Question about motherboards

[mikerollingsolo]

Currently I run a mATX m4a78LT-M mobo from ASUS, I like the brand and am thinking about going to a full ATX M4A87TD. However the mATX board I have supported 3gb/s SATA while the new one supports 6 GB/s SATA, would this hard drive still work on the new mobo? Or do I need to get a new hard drive?

Another question is once I install a new motherboard using my old components like ram and video card etc, do I need to reinstall the system? I know I would probably have to install new drivers but would that require a complete system re-install? How could I do it with minimal issues? THanks for your help I'm a noob.

 

[MagnusTheBrewer]

Currently I run a mATX m4a78LT-M mobo from ASUS, I like the brand and am thinking about going to a full ATX M4A87TD. However the mATX board I have supported 3gb/s SATA while the new one supports 6 GB/s SATA, would this hard drive still work on the new mobo? Or do I need to get a new hard drive?

Another question is once I install a new motherboard using my old components like ram and video card etc, do I need to reinstall the system? I know I would probably have to install new drivers but would that require a complete system re-install? How could I do it with minimal issues? THanks for your help I'm a noob.

Yes, your old hdd will work on the new mb.

Having to reinstall varies greatly with each specific mb. Generally, there is less hassle when staying with the same mb manuf. Just go ahead and make the switch. What is your reason for wanting to switch to this specific mb?

 

[mikerollingsolo]

I am staying with the same mobo company so if I do switch I don't need to reinstall the software? Or?? Sounds really too easy to be true I'm hoping you're right!

I was installing my old mATX mobo in a new case and neglected to read the instructions and tried to fit it in without putting screws UNDERNEATH the mobo before putting it in. I had a cooler master case that was loud and switched to a NZXT H2 silent chassis which ended up having things like stripped screws and overheating when the front door was closed. I suppose it was quiet but it was a bad experiment and now I discovered I may have damaged the motherboard during installation becasue of my own stupidity (neglecting the instructions) in either case I think I would benefit from a full size ATX anyway. My biggest concern is how smooth the install both hardware and software side may be.

 

[sandorski]

You will at least want to do a Repair Install of Windows.

 

[mikerollingsolo]

What would repair install of windows do?

 

[sandorski]

What would repair install of windows do?

It scans for Hardware changes, then deletes uneeded Drivers, Installs needed Drivers. It's close to a Fresh/Clean Install, except all your Installed Apps/Games are unaffected.

 

[mikerollingsolo]

ooo thank you, do I access this when I first boot up the new build through inserting the uhh windows 7 disc? Or where is this found sorry I'm a noob

 

[sandorski]

ooo thank you, do I access this when I first boot up the new build through inserting the uhh windows 7 disc? Or where is this found sorry I'm a noob

Yup