My pc is a 2.8ghz P4 with 845gv chipset. It has an OEM version of XP installed. The only reason I would like to swap motherboards is so I can get one with a pci-e or agp slot for a gfx card. I am going to swap everything else. I would like to do this without having to purchase a retail version of XP. I have read that this is possible if the replacement motherboard chipset is compatable and you install basic ide drivers so the new system can load windows in safe mode. I have 2 questions. Should I even attemp this and if so, what mobo should I buy for this to be as smooth as possible. I am happy with my pc except for the fact that I can't get good graphics performance out of it. I am a pc novice, so if anyone here can point me in the right direction, I would appreciate it.

Your owning an OEM version of XP does not invalidate the product key, so long as it has not been abused, some might disagree - but it is totally up to you if you want to fork over $300 for a retail copy of XP, when you already have a legit (OEM) copy. If the chipsets are remotely close enough between the old and new motherboard, you might just get away with a simple swap & nothing more, if not you might need to do a repair install. Bottomline here, make sure you have the product key written down somewhere in case you need to reactivate your copy of Windows after the motherboard swap before you start dismantling the current setup. Goodluck & Merry Christmas!

After looking around a bit, it seems that I can swap mobo with no issues if chipsets are the same. What I need to know now is if there is any way I can see what other chipsets will boot. A good mobo with an 845 chipset is tough to find new. Is there a site that lists chipset compatablity? Also, is there a way I can boot into a repair install if I don't have any XP cd's? I know you can make a restore cd from hdd and get copies from the oem, but are they able to boot into a repair install if its a different mobo? Thanks for the reply. Merry X-Mas to you all too :)

Just get anyone that has the same version of XP as your burn you a copy - it will suffice enough for your plans since you already have your own legal produck key. I can understand your wanting to migrate to the PCi-e interface, but doing so with a new motherboard while keeping your old CPU does not make much sense. You need to look at this as a new PC project more or less. The kicker is - the "shell" that your Compaq came in as well as the other components like the PSU, will throw a wrench at the project. So you probably should think this all through before you start buying components.

If I swap mobo, I am looking to find one that has a 4x or 8x agp which I think would be fine. I play GW and that pretty much it for graphics. If I can get a mobo, psu and agp card for $175 and sell my old gfx card (just paid $100 on ebay for it) for $75, it would be worth it. I am into this machine for $190 for pc and memory so for a total of less than $300, I would be happy. I don't think I can get a better pc for that price. Besides, money is tight for me, so the cheaper I can salvage this, the better.