New computer
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New computer
Hi guys. Recently I have been having problems running x rebirth on my machine, suffice it to say that I have not been able to rectify the problem which can be found here:
http://forum.egosoft.com/viewtopic.php?t=372342&start=0
As such I have decided to seriously upgrade my pc in order to properly play this game which is only now getting good. Im upgrading my motherboard, processor, ram, psu and processor fan. The problem is that iv' never done this before and need some help with regard to compatibility and method.
Here is my old spec:
Asus P5B motherboard
8 gb ram (I forget which type)
Core 2 quad q6600 @2.4hz
MSI GTX 560 TI 1.2gb
Crappy psu which I don't even know the name of(possibly made in somewhere like Taiwan)
Winsows 7 sp1 64 bit
250gb old school hard drive
And here is the spec that I am getting
MSI Z97-G45 gaming motherboard (socket 1150)
I5 4440 quad core cpu @3.10
MSI GTX 560 TI 1.2 gb (same graphics card)
8 gb of ram(but I don't know what to get!)
Corsair Builder Series CXM 600W Modular 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX/EPS PSU
Windows 7 sp1 64 bit (same)
250 gb old school hard drive (same)
Ok so I have a few questions which I will list in order:
1. My current graphics card is pci-e 2.0 but the motherboard is 3.0. Will this be a problem or will they be compatible? Will I need an ivy bridge processor, what ever that is?
2. I have no idea what ram I will need but I have a budget of up-to £70. I simply do not know what ram will be compatible with my processor/motherboard.
3. Should I get the modular or non-modular version of the psu, or does it matter?
4. Before replacing the motherboard should I reformat my hard drive? Or will the new installation of windows do all that for me?
Here is the motherboard I am getting:
http://uk.msi.com/product/mb/Z97G45_GAM ... o-overview
Any help?
http://forum.egosoft.com/viewtopic.php?t=372342&start=0
As such I have decided to seriously upgrade my pc in order to properly play this game which is only now getting good. Im upgrading my motherboard, processor, ram, psu and processor fan. The problem is that iv' never done this before and need some help with regard to compatibility and method.
Here is my old spec:
Asus P5B motherboard
8 gb ram (I forget which type)
Core 2 quad q6600 @2.4hz
MSI GTX 560 TI 1.2gb
Crappy psu which I don't even know the name of(possibly made in somewhere like Taiwan)
Winsows 7 sp1 64 bit
250gb old school hard drive
And here is the spec that I am getting
MSI Z97-G45 gaming motherboard (socket 1150)
I5 4440 quad core cpu @3.10
MSI GTX 560 TI 1.2 gb (same graphics card)
8 gb of ram(but I don't know what to get!)
Corsair Builder Series CXM 600W Modular 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX/EPS PSU
Windows 7 sp1 64 bit (same)
250 gb old school hard drive (same)
Ok so I have a few questions which I will list in order:
1. My current graphics card is pci-e 2.0 but the motherboard is 3.0. Will this be a problem or will they be compatible? Will I need an ivy bridge processor, what ever that is?
2. I have no idea what ram I will need but I have a budget of up-to £70. I simply do not know what ram will be compatible with my processor/motherboard.
3. Should I get the modular or non-modular version of the psu, or does it matter?
4. Before replacing the motherboard should I reformat my hard drive? Or will the new installation of windows do all that for me?
Here is the motherboard I am getting:
http://uk.msi.com/product/mb/Z97G45_GAM ... o-overview
Any help?
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I did a quick parts check with pcpartpicker and stuff looks like it should fit together.
- It looks like the new mainboard takes ddr3 memory and your old mainboard takes ddr2 so my guess is you will need to buy memory. DDR2 memory wont fit in a DDR3 memory slot.
DDR3 3000(OC) /2800(OC) /2666(OC)/ 2600(OC)/ 2200(OC)/ 2133(OC)/1866(OC)/1600/1333/1066
-is your hard drive and dvd/cd rom sata or ide? If it's ide (flat cable) you might be screwed because I think theres no ide connectors on the mainboard. Some hard drives/cd roms have both connectors so look at the back or look up the model number. I had to buy a new cd rom when I upgraded my system with that same mainboard. Both my hard drives worked but they might be newer than yours.
-560 ti should fine for a video card I would spend my money on other things or wait for some of the newer cards to get outdated and buy them cheaper.
under specifications you can see what the mainboard can take
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.as ... 6813130771
You might not need to reformat the harddrive to put it on the new machine. I would just to be safe and get a clean build but it might not be necessary.
- It looks like the new mainboard takes ddr3 memory and your old mainboard takes ddr2 so my guess is you will need to buy memory. DDR2 memory wont fit in a DDR3 memory slot.
DDR3 3000(OC) /2800(OC) /2666(OC)/ 2600(OC)/ 2200(OC)/ 2133(OC)/1866(OC)/1600/1333/1066
-is your hard drive and dvd/cd rom sata or ide? If it's ide (flat cable) you might be screwed because I think theres no ide connectors on the mainboard. Some hard drives/cd roms have both connectors so look at the back or look up the model number. I had to buy a new cd rom when I upgraded my system with that same mainboard. Both my hard drives worked but they might be newer than yours.
-560 ti should fine for a video card I would spend my money on other things or wait for some of the newer cards to get outdated and buy them cheaper.
under specifications you can see what the mainboard can take
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.as ... 6813130771
You might not need to reformat the harddrive to put it on the new machine. I would just to be safe and get a clean build but it might not be necessary.
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- Joined: Mon, 30. Oct 06, 09:27
OP, some points:
1) First off, give that graphics card of yours trial in your upgraded configuration, because if your budget is modest, a better card would cost at least the same as your new mainboard/cpu combined. See if you can live with what you already have there. My current card is also a GTX 560 and it runs my 1900x1200 monitor just fine with X Rebirth, (even when my CPU is running standard speed @ 3GHZ, and your new setup sounds like it would be similar). Having said that my GTX 560Ti 1.2 GB, and is a 'limited edition' 448 core which is really a rebadged gtx 570.
2) the PSU @600w is about the smallest I'd get for a desktop system myself, but should be ok with your new system. Same goes to the 8gb of ram (it will do the job at minimum). More would be nicer, but could be added later.
3) mentioned already is the HD / Optical DVD you are using - if by 'old school' you mean it is 3.5" Hard Disk, (not SSD), then as long as is SATA and not IDE connectors you are right to go. btw, there are adaptor connections available for this issue if it arises.
4) Re the first boot with new configuration, if the current OS is still on your hard drive, you might get the blue screen, because all your old mainboard drivers would be installed on there. Its a bit finicky to transfer an existing OS to a new setup, so doing a clean install* is usually recommended.
*Be prepared to re-activate windows if you do this, and note that the re-activation may not recognise your new set up without a phone call to the Microsoft site. Activation is usually 'locked' to the mainboard iirc.
1) First off, give that graphics card of yours trial in your upgraded configuration, because if your budget is modest, a better card would cost at least the same as your new mainboard/cpu combined. See if you can live with what you already have there. My current card is also a GTX 560 and it runs my 1900x1200 monitor just fine with X Rebirth, (even when my CPU is running standard speed @ 3GHZ, and your new setup sounds like it would be similar). Having said that my GTX 560Ti 1.2 GB, and is a 'limited edition' 448 core which is really a rebadged gtx 570.
2) the PSU @600w is about the smallest I'd get for a desktop system myself, but should be ok with your new system. Same goes to the 8gb of ram (it will do the job at minimum). More would be nicer, but could be added later.
3) mentioned already is the HD / Optical DVD you are using - if by 'old school' you mean it is 3.5" Hard Disk, (not SSD), then as long as is SATA and not IDE connectors you are right to go. btw, there are adaptor connections available for this issue if it arises.
4) Re the first boot with new configuration, if the current OS is still on your hard drive, you might get the blue screen, because all your old mainboard drivers would be installed on there. Its a bit finicky to transfer an existing OS to a new setup, so doing a clean install* is usually recommended.
*Be prepared to re-activate windows if you do this, and note that the re-activation may not recognise your new set up without a phone call to the Microsoft site. Activation is usually 'locked' to the mainboard iirc.
[XTrilogy]: Holy Argnu cows! I have found it! An asteroid of pure ore - 100% - I am rich! Now, I just need to find one like that made from silicon. hmmm, where do I want to go today?
X REBIRTH? "JUST A TOURIST until X4 IS RELEASED! Because That SUPERNOVA sure went FUBAR" (Quoting T.Hawk. Read all about it at: http://forum.egosoft.com/viewtopic.php?t=353678)
X REBIRTH? "JUST A TOURIST until X4 IS RELEASED! Because That SUPERNOVA sure went FUBAR" (Quoting T.Hawk. Read all about it at: http://forum.egosoft.com/viewtopic.php?t=353678)

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Going from one make of motherboard to another, nearly always requires a clean install, even still I would go with a clean install anyway.
As for phoning Microsoft for an activation key, I've had to do that a couple of times myself without any problems, just make sure you are at your computer and it's turned on when you phone them.
Also as it's been pointed out, IDE is no longer supported on newer boards, but a converter is pretty cheap, If you don't have the money right now you can always update things later on as you go, the system should work with what you have picked with a workaround here and there, like the converter.
As for phoning Microsoft for an activation key, I've had to do that a couple of times myself without any problems, just make sure you are at your computer and it's turned on when you phone them.
Also as it's been pointed out, IDE is no longer supported on newer boards, but a converter is pretty cheap, If you don't have the money right now you can always update things later on as you go, the system should work with what you have picked with a workaround here and there, like the converter.
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Your new system looks ok except the hard drive new ones are fairly cheap these days and for an OS you don't need a big one just enough to get you up and running, others can be bolted in as and when.
8GB will work ok 16 GB would be better and go for the best you can afford.
Definitely DDR3 1666 don't worry about named brands per se as most even in house suppliers put a guarantee on such items the main thing is to use the same type make to avoid compatability issues.
One thing you should consider is case fans newer systems generate a lot of heat and to much cooling is never enough. For a tenner a pop approx. 20 dollars you can make sure you don't have overheating problems which can have dire consequences. Lastly a clean install is always good. Before installing your OS though always make sure you install the motherboards own drivers first (You should get the disk for this with the MB) or MS will just give you generic ones that leave bits out.
Finally before buying all this in bits why not consider a Case Bundle with the chip and ram preinstalled in a case so all you have to fit are your drives and OS ?
8GB will work ok 16 GB would be better and go for the best you can afford.
Definitely DDR3 1666 don't worry about named brands per se as most even in house suppliers put a guarantee on such items the main thing is to use the same type make to avoid compatability issues.
One thing you should consider is case fans newer systems generate a lot of heat and to much cooling is never enough. For a tenner a pop approx. 20 dollars you can make sure you don't have overheating problems which can have dire consequences. Lastly a clean install is always good. Before installing your OS though always make sure you install the motherboards own drivers first (You should get the disk for this with the MB) or MS will just give you generic ones that leave bits out.
Finally before buying all this in bits why not consider a Case Bundle with the chip and ram preinstalled in a case so all you have to fit are your drives and OS ?
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Depends on the version of Windows. If the copy of Windows came with the PC preinstalled, it is likely an OEM version and yes will be locked to the MB. If we are going to be extremely legal about it, this version will not be valid on any other computer, but likely will be accepted by Microsoft automated validation.*Be prepared to re-activate windows if you do this, and note that the re-activation may not recognise your new set up without a phone call to the Microsoft site. Activation is usually 'locked' to the mainboard iirc.
A retail copy bought seperately will be valid on multiple computers for a limited number of installs.
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Ok, im confused, one poster tells me that I should format my c drive (which is my only drive) before doing the motherboard transplant so that none of the old drivers interfere with the new, which were my thoughts exactly.
But another poster indicates that such an action would not be ok. I don't really understand what you guys mean by a clean install. So let me take you through a step by step method that I would use and you guys can tell me if im doing anything wrong:
1. I would format my c drive on my current build.
2. I would make the motherboard transaction with all necessary hardware.
3. I would boot the machine and the bios would appear (I assume).
4. I would then install my windows 7 (retail version) of the cd when prompted.
5. After windows is installed I would install all the drivers for my hardware such as my graphics card.
Is this method correct? Am I missing anything? What do you guys mean by a 'clean install', what is it and how would I do it? And at what point will I be prompted to do this 'clean install'
Am I to understand that a 'clean install' would make step 1 unnecessary as it reformats the drive anyway?
Thanks guys
But another poster indicates that such an action would not be ok. I don't really understand what you guys mean by a clean install. So let me take you through a step by step method that I would use and you guys can tell me if im doing anything wrong:
1. I would format my c drive on my current build.
2. I would make the motherboard transaction with all necessary hardware.
3. I would boot the machine and the bios would appear (I assume).
4. I would then install my windows 7 (retail version) of the cd when prompted.
5. After windows is installed I would install all the drivers for my hardware such as my graphics card.
Is this method correct? Am I missing anything? What do you guys mean by a 'clean install', what is it and how would I do it? And at what point will I be prompted to do this 'clean install'
Am I to understand that a 'clean install' would make step 1 unnecessary as it reformats the drive anyway?
Thanks guys
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The problem could be with the windows software, as if you acquired the software when you purchased the computer, then it could be locked to that computer and will not work on another computer, that's where the EOM comes in. But if you bought the software separately, then it should be okay and should install on any new computer.
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Max with regard formatting the drive it is often thought of as not really being necessary as loading windows should format the drive.
I however have had problems where having had auto updates from windows turned on the version of windows will be better or newer than the one on the disc and the OS won't install without a lot of faffing about.
Go with plan A and format the drive yourself (Be sure to also delete any partitions on it or you will lose a chunk of the available drive memory you can use).
Before installing windows I would still load up the boards own drivers from the disc that comes with it before installing the Windows OS being careful only to allow the Drivers to load up using a Custom install or you may get landed with commercial software you don't want on your machine which are annoying and difficult to delete.
This step prevents the appearance of missing driver faults in your device manager profile later where sometimes Windows can't trace or download the specific drivers the board needs (Usually because they are obscure or come from China where the board was probably made) which whilst not harmful are not aesthetically pleasing.
I hope that clarifies things a bit.
I however have had problems where having had auto updates from windows turned on the version of windows will be better or newer than the one on the disc and the OS won't install without a lot of faffing about.
Go with plan A and format the drive yourself (Be sure to also delete any partitions on it or you will lose a chunk of the available drive memory you can use).
Before installing windows I would still load up the boards own drivers from the disc that comes with it before installing the Windows OS being careful only to allow the Drivers to load up using a Custom install or you may get landed with commercial software you don't want on your machine which are annoying and difficult to delete.
This step prevents the appearance of missing driver faults in your device manager profile later where sometimes Windows can't trace or download the specific drivers the board needs (Usually because they are obscure or come from China where the board was probably made) which whilst not harmful are not aesthetically pleasing.
I hope that clarifies things a bit.
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OP re; your task list:
1) not necessary till after completing 2)
all other points are in order just note that 3) enter the bios via kbd command - refer to new main board menu - usually is pressing 'delete' key, at boot start.
I should have clarified my comment re 'first boot with new configuration ...' (at '4' my earlier post above) refers to meaning booting from your hard drive which still retains the OS from the previous system. For a clean instal it is not necessary format your hard drive before upgrading your components. This is done AFTER:
When you install a pristine OS ('reinstalled brand new' as opposed to 'repaired') onto a hard drive, it means you do it from the Windows disk which hopefully you have, and requires the product key with it.
PCs first try and boot with their optical drive and if you put the windows 7 dvd disk in before booting your machine, it should boot from there, so totally bypassing your hard drive.
Then you give it instruction to reformat/reinstall the hard drive / OS etc. If it does not boot from the optical drive you just have to get into the PC bios and select the first boot option for it. (usually tapping the 'delete' key while the pc boots).
1) not necessary till after completing 2)
all other points are in order just note that 3) enter the bios via kbd command - refer to new main board menu - usually is pressing 'delete' key, at boot start.
I should have clarified my comment re 'first boot with new configuration ...' (at '4' my earlier post above) refers to meaning booting from your hard drive which still retains the OS from the previous system. For a clean instal it is not necessary format your hard drive before upgrading your components. This is done AFTER:
When you install a pristine OS ('reinstalled brand new' as opposed to 'repaired') onto a hard drive, it means you do it from the Windows disk which hopefully you have, and requires the product key with it.
PCs first try and boot with their optical drive and if you put the windows 7 dvd disk in before booting your machine, it should boot from there, so totally bypassing your hard drive.
Then you give it instruction to reformat/reinstall the hard drive / OS etc. If it does not boot from the optical drive you just have to get into the PC bios and select the first boot option for it. (usually tapping the 'delete' key while the pc boots).
[XTrilogy]: Holy Argnu cows! I have found it! An asteroid of pure ore - 100% - I am rich! Now, I just need to find one like that made from silicon. hmmm, where do I want to go today?
X REBIRTH? "JUST A TOURIST until X4 IS RELEASED! Because That SUPERNOVA sure went FUBAR" (Quoting T.Hawk. Read all about it at: http://forum.egosoft.com/viewtopic.php?t=353678)
X REBIRTH? "JUST A TOURIST until X4 IS RELEASED! Because That SUPERNOVA sure went FUBAR" (Quoting T.Hawk. Read all about it at: http://forum.egosoft.com/viewtopic.php?t=353678)

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