CPU and Motherboard Upgrade question

[bizerk]

First of all, hello everyone.

I want to upgrade my Processor and Motherboard, they seem to be my oldest parts still in my computer.

I have this Processor-
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103289

and this Motherboard-
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813186141

Now, I am thinking of buying these two:

Processor-
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103674

Motherboard-
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131366

My questions are...
Are they compatible?
Do I just replace the parts, just as I would with RAM, and then turn on my computer again and will everything work fine? or do I have to reinstall my whole Hard Drive or Windows, or something?

I'm running Windows Vista 32-bit. Let me know any other information you might need from my computer.

Thanks

 

[foothead]

You will need DDR3 RAM as well.

You could put the 955 in the old mobo and just use its DDR2. It will most likely require a BIOS flash for this, but should work.

You will also have to reinstall your OS when you swap mobos.

 

[Remeniz]

The new CPU and motherboard will work fine together although you will need DDR3 RAM.

You might get away with repairing the Windows OS once the new components are fitted otherwise it will need a full install.

 

[bizerk]

OK, would I lose any data from my current computer when I reinstall Windows?

and can anyone recommend a good/cheap DDR3 RAM.

Thanks again.

 

[Remeniz]

Your gonna loose everything during a full OS install. Repairing the OS removes only the OS associated files and replaces them according to the new hardware installed. Worth trying the latter first.

 

[foothead]

What are you going to use this computer for?

 

[bizerk]

I do have a lot of games and movies in my computer, some of those games are heavy games, like Dragon Age, Oblivion, and WoW.

 

[foothead]

None of those are heavy in the least.

Get the 955, and keep your current mobo/RAM.

This is your best bet.

 

[lhuser]

I second that. No need to upgrade all of them, but if you'd want the CPU, I'd say it's worth just upgrading that. Costs less to your bill, and I would upgrade the GPU instead...depending what's your current GPU.

 

[bizerk]

Would my old motherboard be able to handle the new processor?