Is it worth it to replace a Dell XPS 8700 Motherboard?

[micahjolson]

My Dell XPS 8700 Mother board failed. I found a refurbished replacement on newegg for about $169. I could buy a new on on AMAZON for about $220. Is it worth it to replace? Or should I just buy a new board and possibly case (I have heard that the DELL connections for case connections are proprietary).

Is it true that if I get a new MB I will need to re authenticate Win 10? Would I have to pay? Or could I call and explain that I replaced the MB?

 

[Math Geek]

you link the win 10 install to your MS account and then it reactivates easily after the new mobo is in. if you use the same model mobo, then it won't matter anyway.

if you're gonna keep the case, then the same mobo is a good idea cause dell does like to use a lot of non-standard connections and such including from the psu and front panel. so best to keep it all dell.

if your gonna replace the case as well, you may still end up with the psu not working right due to the odd connections so that may be a problem as well. don't know that dell model to know off the top of my head but the xps model psu's are more standard then the other ones so you may get lucky.