Well this was not even going to be a project log tbh. However, I got caught out and now it is one lmfao 
I don't know if you know the meaning behind my username. Most people think my name is either Alex or Andy. The latter would be correct. The ALX part? comes from my prolonged history with Alienware computers. Well, cases and modding them.
It started out in 2002 when I was in Best Buy in Deptford New Jersey. I spent 8 years living out there. Any way, I saw my first Alienware in a AW branded Chieftec Dragon and fell in love. I could never afford one so it became a bucket list item for me. Then in 2006 I got my first case. The MJ12 server case. In 2008 I got my first Predator 2 case. In 2009 I got my first Predator 2 ALX case. In 2011 I got my first Area 51 ALX case. In 2015 I bought the triangular case and so on so on.
ALX though was like a special part of Alienware. IIRC it no longer exists, but it was like a even more deluxe version. And that was where I got my username in 2009 and I have used it ever since.
So after the triad triangular case for the first time in 10 years I started using other cases. I have never, though, owned one of the new Aurora cases. Well, until now. The white one for me is absolutely gorgeous. Just recently I got quite bored of the PC at mum's (this one)
It is a bit "clinic like". So, as we do I was on Ebay last night and found a Aurora chassis BNIB. Only it was in the USA, so by the time I get it I will be out about £135. I don't think that is too bad though tbh. This is it here. I will actually like not being distracted by the light show as I game.
Now look, I know it is subjective but I have never seen an Alienware case design I do not like. Apart from the new ones that look like any other PC.
Any way, given how "nice" Dell had been for many years I figured this would be a simple case swap. Seems I was completely wrong ! The first thing I realised is that the IO shield is not removable.
Which is kinda Apple like but look we can deal with that. They even left us a nice template to cut out. However, this was when I started to notice oddities. First up there are two USB 3 connectors.
OK not a problem I can get around that by using this.
Then, however, I spotted this.
And was like "WTF is that?". I soon got my answer when I downloaded a pic of the board that comes in the case.
See it? LED con. You'll never guess what? no one has decoded that block into a pinout. Nobody. In fact, when users have a board failure (which is very common on the boards Alienware did not fit any VRM coolers to) they naturally swap out of this case not back in. Hence the irony. Some complete wally wants to swap stuff INTO this case, not out.
Thing is if you knew me you would know this is like a red flag to a bull. You know? challenge foogin accepted you aholes.
Thus, if I have to swap every single sodding RGB bulb out myself I will.
Any way so the devolution of Alienware aside.... I have never had an IO shield on my X570i Strix. I bought it as a bare board only customer return for about 1/3 the RRP at the time. I finally found the IO I need on Ali, years later.
Which is awesome. I can also use the reverse flow fans I bought and never used when doing the 5090 build.. The rest of the fans? I have two carrier bags heaving with the sodding things.
So, the mission list.
1. Get the board in.
2. Get the RGB working or replace every strip myself.
3. Mod. Add fans. I want two intakes, push pull on the cooler and a side intake for the GPU. Why people have not done these mods is beyond me tbh.
I have bought a cooler BTW. It was £30. I think the 5700X3d will be fine with it.
It's a ruddy good thing I bought that Milwauke Dremel. I have a feeling I am going to need it !
I don't know if you know the meaning behind my username. Most people think my name is either Alex or Andy. The latter would be correct. The ALX part? comes from my prolonged history with Alienware computers. Well, cases and modding them.
It started out in 2002 when I was in Best Buy in Deptford New Jersey. I spent 8 years living out there. Any way, I saw my first Alienware in a AW branded Chieftec Dragon and fell in love. I could never afford one so it became a bucket list item for me. Then in 2006 I got my first case. The MJ12 server case. In 2008 I got my first Predator 2 case. In 2009 I got my first Predator 2 ALX case. In 2011 I got my first Area 51 ALX case. In 2015 I bought the triangular case and so on so on.
ALX though was like a special part of Alienware. IIRC it no longer exists, but it was like a even more deluxe version. And that was where I got my username in 2009 and I have used it ever since.
So after the triad triangular case for the first time in 10 years I started using other cases. I have never, though, owned one of the new Aurora cases. Well, until now. The white one for me is absolutely gorgeous. Just recently I got quite bored of the PC at mum's (this one)
It is a bit "clinic like". So, as we do I was on Ebay last night and found a Aurora chassis BNIB. Only it was in the USA, so by the time I get it I will be out about £135. I don't think that is too bad though tbh. This is it here. I will actually like not being distracted by the light show as I game.
Now look, I know it is subjective but I have never seen an Alienware case design I do not like. Apart from the new ones that look like any other PC.
Any way, given how "nice" Dell had been for many years I figured this would be a simple case swap. Seems I was completely wrong ! The first thing I realised is that the IO shield is not removable.
Which is kinda Apple like but look we can deal with that. They even left us a nice template to cut out. However, this was when I started to notice oddities. First up there are two USB 3 connectors.
OK not a problem I can get around that by using this.
Then, however, I spotted this.
And was like "WTF is that?". I soon got my answer when I downloaded a pic of the board that comes in the case.
See it? LED con. You'll never guess what? no one has decoded that block into a pinout. Nobody. In fact, when users have a board failure (which is very common on the boards Alienware did not fit any VRM coolers to) they naturally swap out of this case not back in. Hence the irony. Some complete wally wants to swap stuff INTO this case, not out.
Thing is if you knew me you would know this is like a red flag to a bull. You know? challenge foogin accepted you aholes.
Thus, if I have to swap every single sodding RGB bulb out myself I will.
Any way so the devolution of Alienware aside.... I have never had an IO shield on my X570i Strix. I bought it as a bare board only customer return for about 1/3 the RRP at the time. I finally found the IO I need on Ali, years later.
Which is awesome. I can also use the reverse flow fans I bought and never used when doing the 5090 build.. The rest of the fans? I have two carrier bags heaving with the sodding things.
So, the mission list.
1. Get the board in.
2. Get the RGB working or replace every strip myself.
3. Mod. Add fans. I want two intakes, push pull on the cooler and a side intake for the GPU. Why people have not done these mods is beyond me tbh.
I have bought a cooler BTW. It was £30. I think the 5700X3d will be fine with it.
It's a ruddy good thing I bought that Milwauke Dremel. I have a feeling I am going to need it !
