About to buy a new motherboard. What do i need to know ?

[Wheeze201]

I consider myself to be quite good with computers and I think i know most of the things about getting a new motherboard.

So the things I know i need to make sure of is:
The Powersupply will be compatible with it.
Processor must have the same socket number. ( in my case it's 750 )
It fits ( like motherboard must be on the correct side for the case and it's not too big. )
Has at least 1 PCI-Express 16x slot.

And I've heard that if I get a new mobo.. I'll need to re-install Windows.

So is that rumor true and am i missing anything ?

[Morkcheese]

[QUOTE=Wheeze201;18716591]I consider myself to be quite good with computers and I think i know most of the things about getting a new motherboard.

So the things I know i need to make sure of is:
The Powersupply will be compatible with it. [B]It should be unless you have a proprietary psu.[/B]
Processor must have the same socket number. ( in my case it's 750 ) [B]Yep[/B]
It fits ( like motherboard must be on the correct side for the case and it's not too big. ) [B]As long as you have an m-atx/ATX case and get an m-atx/ATX board.[/B]
Has at least 1 PCI-Express 16x slot. [B]Yep[/B]
[B]You also need to make sure the new motherboard supports your RAM.[/B]

And I've heard that if I get a new mobo.. I'll need to re-install Windows. [B]Sometimes[/B]

So is that rumor true and am i missing anything ?[/QUOTE]
.

[GiGaBiTe]

[QUOTE=Wheeze201;18716591]I consider myself to be quite good with computers and I think i know most of the things about getting a new motherboard.

So the things I know i need to make sure of is:
The Powersupply will be compatible with it.
Processor must have the same socket number. ( in my case it's 750 )
It fits ( like motherboard must be on the correct side for the case and it's not too big. )
Has at least 1 PCI-Express 16x slot.

And I've heard that if I get a new mobo.. I'll need to re-install Windows.

So is that rumor true and am i missing anything ?[/QUOTE]

1) It automatically is unless you have a 20 year old AT style computer. You need to check the wattage though.

2) No such thing as a Socket 750.

3) You mean ATX or BTX boards. Just because it physically fits doesn't mean it will be installable. If you're trying to install a 3rd party board in a manufactured computer like Dell or HP, it will not work 99.9% of the time due to the standoff holes or backplate not matching up.

4) You aren't required to have a PCIe slot if you don't need it, though if you want a slotted Video card, you'll need it.

5) In most cases, yes. If you don't, you'll be left with drivers and setting from the old board mixed with the new board drivers that can cause bizarre problems, performance issues and the like. The registry will also be trashed and cause further slowdowns.

[Wheeze201]

Alright so I'm guessing there is nothing missing ?

Worst case scenario is that i have to reinstall windows ( that is if I'm lucky enough not to damage anything )

[GiGaBiTe]

You must reinstall Windows if you upgrade the board.

[JohnEdwards]

google cpuz
download and run it post everything under "mainboard"