changing to a mini itx mobo

magicammo · Jan 27, 2015

A couple months ago i built my first pc and i wanted to switch my giant case for a smaller one and was wondering if i would beable to change the motherboard to a mini itx board and just swap everything into a new case? I got my os retail as well

WildCard999 · Jan 27, 2015

Make sure that the MB you select is compatbible with you CPU/RAM/GPU (if any). If you list your parts you currently have I can help you pick out a good MB. Also did you have a smaller case in mind?

WildCard999 · Jan 27, 2015

Since you OS is programmed to the MB/HDD you should do a clean install as well (you can use the same CD key).

magicammo · Jan 27, 2015

@ wildcard999 im wantigg the. Silverston raven rvz01 and i have an i7 devils canyon 88gigs of hyper x ram and a gtx 980 also i kinda lost my cd key lol

WildCard999 · Jan 27, 2015

magicammo :

Wow, really small case. Its a 1150 socket. I'm not sure if that GTX 980 will fit into that case.

magicammo · Jan 27, 2015

@Wildcard999 it will fit xards up to 13 inches so wat can i do about the cd key lol

WildCard999 · Jan 27, 2015

Even though the length is fine the height may not fit. You can look up the CD Key by going into the Start menu> right-click My Computer (or w/e name you have it under) and select Properties> scroll down and it should say Windows is Activated and should show your CD Key.

magicammo · Jan 27, 2015

@wildcard999 thanks man but it will fit seen a video with hardwarecunnucks using this case with a 980 i just want a decent mobo and a low profile cpu cooler and imma be upgrading to 16 gigs of ram

2Be_or_Not2Be · Jan 27, 2015

The height of the graphics card will be fine. The RVZ01 Raven case uses a riser board that allows the graphics card to extend out.

As far as Windows goes, you will NOT get your key just by going to the properties of My Computer. That's just the Product ID and is NOT your activation key. If you don't have your original license for Windows, then you're better off just buying one, like from eBay or elsewhere.

magicammo · Jan 27, 2015

@Wildcard999 i also need. A different psu im kinda stumped on that lol

WildCard999 · Jan 27, 2015

The MB depends on which company you prefer and if you want it to be wireless. Asrock makes a good MB:

http://pcpartpicker.com/part/asrock-motherboard-z97eitxac

I would go with a Silverstone PSU:

http://pcpartpicker.com/part/silverstone-power-supply-sstsx500lg
or
http://pcpartpicker.com/part/silverstone-power-supply-sstsx600g

magicammo · Jan 27, 2015

@Wildcard999 awesome man so how do i go about an os clean install no idea how to do it lol im. Also probably going to have to get a new ssd and os lol

WildCard999 · Jan 27, 2015

This is probably your best bet for a slim cpu cooler:

http://pcpartpicker.com/part/noctua-cpu-cooler-nhl9i

As far as the OS your going to have to just buy a new copy. I don't know if this will work but maybe take that Windows ID and call MS support and let them know you lost the CD Key and maybe they will give you a new one and save yourself like 90$

magicammo · Jan 27, 2015

@Wildcard999 good idea so would i completly uninstall windows or just slap the disk in and reindtall using the ssd that its on

WildCard999 · Jan 27, 2015

I'd try to get that CD Key before attempting any reinstall or transfer.

magicammo · Jan 27, 2015

@Wildcard999 im just wondering how to do a clean install lol also can i just swap my hdd over with no problems?

WildCard999 · Jan 27, 2015

Well if you buy a new SSD then your going to need a Windows installation disk and the CD, once you finish the install then I would format the HDD and use it as a storage drive. If your just using the HDD then before you do the install you will need to delete the partition(s) from the drive. This step is included when your installing Windows.

magicammo · Jan 27, 2015

@wildcard so either way i have to wipe my hdd i cant just transfer

WildCard999 · Jan 27, 2015

magicammo :

Correct.

WildCard999 · Jan 27, 2015

It may be possible for it to boot with the new MB with the OS installed on the old HDD but you will more then likely have drivers/BIOS issues. I made that mistake when I was redoing my system, I changed the MB and it still booted up but then I shut down the system and installed the OS the correct way.

magicammo · Jan 27, 2015

@Wildcard so when i get everything i need just pop in the os cd and clear the ssd of everything then install it again to the ssd

WildCard999 · Jan 27, 2015

magicammo :

Yup

magicammo · Jan 27, 2015

@ wildcard999 so for the psu are there certain ones i can use for itx builds because i know i dont need a large one i think i can go witha 400 watt since the tdp on the 980 isnt over 200

WildCard999 · Jan 27, 2015

400 should be fine as long as your not overclocking. Get the case and see if your current PSU will fit before buying another.

They make a 450W 80+ Gold fully modular silverstone PSU that will be enough power and make cable management much easier:

http://pcpartpicker.com/part/silverstone-power-supply-st45sfg

magicammo · Jan 27, 2015

@wildcard999 ooooo sounds nice but i have a 7750w psu i know it wont fit lol this little upgrade isnt even gonna cost too much at top its gonna be like 230

changing to a mini itx mobo

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