Hi all
I have a 5 year-old ASUS P5Q-PRO Core 2 dual machine which has been extraordinarily stable and reliable. Hence I have been loathe to upgrade preferring to stay with the devil I know. But I feel now it's time to do so before upgrading to X3. Another reason I've not upgraded earlier is that I have a rather complex system and didn't really want to have to re-install until I was forced to move away from Win 7. However, I'm informed by my computer shop that in moving to another Intel motherboard etc, I shouldn't need to re-install my system. It should simply "work" with the new motherboard etc.
Clearly, I'm not much of a computer guy so I need re-assurance that this is correct before proceeding.
 
Also, could someone recommend a good bog-standard, work-horse, tried-and-true, motherboard/CPU/RAM setup?
 
Many thanks
David
 

Hi David,
 
You can migrate the OS install to new hardware.
That said, the best case scenario is to perform a clean install of the OS.
 

Not if it is Windows 8- Windows 8 would know if it is another hardware and ask for new serial.
 
My Antivirus (Norton) recognized new motherboard as new computer and asked for another serial.
 
Motherboard/processor would depend on your other hardware. I assume- if you want new computer, you would want Solid State Drive to load OS and storage drive for recording, may be even dedicated drive for software synths. Depending on your needs. It is always better to reinstall everything, but then again- I don't know what kind of "hairball" you made with all your elements and if there is a way to untangle it. You would want new power supply as well, possibly, video card for dual monitors- depends what you doing. I am using Asus motherboards and Intel processors. Consider  http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131993&nm_mc=EMC-IGNEFL101113&cm_mmc=EMC-IGNEFL101113-_-EMC-101113-Latest-_-IntelMotherboards-_-13131993-L05D if you not overclocking and on a budget, but Z87 Pro would be better. Here is nice top shelf option (I did not compare the prices- you should investigate more, but it has all good parts) http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboBundleDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.1326998  For this configuration I would add SSD and would use Seagate 2 Gb for storage. You can get Seagate 2 Gb at around $95. http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboBundleDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.1326995

vladasyn
Not if it is Windows 8- Windows 8 would know if it is another hardware and ask for new serial.

You are allowed to upgrade your machine's hardware (under the Windows license).
What you're not permitted to do is use a single copy of Windows on more than one machine.
You *can* migrate a Win8 install to different hardware (upgrading your machine).  
You'll have to call the toll-free number, they'll ask how many machines are currently installed with that copy of Windows.
If the answer is a legitimate "one", you'll be able to authorize that copy of Win8 on your upgraded machine.
 
A clean OS install is still the best option.

Most helpful info guys. Many thanks
Cheers
David