Help finding a new motherboard

[logixs]

Hi, I built my first pc back in Jan 2010 (thanks to the wonderful ppl on this forums for helping me pick parts). The reason I am looking for a new motherboard is that I want to crossfire my gfx card later but my motherboard doesn't support it. I have a few questions. 1) Is it okay to upgrade my motherboard? 2) If I do will I have to backup and wipe my hdd? 3) I overclocked my cpu, how will that affect the new motherboard? 4) Can someone direct me to a good LGA 1156 mobo?

This is what my built consists of -
Tower - NZXT M99 (I'm going to get a new case soon)

Mobo - Gigabyte GA-P55m-ud2 LGA 1156 P55 micro ATX

Gfx - XFX HD 5850 black edition (Thinking about crossfire or just getting a new gfx card)

PSU - Antec Earthwatts EA650 650w

CPU - Intel core 15 - 750 oc'd to 3.4 (Might upgrade this too, Can someone recommend a good cpu? (sandy bridge?) I haven't really kept up with pc parts since I've been busy)

RAM - G.Skill Eco series 4 GB ddr3 (probably add more to make 8gb)

HDD - Samsung spinpoint F3 500gb 7200rpm (Might add another hdd because I didn't realize I would use so much space)

Lite on black 24x dvd

Cooler master hyper 212 (Might upgrade)

----Much help needed... Thank

 

[jb6684]

Could find your exact MB on newegg, found this one....
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128425

With your current system to CrossFire you'll need:
- a new PowerSupply 650watts won't due for Crossfire, you'll need 850watts... about $150 ( http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139011 )
- new motherboard, about $175 ( http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131621 )
- second 5850, about $180 ( http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150477 )

Changing the motherboard will Usually require a fresh load of Win7, kind of a pain.... (& sometimes a battle with Microsoft to re-use the same software key on "substantially new hardware...." (hey, I swapped MB, been there & done exactly this...)

TOTAL : $505 bucks.....

Performance of a pair of 5850's will be:
- between the performance of a SINGLE GTX 570 and GTX 580. ( $350-->$500)
- Or, in ATI land; about a 6970 : cost $300 ( http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127554 )


http://www.guru3d.com/article/his-radeon-hd-6990-crossfire-review/19


RECOMMENDATION: Stick with a single card. You can get a real nice 6970 or GTX 570 (factory OC'd) and have a great system with no hassles...

 

[logixs]

Thanks. What about my cpu? Should I stick with it?
I just picked up a coolermaster haf 932

Was thinking about xfire because one of the local stores where I live is selling another 5850 for cheap. If I got the 6970 it'll cost me around $360 with shipping. Or I might just save up and get a really good card.

You can't re-use windows 7 key?

 

[jb6684]

The Cooler Master 932 is a really nice case@!!

I've got a 922 for a small system and a Cooler Master HAF-X for my main system, good stuff.


Try the NewEgg links if you can, price seem closer to $300 for a 6970 which is currently the most powerful single GPU card ATI makes.... so, it is a Really good card...


The Win7 key is registered on their servers to a specific set of hardware. If you change it "substantially" it throws a flag and says the key is INVALID. Sometimes you can re-register it on-line. Sometimes ya gotta spend an hour on the phone with Microsoft to have 'em reset things for you. (just tell 'em the hardware FAILED. Your not supposed to be able to move the software from system to system...)

 

[logixs]

k thanks for the info. I think I'll take your advice with gfx card. I stopped keeping track of pc trends for a couple months.... There's so much new stuff out. Plus the gfx card I have now is making really loud noises. Hopefully its because of dust in the fan.

 

[logixs]

Best answer selected by logixs.