New Motherboard Questions

Hi All,

Just have a couple of questions once more.

I was sporting this Motherboard until earlier today:

M2N68-AM PLUS - Motherboards - ASUS

It had a problem with the BIOS chip, which I tried to resolve with flashing. No luck with it so I simply ordered a new one which is arriving tonight:

ASRock > N68C-GS FX

Well, I'd like to ask several questions.

1. In the interest of me saving time, I understand that using the same chipset motherboard as my previous one will allow me to continue using my current installation of Windows. If not, will a repair install fix it? I honestly just want to save time. Installation, updates and all else reaches around 3GBs and my Internet connection won't be very cooperative to say the least.

2. This particular board has support for DDR3 RAM Modules. I can pretty much sell my current modules for the same price that I'll need to get a new 8GB set. Will my processor support it? Will my current Windows installation work on it?

That's all I can think of right now. I'm currently downloading the drivers for the new board as well. I'm writing this from my Dell laptop. :)

Boozad said:

Is your copy of Windows an OEM or retail?

It's retail. I've never really heard of an Ultimate pre-installed into a desktop or laptop?

Edit - Some additional information.

According to this:

http://www.cpu-world.com/CPUs/K10/AM...FGIBOX%29.html

My CPU only supports DDR 1333. But I'd like to future proof my new RAM so I'm planning to go for a DDR 1600 set. From my understanding, it will just run down-clocked. Is that correct?

Right at the top of that spec sheet you listed, it says-Supports AM3+ Processor, 8-Core CPU

You have an Athlon 2, so no, you will need to get another cpu.

You should have researched this before placing your order.

AddRAM said:

Right at the top of that spec sheet you listed, it says-Supports AM3+ Processor, 8-Core CPU

you have an Athlon 2, so no, you will need to get another cpu.

Erm, actually no, according to this: ASRock > N68C-GS FX


Processor support includes:

- Support for Socket AM3 processors: AMD Phenom™ II X6 / X4 / X3 / X2 (except 920 / 940) / Athlon II X4 / X3 / X2 / Sempron processors

Unless I'm missing something here?

Boozad said:

oreo27 said:

It's retail. I've never really heard of an Ultimate pre-installed into a desktop or laptop?

It doesn't have to be pre-loaded to be an OEM. Windows 7 Ultimate OEM

Oh, didn't know that. Not really familiar with that. That seems heaps cheaper though.

I had to replace a motherboard in one of my systems. The original was an ASRock Z77 and I replaced it with an ASUS Z77 motherboard. Used the same CPU (i5 3550) and memory. It was a dual boot Win 7 64 bit OEM and Win 8 Pro (retail). Neither would auto activate with the new motherboard. I was able to get the Win 8 activated by Microsoft after contacting them, but not the Win 7.

oreo27 said:

AddRAM said:

Right at the top of that spec sheet you listed, it says-Supports AM3+ Processor, 8-Core CPU

you have an Athlon 2, so no, you will need to get another cpu.

Erm, actually no, according to this: ASRock > N68C-GS FX


Processor support includes:

- Support for Socket AM3 processors: AMD Phenom™ II X6 / X4 / X3 / X2 (except 920 / 940) / Athlon II X4 / X3 / X2 / Sempron processors

Unless I'm missing something here?

So then, why did you ask

fireberd said:

I had to replace a motherboard in one of my systems. The original was an ASRock Z77 and I replaced it with an ASUS Z77 motherboard. Used the same CPU (i5 3550) and memory. It was a dual boot Win 7 64 bit OEM and Win 8 Pro (retail). Neither would auto activate with the new motherboard. I was able to get the Win 8 activated by Microsoft after contacting them, but not the Win 7.

Okay, so it will work except for the activation. I may need to give them a call too.

AddRAM said:

oreo27 said:

AddRAM said:

Right at the top of that spec sheet you listed, it says-Supports AM3+ Processor, 8-Core CPU

you have an Athlon 2, so no, you will need to get another cpu.

Erm, actually no, according to this: ASRock > N68C-GS FX


Processor support includes:

- Support for Socket AM3 processors: AMD Phenom™ II X6 / X4 / X3 / X2 (except 920 / 940) / Athlon II X4 / X3 / X2 / Sempron processors

Unless I'm missing something here?

So then, why did you ask

Well, because I know that but everything else I asked, I have no idea. I meant no offense with what I responded with earlier. Just stating that it will work according to their website.