Q: I have a HP Pavilion 533w. It came with the F10 Windows Recovery feature, typical of all HP's. It didn't come with any OS disk. I currently have a Intel Celeron 2.0GHz on a ASUS P4G533 motherboard (With no PCI-E slots). I want to replace them for a AMD Phenom 8650 2.3GHz triple core on a MSI K9A2 CF-F V2 AMD Motherboard (With 2 PCI-E 2.0 slots for games!). It's a drastic change. I also don't want to waste a Benjamin on a new OS disk. I know its possible, but a risky procedure with terrible consequences. I'm asking those who are experts or have done something similar to my attempt at pimping out the PC. I have a HP Pavilion 533w. It came with the F10 Windows Recovery feature, typical of all HP's. It didn't come with any OS disk. I currently have a Intel Celeron 2.0GHz on a ASUS P4G533 motherboard (With no PCI-E slots). I want to replace them for a AMD Phenom 8650 2.3GHz triple core on a MSI K9A2 CF-F V2 AMD Motherboard (With 2 PCI-E 2.0 slots for games!). It's a drastic change. I also don't want to waste a Benjamin on a new OS disk. I know its possible, but a risky procedure with terrible consequences. I'm asking those who are experts or have done something similar to my attempt at pimping out the PC. I already have replaced the Case with a larger one and upgraded to 3 new high speed fans, and i already have a 500WATT power supply. I also have bought the required RAM.
A: I doubt that the combination of parts that you will need to put into this machine would be worth it. You may have to replace the power supply and the motherboard may not be a good fit. Also, the case might not provide the required cooling that's need for that processor. I would have to agree with one of the other contributors, get yourself a new machine with the parts that you want in it. If you purchase instead of building one yourself, the O/S will be installed and they can get it cheaper than you can. OEM manufacturers can still install XP Pro for you. With regards to whether or not you have to purchase a new licensed O/S when you change out your motherboard? Yes you do - unless you install a copy of Linux. The other contributor has it wrong... switch the hard drive - OK, switch the motherboard - purchase a new MS license.