Alienware Graphics Amplifier Thunderbolt Adapter (for Oculink, too!)

AgaThA is system of adapters for converting the proprietary interface of the Alienware Graphics Amplifier into something more useful.

Paired with the appropriate adapter, AgaThA lets your AGA speak:

• Thunderbolt 3, 4, and (maybe) 5
• Oculink, x4 or x8
• Other PCI extension systems like Dolphin iPass or One Stop Systems Max Express
  • …as long as you can get the cable in to the case!

You (already) have the Power

AgaThA can use the original AGA power supply. Of course, if you’ve upgraded your power supply already, it’ll work fine with that too.

Keeping it Cool

AgaThA gives you fan connectors for powering an 80mm fan in the stock location. Standard 3- and 4-pin PC fan connectors are used, so you can finally upgrade to a fan!

You can go back home again!

Installation of the the AgaThA boards require NO permanent modifications to your AGA¹. Everything can be unscrewed and restores to the original state if you want it.

Pretty Lights

The AgaThA family also includes a replacement LED board so the “Alien Head” can be controlled like any other 3-pin (WS2812) Addressable RGB LEDs.

Design Goals

• Be completely reversible, and require not “breaking changes” (pun intended) to the AGA chassis
• Work with the OEM Power supply
• Power an 80mm fan in the factory location
• Support PCIe x4 for those using Thunderbolt/USB4 or a single-wide Oculink connection, and x8 for those using a double-wide Oculink connection
• PCIe 3.0, but will follow design constraints of PCIe 4.0 as much as possible so that it may work with Thunderbolt 5/USB5
• Provide an auxiliary power connector (+3v3,+ 5v, +12v) for powering additional fans, USB hubs, etc
• Add Addressable LEDs to the “Alien Head”

What It Is, And How It Works

DIY Necessary

While no soldering or chassis modification is usually required, this is not an “off the shelf” solution: you have to source some parts yourself.

The AgaThA upgrade consists of:

• PCIe baseboard + Power Bridge (required)
• Addressable RGB LED board (optional)
• Your Thunderbolt/Oculink Interface (required)

PCIe baseboard + Power Bridge

TBA

Addressable RGB LED board

This board adds Addressable RGB LEDs to the “Alien Head” on the front of the chassis. It replaces the OEM lighting board.

It includes two WS2812b LEDs, powered by 5V. These are 3-wire (power, ground, data) LEDs and are compatible with most the 3-wire LED interface on most motherboards.

This board is not required for operation. But, really, you’ve come this far, what’s one more board?

Your Thunderbolt/Oculink Interface

You are required to source your own PCIe interface for whatever system you are using. This could be a Thunderbolt/USB4-to-PCIe-x4 adapter, or an Oculink x4/x8 to PCIe adapter.

Additional risers and extensions are usually required as well. Because the AgaThA board will provide 12v and 3v3 to the slot itself, you do not have to use powered risers.

History

See Revisons.

More TBA