quote:

Originally posted by djbruuen All things being compatible then, since its a gigabyte mobo, is it essential to stick with gigabyte? or can i change manufactures with the same specs.

What's important is the chipset and more specifically the drive controller. If your existing mobo uses an ICH9 controller than you want to find one with an ICH9; if it's ULi M1575 then find another one with ULi M1575. If you've got one of the nForce boards then get another nForce. And if you've got a VIA then just shoot yourself.

Manufacturer doesn't matter as long as Windows can find the hard drives with the drivers already installed. And since you're running Vista, it doesn't even really matter if it blows up - you wouldn't have to reinstall completely, just run a repair and you're done.

___________________
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quote:

Originally posted by DigiNut What's important is the chipset and more specifically the drive controller. If your existing mobo uses an ICH9 controller than you want to find one with an ICH9; if it's ULi M1575 then find another one with ULi M1575. If you've got one of the nForce boards then get another nForce. And if you've got a VIA then just shoot yourself. Manufacturer doesn't matter as long as Windows can find the hard drives with the drivers already installed. And since you're running Vista, it doesn't even really matter if it blows up - you wouldn't have to reinstall completely, just run a repair and you're done.

thanks for the info digi...i realized my mobo is ICH8...would ICH10 work, as everything else on this mobo seems comparible.

i've figured it best to perhaps trying to find the same ICH8 P965 motherboard. There must be some store between hamilton-toronto that sell used computer parts...anyone know them off hand?

If you're running Vista, ICH10 should be fine. As long as you stick to the Intel chipset, it's the same driver.

(At least I think it is... I know it's the same for ICH8 and ICH9)

I know PC Outlet sells used computers but I think you may have trouble finding used parts in a store. Try eBay or one of the online classifieds.

___________________
My party schedule:
2009-02-21 - DJ Attention @ I'm So Popular
2009-06-18 - DJ Annoying @ People Need To Know Where I'll Be
2012-11-32 - DJ Insufferable ɸ Or At Least the Stalkers I Complain About
2048-06-66 - Spastic & Whocares ¶ Although I'm Actually Flattered
9999-45-81 - Tweaker Gimp ☼ I Probably Won't Even Go To This But I Have To Make Sure I Fill Up All The Available Space Here

quote:

Originally posted by DigiNut And if you've got a VIA then just shoot yourself.

This, just this

quote:

Originally posted by DigiNut If you're running Vista, ICH10 should be fine. As long as you stick to the Intel chipset, it's the same driver. (At least I think it is... I know it's the same for ICH8 and ICH9) I know PC Outlet sells used computers but I think you may have trouble finding used parts in a store. Try eBay or one of the online classifieds.

well i managed to find what 'appears' to be a good deal, and hopefully granted that your advice is accurate, it will be as simple as legoing back together my computer with everything working:

from

gigabyte GA-965P-DS3 ICH8

to

DFI Infinity P965-S Intel P965 ICH8R (will this R make any difference)

Link to MOBO