So I was wondering about if I could just swap around motherboards. Is this normal to do without resetting anything or is a "new" motherboard only recommended for a fresh system? Because I tried it once and instantly got a lot of messages about like "new devices" and such. Is that all that happens, just hardware-wise, or does all the software need to be reinstalled too? And I don't just mean drivers and such, which are more likely, but also programs and games etc. Besides that in general, would it also help if a motherboard is from the same brand for instance? Like, maybe it uses similar software or if you would use the same BIOS or chipset, things like that... Greetings - Damage Inc.
BIOS settings for new motherboards can, and likely will be, different, depending on the motherboards, old and new. In my case, I ALWAYS do a clean OS install, when changing a motherboard. It takes me a few days to install everything again, but there are no gremlins in the OS, when doing it this way.
Yes, I understand. But that's also the whole issue, to back everything up and reinstall everything again. Since it's extra hassle in my case since we work with 2 people on this computer. So we got extra programs and such things. However, is it even needed with applications though besides the system things? But even then I guess you'd have to format the system which breaks all connections to anything. Or am I seeing that wrong?
You're understanding it, correctly. It is a hassle, but it is the way that I do a new install of major hardware. You can try installing the new motherboard and use the existing hard drive, with the existing Windows install. It may boot up fine, but you will have to install the new motherboard drivers, and you will have the gremlins, from the old motherboard, in your OS. It may not cause you any problems, and the one good thing is, you may not have problems with the programs already on your drive(s). I just find that, by the time that I am in a position to install new major hardware, I have already gone way too long without doing a fresh OS install, so I eliminate as much that can go wrong, as possible, by installing "fresh".
Yes, that counts for here too, this thing is in general from like 2003-2004. But actually it has been running since like late 2006. Only you know how quick things get cluttered up anyways... But I would have to install the device-drivers too right? Since pretty much the first thing I remember to encounter was endless windows of "New device found.". Or whatever it shows in English. But I was just like "Oh noez!" and swapped them right back. I have a Gigabyte motherboard and I have an idea it's broken. If you want to help judge that part, see for my "CPU Freezing System"-thread. But it would be replaced by an ASUS... so I guess that's a pretty different thing.
Yes, the Asus is different than the Gigabyte. And yes, you will have to install the device drivers, and immediately check for a BIOS update for the new motherboard.
And for the rest it should all just work the same? I could live with just doing that, as long as Windows doesn't show up like "due to this and that you need to reformat the drive blabla". XD
Ummm. Don't do a BIOS update unless it's needed. No reason for the necessary risk in my opinion since sometimes BIOS flashes can mess up motherboards.
Ahh, but most BIOS updates are released for a reason, and the chance of killing your BIOS is a lot less likely than it was years ago.
Agreed, only time I've ever had to do such an update was when intel first released their quad core, and dual cores. If DInc isn't changing his processor and just the mobo he ought to be okay... keywords ought to be. Come to think of it; it may be wiser if he doesn't if he has an older P4 hyper-threading core. I've been hearing rumors some of the newer bios flashes in some cases have caused the older processors to stop working or being recognized. Then again it could just that people didn't use the right bios. GrandpaBW - Ahh, but most BIOS updates are released for a reason, and the chance of killing your BIOS is a lot less likely than it was years ago. I'll agree about the killing of the bios factor, this has gotten so much better to do. Yet most updates for the bios only occur when a major change has occurred; such as the release of the intel quad, and duo cores. If and when AMD get their act together with their designs (been hearing that they still can't get their quad core stable; anyone please correct me.) you will see a similar repeat most likely... but where it will apply is if the mobo is capable of handling the chip, and normally its only necessary if you plan on switching out to a new processor. I do hope that it is agreed that one of the nicer things that both amd and intel do is when such a new design come out they normally change the mobo socket with. Although intel didn't do this as of yet, they stayed with the 775 when they released the quad and dual; AMD has done it... what 3 times now time past 4 to 5 years...? (754, 939, and am2 sockets, while intel has only done 2 in the same time? Again please correct me if wrong, sometimes this just goes by so fast you lose track.)
But note that I'm working on the older 478-socket. Lately I've switched from a P4 of 2GHz to one of 3GHz with HT. For the reason, please see my other thread: http://forums.afterdawn.com/thread_view.cfm/694913 But for as far as I know if works just fine with the last version of the BIOS. Which was also released quite some time ago (say 2006/2007), since this board is quite old to start with. Only I'd have to see what ASUS has released, I would read the descriptions (if any) anyways. By the way, about flashing the BIOS: I've only ever done it with the floppy-deal. But I was also told I could do it with a CD-ROM. Is that also possible with a rewritable perhaps? Or maybe and 8CM one? I hope these days they'll make it possible with the card-reader. Makes a lot more sense, should have been like that for years already.
Ohh cool, no problem then. I have at least one of those... Well, LOL... that doesn't mean my motherboard will do the same. It wouldn't just magically change on mine too, unless maybe that last update changed something. Which I kind of doubt...
