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Questions about the pre-2004 Alienware models

Questions about the pre-2004 Alienware models

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KlayDog1
Senior Member
685
02-19-2023, 11:32 AM
#1
Hello everyone, I'm looking for details about the pre-2004 Alienware Aurora and Area-51 models, as all related information appears to be missing. These units have a square design as shown in the images. I'm curious whether the locks on the case stop the unit from turning on or using the keyboard when locked or unlocked. I'm not familiar with how the locks function, but I've heard they can be quite effective. Additionally, I'm wondering how to get a set of keys for these locks—since different models likely have unique keys, and I can't picklock it myself, would drilling and replacing be the only option?
K
KlayDog1
02-19-2023, 11:32 AM #1

Hello everyone, I'm looking for details about the pre-2004 Alienware Aurora and Area-51 models, as all related information appears to be missing. These units have a square design as shown in the images. I'm curious whether the locks on the case stop the unit from turning on or using the keyboard when locked or unlocked. I'm not familiar with how the locks function, but I've heard they can be quite effective. Additionally, I'm wondering how to get a set of keys for these locks—since different models likely have unique keys, and I can't picklock it myself, would drilling and replacing be the only option?

S
Scriflyy
Member
63
02-19-2023, 01:11 PM
#2
Don't power it up unless necessary.
You might receive a 'Case Intrusion' alert in the BIOS.
It's probably not worth it.
Your interest in these old systems is questionable.
The appearance might be appealing, but the functionality...
S
Scriflyy
02-19-2023, 01:11 PM #2

Don't power it up unless necessary.
You might receive a 'Case Intrusion' alert in the BIOS.
It's probably not worth it.
Your interest in these old systems is questionable.
The appearance might be appealing, but the functionality...

K
KermitTheCrab
Member
145
02-19-2023, 02:09 PM
#3
I discovered some inexpensive models that could be purchased, mainly for the case and partially for the internal components. They don't include keys, so I wondered if missing them would significantly affect my progress.
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KermitTheCrab
02-19-2023, 02:09 PM #3

I discovered some inexpensive models that could be purchased, mainly for the case and partially for the internal components. They don't include keys, so I wondered if missing them would significantly affect my progress.

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PikaPowerA
Junior Member
29
02-20-2023, 08:02 PM
#4
The lock was only meant to secure the door, preventing access to the power button and CD/DVD burner. I used a similar case but not the official Alienware version. It was a yellow banana color. I still keep the key in my PC toolbox, around 2002 or 2003. If you install one of these locked units, simply remove the front panel after taking off the side panels, pop the clips, and take out the lock from the back of the door.
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PikaPowerA
02-20-2023, 08:02 PM #4

The lock was only meant to secure the door, preventing access to the power button and CD/DVD burner. I used a similar case but not the official Alienware version. It was a yellow banana color. I still keep the key in my PC toolbox, around 2002 or 2003. If you install one of these locked units, simply remove the front panel after taking off the side panels, pop the clips, and take out the lock from the back of the door.

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Eppikx
Senior Member
447
02-22-2023, 05:53 AM
#5
Interesting that It has a P-4 under the hood as I remember AMD was smacking it to Intel when those pre Dell Alienware's came out. I remember them having AMD FX-51 With a ATI 9700 or a Nvidia 5900 Ultra. I have an old magazine ad somewhere that's floating around.
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Eppikx
02-22-2023, 05:53 AM #5

Interesting that It has a P-4 under the hood as I remember AMD was smacking it to Intel when those pre Dell Alienware's came out. I remember them having AMD FX-51 With a ATI 9700 or a Nvidia 5900 Ultra. I have an old magazine ad somewhere that's floating around.

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NinjaTurtleNL
Member
207
02-22-2023, 07:47 PM
#6
This marks the beginning of the P-4 CPU 1800Ghz era. By 2003-04, these same Alienware cases were using AMD CPUs.
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NinjaTurtleNL
02-22-2023, 07:47 PM #6

This marks the beginning of the P-4 CPU 1800Ghz era. By 2003-04, these same Alienware cases were using AMD CPUs.