Windows 10: Motherboard recommendations

Gigabyte told me back in June that my H67A-UD3H-B3 motherboard was compatible with Win10. After months of fighting various issues and an extremely long Gigabyte support ticket trying to get usb issues resolved, I called Gigabyte today because support wanted me to download another 10 iso, wipe the computer and start over for the umteenth time. Now I am told that NO the motherboard is not compatible with Win10. It will work but will continually have issues. I built this computer in 2011 so I have not kept up with the hardware advancements. I am looking at changing the board but have absolutely no idea as what to start looking at or if it is worthwhile to do the change. If I change the board, I would like to use as much of my hardware as possible. Any suggestions?

Ron

:)

 

Can I transfer the Windows 10 upgrade

If you replace the motherboard with the manufacturer's recommended replacement part you are OK. But if you buy a retail motherboard you will need a new license. The motherboard is the computer for licensing purposes.

Run winver and read who the license was granted to. If you, then the license is fully transferrable. If it was granted to the computer's manufacturer, then it dies with the motherboard if you don't use the recommended replacement part.

 

Windows 10 keeps freezing on my PC.

Interesting... I noticed 1 fail in the hardware device and driver checks:

Motherboard Device Configured fail count. 16 tests. 1 failed. (description : motherboard devices)

What is the recommended solution for this? What happens to my Windows license if I update the motherboard?

 

If you want to stick with LGA1155 (to keep your CPU) you're going to have to go back in time to Z77/H67 class chipsets and boards. Like 2012-2013 vintage. Are you sure you want to do that? If so, Tom's Hardware recommends the Asrock Z77 Extreme4 or the next-up version of your current board: the Gigabtye GA-Z77X-UD3H. I dunno. Seems like you might want to spring for newer components all the way around, unless you must make a minimum-cost move. In that case, keep on keepin' on, and see what kinds of deals you can get on those two mobos. From what I can see online, the Asrock fully supports Windows 10, while the Gigabyte appears to have only minor issues, if any.
HTH,
--Ed--

 

Need to update as the older stuff is probably going to create more problems down the road. Thanks Ed

 

If you're thinking about buying new, I'd recommend a Z170 board with an NVMe slot for M.2 SSD. They're wicked fast, and prices are coming down (particularly now that Samsung has the 960 out, 950 prices are dropping). I recommend Tom's Hardware as a good resource for what's worth spending your hard-earned cash to buy, component-wise. Tom Soderstrom who does their motherboard ratings, is an old friend/former colleague of mine. Great guy, really knows his stuff.
--Ed--

 

You must be reading my mind. Have been looking at the Z170's for the past hour. Did not think to go to Tom's Hardware. Headed there now.