New gaming motherboard

[ZeroGravity780]

Do you think it would be a waste of money to upgrade from my z87x-d3h gigabyte board to an MSI gaming 5?

 

[eddieb101]

They are both decent boards, personally i doubt you will see much improvement although the gaming 5 by MSI is a stunning board. I built a system in December using that board for a friend

 

[ZeroGravity780]

They are both decent boards, personally i doubt you will see much improvement although the gaming 5 by MSI is a stunning board. I built a system in December using that board for a friend

I knew my board wasnt bad, but itd go with my current color scheme and it has way more features. Plus its the new generation baords.

 

[eddieb101]

They are both decent boards, personally i doubt you will see much improvement although the gaming 5 by MSI is a stunning board. I built a system in December using that board for a friend

I knew my board wasnt bad, but itd go with my current color scheme and it has way more features. Plus its the new generation baords.

There you go then, probably a wise option over the long run

 

[ZeroGravity780]

Thanks

 

[eddieb101]

Thanks

You're welcome and good luck!

 

[ZeroGravity780]

One more question lol do I have to do a fresh windows install when changing my motherboard?

 

[eddieb101]

One more question lol do I have to do a fresh windows install when changing my motherboard?

This depends on which operating system you have and what type....

If you have windows 7 retail version then no you can use the same "key".... If you bought the OEM version of windows 7 then you will need to buy a new copy of windows. the exception to the rule is if you are replacing your existing motherboard with an identical one due to defect.

If you have Windows 8 then it doesn't matter as they have allowed even OEM copies to transfer across! Best of luck!

 

[ZeroGravity780]

I bought win 7 from microcenter

 

[eddieb101]

I bought win 7 from microcenter

Right then it depends on whether you have a "retail" or "OEM" copy. A retail copy comes in a big cardboard box with lots of documentation and full Microsoft support. An OEM copy comes in a slimline dvd box and literally contain the disk and the code on the box

 

[ZeroGravity780]

Oh yeah mine came in the slim dvd paper package with the key inside with the disc.

 

[eddieb101]

Oh yeah mine came in the slim dvd paper package with the key inside with the disc.

That is the OEM copy of windows 7 which means you will need to buy a new Operating system if changing to a new motherboard. You can keep your Hard drive but it will ask you for a new windows "key" after installation

 

[ZeroGravity780]

Ahh thats lame i might as well fresh install 8.1 then if i cant try and get away with it, thanks again for your help.