Trying to get the EXACT SAME MOTHERBOARD

well as the tittle stated I am trying to get the exact same motherboard...now I have been searching the net for a good hour and a half and the only thing I've learned so far (something usefull) is how to get my Old Motherboards AA number...is this number enough for me to show up on a computer store and be sure that they have given me the EXACT same motherboard? are there easier and much more efficient way to be sure that I am buying the exact same motherboard? pls put it on plain english for me..thanks for any future help!

P.S.
Obviously I am trying to install a new motherboard but too scared to try a different motherboard, and plus my computer is only a year old so I don't think that my computer is "345 B.C." kind-of outdated...any tips or links or help on installing a new motherboard would be really REALLY appreciated...or is it really a plug-and-replug simple kind of difficulty which is what the technician told me?

 

it should be as simple as strip down / replace easy as long as there are no major hardware changes (eg a new sata controller for your sata drive).

use CPU-Z (http://www.majorgeeks.com/download425.html) to find the manufacturer of your motherboard and the model number. but be warned: if you bought a computer from, say, dell or hp or any of those types of companies, your only bet would be to go straight to them for the board, or go through their channels because they order customized boards from the mobo manufacturers that can't be found in stores.

good luck!

 

I gota ask, your PC is only one year old, why do you need a new motherboard?
What kind of rig do you have, is it major brand or custom built.
Looking for tip & links, do search here at MG.
Here is one:
http://forums.majorgeeks.com/showthread.php?t=41636&highlight=build

 

Apart from using software utilities to scan your PC, just about every piece of hardware, even old stuff, has an FCC number on it. (Usually on a white sticker)

You can look up that number HERE.

BTW, I'm also curious as to why you don't want a new motherboard? Yours should be ATX if it's been made in the last 5 or so years.

 

thanks you guys!

ok lem'me try and answer all the questions...

well it's only been a year old but it's broken already..at least according to one technician. I also went to best buy and they also told me that my motherboard is broken and I need to buy one...they say that that's the only thing broken on my p.c. I bought my computer from dell (Dimmension 8250) if thats what you mean by 'major brand'

I do not know what you mean by 'what kind of rig you have'...like I said i don't speak 'computer'...my first thought was your talking about a fishing bait, but that would be so unlikely

thanks for the warning strogg i'll try to call dell before I order my motherboard, and as to why I'm not trying new motherboard, it's because my friend told me it's complicated...like compatibilities and such, so i'm stickin to the same motherboard..but if I could find an easy way to buy a 'better' motherboard that would be cool...ok I'm gonna go to all the links you gave me as soon as I get home...gotta do something before I get my a$$ fired

P.S.
Is there an article of sort that deals with motherboards....like how to know which motherboard is compatible to your computer parts (i.e. hard drive, memory, chip set and all of those good stuff)..and also if I bought the exact same motherboard, do I have to reinstall windows or format my hard drive?

Thanks again Guys!
martian001

 

Most motherboard info would be on the manufacturer's sites. As far as re-installing Windows, or reformatting your drive, You shouldn't have to do either. If you are using Windows XP, you may have to reactivate it, but that is free, and doesn't take too long.

 

Thanks a bunch dperino!