Explain factors to consider before you upgrade the computer.

Form factor
• What form factor size does your existing case support?
If the motherboard you are looking at getting is ATX and your present case only has
space and stand-offs for a mini-ATX motherboard, you will not be able to install the new
motherboard.
• Do you have any of the extra parts that came with the case, including stand-offs for the
motherboard?
If you are replacing a mini-ATX motherboard with an ATX motherboard and your case is
large enough for it, do you have the stand-offs and screws for the extra mounting points
that the new ATX motherboard will require?
• Do you have the installation media for the operating system and all of your programs?
When you change out a motherboard, unless it is from the same manufacturer and same
model line, odds are you will need to perform a clean installation of the operating system
and your apps. If you try and use the existing operating system currently installed with a
new motherboard, you more than likely to get all sorts of errors. Be prepared to reinstall
the OS and apps.

CPU socket
• What is the socket type of your existing CPU?
You cannot use an LGA1150 processor in an LGA1151 socket.
• Will the new motherboard your thinking about getting support your existing processor?
You will need to do your research on the motherboard you are thinking about getting. If
you cannot find the information online, give the manufacturer a call. There is nothing
worse than getting a motherboard that you cannot use.

Memory slot(s)
• Does the motherboard your thinking about getting support your existing memory
modules?
Again, do your research. You have to make sure that everything is going to go smoothly
when you do the upgrade.
• Or are you going to need to get new memory modules?
If you find out that you will need new memory modules, buy them in pairs (twin-pack,
quad-pack). Try to avoid mixing different memory modules if you can. You will also find
it cheaper to buy them in twin-packs or quad-packs than as single modules.

Expansion slots (PCI-e)
• What do you currently have for expansion cards?
These include graphic card(s), RAID controller card(s), M.2 adapter card(s), Wi-Fi /
ethernet card(s), etc..
• And what type of expansion slot(s) do they use (PCI-e x16, PCI-e x4, PCI-e x1)?
Make a note about all of the different PCI-e slots that are used on your existing
motherboard and reference it when you are looking at a new motherboard.

M.2 Slot(s)
• If your existing mother has M.2 slot(s) and you use them, what form factor, key notches,
and interface do they utilize?
M.2 2242, M.2 2260, M.2 2280? B key, M key, or both? SATA 3, PCI-e 3, or NVMe?

Internal USB connections
• What type of USB headers does your current motherboard have?
USB 2.0, USB 3.0, USB 3.1 Gen 1 or USB 3.1 Gen 2.

Internal drive connectors
• What type of internal drive connectors does your current motherboard have?
SATA, SATA Express or U.2?

Power connector
• What type of power connectors does the motherboard your thinking about getting have
(4-pin or 8-pin ATX 12V)?
Does your existing power supply have the correct connector?

---

Kavungya answered the question on September 1, 2021 at 05:47