Upgrading motherboard

[WalleyWorld]

I've doubled my RAM to 16 GB, upgraded my CPU to an Intel7, added a cooling tower over the CPU that's bigger than my... and I am frustrated with the fact that I can't upgrade my USB from a 2.0 to a 3.1 because of the chipset. Am I faced with the fact that I have to upgrade my motherboard because I am willing to. ANYTHING to stay away from Windows 10 !!! (I'm even considering adding Linux to MY knowledge base.) Is there a motherboard out there that can work with Windows 7 and be able to accommodate a 3.1 USB?

[old_geekster]

@WalleyWorld , welcome back to the forum.

You have to make certain that all of your current components are compatible with any new motherboard that you choose.  This can be a bit difficult.  Your best option would be to choose a motherboard manufacturer, such as, MSI and contact their Tech Support for help with choosing the best board for your system and needs.

If you want to get familiar with Linux, I highly recommend Ubuntu (prn: oo boon to).  I have used it for many years.  It is very similar to Windows and has a shorter learning curve.  Here is their website:  https://ubuntuforums.org/

[wb2001 · Accepted solution]

@WalleyWorld,

Like I said in your other inquiry (same question)

https://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/Desktop-Hardware-and-Upgrade-Questions/Changing-from-USB-3-0-to-USB-3-...

Changing the motherboard creates a new computer, voiding the WIN 7 license, which will not receive updates because MS stopped all updates on 01/14/2020.

[WalleyWorld]

Thank you so much for the intel, wb2001 !!!

  Your helpful answer generates another quest for me and that is to find a 2 TB hard drive with a 'virginal' Win 7 out there that I can migrate my old hard drive (with a 'not-so-virginal' WIN 7) into.

  From what I understand - so far - is that I can migrate my old hard drive to a new hard drive with the 'old' WIN 7 and the new hard drive will have an activated WIN 7 (mine) but will - in turn - inactivate the Product Key old my old hard drive. If there exists a 'fresh' WIN 7 on the new hard drive, will my semi-corrupted WIN 7 corrupt the fresh WIN 7 on the new hard drive or will it morph into the fresh WIN 7 and still be activated?

  The reason I wish to do so is because (over a 10 year period) my original WIN 7 software's registry may have become a little too dirty for my liking and cannot be thoroughly cleaned by a registry cleaner. Sometime ago, a Microsoft tech. installed the "CCleaner" even though 'officially' they say registry cleaners should not be used. Should I try to lean the registry of my WIN 7 before the migration?

  Again, thank you for the time you've given me. I'll certainly try to give back to the HP community as I learn.

  BTW, I was fortunate to have WIN 7 in my computer when I swapped out the Intel 5 CPU with the Intel 7 CPU you mentioned. It has increased the speed/effectiveness of this computer significantly !!!

[WalleyWorld]

Thank you, old_geekster(Level 15).

  "...can be difficult."  It certainly hasn't been a cakewalk for this neophyte which is why I am leaning on this community (and fellows of your ilk) for such great help/intel.

  I will reach out to MSI and see what they have as I have (maybe not so unique) wants + needs. I am not too happy with Microsoft's new policy of "We'll fix/adjust this software over time."

  I've been happy/satisfied with my experience using WIN 7 and I do not wish to fix something that ain't broke.

  I've heard that there's a "Wild, wild world" [ABC Sports(?)] out there in Linux Land and i'm going to explore it. From what I've found out so far it seems to have a mindset not too unlike this community and I find that attractive.

  My plan is to add another hard drive to my computer and work with Linux on that. Do you think that getting a hard drive greater than 2 TB capacity and partitioning that is a better idea or does the ol' saying 'Bigger ain't necessarily better' comes into play? For example, bigger hard drives are more susceptible to breaking down?

  Again, thank you for the time you've given me. Tonight I think I'll kick back and watch Slim Pickens + the rest of his cohorts in "Blazing Saddles"

[wb2001]

@WalleyWorld 

You can get WIN 7:

free: must have access to product key

https://www.howtogeek.com/186775/how-to-download-windows-7-8-and-8.1-installation-media-legally/

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows7

No product key, you buy it.

https://atlanticdiscountstore.com/ms_windows7pro_017.php?key=t800bd9beda9ea2b54347b46da4b38e7&affid=...

https://digitalproductkey.com/windows-7-professional/1-buy-purchase-download-install-windows-7-profe...

[WalleyWorld]

These were/are OUTSTANDING links, wb2001 !!! 

If I understand correctly, when I install Windows 7 Ultimate, it will only install what's compatible with what I have in my computer/tower already.

I've already bought + received the graphics card you recommended from Newegg and will have it installed into my motherboard before I install Win 7 Ultimate.

NOW - if you have the time - can you recommend a place where I can get the compatible TV tuner card before I install Win 7 Ultimate?

My goodness!!! You have been SO helpful !!!

After I do all this upgrading to my computer (+ its motherboard) I plan on relating my tale of what I've done + post it to this community. I pray that this will help others who have similar plans/agendas. As I learn, I will post. (Gotta build up my 'karma' account.)

[WalleyWorld]

RE: My previous reply.

I'm happy that the filter for this community allowed the 'karma' word. Earlier I tried to use the word 'm?ntra' word + the filter wouldn't allow it. HA !!!

[WalleyWorld]

m?ntra =  a mystical formula of invocation

A rather innocuous word, ain't it? 

[WalleyWorld]

A friend of mine just recommended this: 

WinTV-HVR-1260 G2 Hybrid TV Tuner PCIe 590051-001 NO-Software/ATSC-NTSC

Does this look alright to you?

Thanks!