Motherboard upgrade procedure

[ezorn33]

Hi all,

As I've researched motherboard installation for my upcoming upgrade (my new mobo is on its way), I've realized that it is in my best interest to format my hard drive and reinstall Windows (and everything else). I just want to confirm that I know what to do and in which order.

As background, I'll be upgrading from an Asus A78VX-X and an Athlon XP-2800+ to an EPoX EP-9NDA3+ and an Athlon 64 3200+.

1. Copy desired files onto a CD. This would include personal files as well as, presumably, my video card driver.
2. Copy the latest BIOS for the new card onto a floppy disk.
3. Format hard drive.
4. Remove old motherboard and processor, as well as video card (which is the only expansion item, I believe).
5. Place new processor (and included heatsink/fan -- is thermal paste necessary?) on new motherboard, along with RAM.
6. Physically install new motherboard; replace video card.
7. Boot up machine with Windows XP installation CD; install Windows XP.
8. Flash BIOS.
9. Install video card driver.

Am I missing anything significant? I've tried to think of other important files to keep, but with onboard sound and ethernet I can't seem to come up with anything.

Is this in the right order (i.e. formatting the hard drive before replacing the mobo, flashing BIOS after installing XP, etc.)?

Thanks!

 

[imported_Kensai]

Thermal compound is DEFINATELY necessary. If you don't apply any, you could end up with a very expensive keychain. I usually just reformat after I've installed the new hardware.

 

[ezorn33]

Oh, I know it's necessary, just not sure if it's included in the CPU/heatsink/fan combo I get with the retail package.

 

[AnnoyedGrunt]

I'm sure the heatsink/fan combo will have some sort of thermal paste included. You should use that and not worry about buying anything fancy unless you are really concerned about 1-2 C in temp difference.

I don't think you need to copy your video driver to a CD. Instead, I'd just download the latest from your graphics chip maker's website after you get windows installed.

Also, I wouldn't flash the Mobo BIOS unless you are having problems or if there is a specific problem you are trying to avoid. Actually, are you talking about a card BIOS? Are you trying to flash the video card? I'm not familiar with that process, so if that is what you are doing then maybe you would want to keep whatever drivers you are curently using in case newer ones have compromised the effectiveness of the flash.

Oh yeah, you can partition and format the HDD during the windows install, so you shouldn't need to do anything to the HDD until you've started the windows install process.

-D'oh!

 

[ezorn33]

I was talking about the mobo BIOS -- I figure if I'm installing a new mobo, I might as well have the latest BIOS available. No?

 

[Fike]

You forgot:
a) curse at heatsink attachment mechanism
b) scrape fingers on sharp mobo components while installing IDE cables
c) try repeatedly to insert memory backwards
d) cut finger on sharp metal edge of hard drive mount
e) drop mounting screws between motherboard and case side
f) ask wife with smaller hands to change small jumpers

 

[fbrdphreak]

Originally posted by: Fike
You forgot:
a) curse at heatsink attachment mechanism
b) scrape fingers on sharp mobo components while installing IDE cables
c) try repeatedly to insert memory backwards
d) cut finger on sharp metal edge of hard drive mount
e) drop mounting screws between motherboard and case side
f) ask wife with smaller hands to change small jumpers

:thumbsup:

 

[Fern]

Originally posted by: ezorn33
As background, I'll be upgrading from an Asus A78VX-X and an Athlon XP-2800+ to an EPoX EP-9NDA3+ and an Athlon 64 3200+.

1. Copy desired files onto a CD. This would include personal files as well as, presumably, my video card driver.
2. Copy the latest BIOS for the new card onto a floppy disk.
3. Format hard drive.
4. Remove old motherboard and processor, as well as video card (which is the only expansion item, I believe).
5. Place new processor (and included heatsink/fan -- is thermal paste necessary?) on new motherboard, along with RAM.
6. Physically install new motherboard; replace video card.
7. Boot up machine with Windows XP installation CD; install Windows XP.
8. Flash BIOS.
9. Install video card driver.

Am I missing anything significant? I've tried to think of other important files to keep, but with onboard sound and ethernet I can't seem to come up with anything.

Is this in the right order (i.e. formatting the hard drive before replacing the mobo, flashing BIOS after installing XP, etc.)?

Thanks!

I wouldn't flash the BIOS until I had tested all the parts and installed windows and ran benchies. Too many variables, and I wouldn't flash it till I was satisfied it was a good mobo (ie, don't wanna flash, then rma it)

I would test it (get it to boot) b4 I installed it in the case. (Mobo, cpu w/HS+F, ram, vid card, PSU, monitor and KB - no drives or other add in cards)

I make cd's with the newest gfx card driver, chipset or mobo drivers, and useful proggies like AV (want that installed b4 going online), memtest86 and P95. Also, of course, have your OS install disks handy.

I usually use the original install disks for mobo and gfx card, then use my cd with the new drivers to update.

I don't see a need to format until you have tested the new parts, find them in good working order andd get them installed in the case.

If you format b4 testing new parts, you may find yourself w/o a working system if you have to rma the mobo etc.

Also, get your tools together b4 you start.

Read the mobo manual b4 you start.

Have beep codes (or what diagnostics this mobo uses) handy b4 you start. If you know the beep codes, it'll be handy if you run into any problems.

Good Luck with your build.

Fern

 

[rivethead]

"I'm sure the heatsink/fan combo will have some sort of thermal paste included. You should use that and not worry about buying anything fancy unless you are really concerned about 1-2 C in temp difference. "

I agree. Everything I've read says the new AMD 64 retail packages come with thermal pad all ready to go. This thermal pad is suppose to be pretty darn good to (as effective as AS5, I've heard).

I've also heard the heatsink/fan works pretty well too. And quiet.

I'll find out for sure this weekend after I build my system.

 

[rivethead]

Fern:

Thanks for the detailed reply. I'm in a similar situation as ezorn33 and I found you post to be very insightful!

I've printed it out and I'll have it on my desk when I start to build this weekend.

 

[Fern]

Your welcome rivethead!

Might also wanna look at the PC Build Guide (with photos etc) put together by an AT member named MechBgon HERE

Good Luck and enjoy your build

Fern