Looking to upgrade my case and motherboard. What should I get?

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George Mooey

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Nov 13, 2014
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My current build
CPU - intel i5 4460
Motherboard - ASRock H81M-HDS Micro ATX LGA1150
8 gigs DDR3 1600 Memory
GPU - Zotac Geforce GTX 960 2gig AMP edition
Case - Xigmatek Recon Mid tower
PSU XFX 550w PSU ATX Bronze 80+

The motherboard and Case were bought in november of last year based on a really tight 400 dollar budget I had when making a PC. I really don't like them, as the case is amazingly terrible at basically everything, and I'm not a fan of Micro ATX boards since they're so small, and this specific one lacks upgradability. Also many issues with my GPU covering a cpu fan pin header, and the PCIe express tab to unseat the GPU.
My current look outs at the moment.
case - http://pcpartpicker.com/part/corsair-case-cc9011051ww
mobo - https://pcpartpicker.com/part/asrock-motherboard-h97anniversary
I'm also looking to keep the case with a side panel window, and while also having a black and red design. Not sure if what I picked out is solid. Any recommendations?
Also, looking for info on prepping for changing motherboards. Anything I need to know ahead of time regarding upgrading them?
 
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GhislainG

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Jul 16, 2008
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SuperBiz have the one that I suggested in stock: http://www.superbiiz.com/detail.php?name=MB-H97PFMA I Prefer the Intel LAN controller; otherwise both motherboards basically are the same. Initially you bought the ASRock H81M-HDS Micro ATX that you now want to replace; same with the case. In the end it will cost you more because you didn't buy what you really wanted in the first place. Save the $25 only if you won't replace the motherboard again just because it doesn't fit your color scheme.
 
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George Mooey

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well these weren't what I "initially" wanted . I bought these parts last year on a budget and I was also new to building a PC.
 
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George Mooey

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well thats why im upgrading now. Im not picky on mobo features outside of just work space. Same with the case and the case seems pretty solid outside of minor complaints on wire management.
Also, i've been reading up on changing mobos. Would I have to reinstall windows 8.1 if I upgrade from the mobo I have now to, say the AsRock h97?
Also, whats your take on this? Do you think I should upgrade to a new mobo?
 
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GhislainG

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What's the main reason why you want to upgrade the motherboard? An H97 motherboard won't be faster than your H81, but it has more memory slots, more SATA ports, RAID support, a better audio solution, PCIe 3.0 (basically makes no difference with your GPU), etc. Do you need any of those features? If not, then keep your money.

You don't need to reinstall the OS when switching Intel based motherboards, but you may have to load drivers and register Windows 8.1 again.
 
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George Mooey

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okay. How about with the case? I do wanna get rid of this case I have. cable management is awful and airflow is worse. I've also been eyeing the corsair air 240 since its basically idiot proof in terms of cable management and looks slick.
 
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George Mooey

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i can squeeze it in now that im not necessarily looking for both a motherboard and case.
 
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GhislainG

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In your original post you wrote "I'm not a fan of Micro ATX boards since they're so small", but now you want to buy a case that will never allow you to install an ATX motherboard. It ultimately is your decision if you want the possibility to eventually upgrade to an ATX motherboard or not. I never bought a Micro-ATX case for that reason.
 
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George Mooey

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well via your response, I don't think a atx mobo was worth it for around 70-90 bucks along with a new case if i truly didn't "need" it.
So i figured instead of getting a case that is apparently kinda mediocre at cable management, I'd rather get one that does it really well and also has excellent airflow. I wasn't planning to get a atx board for features. Just for being bigger to work with, but my main priority is whether my computer has proper airflow and cable management.
 
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George Mooey

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Oh, one more thing. When moving parts from one case to another, is there anything I need to know? Do any bios have to be changed, etc? Or is this just a simple swapping of hardware to another case?
 
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