Changing a mainboard

Larry

New Member
How complicated is it to change mainboards ?
If I buy a new mainboard, how hard is it to change mainboards ?
 
very easy just make sure your screwdriver does not scratch the board and also make sure the cpu is sitted tighly.
I didn't make mine sit tight and i ended up confusing everyone on CF that my pc won't install windows XP..lol
but apart from that easy job
 
It's not too hard, but it's the hardest part when it comes to switching out parts, because you need to remove/disconnect everything.
 
If the board is not identical plan on a clean install of Windows and all programs. That doesn't mean necessarily reformatting the drive itself but simply deletion of the current installation and removal of all old drivers. If identical the product activation issue comes up where you can simply call MS or reinstall Windows depending on need there.

XP needed a fresh copy with the identical replacement board installed here while Vista simply remained by calling in to have that reactivated. For performance memory you may have to manually set the dram timings in order for correct memory speed to be seen on the post screen. If you see 667 while you have DDR2 800 memory that's typically a simple trip into the bios for that.
 
Seeing that things are plugged in correctly taking the common sense approach of esd precautions when handling components for a start. Resting the old board as well as new one if still good on a non conductive surface until stored away in an antistatic bag as well as seeing the expansion cards along with memory are fully down in slots, and the cpu is down correctly and secured are necessary.

Once all of that is done you still have the hsf to install with the thermal paste/compound applied correctly and rechecking all power connections before the initial powerup. But once you have done this a few times you soon learn just what to look for if the system fails to start for some reason like forgot the four 12v cpu feed? Maybe you have to replug that in again only very lightly due to a loose contact? Just a few things like that to start with.
 
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