Alienware X51 Desktop Owners Lounge

I think the issue may be the size. Isn't the 1070 FE about the same size as the 1080 which is pretty long. I know the PNY 970 that comes stock is pretty short. Maybe once some aftermarket ones come out, but for now I would not think the 1070 would fit.

 

The word is that the 1070 FE can't fit inside the x 51 without removing the front fan, which is a shame.

However, the original NVIDIA-made 970 that also can't fit inside the X-51 has the same dimensions as the 1070 FE, right? If so, then we can hopefully expect to see a smaller, single-fan version in the coming months just like in the last generation.

 

Can't you guys do some kind of mod with the stock fan yourself to make extra room for the GPU instead of waiting for Alienware to change something on the next revision? There's nothing particularly special about leaving it stock, especially if the stock design in an impediment.

 

There's at least one guy who managed to cram a 1080 in there by removing the front fan altogether; he claims that everything is working fine and that the pci fan is "pretty much useless" anyway.

I just don't know how safe this is when Alienware has categorically warned users not to exceed 150w. For those of us with an R3 who are absolutely determined to run the 1080, shelling out the extra $300 for a graphics amp is a much safer option.

 

Well, that's just pathetic. Having to use an eGPU sucks, even more so if you already have a desktop.

If I had one of those machines I would disregard their warning and do whatever I want. If they are going to cripple their desktops just like the laptops then they deserve to have to fix it if and when something fails. But, my guess it is won't hurt anything to exceed 150W. I have a 200W 980 in my laptop that draws over 300W when pushed hard.

 

Well, you can swap the front fan for a smaller one. When some owners wanted to put in a GTX 980 in the X51 chassis, they would just swap the front fan to, I think, a 90mm or 60mm one to at least have a fan in there.
It only voids the case warranty, but if you just plop back the original fan and GPU, I don't think warranty would be an issue.
It was the curiosity of the community members to find out if GPUs like the GTX 670, GTX 970, and R9 Nano would work. And all the ones I did list do. It's just you're taking a risk doing the upgrade since Alienware didn't/doesn't have your back.

 

Well, I got tired of how the Graphics Card is managed in the X51 chassis, so I'm moving the internals to a new case. Already got a new power supply and am just waiting for a case. All works well on my end.
Also, I can't find the X51 R3 on the US Alienware website. Is it discontinued?

 

What was bugging you about the x51 GPU? The 150 watt limit?

Just ordered a x51 w/ i5 6600k, 970, ssd, liquid cooled, etc etc. Came out to around 900 after taxes (outlet refurbished).

Kind of worried about the fan noise, Hoping it isn't insane. Luckily I guess I have 30 days to return it.

Felt like this was a better buy than an alpha r2 for around 700 ish.

 

Not the power limit (I mean, I did buy a RX 480 for it), but more or less the GPU cage. There was a part missing to keep the display ports end from slouching and a plastic clip that, while I have it, wouldnt work on my GPUs, and without it, it would cuase my GPU to dip and have to fans generate a terrible sound. My DIY solution wasn't holding up either, so it didn't want to deal with it any more.
And then I accidentally broke the power board's fan. Sure, getting parts for the computer (an R2 power board and a new GPU cage) would be an option, but it would be an expensive one, more than buying a new PSU and a case (well, I was gifted a case).

 

While you had the x51, was the 480 able to maintain clocks or did it thermally throttle? Just curious if the GPU fan needs to be at 100% to keep it running.

Looks like the x51 is discontinued. Website says to contact for more information and the rep I talked to said it's because of the new Aurora. Makes sense with the price of the entry level Aurora starting at 799.

 

Oh, my RX 480 never made it into the X51 chassis. It's only been in open-air and my new case, Thermaltake Core V1.
The X51 discontinuing, while unfortunate, does make sense not only because of the Aurora but because of the Alpha as well. You can get the Alpha with a GTX 960 cheaper than you would with the X51. Sure, it'll have a weaker CPU and such, but smaller form factor + almost as powerful = bad time for the X51.

 

Yep, unfortunately, the Alpha R2 with the 960 runs incredibly loud according to reviews and the graphics card is non upgradeable ( unless you use the amplifier). The amplifier is incredibly large for what it does honestly... surprised they haven't made one with an external PSU so it can sit nicely on a media center.

 

How difficult was it to case swap? I have an amplifer hooked to my x51r3 and have had a few issues and rather just put it all in a new case. I am running an EVGA Classified 980ti (oversized card) so it does not even fit well in the amplifier. I was hoping the swap would be easy but I have read that other people have had issues with just swapping the case and I didn't want to run into any issues along the way. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

 

It was pretty easy. Aside from having to look online for the case power button connector layout and such, it wasn't all that hard.
Then again, I had help, so your mileage may vary.

 

Since this thread seems pretty dead, here is a link to a new one:

*Official* NBR Desktop Overclocker's Lounge [laptop owners welcome, too]