What i need for fitting a motherboard

[joshscott1]

Hi, i had put this on before but i didnt get a very good response as to what i actually needed. So i just ordered a new motherboard for my prebuilt pc and it comes soon. I know i need thermal paste for fitting the cpu but wanted to know if there is anything else i need to fit it. The motherboard is a MSI H61-M-E23 and the cpu is an i5 2500k if it helps.
Thanks.

 

[Eximo]

Assuming the board will fit, not much else.

Upgrading an OEM PC with an aftermarket motherboard can be risky. Some OEMs like to use proprietary hardware and connectors. This may require manually rewiring things like front panel connectors and fan headers. If they used a standard motherboard, then it should be a one for one replacement.

Be prepared to have to re-purchase Windows though. If you can register your copy of Windows via an e-mail address (Windows 10). Otherwise the license key is tied to the motherboard and can't be re-used. Fresh installation of Windows may be needed to get rid of driver related issues when swapping motherboards. Sometimes it works though to just drop the OS onto new hardware.

On upgrades such as these I usually recommended getting your own computer chassis at the same time. Slightly reduces the workload to not have to take the old motherboard out and you then have a chassis more suitable for future upgrades. (If that is a concern anyway)

That said, an i5-2500k really pairs best with P67 or Z77 motherboards so that you can overclock. If you don't plan on that the H61 is an okay choice.

 

[Wolfshadw]

There are a number of issues that need to be thought through before you purchase a motherboard

1) First and foremost is going to be the CPU Support List. Make sure the CPU you have/want is compatible with the board as well as knowing if a BIOS update is required for a CPU will work

2) Form Factors. There are three primary motherboard form factors (sizes, shapes, and motherboard tray holes) that are industry standards. They are ATX, Micro-ATX, and Mini-ITX. The motherboard you purchased is a Micro-ATX form factor and typically fits most modern DIY cases. Pre-Built cases can differ. Case specifications will usually list which motherboard form-factors are compatible.

3) RAM Slots. Just like there is a CPU Support List which lists compatible CPUs, there is often, also a RAM Compatibility List. You need to make sure the RAM you're getting/have is compatible with the motherboard you're getting.

4) CPU Cooler compatibility. You need to make sure you have enough clearance in your case as well as your RAM slots for whichever CPU cooler you have or are getting.

5) Front Power Connectors. Often, pre-built systems will have a block of front power connection cables (Power Button, Reset Button, HDD Activity light) which is rarely compatible with the layout for the motherboard's front power connections.

-Wolf sends

 

[joshscott1]

Assuming the board will fit, not much else.

Upgrading an OEM PC with an aftermarket motherboard can be risky. Some OEMs like to use proprietary hardware and connectors. This may require manually rewiring things like front panel connectors and fan headers. If they used a standard motherboard, then it should be a one for one replacement.

Be prepared to have to re-purchase Windows though. If you can register your copy of Windows via an e-mail address (Windows 10). Otherwise the license key is tied to the motherboard and can't be re-used. Fresh installation of Windows may be needed to get rid of driver related issues when swapping motherboards. Sometimes it works though to just drop the OS onto new hardware.

On upgrades such as these I usually recommended getting your own computer chassis at the same time. Slightly reduces the workload to not have to take the old motherboard out and you then have a chassis more suitable for future upgrades. (If that is a concern anyway)

That said, an i5-2500k really pairs best with P67 or Z77 motherboards so that you can overclock. If you don't plan on that the H61 is an okay choice.

 

[joshscott1]

HI, thank you for the detailed responses, I'm pretty sure ram and cpu are all compatible, the prebuilt motherboard is also micro atx so there should not be an issue with that. As for the other connectors I am not too concerned on it being extra work as I am on a budget here. If you could help with compatibility go ahead, but I don't expect you to. My prwbuilt pc is an m32bf Asus. Currently I have ddr3 ram from corsair in. I have a gtx 1050tI in. The cpu is an amd a10 7800 apu. I could probably spend a little more if there is a new case/hdd needed. If it might take longer fitting, is there videos for it for tutorials? I'm not very computer savvy however I know some stuff
Thank you for the help

 

[Eximo]

Youtube "how to build a computer" should cover the basics you will need. For assembly. You could also look at "Swapping a motherboard"

Switching from AMD to Intel is a bit risky. I have done it a few times successfully, but usually requires installing Windows from scratch due to driver incompatibility.

You are probably good to go since it is ASUS, they tend to use their own boards and don't bother with proprietary equipment.

 

[joshscott1]

Youtube "how to build a computer" should cover the basics you will need. For assembly. You could also look at "Swapping a motherboard"

Switching from AMD to Intel is a bit risky. I have done it a few times successfully, but usually requires installing Windows from scratch due to driver incompatibility.

You are probably good to go since it is ASUS, they tend to use their own boards and don't bother with proprietary equipment.

Hi, thanks for responding, this should be fine then ad I am OK with rebuying windows 10. And so just to confirm all I need is the thermal paste? Thanks. Also please let me know if there is any specifics about thermal paste that I might need to know about. Once again thank you

 

[Eximo]

"How to build a PC" should cover thermal paste application and CPU cooler installation/removal.