• We’re currently investigating an issue related to the forum theme and styling that is impacting page layout and visual formatting. The problem has been identified, and we are actively working on a resolution. There is no impact to user data or functionality, this is strictly a front-end display issue. We’ll post an update once the fix has been deployed. Thanks for your patience while we get this sorted.

upgrade motherboard, need to reinstall OS?

J

JCROCCO

Senior member
If i am to upgrade a mobo by taking it out and replacing it with a new mobo, for faster CPU, memory type, etc, does the OS and/or the data on the HD need to be redone also?

I am thinking yes, which is alot of time, but dont know for sure? If keeping the same OS, can the mobo just be swapped out? OS being XP
 
Well, this is a general question. I am thinking about buying new computers now, (from like adamant, newegg, oxfordpc, etc), customized, and upgradable for the future, as opposed to buying computers from dell or gateway, that are not really upgradable. The company owners want the best deal possible for now and in the future, and whats best? I kinda lean towards custom built, and easily upgradable, tho they see the low $699 computers from dell, etc.

On that point, dell, gateway have some pros as far as warrantees, leasing options, tradins, that might be better than custom.

If custom can be better in long run, rather than buying new computers, i need to show that. I am all for buying custom, but if i need to redo the whole hd for a mobo upgrade, and the components (case/memory/cdrom/usb/fsb/agp etc) are older and out dated, it may be just better to buy all new.

We expect to redo computers say every 4 years. So is buying new better? Kinda the reason for the question.
 
I would format every time you change a motherboard except if it's the same model\revision. You should be able get by if it's the same chipset, but it's always nice to have a clean OS install.
 
Well you don't need to because using Sysprep with WinXP you can move the install to any different kind of hardware there is. It's a little tricky to learn but it's very good at moving an image from one machine to another. I've used it to move my Win2k install at work from 3 different machines. You can get Sysprep from Microsoft's site or it may be on a WinXP CD.

If I'm buying for a business and they don't plan on upgrading for 4 years buy the best you can get at Dell. Even with custom built machines by the time 4 years is up you'll probably be replacing 90% of the parts in there. If you were upgrading every year then it might make sense to go custom since it would be a bit easier to upgrade.
 
I know this is a late reply . . . at least probably for the original poster . . .

Yesterday I swapped out my dead (Intel chipset) Soyo TISU (NEVER a Soyo, again) for a Biostar M6VLQ (VIA chipset!!! as I rebuilding my old desktop for a neighbor.

When I was done and pressed power, I was Waaay to slow to get into BIOS and Win2K started to set up . . . so I let it go to see "what would happen". . . .

Well, Win2K recognized all the new hardware and set up without any problems. 🙂

Easiest major HW change EVAR!!! (I did no prep but set up with a minimal configuration) 😀

So . . . try it . . . it may work.

 
Reinstall. Firstly, because its the smart thing to do. Secondly, think about this: you'll be getting all new hardware. If you run into a problem/strangeness during setup you'll be stuck wondering whether its one of your new parts or your ghetto installation.
 
Originally posted by: snidy1
It's better to reformat unless it's the same chipset. You'll get better performance.
Click to expand...
I know . . . I know

Ultimately, it will be a brand new install of XP for my neighbor . . . but in the short-term . . . nice to have it up and running in less than an hour! 🙂

I was just surprised that it worked at all (and shocked that it worked WELL).

I would NOT even try it with Win98. 😉

rolleye.gif





 
im in a similar position. Changing Mobos
I have 2 mobos, both IntelD845Gebv2. Only diff is one has inbuilt LAN.
One of them doesnot seem to like PS2 mice. If I switch RAM HDISK and GPU, will I need a fresh install? Will a fresh install improve the performance from this whatsoever? Or should I leave that to the benchies to decide 😀

hatim
 
I just went from a VIA KT333 to a VIA KT800. I took a gamble and won, my OS runs perfectly fine on the new motherboard. Just make sure you install the new chipset drivers before anything else once your OS loads back up. The only real downside is that you have to watch the OS locate and designate all your hardware again, "Found New Hardware", "Install New Hardware Wizard" etc etc.. But you should be safe if you're moving to the same chipset manufacturer.
 
I used the recovery feature with XP home and have not had any problems. Went from an SiS chipset based MB that died to and Intel 865 chipset MB. Was up and running 20 minutes upon boot. All programs and devices worked fine.
 
I went from an Asus 865 chipset to the Asus P4C800DX Motherboard with absolutely no problems. I use WinXP Pro. I just did an OS Repair before booting it up. Worked great!
 
Went from a Sis 735 to a Nforce 2 a couple of weeks ago... the XP loading screen came on, i danced... 20 minutes later, the XP loading screen is still up.... 4 hour later, still up. 😀

Same story when going from KT133 to Sis 735... although a KT133A to KT333 provided no problems.

In my experience, its all about vender. If your going Nforce 1 to Nforce 2, you probably wont have a problem... but SiS to VIA, you might need a new install.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Back
Top