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Replacing a motherboard

Discussion in 'Processors and Motherboards' started by Plinky, Dec 13, 2012.

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  1. Plinky Newcomer, in training

    Hi guys
    A couple months ago my old desktop PC broke down, the fault belonged to the motherboard which has burned out. I know it may sound dumb to say I don't know the motherboard model but I've looked all over the motherboard itself and found no intelligible model numbers. Anyway I was hoping that you guys could help me out picking out a replacement as I'm having some difficulty doing so. I don't want to build it from scratch but rather use the components that are still in good condition.

    PC specs
    Model - Aspire M7300
    OS - Windows Vista 64-bit
    6gb RAM
    750gb storage
    VGA - ATI Radeon 4850 HD 1024mb

    Motherboard specs
    AMD Phenom ii x3 710 triple core processor
    Other unknown

    suggested motherboard? http://www.novatech.co.uk/products/motherboardbundles/mbb-5502a.html

    Many thanks
  2. LukeDJ TechSpot Booster Posts: 292   +48

    The item you have linked is not just a motherboard, it is a motherboard, CPU and memory (RAM) bundle.

    Since you already have a CPU and memory (both of which are more powerful than the bundled ones) you definitely don't want to be going with that.

    The motherboard you will need is an AMD socket AM3 or AM3+

    These are the AM3+ boards on the website you linked.

    http://www.novatech.co.uk/products/components/motherboards/amdam3plus760gchipset/

    http://www.novatech.co.uk/products/components/motherboards/amdam3plus970chipset/

    http://www.novatech.co.uk/products/components/motherboards/amdam3plus990fxchipset/

    However, before I make a recommendation, I need to know what the computer will be used for (gaming, everyday web browsing ect).

    Also, changing a motherboard is quite a task, and may be especially hard on an ACER box like you have. You will end up having to get some new thermal paste for your CPU heatsink (or a new heatsink), and possibly a new copy of windows. It doen't seem like you know a whole lot about PC's, so your going to have to do some research before attempting this.
  3. Plinky Newcomer, in training

    Thanks for the reply I appreciate it, the computer will be used for gaming nothing too high end as well as everyday stuff. I've come to understand that certain motherboards only function with specific ram chips could you confirm this?
  4. St1ckM4n TechSpot Maniac Posts: 1,519   +199

    Pretty much the only difference is DDR2 vs DDR3 (and DDR..). You'd be hard pressed to find a modern mobo without DDR3.
  5. LukeDJ TechSpot Booster Posts: 292   +48