hardware + software question.. re OS

Is it possible to change motherboards, keep the same CPU, vid card and install a new blank SSD HD, but use the older hard drive, with the installed OS (and all my stuff) from an external drive to get back in the game,
or do I need to reinstall the OS? (windows 7)
or wire the old hard drive to the new motherboard?
tx

 

Are you replacing the mobo with the same make and model? Everything should swap over just fine. If you have an open SATA connection, the new, blank SSD should plug into that connection as a secondary drive. Your external drive should plug into a USB port as before. You shouldn't need to re-install Win 7.

 

As long as the new motherboard supports the same CPU socket as the one you are trying to replace, everything should work out. Be sure to double check the new motherboard also supports the same type of RAM as the previous motherboard.

Yes, you can use your previous hard drive as an extra internal or external drive (with external housing or sata/usb kit) if you like.