There’s a reason the Dell Alienware Desktop Computers has long been our favorite gaming desktop — it is powerful and attractive, and most importantly, you can upgrade without the need for tools or much technical know-how. If you are looking for a future-proof gaming desktop that can be configured to handle 4K and VR, the Aurora is still at the top of its class. In this subject, we will review the Alienware top-notch gaming desktops Aurora R10 and Aurora R9 in detail. So let’s start.
Alienware Aurora R10 Gaming Desktop
When Dell builds its Alienware gaming desktops, it typically opts for Intel processors — but not this time. AMD’s massive pace in the processor market in recent years has made Ryzen processors excellent for top-notch gaming. System builders have picked up on this, and AMD processors are appearing in many more desktop computers and laptops than they used to, including in the subject of today’s review, the Alienware Aurora R10 Ryzen Edition.
High-performance desktop with up to 16-core third-Generation AMD Ryzen™ overclockable processors designed for gamers who create.
THE BOTTOM LINE
The visually striking Alienware Aurora can be configured in a variety of ways, but this Alienware Aurora R10, Ryzen 9 3950X-equipped model, is a performance monster.
Also Check: Affordable Alienware Gaming Laptops
Quick Spec
PROS
- AMD Ryzen 9 3950X processor in a unit delivers blistering performance.
- It has a bold, modern case design.
- High-refresh 1440p and 60fps 40K gaming.
- A huge array of configuration options when ordering.
- It has tool-less access to an efficient internal layout.
CONS
- Expensive as configured.
- Not everyone may love the design.
Also Check: Top 5 Alienware Gaming Monitors For Gamer
Features
Following a complete refresh of its gaming laptop line this year, Alienware has revamped its Aurora gaming computer in the same style. The Aurora R10 comes in a Ryzen Edition variant, and it is a performance beast as configured, thanks largely to its brand-new AMD Ryzen 9 3950X processor and the Nvidia GeForce RTX 2080 Ti graphics card. This combo is virtually unmatched in CPU-heavy tasks like video rendering and content creation but, while effective, offers diminishing returns on gaming. With its powerful performance and striking and efficient case design, we can happily recommend the Aurora R10. If you are not set on the look, though, competitors like the Velocity Micro Raptor Z55 and the Maingear Vybe offer similar advantages.
Bold Sci-Fi Styling
Alienware did an excellent job nailing a futuristic, spaceship-like style that would not be out of place in the world of Mass Effect.
Lunar Light color is the only color scheme that Alienware offers with the vertical Alienware text LED-lit on the side. You can customize the backlit text on the Lunar Light model. It comes in a Dark Side of the Moon color which is a darker grey palette. The front LED ring is also customizable, with 16.8 million colors on both models.
So many desktops try for an overly aggressive design to look the same; it is nice to see a gaming desktop nail a specific and unique aesthetic vision. It is clear that some real thought went into it, in terms of both visual and engineering design, which I would not say of every power or gaming desktop I see these days. It matches the Alienware’s redesigned laptop styles, creating a unified modern look across the company’s Personal Computers. (You will see it, and you will know it is Alienware.) Again, even if it is not someone’s particular style (and it’s undoubtedly bold), I admire the effort and vision.
A Surprisingly Small Interior
The Aurora R10 chassis is comparatively sized, and it could justify being bigger, considering the power inside. It measures 18.9 x 8.8 x 17 inches (HWD), so it is not too deep or tall, and it’s thinner in the front and widens out toward the back. You will see smaller desktops in this price and power tier. There are also larger desktops with traditional shapes, like the Velocity Micro Raptor Z55 and the Maingear Vybe mentioned earlier.
No need of a tool to get inside the shell, the left-side panel pulls away easily by lifting a rear lever. With space semi-limited, Alienware got a bit creative with the internals. We have seen this design before, but the power supply is placed on a swinging arm that locks into place. When locked in, it covers up access to all of the components and the motherboard, but unlocking two small switches allows you to swing the arm away from the motherboard to get full access to the other components.
Its interior is simultaneously impressive in underwhelming to view. There is a lot of power packed inside, and the layout with the arm is clever. An Alienware-branded liquid cooler is also installed over the CPU, with a small 120mm radiator connected on the top panel. It’s a surprisingly small radiator, but it clearly works for this CPU.
On the bottom and top of the chassis, there are several inches of “empty” space that make it look like the components do not have to be packed so tightly. The side and top panels are used for ventilation, and the system runs pretty quietly, so this free space is necessary.
Ports & Extras
Aurora R10 has plenty of ports. Several are vertically aligned on the front panel, including a USB Type-C port, headphone jacks, and three USB 3.1 ports. Peripherals hanging out the front of this panel do look a little silly, so I would recommend plugging peripherals that may hang around for a while into the rear ports. There, you will find four USB 3.1 ports, six USB 2.0 ports, and a USB Type-C port, as well an array of the audio ins and outs, and an Ethernet jack.
On the software side, a quick review of the Alienware Command Center, which was rebuilt to be the standard control panel for Alienware products. It wraps all of the lighting options, audio settings, gaming software—game-specific profiles, system monitoring, component tuning, and even a game library and launcher—into a single program. Most usefully for gaming, you can also flip the PC’s thermal profile (five choices, from quiet to full speed), and you can set overclock profiles to give a boost to your graphics card. Alienware Command Center is one of the good, if not best, of these built-in manufacturer software packages.
The graphics options are mostly Nvidia, from GeForce GTX 1650 to dual GeForce RTX 2080 Ti cards. For AMD graphics, you can select a Radeon 5700 XT, a Radeon RX 5700, or the seldom-seen Radeon VII. The storage and memory options are standard for high-end desktops, with memory up to 64GB and myriad storage combinations of hard drive and SSD capacities up to 4TeraByte. In short, there are configurations for every budget, all set in the same tower.
Now it is time to circle back to that processor the 16-core, 32-thread AMD Ryzen 9 3950X. Even though it is expensive at $749, but it is a good value compared to the competition.
If you plan on just playing games with this system, though, the Ryzen 9 3950X is, in fact, overkill, in most cases. Alienware claims that this is the only OEM(Original Equipment Manufacturer) gaming desktop with the 3rd generation 16-core Ryzen processors. That is impressive, but part is that this chip is more of a workstation and not the best fit for a gaming desktop. Plenty of the less expensive options like the Ryzen 7 3700X will be more than enough for video gaming. Alienware packed this unit to impress, and it does, but if you are not going to use your gaming rig for media creation, gameplay streaming, animation work, or other demanding professional tasks, I would recommend a less expensive CPU.
Ports & Slots
Front Ports
- Type-A USB 3.1 Gen 1
- Type-A USB 3.1 Gen 1 Ports with Powershare technology
- Type-C USB 3.1 Gen 1
- Microphone/Line In
- Headphone/Line Out
Rear Ports
- SPDIF Digital Output (Coax)
- SPDIF Digital Output (TOSLINK)
- RJ-45 Killer E2600 Gigabit Ethernet
- Type-A USB 2.0 Ports
- Type-C USB 3.1 Gen 2 with Powershare technology (up to 15W)
- Type-A USB 3.1 Gen 2
- Side Surround Output
- Microphone In
- Line Out
- Type-A USB 3.1 Gen 1
- Rear Surround Output
- Center/Subwoofer Output
- Line in
*IO ports subject to graphics card selected.
Dimensions & Weight
- Height: 18.9″ (481.6mm)
- Width: 8.771″ (222.8mm)
- Volume: 33.8 L
- Length: 17″ (431.9mm)
- Max Weight: 39.2 lb (17.8 kilogram)
NEW ALIENWARE COMMAND CENTER
Alienware continuously updates its Command Center. It’s the latest version that includes features desired explicitly by gamers with auto-tuned game profiles, a new responsive UserInterface, all-new AlienFX settings, and intuitive overclocking options.
THERMAL CONTROL
For performance-optimized airflow, you can observe and edit your system’s thermal profiles. And to keep temperatures in ideal ranges, the rear and top vents of the Alienware Aurora work as exhaust by removing heat from the system. And the side and front vents simultaneously take in cool air to maintain system health and to enable high performance.
OPTIMAL OVERCLOCKING
The new version of the Alienware Command Center includes an intuitive and easy overclocking control module that allows you to squeeze additional performance out of their memory and graphics quickly. Easily control your system’s performance by creating your own system overclocking profiles.
ENHANCED ALIENFX
The latest AlienFX software and hardware supports full RGB values with up to 16.8 million colors. The user can easily manage its FX lighting zones, edit peripheral settings, and save new themes for each game.
BOLD IN EVERY SENSE
There are no two ways about it: Alienware Aurora R10 is an absolute performance beast. The latest AMD silicon and the top-end GPU together make for a blistering gaming desktop. The Ryzen 9 3950X is not really an ideal-value gaming chip, though this configuration shows what both the desktop and CPU can do and certainly gets the point across. I would suggest most users go with the Ryzen 7 3700X processor for gaming, but the one we’ve is no doubt impressive.
For the rest of the system, I admire the design of Alienware—and it was deliberately designed at all. There is not much to fault, from a huge range of component options to its customizable lighting, moderate size, efficient interior configuration, and relatively quiet fans. It is somewhat difficult to compare this super-high-end model to the configurations most shoppers will end up with—it is no surprise that this is this fast at this price—but I like the desktop itself. And if you want to make a bit of a statement, the Alienware Aurora R10 gives you that premium feel and conversation piece, even if you order it with more modest components. It does not quite snag an Editors’ Choice, because some great boutique desktops can match the Alienware Aurora R10’s performance, but it does come with our recommendation if you are drawn to the look.
OPERATING SYSTEM
Available with MS-Windows 10 Pro or Windows 10 Home: Break down boundaries and immerse yourself in the gaming world with high-end graphics more realistic than ever before, thanks to the new API DirectX 12’s multi-thread scaling capabilities.
THE RYZEN EDITION HAS ARRIVED
Create and conquer: New Alienware Aurora Ryzen desktop gives you the power to explore and develop new worlds with up to 16-core third-generation AMD Ryzen processors. Designed for intelligent, efficient, and powerful gaming performance, AMD Ryzen processors are ideal for live-streaming gamers who record and play simultaneously. With AMD SenseMI Technology, the processor performance is automatically adapted to meet your application and gaming needs, while AMD GameCache reduces the memory latency for higher frame rates.
Higher bandwidth: The Alienware Aurora Ryzen Edition is the first machine by Alienware to feature PCI-Express 4.0 Technology, which doubles the bandwidth of graphics cards for enhanced overall gaming performance. Also, any component on the PCI-Express bus is given more bandwidth so you can experience top performance while streaming, creating, or recording.
Advanced memory technology: Your system delivers unwavering OC(overclocking) capabilities – thanks to HyperX FURY XMP DDR4 memory. Modules of HyperX memory are tested at speeds to ensure they are free from material and manufacturing defects, and preset timings, included on the memory modules, enable the highest performance possible on your system.
ENGINEERED FOR AN UNENDING ADVANTAGE
A new era of engineering: The new Alienware Aurora features the Design of Legend Industrial with an improved airflow pattern. The Legend ID ensures that airflow moves more efficiently and fluidly to reduce CPU temperatures. Lower temperatures mean performance with higher overclocking and more stability, which results in higher FPS while gaming. Also, the Legend Industrial Design lowers temperatures by up to 8-percent at the voltage regulator heatsinks over its predecessor.
Gaming made timeless: The new Aurora is engineered with an innovative PSU swing-arm to enables a variety of benefits like expansion bays, tool-less graphics, and compact chassis size. It allows graphics cards to be positioned perfectly for purposeful airflow. It also ensured the swing-arm carries power supply, which allows for airflow through the side vent while reducing vibrations to the cards during shipping.
Added safety: To avoid any damage or injury, they created a stop-anywhere locking mechanism on the PSU swing-arm to ensure safety. It also prevents the swing-arm from swinging or falling while in use.
LEGENDS LIVE ON
The future of design: The Legend Industrial Design is a return to Alienware’s roots, with a look that pushes Alienware Aurora into a new realm. The unique design helps enthusiastic gamers stand out from the crowd thanks to continuous, bold lighting and the iconic central loop of AlienFX. Additionally, hexagonal-shaped side venting and functional front airways boost intake efficiency and maximize air movement.
Legendary colors: Choose from two ultra-smooth, satin-finished colors: Lunar Light (with extra lighting zone) or Dark Side of the Moon.
Light it up: The new Aurora is compatible with over 180 games, the integrated AlienFX RGB lighting is designed to enhance immersive gaming.
Enhanced usability: By moving the ports to the front from the top of the system, the new Aurora gives users easier access, and you can easily identify which ports are already occupied by the surrounding lighting.
PERFORMANCE THAT RISES BEYOND
Push power further: The new Aurora Ryzen Edition is designed to fully support custom upgrades, including liquid-cooled CPU overclocking and dual graphics, so you can push your system to the utmost levels of power without worrying about overheating.
Have Killer connections: Never miss a beat with integrated networking solutions like Killer E2600 Ethernet LAN and optional Killer DoubleShot Pro technology that sends connection signals into turbo-boost when Killer LAN is enabled.
Superior speed & storage: You will experience incredibly fast load times with up to 4TeraByte of total storage space with a combo that features 7200RPM HDD, and PCIe NVMe SSDs. The Aurora Ryzen Edition desktop also offers different configurations with SSDs as the main bootable drive and a larger secondary drive to store all your games, media, and additional files.
Alienware Aurora R9 Gaming Desktop
Match your opponents shot-for-shot with this new Alienware Aurora R9. The SUPER graphics card of NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 meets the demands of high-end gaming and demanding tasks at high settings, while the 16GB of RAM and Intel Core i7 processor provide powerful performance. This Aurora gaming desktop has a 256GB SSD and 2TB hard drive, blending rapid load times with ample space for your gaming library.
The latest addition to the Alienware Aurora line is bold, sleek, and pleasantly unassuming – this is not a machine that feels the need to shout about its gaming performance. Many versions of the Aurora R9 are crammed with top components capable of impressive 4K and 1440p performance, although it is a worthwhile premium investment.
Many people think the best gaming computers, with their flashy RGB lighting and glass panels, are the peak of sophistication. But, mostly Alienware’s Aurora R9 politely disagrees. Besides, the company’s new desktop is more comparable to an Apple Mac than a standard Windows tower.
Although its design is understated, and the range of components you can fill it with are not. This is a powerhouse that does not feel the need to overcompensate.
Quick Spec
Pros
- High-speed processor suitable for the most demanding tasks
- Classy yet subtle design
- A broad range of specifications available
- High-End graphics card, suitable for latest 3D games at ultra settings
- The perfect blend of form & function
Cons
- Expensive
- That design may not age well
Features
The new Alienware Aurora features the Legend Industrial Design with an improved airflow pattern from the previous list of desktops. Its new chassis design ensures airflow moves more efficiently to reduce the temperatures of CPU while fans operate slower. Lower temperatures mean higher overclocking and more stable performance, which results in higher FPS while gaming.
As you would expect, every Aurora R9 has the same basic features; that almost a dozen USB ports(SuperSpeed) memorable chassis, and the usual connectivity gubbins like HDMI, DP, and more on the GeForce card.
Usefully, audio/microphone jacks and three USB slots sit at the front for easy access. This case also has sliding locks on the rear for easy access, although you will need to unscrew the full case to get at the insides.
Operating System – Windows 10
Windows 10 brings back the Start Menu from Windows 7 and introduces some new features, like the Edge Web browser and much more.
Processor – 9th Gen Intel Core i7-9700K
Powerful eight-core, eight-way processing performance. Thanks to Intel Turbo Boost technology that delivers extra dynamic power when you need it while increasing energy efficiency when you do not.
Virtual Reality Ready
This desktop has the required specifications to run Virtual Reality software and hardware and is compatible with HTC Vive, Oculus Rift, and Windows Mixed Reality Ultra.
RAM – 16GB for intense multitasking and gaming
Reams of top-bandwidth DDR4 RAM let you smoothly run your big PC games and video-editing applications, as well as numerous high-end programs and browser tabs at the same time.
Storage – 2TB HDD and 256GB SSD for a blend of storage space and speed
SSD delivers faster data access and startup times, while the hard drive provides ample storage.
Graphics – NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 SUPER
It is driven by 8GB GDDR6 dedicated graphics memory to render high-quality images for high-quality videos and games quickly.
AlienFX – System lighting technology for custom lighting schemes
It also supports full RGB values with up to 16.8 million colors.
New Alienware Command Center
This desktop includes almost all the features desired explicitly by the gaming community like a new responsive UI, auto-tuned game profiles, intuitive overclocking options, and all-new AlienFX settings.
Six SuperSpeed 10 Gbps USB 3.1 ports
Ultrafast data connections enable you to transfer large files rapidly.
Four USB 3.1 ports maximize the latest high-speed devices
Boasts three USB 3.0 and five USB 2.0 ports to connect more peripherals and accessories. Also, the USB 3.1 and 3.0 ports are backward compatible with USB 2.0 devices (at 2.0 speeds).
Killer wired and wireless networking
Killer AX1650 wireless LAN connects to both wireless frequencies (802.11a/b/g/n/ac) for a faster signal. This killer Game Networking LAN also lets you plug into wired 10/100/1000 networks.
Bluetooth 5.0 interface synchronizes with compatible devices
Wirelessly transfer music, photos, and other media between the desktop and your Bluetooth-enabled cell phone or MP3 player, or connect Bluetooth wireless accessories.
Upgraded Chassis
Comes with a new chassis based on the Legend Industrial Design allows for efficient airflow to reduce CPU temperatures with whisper-quiet operation.
Lower temperatures mean higher overclocking and more stable performance, which results in higher FPS while gaming.
Innovative PSU Swing-Arm
The innovative Power Supply Unit swing-arm enables a variety of benefits like tool-less graphics, a compact chassis size, and a locking “stop-anywhere” mechanism.
Enhanced Accessibility
It was thoughtfully engineered for enhanced usability. With an easy-access side-entry panel and conveniently placed ports, including a USB 3.1 Gen 1 (Type-C) port, three USB 3.1 Gen 1 (Type A) ports, plus a mic plug-in and a headset all located in the front of the desktop, it is built for easy flexibility.
Gaming made timeless
The new Aurora is thoughtfully engineered with an innovative PSU(Power Supply Unit) swing-arm, which enables a number of benefits like expansion bays, compact chassis size, and tool-less graphics. It also allows graphics cards to be positioned perfectly for purposeful airflow. It also ensured the swing-arm carries the PSU (power supply), which allows for airflow through the side vent while reducing vibrations during shipping to the cards themselves.
Yes, these features make for pricey machines. And, you can at least be guaranteed that you are getting quality for your cash.
Design
Alienware has always positioned itself as one of the top gaming brands, and the Aurora R9 supports that notion with a classy design.
An elegantly simple matte case is comparable to old-school Macs with those bulbous curves, and its scooped-out front for better airflow creates it an eye-catching piece.
There is a lack of showy features that does not do an awful lot other than shout loudly – you will not find unusual angles, and distracting RGB light shows to make it look like a sci-fi hovercraft.
Instead, the R9 choose for a more subtle approach. The lit-up logos and a single hoop of light at the front are the only flourishes on display, and that’s refreshing. It is confident in its simplicity.
Benchmarks
Here is how Alienware Aurora fared in TechRadar’s benchmark tests:
- 3DMark: Sky Diver: 43,632;
- Time Spy: 9,422
- Fire Strike: 17,508;
- GeekBench 5: 7,064 (multi-core) and 1,255 (single-core)
- Cinebench R20 Multi-core: 3,230 points
- PCMark 8 Battery Life: 4 hours 46 minutes
- PCMark 8 (Home Test): 4,602 points
- Total War: Three Kingdoms (1080p, Low): 207.7 fps; (1080p, Ultra): 75.3 fps
- Red Dead Redemption 2 (1080p, Low): 126 fps; (1080p, High): 79.8 fps
Performance
In everyday computing, the Alienware Aurora R9 handles like a dream. Even though we kept hurling weighty game downloads its way, but it still performed well while handling other tasks parallel to it.
Because of the SSD, it also boots up exceptionally fast. This is a system that will make light of both routine tasks and more advanced pursuits like rendering and video editing.
But in terms of games, it’ll vary depending on the version of Alienware Aurora R9 you go for. For example, in 3DMark, it breezed through 1080p tests at an absurdly high fps without breaking a sweat. It also performed admirably in 1440p mode. Which is not to say it is not good at 4K gaming – it is.
Even though it did not manage quite as well in 4K benchmarks, but it was still pretty good. That means it is not going to be outdated too soon (and even if you did plump for a less powerful system, there is no reason you can not buy new components to replace them down – the Aurora R9 can be easily opened up).
It is not going to break a sweat when handling the biggest games, either. This version of the Aurora R9 made short work of large, complex firefights in Division 2, hitting between 56-60 frames per second on average even when multiple foes were on-screen.
What is more, Total War: Warhammer 2 battles averaged 50 frames per second on maximum settings during in-game benchmarks, while large battles were gorgeous with bouncing off meticulously detailed armor and realistic rays of light warming elven towers.
Pro-Level Victories
Weapon of choice: This new Alienware Aurora lives on as the official desktop of choice for Team Liquid, and now you can find it serving in the newly opened Alienware Training Facility in Europe.
Get schooled: Now, the Alienware Aurora is coming to the classroom thanks to an eSports EDU initiative that enables universities and colleges across the US to develop their own eSports programs using uncompromising gear.
Bring on the action: The Alienware and Alienware Aurora partner up with the RIOT Games to fuel stream-worthy, e-gaming events around the world.
Learn from the pros: Go and join the Alienware Academy on Alienware Arena community site and get personalized, data-driven lessons from the best players across the world to become a better competitive gamer.
Detailed Ports & Slots
Front Ports
- 3 Type-A USB 3.1 Generation 1 Ports with Powershare technology
- 1 Type-C™ USB 3.1 Generation 1 Port with Powershare technology
- 1 Headphone/Line Out
- 1 Microphone/Line In
Rear Ports
- 1 SPDIF Digital Output (Coax)
- 1 SPDIF Digital Output (TOSLINK)
- 1 RJ-45 Killer E2500 Gigabit Ethernet
- 5 Type-A USB 2.0 Ports
- 1 Full-Size DisplayPort 1.2 Output
- 1 Type-C™ USB 3.1 Generation 2 with Powershare technology (up to 15W)
- 1 Type-A USB 3.1 Gen 2
- Side Surround Output
- Microphone In
- Line Out
- 3 Type-A USB 3.1 Gen 1
- Rear Surround Output
- Center/Subwoofer Output
- Line in
*IO ports subject to graphics card selected.
Dimenstions & Weight
- Height: 18.9″ (481.6mm)
- Width: 8.771″ (222.8mm)
- Length: 17″ (431.9mm)
- Volume: 33.8 L
- Maximum Weight: 17.8 kilograms (39.2 lbs)
How to upgrade the Alienware Aurora Desktop
If you have got an Alienware Aurora desktop and you want to upgrade its specs, it is super simple to upgrade. Here is what you need to know.
The Alienware’s Aurora is a great gaming PC. There are many configurations to choose from when you buy one, but part of the fun of owning a gaming desktop is adding or upgrading existing components.
Getting inside and upgrading your Aurora is really easy. Here is a look at everything you can do and how you do it.
What components can you change?
Most of the parts can be swapped out if you should so wish:
- RAM (add to or replace completely)
- Graphics card
- m.2 SSD boot drive
- Stock cooler
How to open your Aurora desktop?
Before you can do any work on the desktop, first, you’ve to get inside. It is straightforward, but there’re some easy steps to follow:
- Undo the screw from the black handle on the rear.
- Then slide both latches upward direction.
- Pull the black handle outwards.
- Now pop off the side panel with the ventilation grilles in.
- Finally, swing out the power supply to reveal the internals of the desktop.
How to add extra RAM?
If you want to add more RAM to the existing one, assuming your desktop came with 8GB, you want to add another set of 8GB RAM as two sticks of 4GB or a single stick of 8GB. With four slots available, you can add four RAM sticks, and as RAM works best when used in matching pairs, So, you should always keep it this way.
- Open up the desktop as detailed above.
- If removing old RAM, then open the catches at the top and bottom of the existing RAM sticks.
- Carefully remove the RAM sticks.
- Now line up the new RAM over slots 2 and 4 or 1 and 3.
- Line up the RAM’s notch with the notch on the slots.
- Push the RAM stick gently until the catches click back into place.
If you want to verify that RAM is working correctly, then follow these steps if you don’t know:
- Open the Setting app in Windows 10
- Then go to system and then open about section
- Now the number shown under RAM should match the amount you just installed
How to change the stock cooler?
While you are in this part of the PC, you could also swap out the cooler if you have the air-cooled version of the Aurora. It is by no means an essential since it is surprisingly quiet and keeps temperatures down. Swapping it out is fairly simple though:
- Remove the screws from the corners of the cooler.
- Carefully disconnect the power cable and remove it.
- You will likely need to add some thermal paste to your processor before placing the new one on.
- Put the new cooler and screw it in.
If you are getting a liquid cooler, you will need to remove the 120mm fan above the motherboard to fix the radiator. For this, you will also need to pull the top housing of the case off to give you max access.
How to add or change the graphics card?
If you want to add a new graphics card or swap out the one that’s already there. First, open up the Aurora desktop as detailed above. Then follow these steps:
- First of all, remove the black graphics card retaining clip.
- If you are adding a second graphics card, detach the bottom two metal plates right next to the PCIe slots.
- Pull out the existing graphics card carefully.
- Pop in the new card to the long PCIe slot, pushing them down carefully.
- At last, reinsert the black retaining clip.
Boot up your PC and make sure you have got the latest version of drivers. Head over to either the AMD or NVIDIA support sites to get the latest version for your particular graphics card.
How to change the m.2 SSD?
If you want to swap out the m.2 SSD(Solid State Drive) inside the Aurora desktop, then you are going to have to clone the drive, since it is the one Windows 10 is installed on. You will need to clone first before you replace the drive; otherwise, you are going to start from scratch with a new Windows.
There are different ways to clone the hard drive; you can clone by using Macrium Reflect (Check Out: Full Guide To Clone the Drive), Clonezilla, and Acronis.
Once you have cloned the drive correctly, replacing it is fairly straightforward, follow these steps:
- Open the Aurora desktop as detailed above.
- Remove the black retaining clip.
- Now detach the graphics card from the motherboard.
- Usually, the m.2 SSD is located at the bottom right corner of the motherboard.
- Now unscrew the single retaining screw – the drive will pop up.
- Remove the drive carefully.
- Line up the new drive and push it into the slot gently.
- Screw in the retaining screw.
- At last, place the graphics card and retaining clip back in.
If you did it correctly as explained above, then Aurora it will be booting up from the new drive when you turn on your PC.
That’s all, it looks like a lot, but Dell has done a great job at making sure the Aurora is both accessible and upgraded.
Conclusion
Alienware Aurora Ryzen Edition and Aurora R9 are decent systems for gaming community, but not a spectacular one. They have an excellent CPU performance. But remember, these desktop are gaming computer and expensive too, and no doubt they have unremarkable gaming performance.
If you’ve any suggestion or any question related to this topic, feel free to comment below, we will be happy to help you out.