new motherboard upgrade?

[mog17]

I currently own a stock pc bought from a local retailer about 2 years ago.it has a pent 4 3.0gh processor and agp gfx slot.Im thinking about going down the core 2 duo and pci-e route.2 questions 1...will there be any problems dropping a new motherboard with the formentioned upgrades in it ,if not any good motherboard recommendations(up to £120) any advice extremely welcolmed thx.

[jackvdbuk]

well dont quote me on this but i believe you have a Sokcet 478 motherboard, whereas core2duo is only on socket 775.

socket 775 uses DDR2, so new RAM will be needed
socket 478 uses DDR.

a good core2duo motherboard?

Asus P5b Deluxe Wi-Fi AP, about 120, just get it when it is on today only @ scan!

new motherboards are just out and the RD600 is coming in the new year, which will drive prices down on this particular board (imo)

[mog17]

Thats fine i was planning new RAM anyway,Do u think there will be any problems dropping this board in the system???

[chrestomanci]

Thats fine i was planning new RAM anyway,Do u think there will be any problems dropping this board in the system???

Your existing Windows XP licence will be tied to your motherboard, so when you upgrade it will demand to be re-authorised. If it was an OEM licence from your system builder, or an upgrade then Microsoft will refuse to re-authorise it as they will say that you have an new PC, so you need a new licence.

You can either buy a full retail copy of windows for about £150, or another OEM copy for arround $80. (From the same supplier as you buy the motherboard). Though this will give you the same problem if you upgrade your motherboard again. If you decide to do this, I would wait untill the end of January when Windows Vista comes out.

Alternatively, if you don't want to spend the money, (and don't want to upgrade to Vista), you can tell Microsoft that your old motherboard died and had to be replaced, as they will re-authorise your windows licence in this case. I would tell them that the capacitors on the board started leaking so a friend advised you to buy a new board before the old one died for good.

[BUFF]

you'll probably have to check that your PSU is upto the new components & also do a fresh Windows install.

[mog17]

Thanks guys, much help

[chrestomanci]

you'll probably have to check that your PSU is upto the new components & also do a fresh Windows install.

You may be able to manage without a fresh windows install. I would try installing the new mobo, running the driver disc that comes with it and seeing how it works. If it does not you have not lost much.

Having said that, if your current install is a mess of spyware and half un-installed apps, then now would be a good time to do a clean install