[SkyXero]

I am wondering what things I have to do before replacing my motherboard.

I want to find out if just replacing it will have a different effect then doing things before hand.

The motherboard I have now is an Asus M5A78L-M/USB3 Micro ATX AM3+

I want to replace it with an ASRock 970A-G/3.1 AM3+/AM3 AMD 970

NOTE : If you have suggestions for any other red/black colored motherboard AMD and USB 3.0 please notify me.

 

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Gday SkyXero.

The first thing you should be aware off,

The original OS installed (if an OEM version( is tied to the MB, if a boxed Retail version, you can install to another MB.

When you change the MB, you will need to do a fresh install of the original OS and activate it, no problems with the Retail version.

With the OEM version, you may be lucky and activation will happen, but in most cases, activation will fail and you will be prompted to contact Microsoft.   Most people do this via an automated phone service, usually successful, but not guaranteed, sometimes you will have to purchase a new Product Key. 

 

Please Let us know what type of OS disk you have, and whether you want to carry on?

[iammykyl]

Gday SkyXero.

The first thing you should be aware off,

The original OS installed (if an OEM version( is tied to the MB, if a boxed Retail version, you can install to another MB.

When you change the MB, you will need to do a fresh install of the original OS and activate it, no problems with the Retail version.

With the OEM version, you may be lucky and activation will happen, but in most cases, activation will fail and you will be prompted to contact Microsoft.   Most people do this via an automated phone service, usually successful, but not guaranteed, sometimes you will have to purchase a new Product Key. 

 

Please Let us know what type of OS disk you have, and whether you want to carry on?

[SkyXero]

I have a windows 7 disk but I am running windows 10 as of now. The disk I have is usable but I am planning on buying a NZXT H440 case. I do have an optical disk drive, so it could be possible to install it and place it somewhere until I have no need for it anymore. I was wondering if it was possible to place the disk drive on top of something safe whilst installing windows with the disk I have.

[iammykyl]

Yes, you can use the drive, placed on an empty box or cardboard next to the open side of the case, connect SATA and power, directly from e MB.

Do you have the OS product key?

 

So we are clear, you want to do the following.

Buy a new case.

Buy and install a new MB.

Reuse your existing CPU, RAM, GPU, HDD and PSU?   IF YES.

Please list the brand and model numbers of all the parts.  We can then make sure everything is compatible. 

[SkyXero]

Case : NZXT H440 ATX Mid Tower Case

CPU : AMD FX-6300 (HAVE)

GPU : EVGA SSC GTX 970 (HAVE)

RAM : G.Skill Ripjaws X (4x2) (HAVE)

HDD : Western Digital 1 TB (HAVE)

PSU : EVGA 750 Watt Gold (HAVE)

MB : ASRock 970A-3.1 AM3

OLD MB : Asus M5A78L-M/USB3 (HAVE)

 

And yes I want do the following

If you need anymore information please let me know

 

CPU Cooler : Corsair H105

Edited by SkyXero, 09 May 2016 - 04:02 PM.

[iammykyl]

Thanks for the great info.

 

MB.   Consider going for the better featured Asrock Performance/3.1  > http://www.newegg.co...1-942:$$$$20$$$

Your CPU is compatible, > http://www.asrock.co...nce3.1/?cat=CPU(download the user manual)

 

Case,  > https://www.nzxt.com/products/h440-black-red 

Using the site compatibility check, both the EVGA and H105 are OK.

Ensure all traces of old TIM are removed from the CPU, I use, > http://productsourci...U4Q&searchpos=2

or, > http://www.newegg.co...6ODfxoCeXvw_wcB

 

PSU, RAM, HDD, all OK.

Case, CA-H442W-M1  > http://www.newegg.co...ID=3938566&SID=  Caution when ordering, there are still some older models,  CA-H442WM > http://www.superbiiz...=CA-H442WM&c=CJ

 

If we can be of more help or have questions, please let us know. 

[iammykyl]

Gday SkyXero.

Please let us know if you completed the upgrade?

Are your other posts > http://www.geekstogo...dpost&p=2561857and >  http://www.geekstogo...dpost&p=2561892about this upgrade?

 

An update would be appreciated, 

 

Thanks.   

[SkyXero]

First one yes, second one, no. I am wondering if there is another option for a different motherboard other than an asrock brand around 90 Dollars that provides good overclocking and matches a red themed build

 

Update : How is this motherboard fare? http://www.newegg.co...2-713-_-Product

Is the MSI 970 motherboard better than the featured AsRock Performance? Or the Gigabyte 970 board

Edited by SkyXero, 17 May 2016 - 12:18 AM.

[iammykyl]

Best Answer

Thanks for the update.

The boards at the $100 point are all very similar, the Asus/Asrock have more features than the MSI/Gigabyte,  My ranking, Asrock, Asus, Gigabyte, MSI.

 

Compare the boards, choose the board that has the features you want. MSI/Gigabyte, no red boards. 

> http://www.newegg.co...128-651:$$$$$$$