Help! Needs advice

EINREB

Member
I have an MSI Motherboard (760GM-P25) using an FX-4100 which has become flaky. It sometimes will not recognize USB ports, will not see some of my SAT devices (HD and CD), and I like to replace it. To hold the cost down, I like to keep my FX processor, DDR3 memory and HD, (250GB +1TB) I really do not need any better parts. Any recommendations? Or what am I looking for if I want to look for an replacement myself?
(BTW - Because I do not play Games, a build-in VGA is good enough)
Any help is appreciated.
 

EINREB

Member
Well the only msi 760 chipset motherboard newegg carries right now is this one. ........
I did not think that a processor determined the chipset used, but if that is the only choice I have, I do not mind getting that one. I just thought that I like to try to use another brand board than MSI.
 

beers

Moderator
Staff member
Any other AM3+ board should work.

If you change chipsets you generally have to reinstall Windows.
 

EINREB

Member
Any other AM3+ board should work.

If you change chipsets you generally have to reinstall Windows.
But if he changes chipset, it will definitely have an issue reactivating.

Thanks for your replies, folks! Don't you use the Drivers CD that came with the MB to take care of the Chip-set used? (Or any of the other auxiliary chips)
I bought the OEM version of Windows 7 Ultimate many eons ago, and have reinstalled or repaired it in my computers on many occasions without any troubles. Sure, had to reactivate it sometimes, but it was worth the trouble. The problems with my current MB are worse, I even have problems recovering data from backups on different media! The system consistently hangs up when I try to recover, and I can not find the reasons for it. (Using Windows backup or Arconis with the backups on external USB drives) That, and the other problems mentioned, makes me wanting to change the MB and see if that is the root problem. What else can it be? I have changed HD's and memory without any results. And if I can get everything to work smoothly for less than $100 for a new MB, I do it gladly!
 
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johnb35

Administrator
Staff member
Don't you use the Drivers CD that came with the MB to take care of the Chip-set used?
They would be very old drivers but yeah. Since you have an OEM license, not sure how many times they will let you reactivate on new motherboard, cause basically thats what you are telling me in your post. I was just trying to give you something that most likely wouldn't make you reactivate.
 

mistersprinkles

Active Member
As was said you can use any AM3+ board. I'd suggest you just pick the one that has the features you need. Microsoft is usually pretty easy going about fixing issues with activation if you call them, should you have such an issue changing chipsets (there is more than one am3+ chipset).
Just pick an affordable board that's the right form factor and has the ports and features you want and need. There are still AM3+ boards on the market so you can pick one of the lower end models up really cheap.

Also you should always download the latest drivers from the motherboard maker. The CD is more of a coaster or frisbee.
 

EINREB

Member
As was said you can use any AM3+ board.
..........Also you should always download the latest drivers from the motherboard maker. The CD is more of a coaster or frisbee.

Funny, I am very prone to trouble with whatever I do with computers, when anything can go wrong, it usually happens to me. (just bad luck, I guess), but never had problems with using (old) drivers from a supplied CD.
I will look around for an AM3+ board; here price is more important than age.
 
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