How easy/hard is it to replace a mobo?

SixTwoSix

SixTwoSix

SixTwoSix

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From the point of view of someone who has in the past only replaced graphic cards, hard drives, a cpu and cooler a few times and nothing else, how much of a pig is it to replace a mobo in a system but keep all existing components?
 
Very easy. Just unplug everything, and take out all the PCI cards. Maybe the CPU heatsink if it's too big. Pop in new motherboard, check bios settings are correct.

You may have to format windows if it's a different motherboard though.
 
Is it literally that simple, just unplug everything and put everything back in the same corresponding sockets?

How likely is it that i'd have to reinstall the os?
 
It is that simple. Just bear in mind you'll need to re-seat the CPU heatsink so have some thermal paste ready. The most fiddly bit will probably be the front panel connectors.

The only reason you might have to re-install the os is because of the chipset drivers still being installed for the old motherboard. There might be a few conflicts.
 
SixTwoSix said:
From the point of view of someone who has in the past only replaced graphic cards, hard drives, a cpu and cooler a few times and nothing else, how much of a pig is it to replace a mobo in a system but keep all existing components?
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if you can do all that motherboard wont be a problem just look in the manual if you have any problems
 
SixTwoSix said:
How likely is it that i'd have to reinstall the os?
Click to expand...

15% Less maybe? Near 0% if its the same chipset, so it is going to depend.

Uninstall all the drivers you can before switching off for the last time. The, aim to let it auto detect only enough to get your mouse working. Then you can install mobo then gfx drivers etc.
 
Changing the mobo is a sinch, you may have issues when you start the pc though as i have had a few installations fail to boot because if issues with the new chip set and old drivers.
 
My plan is to go from an AMD board to an Intel one, however I also intend to changeover from xp 32 bit to vista 64 bit soon so it's a good opportunity to kill 2 birds with one stone.
 
Its down to how you prepare or pre-plan. If you don't do this it can end up being a hair-pulling experience.

Top tips:
  • Most important: Create enough time for the activity, i.e. do it when free. Set aside, say 4~6 hours
  • Essential: A good & (maybe) long screwdriver, preferably magnetic
  • Manual: Go through it even a quick skim-through & have it by your side when building
  • Info: Research on the mobo online to arm yourself with any useful info like any issues & even updates/fixes
  • Safety: Watch-out for sharp edges & anything that can cause static-shock like sweaters, carpets, etc. The anti-static bag the mobo comes in can be very useful to place things on. & make sure you disconnect PSU from the wall
  • Remember to relax & have fun. Rushing = stress = forget to connect something & even broken components :(
EDIT: This guide might be useful :)
 
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Make sure the motherboard standoffs are in the correct place for the new board.
 
Providing you know how to read a manual...use a screwdriver and have some common sense...its one of the easist things to do (tip: install cpu and cooler before you put the mobo in)
 
Experiences

I've changed a few and I've just a few more tips to add to those above :

a) Make sure the mobo stand off pillars are tight in case you need to remove it again. You don't want the screws to turn and turn without coming out

b) If fitting a new rear case fan with those vibration mounts, do that first as you cannot get to all of them after all your innards are fitted

c) Make sure all power connectors are on and latched

Good luck
 
Excellent advice from a few peeps, many thanks, am feeling a lot more confident about it now, it's something i've always avoided and asked friends to do it for me :D
 
Shoudlnt have any problems doing that, as people have mentioned make sure you got the brass stand offs in the right place, make sure your new I/O sheild is pushed in properly and your board will just slide in with ease,have a check on the back to see if it all lines up ok and you can still plug your keyboard and mouse in etc, put all the screws back in and start adding in your cards and cables.
 
Andromeda1983 said:
(tip: install cpu and cooler before you put the mobo in)
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I think that depends what cooler you are using? even using the stock cooler I find it easier to install once the board is inside the case and screwed down.

I use the TRUE heatsink myself and there is no way I would want that installed before putting the motherboard inside the case. . . .
 
HomZ said:
make sure your new I/O sheild is pushed in properly and your board will just slide in with ease,have a check on the back to see if it all lines up ok and you can still plug your keyboard and mouse in etc, put all the screws back in and start adding in your cards and cables
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Regarding that...



Seen some builds where they've bent the metal fins (above) wrong way or even broken off :o & think they're supposed to act as ground or something.

But, for me, that's where I've lost most blood :mad:
 
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