Couple new build questions

[steve s]

I'm updating a couple machines with new MB (not sure but probably GigaByte something), Processor (AMD 6000X2), RAM (4gig).

Two things........is there anything in particular on a MB to look for that is a must have for gaming(on board video maybe?).................and 2..

I would like to keep the existing HDD and OS intact. Is it doable....a real PITA, or not going to happen? I don't mind the money for new ones, but was hoping to avoid it for the initial build. I did this a couple of years ago, and did use new drives and OS, but I can't remember if I did it cause I had to, or wanted too.

Thanks for you help.

[BipolarBill]

1. If you're gaming, you don't want onboard video - period. Onboard is weak.

While it's better to have real hardware audio, modern CPUs are so fast that they don't even break a sweat doing onboard audio. It really doesn't matter.

Basically, a motherboard is a motherboard is a motherboard as long as it has the same overclocking features as the next one and the features you like.

2. You may be able to reuse the hard drive, but if it's not SATA and your next motherboard is, it's not worth the effort because you will need your IDE ports for optical drives. IDE ports are moving out of the mainstream fast. I would switch to a SATA drive. If you want to keep your drive, you have to set BIOS boot sequence for it and then do a repair installation immediately upon startup:

http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm

You can reload your OS by copying it to your new drive too and using the same method. Copy with a proper cloning application. Just be aware that you may need to load your SATA controller drivers by pressing F6 and supplying the floppy with the drivers onboard. Once again, if you set the BIOS parameters properly and choose the prper SATA mode, you may not even need to supply drivers. Read your motherboard manual about that.

[BipolarBill]

I caught your other thread before it disappeared. I will answer anyway.

XP Home is more than fine and actually a bit faster than Pro. Vista gaming is actually a step down. Service Pack 3 has actually made XP even faster.

[steve s]

Thanks BB, sorry I don't mean to be splattering the same questions everywhere, I just would like some various opions on these or at least educated one!!

I think for now I'll try to keep the currect HDD......I don't know.... for $70 or so probably better to do SATA, and reload the xphome.......what do you think?

So you're saying......set Bios to boot on HDD or CD and do repair install? I am somewhat familiar....but it's been a while and I have not done that stuff many times!!!

[BipolarBill]

When you have mixed SATA and ATA drives on a motherboard, you have to select your boot drive carefully before repairing or installing.

You may have to go SATA. Many motherboards only have one IDE port these days.

[steve s]

I think I will got to sata....3g/s. plus the xphome oem edition. seems like a good set-up for additional 70 or so for HDD plus 89 for XP.

Probably save me lots of agravation.

Cheers

[BipolarBill]

A clean install is always nice.