I am wanting to build a system with the same mobo I have now. When I turn the system on the bios shows the model of the mobo (asus p8h61-m) but when I search for the mobo I get 3 or 4 version with different letters at the end (lx, le, mx etc) but p8h61-m on its own. I'm planning to use a cloned drive for the OS, would it make a difference if the new mobo didn't have the same letters at the end? Would the drive recognise the hard ware ok or would it have to be the exact model with the same letters at the end?

....I take it that it is not unRAID you are referring to as the OS.

 

I'd check/try to compare all mobo variants of that model.

Typically these are based on the same chipset but offer different/additional/less features, like

some extra sata-, usb-ports coming with an extra chipset/controller fitted to the mobo, different audio features, no. of pcie-slots, .... u name it.

 

So when cloning the drive and boot on a variant model mobo, you will have a chance of lacking drivers for extra components not available under the original revison

or lost features due to non-existent features on the new variant model mobo.

 

Normally the mobo should carry a sticker or the likes, indicating exact model and board revision.

No it's not for unraid its for a copy of a HTPC connected to the Unraid. Want to have copy machines running in the kitchen/dinning room and living as slaves to the primary in the cinema room.

 

Would the lack of something prevent the machine from booting? I mean if I couldn't get an exact board could I slap the drive on something similar and go from there?

The system should boot, however the resulting live environment might not look like what you originally expected.

 

Most critical part IMHO is the graphics adapter....if that has changed and the source OS is lacking drivers, system will revert to std.vga at best.

If the OS is windoze, changeing significant parts may require to perfom the activation again. If you go through that process

too often/fast, you cannot do that online but have to make a call home.

 

There are other side-effect to consider, like

If you're actually using a fixed IP address, booting that cloned system could result in your network being unable to perform/work properly.

The system I want to copy is pretty simple. It comprises of a asus p8h61m motherboard, 4gb of Kingston ram, a 1tb wd green drive, an xcz psu and a i3 2100 CPU. I'm using the on board hdmi for the video and the on board nic with static ip but ill change that on the new machine before I connect to the switch.

 

I'm able to get identical hardware easily for everything except the mobo. If I can manage to find one would you say it could be a straight forward operation?

The system I want to copy is pretty simple. It comprises of a asus p8h61m motherboard, 4gb of Kingston ram, a 1tb wd green drive, an xcz psu and a i3 2100 CPU. I'm using the on board hdmi for the video and the on board nic with static ip but ill change that on the new machine before I connect to the switch.

 

I'm able to get identical hardware easily for everything except the mobo. If I can manage to find one would you say it could be a straight forward operation?

 

You should have gotten a driver's disk with the motherboard.  You have to use that to get the soundcard to work, to access any video mode other than vga (640X480), and many times the NIC driver will not be on the Windows install disk (This means you have no Internet or LAN access!).  Plus, there may be improved drivers for Northgate and Southgate.  If you don't have the disk, go to the manufacturer's website and get it.

 

I believe you will find instruction on how to install these drivers on the disk. 

 

BTW, you are trying to avoid doing a Windows install or think that using a cloned copy of another system will get you a fully 'licensed'  OS?  If the second scenario  is the case, I think you will be in for a shock...  You will eventually have to enter a valid license number and be validated for the OS to continue to run. 

Thanks for the info. I think I have everything to get the job done. It is a windows install with a media centre program. The licence isn't a problem as I have legitimate licences to put in for activation. This is all about saving work and replicating configurations.

 

Thanks again for the help chaps.