Upgrading MB from Intel Chipset to Via Chipset ?

Question

I am planning to upgrade my MB from Intel Chipset to VIA Chipset.
I was just curious about my system compatibility running under Win XP Proffesional.
Is there any issues of compatibility upgrading from Intel Chipset 845GE to VIA PT880 Pro without reinstalling the windows ?

Answer 1

I would never attempt to change the chipset on a motherboard, as I would not be sure of the support chips and other hardware that may or may not be present on a particular motherboard. I believe that some motherboards may be designed to use one particular chipset, just like they are designed to use a certain type of memory. DDR memory and DDR-2 both fit in the same slots, but you can't use them interchangeably because one DDR requires resistors to be built on the motherboard that DDR-2 memory provides on the DIMM. Maybe I'm just to chicken, even with 19 years experience in the PC world, but the biggest jump I would ever try with BIOS would be to flash upgrade it. If you want to upgrade your bios, find another brand motherboard that accepts your current processor and memory with that chipset already installed, and transfer everything else.

Answer 2

Usually there is no problem, however you want to make sure that you Uninstall the Intel Chipset Drivers to make sure that they don't get in the way of the VIA Chipset drivers. If you are planning on an upgrade....upgrade from Intel Processor to AMD Processor. AMD processors tend to run a little bit faster than Intel Processors. You will notice a vast improvement in your computer's capability.