The Hundred Gunner

No, just the motherboard. That is, if you're changing the model. If, like in the OP's scenario, the board is replaced with the same model due to repair, then you can call m$ and explain the situation. Under the EULA, you are supposed to be allowed reactivation. If the manufacturer gives you a motherboard of a different model to replace the one you RMAed, then they're supposed to help compensate or deal with the licensing thing... I've never heard someone go through this case, but it doesn't sound pretty.

Then they're breaching the EULA. If you're going to be upgrading your board a lot, you should stick with retail. If you get OEM, you're going to have to buy a new OEM key every time you upgrade. You can still sell the board with the OEM key, though, so if you sell the old board when you buy a new one, you can sell the key with it and make up for the cost (if someone is willing to pay for it.)

If you get a "different one," as in same model, or different model?

If your board fries and you go out and buy your own new board, you have to buy a new key.

If your board fries and you get a "different one" (but same model) through RMA, you should still be allowed reactivation.

I'm pretty sure it uses serial numbers of your various hardware components and then applies some algorithm to come up with a "list of hardware in this machine" code. If it varies too much due to hardware changes, you might be asked to reactivate. If it's relatively the same and the motherboard is still identical, it should pass without asking for reactivation.

Isn't the windows licensing game fun?

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