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PC Master Race @lemmy.world Mighty @lemmy.world

Motherboard replacement questions

Hi y'all, i used to be so prolific at the whole pc building thing. but now i'm out of the game with age and not buying stuff in a while. so here's my question:

my PC is fine and i upgraded parts of it during the years. but it may be time for a new motherboard, since mine only supports 32gb of RAM which isnt enough anymore.

what do I need to do to replace my motherboard? I guess, i'd have to re-install everything, right? Isn't windows and all the software kinda bound to my motherboard?

since i'm fine with my 2060Super, i guess getting a new PC is not worth it, my case and hard drives are fine. i will need new RAM and SSDs. So what should I look for in a motherboard?

thanks for reading this ramble

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  • Doublecheck whatever new mobo you get supports your video card (extremely likely, I only mention as a formality.), your ram (since you're replacing nbd just match the ram to mobo), your cpu socket (depending on age could be an issue), and the amount of SSD action you want to have.

    Windows will prob need a reactivation (obligatory linux wouldn't have this issue plug to save someone a comment) but the rest of your software likely won't unless you got some pricey bois in there. Reinstalls shouldn't be necessary.

    Be sure to buy thermal paste with it unless you remember where a tube is.

    • great points. thanks! would you know a price point i should have in mind for a mobo? i am not playing the latest and greatest games and not rendering videos, would like upgradability especially with ram.

      • The main thing to look for with motherboards (other than CPU compatibility) is the ports it has. Number/type of usb ports, ethernet speed etc. that's most likely to be the thing that annoys you if you buy the wrong one.

        (PCIE expansion cards can fix most problems there though if needed)

      • The last one I got was 270, prior to that the previous 2 were sub 100. TBH my most recent one (in 2020) was overkill for the time, but I wanted some futureproofing. 150-200 range would prob do you fine and then some

        • thanks! I wasn't sure what to expect when asking this. i feel very old and i'm happy that nobody made fun of me but you're providing help to me in a kind and generous way! have a good one

          • No worries friend, everyone needs a little help from time to time. :)

21 comments