I asked the techs at emachine about upgrading to PCI e.Did they tell right?

Question

I'm considering upgrading to a mother board with a PCI e slot and maybe a bigger power supply. Since I've got an emachine I asked them what I could put in it.They told me to buy an "ATX form factor motherboard" and to purchase and install a new OEM or retail copy of Windows.I've got the windows xp restore discs but I'm quessing these aren't what I need.Any suggestions. And try to keep the price out of the clouds if you know what I mean.I'll probably buy a piece at a time until I get it all together.I have taken my motherboard and processor out before so I'm not completely in the dark here.I'm just concerned about getting everything's that compatible.I'm not a super serious gamer but I do like to play FarCry, Call of Duty,Myst and stuff like that.

Answer 1

No ... but they are just following company policy & Microsoft rules by telling you that.
OEM licensing is not valid on a different PC & a user installed new MB would make it a new PC.

The restore CDs 'MIGHT" work ... depends on the BIOS of the new board ...try to get one with of the same brand as the original.

If activation of Windows asks that you call by phone just tell them the PC was repaired by the manufacturer & perhaps they installed a new motherboard in the process.

Their licensing databases have the original activation linked to an algorythm ID on the original motherboard .... they will think you are trying to install on a second PC unless you give them the explanation I suggested.

You may get a lot of "device driver not found" errors by using the restore CDs on a non e-machine PC, but at least Windows will install & will update as necessary after first boot.
... better than paying for another copy of Windows


regards,
Philip T

Answer 2

They are right. If you want to upgrade your Motherboard or processor you are almost always better off buying a new PC.

The restore disc you get works by taking an image of an already assembled PCs hard drive contents and then pushing those same contents onto another PC with the exact configuration. The Hard Drive, Motherboard, and Processor must be exactly the same for the disc to work.

It is just less time consuming and expensive to buy a new PC in your case. If you had a custom built PC with an actual Windows OEM disc, it would still cost you about $100 to have a professional install it, plus whatever the cost of your motherboard is. It is not a good idea to do it yourself because putting in a new motherboard can be challenging even for people who are experienced.

Answer 3

would say they are right, not knowing anything else about it,anytime you change motos, you need a fresh install.