What motherboard should I get for i7 860

[Helllearner]

I have recently received my friends i7 860 processor (first gen). I would like to know which motherboard is best suited for it. Also I have a old computer with these specifications

Amd Phenomx2 545 3.0ghz
Nvidia gts 250 1gb
4gb ddr2 ram
1 sata 500gb hd
Msi 785gt e63 MB
corsair cx 600w builder series psu


I would like to know what parts from my old computer I can reuse in the new motherboard I am going to buy. I do not want to spend a lot of money on the new build.

 

[T_Yamamoto]

Only the gpu psu and hdd can be reused

 

[JonBlack]

^ Yep, the CPU, MB and RAM will not be reusable for sure.

DDR3 RAM is pretty reasonably priced so that's not an issue. (8GB for under $40 shipped on Newegg).

The I7-860 is the older socket 1156. On Newegg your options for new are limited to 11 boards. If you want to go used you can probably find a very nice board on FS/FT forum or ebay.

 

[garikfox]

For that CPU Id go with this one below out of the 11 listed on newegg.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813138161

 

[Helllearner]

Thanks for all the help. I have one more question.

I have my windows 7x64 already installed in my HDD with all my previous motherboard drivers ofc, I am wondering if I just reinsert the HDD without formatting it will it give me problems?

 

[nenforcer]

Do you have an OEM (disk only) copy of Windows 7 x64 or did you purchase a retail copy at say best buy that came in a box?

A retail copy should work without issue but may require a phone call activation. The OEM copy might give you trouble if you have to reactivate which isn't allowed for an OEM version.

 

[Helllearner]

I have no disk. I will install windows 7 via pendrive. I would like to know if it is supported also.

 

[JonBlack]

I have no disk. I will install windows 7 via pendrive. I would like to know if it is supported also.

This is definitely a YMMV situation!

You might get lucky and fire up the new system and Windows 7 is all cool with it. Then again it might not like and want you to reactivate it online. There is a chance you'll have to call MS. Even if you have to make a phone call, I have found that MS is very lenient about things. Or at least it was this way with XP and I think 7's activation scheme is similar in nature.

In the XP era I had an OEM copy, when I made some significant hardware changes it required an online activation. No problem, no call.

I had to also make a call to MS but only used the automated system and didn't have to give a sob story to a person.

I have no disk. I will install windows 7 via pendrive. I would like to know if it is supported also.

Yes, you can install 7 from a thumbdrive. I've done it many times.

 

[Arachnotronic]

Sell the 860, get like $180, then buy a SNB + mobo. Buying a P55 mobo today is a horrible investment.

 

[T_Yamamoto]

^+1

 

[aaksheytalwar]

How will he sell a 860 for that much?