New MB install, need some advice please

griffon652

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Jan 26, 2015
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I’m having an issue that I identified as a faulty motherboard. Since the computer is fairly old (2012) I need a new MB so I also need to replace the processor. However, I have never done this before so I have a few questions. Any help would be appreciated. Here are my specs:

-Processor: INTEL I5-2550K 3.4 GHZ 6M LGA1155 RETAIL
-Memory: 2mb X4 DDR3 (I’m aware that I will most likely need DDr4 memory for new MB)
-Tower: AZZA HURRICANE 2000 FULL TOWER GAMING CASE
-MB: GIGABYTE GA-Z77-D3H CROSSFIRE SATA 3 USB 3 LGA 1155
-Graphics card: NVIDIA GTX560 2GB GDDR5 PCI-E DIRCTX 11 (Zotac)
-Main drive: SANDISK EXTREME 120GB SATA-III 6.0Gb/s SSD
-Extra disk space: 1TB SATA III 7200 RPM 3.5" HARD DRIVE
-Power Supply: XTREMEGEAR 700 WATT POWER SUPPLY
-Cooling: CORSAIR HYDRO SERIES H60 120MM LIQUID COOLING

Here is what I need in a MB:

One of my main concerns is a motherboard that will fit with my current tower without me having to modify anything. Meaning I want to be able to take out my MB, put in the new one in the exact place, plug everything back in and be good to go.

I also don’t need anything fancy. I don’t need another z series or any gaming MB. All I want is one that will let me connect both hard drives; have 4 slots for RAM and 1 PCIe slot for my graphics card. I’m assuming that an intel 1151 chipset MB is what I should get because that’s the most popular option out there these days.

So questions:

1. Based on the above, can I just purchase any ATX MB that’s 1151 chipset? I just want it to be a perfect fit for my case without me having to modify/move anything around. Or are there other parameters I’m missing that I need to account for in order to purchase a MB that will fit into my case?

2. What’s the best brand for an MB as far as longevity? I don’t ever want to go through the nightmare of a faulty MB again so I want the brand with the least chance of failure. This MB only lasted me 2.5 years of moderate use.

3. Do I need to purchase another mounting bracket for my new MB or are these things universal? Meaning will my current mount will let me install the new MB?

4. I’m planning to purchase an intel processor with built in graphics. Is it a complicated process to disable the built in graphics so my graphics card works or is it as simple as turning it off?

5. Lastly, any additional tips from the experienced comp guys as far as a MB install? Will I have any compatibility issue with my current setup with a new MB and processor?

Thanks for any help you guys can provide

 
I've never had probs with an ASUS mobo. I've built 3 of them. 2 775's and this a 1150.

Depending on what CPU you get, if the mobo is H110, or Z170, if you get a higher end CPU, you'll have to update the BIOS first to do it.

But,you cant because it wont post

And yup if you get 1151 you'll have to replace the mobo cpu and maybe ram

Different mobos come with their own i/o bracket thing for the back of the case. If thats what you mean


Cant see why the GPU, hdd's and case / PSU wouldnt work






 


Great thanks for the advice. What I meant regarding the bracket is that my current case has screws and standoffs. Will they work with any new MB? I ask this because I know ATX MB's sometimes have slightly different dimensions. For example, my current MB dimension is 12.0" x 9.6". I have seen some as small as 12.0" x 7.5". Just want to make sure a different dimension MB will fit perfectly in my case. I dont want to buy one and find out that it won't line up with my I/O panel.