Transfering Hard Drives

[SslagleZ28]

Hi all... So Im getting ready to build my first computer, now to save some cash my current gateway computer is running Windows Vista Home Premium 64bit. I was wondering if Im going to encounter any problems by pulling that hard drive and putting it into a new computer, saving me from buying Windows 7 ($100) and a new HD ($70). Or since Im building from the ground up new motherboard, cpu, gpu, and all that good stuff should I just spend the extra $170. Heres what I think Im buying for the new rig...

--COOLER MASTER 690 II
--MSI 790FX-GD70 AM3 AMD 790FX ATX AMD Motherboard
--XFX HD-587X-ZNFC Radeon HD 5870 1GB 256-bit DDR5 PCI Express 2.1 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX
--Antec EarthWatts EA650 650W Continuous Power ATX12V Ver.2.2 / EPS12V version 2.91 SLI Certified CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC
--AMD Phenom II X4 955 Black Edition Deneb 3.2GHz 4 x 512KB L2 Cache 6MB L3 Cache Socket AM3 125W Quad-Core Processor
--(2x) G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 4GB 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800)
--LG Black 22X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 12X DVD-RAM 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-R 32X CD-RW 48X CD-ROM 2MB Cache SATA DVD±RW

And Windows 7 and a new HD if needed. Also if somethings missing, or theres something I could upgrade for a small price I'm all ears. Thanks in advance.

 

[ScOuT]

You cannot just plug your new hard drive in the new system and it will fire up.

- You can of course use the hard drive and Windows in the new computer but a fresh install of Windows will be needed. Just start the new computer to BIOS with Windows CD in the drive and select load CD drive (not sure what the BIOS will say exactly for that motherboard) then Windows will install. Then of course you will need all the driver files to install.

- I would look at a different power supply. Antec makes great units and I have used them for years but the Earth watts series is non-modular, no sleeving on cables and only 22 amps on the 12v rail. For $100 you can get a better power supply.

Here is a nice Silverstone 700w unit you may want to look at.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817256035

Here is a great Corsair unit, rock solid power supplies used all over the world.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139012

 

[SslagleZ28]

You cannot just plug your new hard drive in the new system and it will fire up.

- You can of course use the hard drive and Windows in the new computer but a fresh install of Windows will be needed. Just start the new computer to BIOS with Windows CD in the drive and select load CD drive (not sure what the BIOS will say exactly for that motherboard) then Windows will install. Then of course you will need all the driver files to install.

- I would look at a different power supply. Antec makes great units and I have used them for years but the Earth watts series is non-modular, no sleeving on cables and only 22 amps on the 12v rail. For $100 you can get a better power supply.

Here is a nice Silverstone 700w unit you may want to look at.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817256035

Here is a great Corsair unit, rock solid power supplies used all over the world.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139012

Thanks Scout... Im thinking I'll just spend the extra money on a new hard drive and OS... I can surely get atleast $170 for my old computer to balance the cost. Oh and good look on the PSU's, I see what they mean by modular, great idea, Im really into the clean look, even if it is inside the case.

 

[Russ88765]

You cannot just plug your new hard drive in the new system and it will fire up.

- You can of course use the hard drive and Windows in the new computer but a fresh install of Windows will be needed. Just start the new computer to BIOS with Windows CD in the drive and select load CD drive (not sure what the BIOS will say exactly for that motherboard) then Windows will install. Then of course you will need all the driver files to install.

- I would look at a different power supply. Antec makes great units and I have used them for years but the Earth watts series is non-modular, no sleeving on cables and only 22 amps on the 12v rail. For $100 you can get a better power supply.

Here is a nice Silverstone 700w unit you may want to look at.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817256035

Here is a great Corsair unit, rock solid power supplies used all over the world.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139012

What if you use it as an external drive via usb/firewire connection? Would it not require a reinstall of windows and still be usable?