Gaming PC enthusiasts who own Dell's flagship Alienware Area-51 desktop now have more flexibility with their systems. Dell has introduced a new conversion kit that allows users to replace the original motherboard with third-party alternatives, extending the lifespan and customization options of their premium gaming rigs.
Breaking Free from Dell's Ecosystem
Dell has released the AlienFX board cable conversion kit specifically designed for its Alienware Area-51 gaming desktop. This USD $34.99 kit provides the necessary components to replace the pre-installed Dell motherboard with standard third-party ATX or Micro-ATX motherboards from manufacturers like Gigabyte, MSI, Asus, and Biostar. The move represents a significant shift in Dell's approach, as the company has traditionally kept its pre-built systems within a closed hardware ecosystem that made component upgrades challenging.
What's Included in the Conversion Kit
The AlienFX conversion kit includes four essential components to ensure compatibility between the Alienware chassis and aftermarket motherboards. Users receive a 4-pin power switch wiring cable that connects to the Area-51's power button, a fan power bridge wiring cable for the rear fan controller, a USB dongle extension that converts the right-angled USB 3.0 front panel connector to a standard one, and three additional nuts for mounting Micro-ATX motherboards. Dell has also published a video tutorial demonstrating the installation process, making it more accessible for users who want to perform the upgrade themselves.
AlienFX Board Cable Conversion Kit Details:
- Price: USD $34.99
- Compatible with: Alienware Area-51 gaming desktop
- Supports: ATX and Micro-ATX third-party motherboards
- Components included:
- 4-pin power switch wiring cable
- Fan power bridge wiring cable
- USB dongle extension
- Three Micro-ATX motherboard screw nuts
Limitations and Considerations
While the kit opens new possibilities, Dell has outlined several important caveats. The company explicitly states it does not provide official support for third-party motherboards installed in the Area-51 and cannot guarantee complete compatibility. This limitation is particularly relevant for internal port selection, as basic motherboards may lack sufficient connections for all of the Area-51's fans, lighting systems, and other features.
Power Supply Compatibility Challenge
A significant consideration for users planning to upgrade is the Alienware Area-51's built-in power supply, which uses the newer ATX12VO standard. Most motherboards currently on the market still use the traditional ATX 24-pin power connector and don't support ATX12VO. Users have two options: either find a compatible motherboard that supports the emerging ATX12VO standard or replace the Area-51's power supply with a conventional model that matches their chosen motherboard.
Benefits for Consumers
Despite these challenges, the conversion kit offers substantial benefits for Alienware owners. It eliminates the vendor lock-in that typically accompanies pre-built systems, allowing users to access expanded functionality like additional I/O ports, more M.2 slots, increased DIMM slots (the OEM motherboard has only two), or more robust power delivery for overclocking. Perhaps most importantly, if the original motherboard fails after the warranty expires, users now have more affordable replacement options beyond purchasing another Dell OEM board.
Key Considerations:
- No official Dell support for third-party motherboards
- Requires motherboard with ATX12VO support (or PSU replacement)
- Limited port compatibility with basic motherboards
- Installation tutorial available from Dell
Extended Chassis Lifespan
One of the most practical advantages of this kit is the ability to continue using the premium Alienware chassis long after the original components become outdated. With PC case prices trending upward, the option to reuse an existing high-quality enclosure represents significant value for consumers. The USD $34.99 investment in the conversion kit could potentially extend the useful life of the Area-51 chassis through multiple hardware generations, though some have questioned whether the price is justified given the relatively simple components included.