Cooling in the "New" Aurora

andDrewskY wrote:

1. I would still go with the 460watt PSU, and not the 850 (or whatever wattage), as I saw on the customize page, it adds $100 to the total price which is totally not worth it considering the 460 watt is enough to power those components,

 

2. Id also skimp on 16GB of memory, and attempt 8GB of memory if buying new from the customize page.  Again, my reasoning is for such a simple to install component, one you can buy for less, and faster speeds, its worth buying yourself if you determine you need 16GB.  The memory they sent with my machine wasn't dual channel anyway, eliminating the need for it to be identical to the other module.

1. I respectably still disagree. Almost everyone buys these fairly "loaded" so should be getting the 850w PS. When max. gaming or encoding video ... lets say you are pulling 400w. Well, with a 850w-PS, it is running at 50% of it's designed capacity which is perfect.
- Less heat generated. Less fan noise and less chance of thermal shut-down.

- Less stress on individual SwitchModePowerSupply components (stress wears them down faster than normal)

- Less chance any particular voltage's rail goes beyond it's capacity (ie 12v)

With a 460w-PS ... all those things can happen including a catastrophic failure ... either now or in 4 years. Running a SMPS near 90% of it's designed capacity for long periods is not a good idea.

2. Yes, it might run ok on 8gb, but Windows Multi-Tasking, a nice game, a Virtual-Machine, and other activities will run better on 16gb. Why get only 8gb, do without 16gb for a while, order the right exactly-matched DIMM pair later, possibly take a loss since the existing Dell DIMM Dell is hard-to-exactly-match (and goes in the parts drawer). Then, hope the new memory tests 100% compatible and works. I think to some people ... seems like a lot of trouble to save a few dollars.

EDIT 2:

Also, looks like you can now upgrade to Liquid Cooling on many of the processors (including non-K ones). IIRC, when Intel sells boxed Retail quad-core and higher processors, they now come with a Liquid-Cooler in the box (not a fan-based cooler).
 
Same with 850w Power Supply. Looks like it can be added to many of the lower configs. Both upgrades seem affordable to me. You can tell Dell/Alienware are listening and trying to bring-back the highly configurable sales-config for desktops. For me ... time is money. 

Like the rest of the computer ... order what you need in 2 years. A warranty and APC-UPS are both good insurance that the machine will last 3-6 years.

Thank you both.  Whatever Alienware Auroa I purchase, and pretty sure that is the way I will go, your information has create a much wiser consumer.  I like both that you answered my specific questions about cooling but better you expended with wisdom gained from experience of just how to make that purchase.  With your leads and Google, my ever present replacement brain, I now even understand the various "parts" of Intel Processor identification, the i3,5 and 7 followed by the generation and their "inventory" number and even the K that follows on those that are unlocked.

lol well unfortunately I find this conversation to have been more interesting than most people I would meet @ a local cocktail party.  I gotta get to California.  But well said, I'm out.

I had signed off but in rereading, and rereading the thread, I see a concern in both of you for the base New Aurora as configured and need to upgrade PSU  to the 850w which includes liquid cooling for +$150.  I personally want the 256 M.2 SSD which comes with a 1 TB HD  + 170 and CD Burner + $30 - total $1,150.  I am actually replacing an old Dell 546 which died and use the same two 22" displays and this creaping Dell 660S will stay on the desk, back to using one 22" display. Now keep remembering gaming is not a primary concern - just a fast responsive computer for a guy who spends several hours per day using, but if the legs go, gaming will be there.  That said if I read between the lines the basic Dell has skimped on quality components and your logic that I should plan to upgrade down the road or upgrade some components now.  And the burden was place on me with the appropriate comment:- " it just depends on the person buying.

Makes me uncomfortable because I was considering building and had put together a build (with extensive help from another friend) that came to the same price -$1,170 + shipping (both will include tax). I am pretty sure those components are top of the line with a Fractal Design Silent Tower (like the sound suppression), Gigabyte board, same video card, SeaSonic G Series 550W PS, Noctua NH-D15 SS02 D CPU cooler, Samsung 960 M.2 250GB SSD, and a WD Blue 1TB HD - I am a techie, do-it-your-self type, but maybe age has introduced fear and $1200 is twice my monthly salary when I started with a masters degree so hate to screw up blowing a component by attaching incorrectly.

What ever you two guys have taught and pushed an old man into a lot of reading and study and I now certainly am a much wiser consumer (although still low on the scale).  However as you both know this knowledge is useless at the typically cocktail party or other friends - they just walk away.

Unfortunately I Add Comment (Post is what I am use to) to quickly and forgot to include that the build included an i5-7500, a big step above the 7400 that in in the basic New Andora

andDreskY response to my cocktail humor indicates he is more careful which local cocktail parties he attends - in this place most have computers forced on them by their children and grandchildren and their understanding is limited to almost handling email.  I spend my spare hours rebooting routers that they do not even know they have, replacing icons, explaining how to print the email and not the screen and removing nasty products of careless downloads.

Bitz106 wrote:

  I spend my spare hours rebooting routers that they do not even know they have, replacing icons, explaining how to print the email and not the screen and removing nasty products of careless downloads.

I think we all do our share of that (it comes with the territory).

Be sure to see my new Reply above to andDrewskY‌ that starts-out "The optional 850w Power Supply in the Alienware Aurora R5/R6 is Modular and has good build quality. "

Below a different message above, I added an example $1500 Aurora-R6 "loaded" config that I think meets your requirements.

andDrewskY wrote:

1. On the PSU, I was assuming he would want to replace it, if not now then later, regardless of whether it was 850W, or 460W.  Perhaps the 850W PSU was better quality than the 460W I received, but I assumed it was just an 850W version of the not modular, poor quality fan, poor appearance and grade that came with mine.  Not being modular, poor grade, and fan obviously playing a factor in air flow, dust buildup, and ultimately temperatures.  

 

Edit: It's $100-150 to add the 850W PSU when you could literally throw the 460W PSU in the trash, and buy this LINK-AMAZON, @ the same price.  The 460W is adequate until he decided to upgrade other components, and @ that point he could get a new PSU, and not be out the $100 from the Dell 850W.  The configuration I mentioned above calculates to about 336W, which would be 73% @ load;  850W = 39% which is ok, but wasteful.  You have the one year warranty via Dell before you would actually be @ any risk, and a used PSU has little to no resale value when you factor in shipping.

 

2. Again, same idea w/ the memory.  I received one 8GB module in mine, single ranked, Samsung DDR4.  Not sure what type they send w/ 16GB, but I wasn't pleased w/ the Samsung memory, and to your point, if you want to add more memory later (32GB) you're either going to have unmatched modules, find the same from Dell, or try to sell the Dell modules, and buy new.  It's $100 for another 8GB of memory via the Dell configurator when you can get 16GB of DDR4 2400 for == $100 on Amazon, and buy a set of 2 Crucial modules that are quad channel if he decided to add another 16GB later.

 

3. So I was suggesting to go cheap initially, because you might not be pleased w/ the components Dell uses outside of CPU, and GPU, as I wasn't.

 

4. In the end, I don't think either of us are wrong, it just depends on the person buying.

1. The optional 850w Power Supply in the Alienware Aurora R5/R6 is Modular and has good build quality. I think there is a DPN for both a Flextronics and a Delta made unit. It's the same one used in the Alienware Area51-R2 and Dell Precision Workstations.

2. Standard stock-clocked Memory is cheap these days. But yes, you can upgrade your memory later.

3. Once you remove the (reportedly) cheap 460w PS and cpu-fan-cooler from equation, I think everything else is fine. See #1 above or just build you own.

4. Right. So if you get the better 850w PS and Liquid-Cooler for $150 now, all you might need to do later is a memory upgrade.

I didn't mean to insinuate that you were wrong, but not everyone has a desire to upgrade hardware on their brand-new machines.  Or, they might want a full 3-year Dell warranty on whole machine and all its parts (maybe that's when they finish paying it off). Nor do they have time to sell parts on eBay ( mine just go to spare-parts drawer anyway, for other machine's upgrade or repair). I still say most people should get the Main-Processor and Video-Card they will need in 2 years. More Tips are in my above posts.

Added a link above to the Fallout-4 Language Filter Mod. Just copy-and-paste into your Browser.

How much does this cost (after Instant Discounts and any 10% off coupon codes)? Be sure to pick best "base config" first because some have better Instant Discounts than others).

Intel i7-7700 - Intel z270 Chipset
16gb DDR4 2400mhz memory
850w Power Supply & Liquid Cooling
Nvidia GTX-1060 OEM with 6gb GDDR5
SSD 256-gb (M.2 PCIe NVMe)

HDD 1-tb 7200rpm

DVD Burner

Killer Networks e2400 Gigabit Ethernet RJ-45
Intel 3165 802.11ac Wi-Fi & Bluetooth v4.2 (it's included ... DO NOT get Killer-WiFi)
Alienware Keyboard and Mouse (free)

Windows-10 Home (64bit)

Starting with Config #3, I currently get $1500.

That's turn-key (no required upgrades for 2-3 years or maybe even the life of the machine)

$90 in Dell Rewards after 45days (be sure to join Dell Advantage Rewards FIRST (like now), before config-ing or ordering)

Currently comes with a free game (limited time offer)

Additional 10% off Coupon is sometimes offered

Bitz106 wrote:

That said if I read between the lines the basic Dell has skimped on quality components and your logic that I should plan to upgrade down the road or upgrade some components now. 

 

Makes me uncomfortable because I was considering building and had put together a build (with extensive help from another friend) ... so hate to screw up blowing a component by attaching incorrectly.

 

However as you both know this knowledge is useless at the typically cocktail party or other friends - they just walk away.

I see nothing in my Aurora-R6 that is inferior or deal-breaking (or else, I would not have bought it).

However, if you are looking forward to building your own Custom System, you should probably do that instead. Just remember that you will be managing your own repairs and (individual component) warranty claims for the life of the machine.

Yeah, that's why we chat here ... with like-minded people that enjoy the conversation and know high-end computer hardware and software.

andDrewskY wrote:

1. Yeah after I posted that I wasn't looking to find it, but did, and I agree it's good enough.  Modular is nice, 

2. they really go cheap when you get the 460W, and it's not modular. 

1. I'm glad we agree that the optional Dell/Alienware 850w Power Supply is good and worthy upgrade.

2. Unfortunately, many people buy computers based only on price (not what is inside them). Dell had to make some cuts to be able to advertise and sell a $799 Aurora-R6.

And while I've gone to great-lengths in this thread to advise people to spend just a bit more (and end-up getting a much nicer computer) , many will still buy the $799 one (whether they know how to upgrade it later or not).
 

Yeah after I posted that I wasn't looking to find it, but did, and I agree it's good enough.  Modular is nice, which is one upgrade I've yet to make.  My mistake for assuming, but then again kind of a crap move that they really go cheap when you get the 460W, and it's not modular.  They shouldn't even offer that low watt of PSU.  It should at the very least be 500, and modular (*seeing the 850W is modular).  Out of the things that I've since gone on to upgrade since original purchase, that, and the original HDD, are the only things I couldn't sell. 

Also those fans I told you about... Garbage.  If you do change fans, go Noctua.  I should have known better, but trial and error.  I'm going to get the Noctua fans though as when you adjust the fan speed of the stock fans past 50% they make a terrible sound, however the Noctua are considered the best fan out there (@ $20 per fan, but Aurora only needs 2), and increasing the case fan speed I believe can have a great effect on cooling.  The PSU fan can as well, which is why I'm also considering the EVGA G3 PSU @ $100 for 650W.  It's supposedly got an amazing fan based on reviews.  I gotta keep that 1080ti cool if I'm OCing it, and I'm not sure that I'm going to be able to add on any 3rd party cooler.  Arctic has really let me down... they have one more chance to redeem themselves w/ a GPU cooler I ordered from them, but I'm actually scared to put it on so may just pass, and get the Noctua fans w/ the EVGA PSU.

https://www.amazon.com/Noctua-NF-F12-PWM-Cooling-Fan/dp/B00650P2ZC/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1490995170&sr=8-3&keywords=noctua

https://www.amazon.com/EVGA-SuperNOVA-Modular-Warranty-120-G1-0650-XR/dp/B01LYGFRL6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1490995414&sr=8-1&keywords=evga%2Bmodular%2Bpower%2Bsupply&th=1

In my opinion, unless you going to be running cross-fire, or SLI, then holding off the $100 upgrade to the 850W Dell PSU, you're better served by not doing that, and buying this one @ 100$.  It's Gold so probably close to the 850W's actual output.

Actually, Corsair has these magnetic levitation fans that are incredible as well.  I had nothing to do last night @ work, and I researched the hell out of both of these items, and you can't go wrong either way, but seeing I'm trying to lower gpu temps via case fans, I'll need a hurricane of a fan, and these corsairs apparently are near silent @ 2000RPMS.  $32 for a 2 pack that match the Aurora as well:  https://www.amazon.com/Corsair-Premium-Magnetic-Levitation-2-Pack/dp/B01G5I6MRK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1490996458&sr=8-1&keywords=magnetic+pc+case+fans

I'll do a little more research this time before I jump as to if GPU temps get lowered by either.

Actually when you add the liquid cooling as well as the 850W it's +$150.  I take back what I said though that isn't a bad deal if that's what you want, or need.  However, not everybody needs that.  Let me quick story my machine.

Bought it @ BestBuy for $799 on, "Clearance" a few months back:

i7-7600 Air Cool

8GB DDR4 2133 Samsung (Sold on Ebay for 40$)

1TB HDD Seagate 7200 RPM (Collecting Dust)

GTX 970 (Sold for $150 to a friend)

460W PSU (Collecting Dust)

Added:  32GB DDR4 2400 Crucial Ballistix

2TB Firecuda HDD

250GB Samsung 960 Evo NVMe M.2 SSD

GTX 1080ti FE

600W 80+ Bronze EVGA PSU

and... Acer Predator X34, G-Sync, 3440x1440p

I didn't plan on doing this.  Initially all I was going to do was add Crucial memory (*Big fan of theirs... good company) and an SSD.  However, I became rather obsessive, (*In a non destructive way... kinda lol) in that once I upgraded the memory to 16GB Crucial, I started thinking about the next thing, and the next.  This can happen when you start, "personalizing" your machine.

Regardless, I think before you buy anything Bitz you need to decide now what display you are going to use.  Do you already have one?  If so do you foresee upgrading it in the next 6 months?  Personally, I think if you are gaming on a 1080p / 60hz monitor you might as well get a console... seriously, and that's not a put down, but it's barely a step up from consoles, and sometimes is equivalent depending on the game.

And here is why I told this story... I wasn't really even planning on getting a new PC, but I saw it on clearance, and jumped because I was tired of messing w/ this little Alienware Alpha i3 I had.  Next thing you know, I've spend $2,500+ on a new PC, and display. 

If I could go back, I think I'd get an I7 6700K Liquid Cooling, 16GB DDR4 @ 2400, 850WPSU, AMD RX 480, 250GB 960 Evo SSD, and an LG 34in UltraWide Monitor @ 1080p, 144Hz, and Free-Sync.

Unless you are only playing Pac-man on this machine, I believe a display with a high refresh rate, and either Free-sync, or G-sync, is imperative, or again... you're better off playing on console.  AMD is the cheapest way to accomplish said task, so it's not so much about buying cheap, but smart.  G-sync monitors have a premium.  Had I known @ the time I was going to spend $2500 (I don't regret it in the slightest) I wouldn't have done it.

I think the i5, RX 480 is your best move... even if its just a stock, non OC i5 that's a good CPU.  Doesn't need liquid cooling, or an 850W PSU.  It's also worth looking @ Delloutlet for deals.  But I think it's important to know what monitor you want because if you go w/ the GTX 1060gpu, and then decide you want a high refresh rate display @ 1440p, then your GPU is a bottleneck, and you'll likely want to sell it, and get a 1070, or 1080.