Swapping motherboards

Liquid_Entity · 15 Jan 2014 at 08:32

I am changing my setup from a ATX to a MATX and am just waiting on the case so I can swap all around. I currently have a Gigabyte GA-Z77-D3H motherboard and have just purchased a new GA-Z77M-D3H.

Do you think I can just fit everything on to the new board including the SSD with my OS on and get no issues? Or will I have to format/re-install Windows 7. Don't really want to go through the rig-moral of re-installing everything so was hoping having all the same architecture it would just hot swap basically.

Terminal_Boy · 15 Jan 2014 at 08:43

Isn't that basically the same MB laid out in MATX format?

I've never reinstalled Windows when changing MBs as Windows will pick up and load generic drivers once it detects the new MB and you can install the specific ones afterwards.

Liquid_Entity · 15 Jan 2014 at 08:45

Yes it's practically the same, was just wondering about the windows licence and if it flags up a code change or something.

Guess I will find out later if OcUK deliver my case today

Cosimo · 15 Jan 2014 at 09:12

If it does get flagged up and says your licence is not valid them just use the automated line to reactivate it.

Philtor · 15 Jan 2014 at 10:56

A clean install is always the recommended approach, however if you simply uninstall the Chipset drivers, shutdown, then install the new board this should work fine

Liquid_Entity · 15 Jan 2014 at 11:01

Hmm good idea with the chipset drivers, although they're probably exactly the same. Will see what happens. If not I guess a fresh reinstall won't do much harm apart from the time taken.

Liquid_Entity · 16 Jan 2014 at 08:01

Well I took one machine apart and rebuilt in the new machine. What an effort these little cases are like, cables and bits n bobs all over the place...

Originally this:

and now this:

Everything booted up absolutely perfect apart from the new Logitech K400 keyboard. It detects in BIOS and pre-Windows 7 logon screen but I cannot get the damn thing to work at all when in Windows. I have deleted all drivers I can with respect to HID or keyboard/mice however it does not connect in Windows. My old Logitech 2800 wireless kb/mouse works fine. Could this be conflicting? However it uses no drivers only Windows drivers. Anyone?