest transition - just ensure you back up any data, as reinstalling will format your drive & lose any data stored on it.

Ok cool, I have windows 10 and have bookmarked that link. A clean install I suppose would end up being nice, it's going to truly feel like a completely new system, although it sucks having to re-install all those GB worth of games again.

Once again, thank you so much.