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    Alienware 17 R4 conversion to Alienware 17 R5

    Discussion in '2015+ Alienware 13 / 15 / 17' started by Marksmans05, Dec 11, 2019.

  1. Marksmans05

    Marksmans05 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Hi, I wanted to attempt putting a i9 8950hk into my Alienware 17 r4 chassis. I found the compatible heatsink for it as well and what I mainly wanted to know is whether the software will work with the new motherboard. I know that the R5 used different software than the R4 for controlling FX lighting and such. I recently tried to download the newer Alienware Command Center on my older R4 and it was not able to recognize the FX lighting. Will this be an issue after the motherboard swap or will the newer AlienFX controller pick up my old hardware once its connected to the newer motherboard?
     
    Marksmans05, Dec 11, 2019
    #1
  2. ssj92

    ssj92 Neutron Star

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    Are you swapping the whole motherboard? If so, I don't see why there should be an issue?
     
    ssj92, Dec 11, 2019
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  3. MogRules

    MogRules Notebook Deity

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    When the first generation R5's first came out they had the older style keyboards and I think used the older command center? Newer models had the per key keyboard and had a port to connect the new keyboards, though I don't know if anyone ever actually changed it out. I guess the question is was the new AlienFx chip used on all the R5's or not...
     
    MogRules, Dec 11, 2019
    #3
  4. rinneh

    rinneh Notebook Prophet

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    It still used the new control center. The swap would be possible and should be without any issues.
     
    rinneh, Dec 12, 2019
    #4