Fresh XP Install Needed for Mobo Change?

[defiantsf]

Hey guys,

It's been a while since I have done a full or partial DIY build. Need your advise. Currently, I have a custom-built ancient P4 3GHz Northwood with (argh) RDRAM. The rig really can't or shouldn't be upgraded anymore. LOL. But I really want to get a faster gfx card for it. I considered the X1900pro agp, but it is basically another dead-end. Thankfully, I got a 530W Enermax PS, so power shouldn't be an issue.

I was wondering if a fresh XP install is absolutely needed if I get a transition mobo (keeping the Northwood LOL), adopt modern & cheap DDR1/2 ram, so that I can add a PCI-E gfx card. I never had the XP install disc, only a recovery disc which itself is damaged. Will Windows accept the changes gracefully, or is the surgery too big and requires a fresh install?

Thanks for the help!

 

[engiNURD]

http://www.aumha.org/win5/a/wpa.php

In general, its a crapshoot; but its always a good idea to reinstall and start fresh. However, there aren't any s478 boards that support PCI-E. So, you'd be better off building a whole new system. Your only other alternative is the X1950Pro AGP.

What's your budget?

 

[secretanchitman]

Originally posted by: defiantsf
Hey guys,

It's been a while since I have done a full or partial DIY build. Need your advise. Currently, I have a custom-built ancient P4 3GHz Northwood with (argh) RDRAM. The rig really can't or shouldn't be upgraded anymore. LOL. But I really want to get a faster gfx card for it. I considered the X1900pro agp, but it is basically another dead-end. Thankfully, I got a 530W Enermax PS, so power shouldn't be an issue.

I was wondering if a fresh XP install is absolutely needed if I get a transition mobo (keeping the Northwood LOL), adopt modern & cheap DDR1/2 ram, so that I can add a PCI-E gfx card. I never had the XP install disc, only a recovery disc which itself is damaged. Will Windows accept the changes gracefully, or is the surgery too big and requires a fresh install?

Thanks for the help!

do what i just did a few minutes ago. order a cheap socket 939 (amd) system or a core 2 duo (intel) system. you'll be much happier...

btw, reinstall to be on the safe side.

 

[defiantsf]

My budget is flexible, but was really hoping to change the fewest parts possible while minimizing deadend investments. I would keep the DDR and PCI-E gfx card for a new rig later while throwing away the rest when it's time. I agree that X1950 agp or a brand new system is probably my best bet. But I wanted to see if this 3rd option would work.

 

[Jiggz]

With no installation cd or a damaged recovery disc you're pretty much SOL in re-installing windows. And yes, at the very minimum you will need to do a Rapair Installation of XP, although a clean install is preferred.