Replace mother board or whole computer

Question

I have a computer that has a fried mother board. First, this is not a Dell, I do own a Dell and I like to turn to Dell when I have a question, etc. I hope this doesn't break any forum policies.

I was advised by a certain computer "squad" that it would be cheaper or cost about as much to replace my whole computer instead of just the mother board, because of having to install all of the operating system, etc.

So I wondered what the general consensus was to my dilemma? There were no other problems with the computer and just browsing the mother boards Dell sells, I didn't see where they were that expensive. As far as installing the operating system, I had to install new software when I got the machine. And I have had to install a new operating system on my Dell before (virus) and added more memory, a new hard drive, etc.

What are the draw backs to replacing the mother board? Is it really as painless as it seems? Is it just a preference? I really like to do my research before tossing the whole thing. Any advice or opinions are greatly appreciated.

My computer is vprMatrix. And please forgive me if this has broken any forum policies, I just need other opinions than that of that "squad".

Thanks!

Tamarismc

edz1001 · Answer

I replaced my mother board recently and it was easy. The hardest part is moving the cpu from one board to the other and that isn't that hard. I did not have to reload any software since my hard drives were fine. Good luck

PETER345 · Answer

Beyond what edz1001 already said, just make sure you want to put more money into the old machine. Often a new machine will provide much better value for not much more money. But of course, it is more work to get the new machine setup.

Peter

PETER345 · Answer

If the motherboard is an exact match, you should be good to go. If not, you will need to reinstall Windows (and possibly buy a new copy). Peter

Tamarismc · Answer

There is nothing wrong with my hard drive either.  So does that mean that I just need to install a mother board to make it go?  I don't need to reinstall anything?   I found a mother board for $75, I think that's pretty good for what I 'know' about mother boards.  I guess if anything else is wrong with my computer I'll find it after I get the mother board in!

shesagordie · Answer

Tamarismc

If the replacing the motherboard will cost only $75, then go for it.

Bev.

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tr4 · Answer

I've been building pc's for 20 years and have seen most of the problems. You did not give any specs on your pc and what new board you were putting into it so no specific info can be given. If the rest of your computer is adequate, then a motherboard replacement sound in order, If you get a board of the same specs, it will be the easiet. Keeping with the same manufacturer is even better. Make sure the new board has as many of the right type of slots that you will need, such as AGP or PCI. Also make sure it takes the same type of memory. And will support your old cpu.  Not likely that you will need to reinstall windows. Just have your cd ready to install all the correct drivers upon boot up. You may have a bad cpu, maybe the fan died and cooked the cpu. So take that into consideration. You may want to consider an upgrade. why not get new motherboard, cpu, fan and memory and speed it up. The cost could be not much more than your replacement cost. If your old vide was an AGP add in card, most likely you'll need on board video or buy a pci-express card also

Tamarismc · Answer

The mother board I'm looking at is from the VPR Matrix web site and is for the model I have. So I'm hoping it will have the same specs.  I don't know if the cpu was bad or the fan or anything else.  The 'squad' said it was just the mother board.  Great info about the video card and memory etc., etc.  It makes it a little easier to know what I could encounter once I get in there!

Teka_72 · Answer

Hi,I bought my Dell in 205,now my computer is not working,so a techinicial told me that I have to buy a mother board for my desktop,do you have any suggestion to make to me?Because,I'm kind of lost in what I have to buy,so please,cans you help me and give me some models,thanks!

PETER345 · Answer

@Teka_72 wrote:

Hi,I bought my Dell in 205,now my computer is not working,so a techinicial told me that I have to buy a mother board for my desktop,do you have any suggestion to make to me?Because,I'm kind of lost in what I have to buy,so please,cans you help me and give me some models,thanks!

You should start a new thread and tell us what the problem is and what computer model you have. Then we can give you better advice.

Peter

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Replace mother board or whole computer

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