Upgrade from Socket 939 to AM2 -- Any Win XP license probs?

[WhipperSnapper]

I've been contemplating upgrading my Socket 939 Opteron 148 to a dual core Socket 939 chip (probably the Athlon X2 4200). However, with the prices of DDR2 RAM being so low and with what would seem like better longevity for the future upgradeability of Socket AM2, I've been wondering whether it might make more sense to look for a good deal on a Socket AM2 CPU-mobo combo.

I'm pretty sure that I have an OEM copy of WinXP Pro since I purchased it from someone who "parted out" his computer about two years ago. (Interestingly, I didn't have any problems authenticating it with my then new build.)

If I were to swap out my computer's mobo-CPU-RAM, would it then be necessary to format a hard drive and completely reinstall Windows XP Pro? Would I have a problem validating it and getting it to be acceptable for Windows "Genuine Advantage" since I would have used the same license for the Socket 939 build?

It wouldn't make sense, for me, to swap out mobo-CPU-RAM if I also need to drop $100 or so on a new copy of Win XP.

 

[mechBgon]

If it's OEM, the license key will be on an adhesive sticker which should be stuck to your chassis. If it's Retail, the license key will be on a yellow sticker in the big trifold folder that the CD comes in.

Since you're asking, I assume you want the straight answer, rather than the "what-can-I-get-away-with" answer. For OEM, this situation calls for a new license. For retail, it doesn't.

Looking at the bigger picture, dual-core is quite a bit "smoother" when you're multitasking. Do you have 2GB of RAM already? because if you do, you don't want to go higher with 32-bit WinXP anyway, you should move on to 64-bit Vista from there. So dropping in a dual-core Socket939 CPU might be a worthwhile upgrade for you. I spent around $300 for my X2 3800+ (up from a 3000+) and never regretted it on price because the multitasking power was exactly what I needed.

 

[ty1er]

You should be fine. But if you have any problems with the activation just give MS a call, they'll ask why your having activatoin issuses - then just tell them about your upgrade. All set.

Since you're asking, I assume you want the straight answer, rather than the "what-can-I-get-away-with" answer. For OEM, this situation calls for a new license. For retail, it doesn't.

What if WinXP is tide to another piece of hardware thats still in the new system? Say a HD or something else? Wouldnt this make it 100% legit?

 

[mechBgon]

Originally posted by: ty1er
You should be fine. But if you have any problems with the activation just give MS a call, they'll ask why your having activatoin issuses - then just tell them about your upgrade. All set.

Since you're asking, I assume you want the straight answer, rather than the "what-can-I-get-away-with" answer. For OEM, this situation calls for a new license. For retail, it doesn't.

What if WinXP is tide to another piece of hardware thats still in the new system? Say a HD or something else? Wouldnt this make it 100% legit?

The motherboard is evidently considered the key item when defining whether the system is a new system or not. That's from Microsoft's OEM licensing guidelines, which someone was so kind as to post recently. I can hunt it down if you want to see it.

People who don't want these limitations should remember to get retail licenses rather than OEM. It's a product with a 10yr+ lifespan, so give it due thought.