Changing Motherboard from microATX to ATX

[JusticeGG]

I currently have a (MSI 760GMA‑P34 FX with AMD 760G/SB710 microATX) and I am looking to upgrade to a (MSI 970 GAMING ATX AM3+ Motherboard). I have all the ram and hard drive I need, I would just take the processor from my current motherboard and put in all of my other parts into my case, which supports a ATX motherboard. I am wondering if I need to completely reinstall everything (OS, Games, Video files, Etc.) to make the PC not have compatibility issues. I am using a (AMD FX-8320 3.5 GHz 8-Core Processor). I have had this computer a couple months and I am realizing i need to upgrade to a better motherboard because I am not able to have 3 monitors setup for my surround gaming. I really need to know if i need to do this because I use my computer for everything. Also thinking about upgrading my CPU Cooler. Any recommendations for that too. Thanks Everyone!!!

 

[Milheim]

Yes, when performing a motherboard swap it's highly recommended you reinstall the OS.

 

[Tradesman1]

If your GPU supports 3 monitors should be able to run with your current rig as is

 

[clutchc]

About all you can do is try. Sometimes if the boards aren't too dissimilar, Win will be able to boot to the desktop after loading the necessary drivers from its database for the new board. If you manage to get to the desktop, I recommend running something like CCleaner and doing the Clean and Registry portions both to clean up the garbage left behind and fix errors in the Registry. https://www.piriform.com/ccleaner
Then of course, install the new drivers that came with your new board.

If you're running win7, you'll have to activate anew, because MS ties the license to the motherboard. At worse, you may have to jump thru a few hoops, but it most always allows a new activation. Once activated, you can then check for any Win updates pertaining to the new setup.