Of all computer hardware, I probably know the least about motherboards.

What information do I need to give you in order for you to know whether a 680i Will work with my system, and how do I find the information. I have Sew.

Ill tell you what I know now.

X1 EVGA 8800 GT
Intel Pentium D 2.80 GHz
3 GB of ram
Windows Vista Home Basic 32 Bit
650 watt Power Supply Unit
Dell 0FJ030
XPS 400 Tower (reletivly large)

Also,
When and if I purchase this motherboard, I will be buying it with another 8800 GT and Intel Q6600.

Hello Cruentus, can you be more specific, there are many motherboards with the 680i chipset?

if you are going to do that, it would probably be wise to upgrade to a non-dell case. i have doubts that a new motherboard would work in it. There is also a possibility that it uses a BTX FF motherboard. but i dont think so. but from what i can see, it would work fine. the only thing is, you would have to reinstall windows

Do you always have to reisntall windows when installing a new motherboard?

yes. windows has drivers set up for the current motherboard. it will not recognize the new one. it will most likely start to go into windows, then reboot.

No you don't, unless it's Vista (if you have Vista.. then yes). It is recommended to re-install Windows though when switching motherboards to ensure that it's 100% compatible but it is by no means necessary.

err, yes you do need to re-install the OS unless the motherboard is very very similar or identical.

Every Operating System since Windows NT, 2000, XP and Vista requires the OS to be re-installed after a motherboard is changed.