Different motherboards, same chipset = reinstall windows?

[DamnDirtyApe]

I have been until this time running with an Epox 8RDA+ in my computer, which is an Nforce 2 mobo as I'm sure you're all aware. However, I just purchased a Shuttle SN45G barebones, which also contains an Nforce 2 motherboard. What do you think my chances are of being able to transfer all my components (Radeon, RAM, HD, DVD) into the Shuttle without having to reinstall windows XP?

 

[Ionizer86]

I'd say back up the data because I wouldn't rely on not needing to reinstall XP.

 

[dalfollo]

XP does a good job with that type of situation. I had a buddy switch out the MB on a fiernd's PC and Popped in XP before the boot, and it just loaded the drivers it needed and was on his way. but do back up the data

 

[thraxes]

You won't need to reinstall. Do a backup as a precaution but it should start up fine and reinstall peripheral components (Firewire controller, Audio etc...) that may have a different chipset and aren't integrated into NF2.

 

[hans007]

usually it works as long as the southbridges are the same. or very similar. the only reason XP doesnt reinstall is it doesnt have the right disk driver installed. if its a same or similar disk controller it probably will work.

 

[DamnDirtyApe]

Well, it was a success! I just pulled everything out of my old MB, put everything in the Shuttle, and hit the power switch. The only hitch was for my TB Santa Cruz - for some reason it took Windows several reboots to actually recognize it and allow its usage.