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3103
May 24th, 2017 16:00
Aurora R3 - components compatible with an aftermarket case?
Hi, I picked up a used Aurora R3 with the 875-watt power supply and the i7 with liquid cooling. The MIO board is bad (because there was a metal shim fallen behind it which shorted it out) and while the lights are pretty (when they work and don't mess up the operation of the computer) I'd rather swap the components into a smaller, lighter case than buy a new MIO board.
I understand the MB is a standard MicroATX size, but does anyone know if the liquid cooling and power supply are also standard sizes? Or of any other potential issues?
Thanks for any help!
David
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Tesla1856
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17K Posts
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May 25th, 2017 10:00
Yes, they are standard size, but still have the limitations I mentioned.
You should be able to re-wire:
- Connect Asetek radiator fan directly to motherboard
- Create "Anti-MIO" adapter to get Asetek pump running (it just needs power, and is designed to run at constant speed).
https://community.dell.com/message/5594
Find some way to get PCIe and HDD fans running again (at least at a constant speed). Search this forum for tips ... this isn't really my thing.
But again, for about $50-$75 you should be able to get a working MIO-Board, and return it to normal (100% functionality) in about an hour or so.
Tesla1856
8 Wizard
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17K Posts
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May 24th, 2017 20:00
The Asetek Liquid-Cooler has special plugs to work only with MIO-Board.
The Power Supply is kinda modular, but wiring harness is propreitary and will have to move with PS.
The MIO-Board also controls all the fans. The MIO-Boards (working pulls) used to be pretty cheap on Ebay etc. You could also just by-pass the MIO-Board. It's likely worth fixing as is, but I'm not sure the motherboard is worth moving.
Dains
3 Posts
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May 25th, 2017 05:00
Thanks Tesla. Just to confirm, are the PS and liquid cooler standard mounting sizes? I've been searching for dimensions on the components but not finding any. Those are the only components (besides the MIO) that I don't know will fit a standard case.
I'm curious, what did you mean by "just by-pass the MIO"? I've already unplugged the MIO board from the USB 2.0 port on the MB as it was randomly causing major speed problems with the computer. The LED lights (and Commander utility) no longer work, but the computer now works at full speed. And the "bad USB device" is gone from Device Manager (it comes back if you plug the MIO board back in).
Thanks for your help, much appreciated!
Dains
3 Posts
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May 25th, 2017 10:00
Thanks much Tesla! Yes, I have strongly considered just replacing the MIO board. I even bought one from Ebay. It's completely the wrong one and I didn't side-by compare them in time to return it. So, that's bad.
I would just like a seriously lighter computer (this thing is 45 pounds) without the over-complexity Dell built into it. I didn't realize the MIO board also controlled the fans and liquid cooling. I thought - if the sizes were standard like the MB - I could just take the other comps out and drop them into an ATX cube and have a computer with older but still very powerful comps in a new, lightweight package.
Thanks again for all of your help! I'll do that last bit of research you mentioned and then make my decision as to which way to go.