!!!HELP!!! Motherboard/Base System Options

[forumdude123]

I have an older pc (compaq sr1910nx, 2006 model) in a new case (as a gift). The specs stink!!! I will upgrade everything except the case, hdd, and operating system, as well as monitor, keyboard, and mouse. But i will upgrade the psu, mobo, ram, cpu, and optical disk drive. I am not sure whether to spend ~300.00 on an integrated hybrid graphics based system or ~700.00 on an nvidia 8800gt based system with sli expandability. The options are listed below:

ATI 780G Hybrid Graphics Based System:

600watt 80+ certified psu: http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=2486983&CatId=1483

motherboard: http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/searchtools/item-Details.asp?EdpNo=3672390&sku=S458-1302

3gb ddr2-667 ram

CPU: http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=2912693

dvd-rw drive

SLI-READY SYSTEM:

750watt psu: http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=2441945&CatId=2036

motherboard: http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3584477&Sku=A455-2812

4gb ddr2-667 ram

CPU: http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=2912693

dvd-rw drive

[4th&3wood]

What are you going to use this computer for?

You don't mention what hdd you are going to use. If you are going to use the existing one you will most likely need to reinstall the OS if you are using Windows, see this. Do you have a installation disc for your OS?

Another consideration with the hdd is if you are using Windows you will have to contact M$ and explain that you have installed their software in another machine and that the other machine no longer exists, other wise it will not be recognized as a legitimate copy. You will have to have the product key at that time.

[forumdude123]

What are you going to use this computer for?

You don't mention what hdd you are going to use. If you are going to use the existing one you will most likely need to reinstall the OS if you are using Windows, see this. Do you have a installation disc for your OS?

Another consideration with the hdd is if you are using Windows you will have to contact M$ and explain that you have installed their software in another machine and that the other machine no longer exists, other wise it will not be recognized as a legitimate copy. You will have to have the product key at that time.

it will be used for software testing and for gaming (mild gaming). the windows os was preinstalled, & all i have to do is run the recovery disc in my pc and it will be as good as new. the hdd is sata 120gb

[4th&3wood]

Did you read the information at the link? Most of the time introducing that hdd to a new chip set is fatal to the OS. I would highly suggest that you back up your important files before you try this. Good luck.

[coolraj003]

I would also recommend backing up the files that you do not wanna loose as what you say is highly risky for the system. Windows would most certainly need reinstallation after changing the mobo, cpu. I dont think the recovery disc would do the trick for ya.

Raj

[forumdude123]

I'm considering using cloning software to reinstall the OS on the new mobo since i dont wanna pay 89.99 for another copy of XP home.

[coolraj003]

but still dont u have to have license for using the os on another machine??

I know for a fact that in my office we use cloning software but still they need to have license to use it on any additional machine.

SO if you want to clone the OS from one pc to another u wtill would be required to have the license to use it on the new machine, but if u already have a os disk then just reinstall from there and all u gonna have to do is get it reactivated by calling MS.

Raj