I want to replace my current mobo with some version of an X38. My question is: If I replace my current ASUS PB5-VM with...say an ASUS MAXIMUS FORMULA / SE LGA 775 Intel X38 ATX Intel Motherboard will I have to purchase a new copy of my OS? Current is Vista Home Premium. I have read some reports that if you have an OEM version of the OS,(like I have) that in some instances it is necessary to purchase a new Vista disk. I have the original disk that came with my relatively new computer. My System: SuperAlien ATX Case 6 fan case 500 W power supply Core 2 Duo 670 8800 GTS 320 MB ASUS P5B-VM, (weak spot) SuperTalent 3x1GB DDR2 800 Samsung Lightscribe DVD/CD Sony DVD/CD 1x 250 GB HD Sata 1x 500 GB HD Sata Thanks for the feedback. Tom
From what i know (as far as XP goes) you will not need to purchase a new copy of windows, just make sure you keep the sticker that is outside your computer with the key for when it asks you for it. Also since it's windows vista you will need to call Microsoft to activate it since you are only allowed one activation per product key. If you do not have the product key then you can use a key finder to find the key within your registry. Also the nVidia 700 series chipset is coming out soon and more likely than not it will be better than the X38.
It depends how similar the chipsets are. Since both boards use intel chipsets you might be alright, no guarantees though.
