Pre Built Computer GPU upgrade

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I posted a thread (that i recently deleted) a few months ago but nobody responded

I now have a much simpler question. If your bios is ''locked/fixed'' can you just change the motherboard with the gpu? And if i do so, do i have to maybe reinstall windows?

I hope this time somebody helps me out.
 
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Wolfshadw
Technically, yes. You could change out the motherboard and install the OS fresh, but it's not a recommended practice. While there are some instances of a motherboard's PCI-Ex16 slot being limited to 25 watts, in most instances, you can install whatever graphics card you like, provided you also have the power supply to support the card as well and no OS install is required.

-Wolf sends
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Wolfshadw

Wolfshadw

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Technically, yes. You could change out the motherboard and install the OS fresh, but it's not a recommended practice. While there are some instances of a motherboard's PCI-Ex16 slot being limited to 25 watts, in most instances, you can install whatever graphics card you like, provided you also have the power supply to support the card as well and no OS install is required.

-Wolf sends
 
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Y0GI

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If your copy of Windows is the "OEM System Builder" version that comes with most prebuilt computers, it is not likely to be able to be installed with a new third party mobo. This is not to be confused with the "OEM" version which you can buy from Newegg, Amazon, etc.

Yogi
 
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Wolfshadw

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Actually, I think they are the same. If you purchase an OEM version of Windows from Newegg/Amazon, *YOU* are the system builder and you are required to support that software.

Quote from Newegg's Windows 10 Home - 64 bit - OEM disclaimer.

Use of this OEM System Builder Channel software is subject to the terms of the Microsoft OEM System Builder License. This software is intended for pre-installation on a new motherboard. This OEM System Builder Channel software requires the assembler to provide end user support for the Windows software and cannot be transferred to another motherboard once it is installed. To acquire Windows software with support provided by Microsoft please see our full package "Retail" product offerings.
Click to expand...

-Wolf sends
 
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That's correct, Wolf. The point that I was trying to make is that the Windows that comes with a Dell, HP, etc. pre-built computer has been "customized" for that computer and will not even start installation when it finds some non-OEM hardware. The OEM version for sale to the public will install but will fail the auto-activation.

Yogi

 
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Why : ''but it's not a recommended practice.''
Also i have the power supply and also the 6-8 pins requiered but i tried to install a r9 270x and i didn't work. Black screen after a lot of research i can only deduce that the bios doesn't allow GPU change. Is there some way around it?
 
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Not exactly sure... says 500 watt but also in the bottom left of the box it came in peak power 550W (HE 500 HEXA series from FSP). I'll be upgrading to a 960-970 and my cpu is an i7 3770.

Edit: If you're asking for the r9 270x i was running, the fans turnt. I seriusly doubt is was the psu. People keep saying that i might of been that but i made research before buying it and it was ok.
 
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Wolfshadw

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Generally not recommended because of proprietary cases from Dell, HP, Acer, etc... can cause issues, but mainly because of the Windows licensing issues. A new motherboard means a new Windows license (per the license agreement). It also voids any warranty/support from the manufacturer.

Can't say as to why you're getting a black screen issue using a new graphics card in your current system/motherboard. Can't troubleshoot without knowing exactly what you do have. You are plugging the display into one of the graphic card ports and not the motherboard port, yes?

-Wolf sends
 
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It was month ago. I selled the r9 but yes i was sure abouth everithing. Pcie 16, psu, connected hdmi to card. It just wouldn't boot. Couldn't acces the bios. The only i didn't tried is upgrading the bios. I think i'll buy a gtx 960 an of it doesn't work a buy a new mobo and a case. For windows i'll figure something out:D !
 
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