(Image credit: Dell)
The persistent issue with Alienware gaming PCs has always been their excessive reliance on proprietary parts. Numerous tales abound from former Alienware users who, upon attempting to upgrade a component, inadvertently rendered their entire system inoperable. Thankfully, Alienware’s latest Area-51 gaming PC marks a shift, though not as seamlessly as some might hope.
Unveiled at CES earlier this year, it appeared that Alienware was finally joining the ranks of the top gaming PCs by allowing chassis and motherboard connections to third-party elements. This was an exciting prospect, promising hassle-free customizations and upgrades. Now, Alienware has released the AlienFX board cable conversion kit, priced at $34.99 at Dell. Due to the use of a unique daughterboard in its design, you’ll need this kit to replace your system’s motherboard.
Specialized motherboard cables can be costly, and by Alienware’s pricing standards, this isn’t overly steep given the flexibility it provides for accommodating alternative motherboards. Ideally, it should be bundled with every Area-51 purchase, but starting with small steps is still progress.
Consider buying it if:
- You intend to future-proof your Area-51 PC
- You’re certain about upgrading your motherboard
- You appreciate the Area-51’s design
Pass on it if:
- You’ll decide about upgrades later
- You don’t own an Area-51 system
The kit includes a 4-pin power-switch cable vital for connecting a new motherboard to the case’s power button. It also features a fan power bridge connector and a USB dongle extension. Though less crucial for future enhancements, should your new motherboard and power supply already have these connections covered. Additionally, it supplies three ATX nuts for securing the new motherboard in the chassis.
Logically, this kit should accompany any new Area-51 purchase, reflecting Alienware’s pledge to foster a more open ecosystem. Still, compared to companies like Maingear Zero Ruby and iBUYPOWER Slate, which provide various extras at no extra cost, Alienware’s approach, while a step forward, still demands an additional outlay. Nevertheless, the brand’s shift towards embracing third-party components is commendable and marks a significant change.
Despite quirks in communication and board choices, this might be the most significant upgrade allowing an Alienware gaming PC to work like other premium PC cases. The conversion kit, though a combination of semi-standard cables with Alienware’s unique aspects, doesn’t imply complexity for seasoned builders.
For those unsure of installation, Alienware has made a helpful video guide that demystifies the motherboard installation process, making it accessible even for those new to PC building.
As with any hardware upgrade, compatibility is crucial. Ensure your prospective motherboard works with ATX12VO power supplies, keeping in mind that Dell won’t provide support for third-party components. After all, significant motherboard upgrades are infrequent. If you’ve just purchased an Area-51 PC, these concerns may not arise immediately, but should you wish to extend your machine’s lifespan, this AlienFX conversion kit might be essential.
For additional insights on PC upgrades, explore the best CPUs, graphics cards, and RAM for gaming.