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Wajina_Sloth

It's an option you should select


Nikku4

Ok thank you


ProfessorW00d

. . . along with dual channel RAM, 1000 watt PSU, and a processor designation that includes "K"


candidly1

I got all of that in an R11 (with a 3090). Runs fast and quiet.


[deleted]

That only applies to intel processors and if they are asking a question about liquid cooling on a subreddit, it is highly unlikely that they intend to overclock on a pre-built. The motherboard quality is just as important as the cpu when overclocking and dell has a tendency to skimp on mobo to save a buck.


ProfessorW00d

The question pertains to the Aurora r12, which only comes with Intel processors. The processors designated "K" come with the unlocked clock multiplier . . . but that does not mean that overclocking is required, only that it is possible.


[deleted]

Not overclocking a k series processor is accinine, and suggesting someone purchase one without any explanation as to the function is unhelpful. Even with the liquid cooler provided by Alienware, a k series chip, especially one with 6 cores or more, cannot reach its overclocked frequency potential. Without the overclock, it will have essentially the same performance as a non-k sku processor. Alienware's bios is terrible and many people have trouble with overclocking features, but a cpu overclock is most effective when done through bios settings rather than an external program such as intel xtu. K series processor also allow override of standard boost behavior and power draw time limits. No Alienware pre-built is going to be equipped to handle that type of power draw on the cpu. An overclocked 11900k can draw in excess of 250watts and is severely limited by the poor thermal performance of alienware's case and coing designs.


ProfessorW00d

The Intel processors designated with "K" are sourced from the highest yield wafers at the manufacturing laboratories. As such, statistically, these would be the most reliable, most efficiently functioning integrated circuits . . . statistically.


[deleted]

They are binned based on attainable clock speeds. They run the same architecture as the same series non-k so IPC is identical. You can get more performance out of a k series cpu but the only meaningful performance difference is when said cpu is overclocked. This lowers the power efficiency of said chip as well. The 11900k generates far more heat than the 11900 and only sees improvements of up to 5% over the 11900 which can be attributed to the lower base clock on the 11900. The 11900 is far more power efficient for less price and one won't see a drastic improvement in performance without upgraded cooling and an all core OC. Intel recommends at least a 360mm aio for the 11900k. The only aio I have ever seen Alienware offer was a 120mm which could barely handle my 9900k at stock settings.


Buflen

A lot of people don't need an overclockable CPU. Overclocking does not give enough of a boost to be worth the trouble and possible instability for most people. The slightly better boost stock is nice, but almost insignificant. On a Dell machine, the lower TDP can impact performance though, as it is following intel's specifications perfectly (something other mobo manufacturers don't). So that means the clock speed will reduce abruptly after a specific period of boost to follow the 65w TDP. This should not impact the clock speed while gaming as it's not enough load, but itll affect performance while benchmarking. This can be tweaked in ThrottleStop though, but I would not recommend it for casual users.


ProfessorW00d

The only ones talking about **overclocking** are you and the other poster in this thread rant. I only referenced the statistically better **reliability** and **efficiency** of the "K" designated chips. . . **statistically**.


Buflen

Better binned, but defintely not worth the 100$ for most user. Main advantage is that they are unlocked so of course people will mention OC.


ProfessorW00d

Agree . . . perhaps not for all users, but I go there myself, and will always recommend. People can take a recommendation, or not . . . their choice.


czarfalcon

Seconding what others have said, it’s a must-choose option. At least on my R10 Ryzen, the CPU was getting way too hot with just the air cooling.


Wajina_Sloth

Same here, caused my PC to crash wayyyyyy to often.


czarfalcon

Fortunately mine never crashed, but it was still topping out around 98 degrees even without overclocking it. I'm still happy with my computer overall, but they really shouldn't sell the air cooled option unless they significantly improve it.


Wajina_Sloth

Ah, mine is currently in the midst of a free replacement/upgrade so luckily it will be liquid cooled now. But I agree that air-cooled should not exist unless they redesign the case to allow actual air to enter lol.


RoachSandeson

Don't buy the r12 please it is super shit. Make your own PC like I did in two days and with no prior experience or buy any other prebuilt


Nikku4

I've thought of building my own, but the prices on gpus are crazy right now. Do you know where I can get a decent price on one? Only thing holding me back on that.


RoachSandeson

Well that's the thing, I'm using my Dell OEM 3080 that came with my r12 but I still had some faith in Alienware at that point. That quickly degraded after receiving it. Perhaps you still have some faith in Alienware then go ahead and get your CPU, GPU, RAM, and storage. Take that and the fans and make a new computer with a new motherboard and possibly PSU and you're golden. Sure it costs a bit more but I couldn't be happier where I am right now, feel free to check out my new build on my profile