Upgrading motherboard, CPU & RAM, what needs to be done software-wise?

StutterSlam · May 9, 2021

Looking to upgrade my current build Motherboard, CPU and RAM. Just looking for any tips/guides in regards to what needs to be done software wise before the upgrade (i.e. deleting drivers, reinstalling windows etc.)

Current Build: MSI Z97 Gaming 3 Motherboard, Intel Core i7 4790 & 8GB DDR3

Upgrade: MSI MPG B550 Gaming Edge Wi-Fi Motherboard, Ryzen 5600X & 16GB DDR4

Chris Pratt · May 9, 2021

Generally when switching platforms entirely, it's better to just bite the bullet and reinstall Windows. You can try to remove all the old drivers and such, but if you miss anything, or something gets left behind, you can run into weird issues.

TudorF · May 9, 2021

Technically, this is possible. Windows has a Sysrep tool that can remove all the drivers, settings, etc, which link your drive to a certain hardware configuration.

https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-hardware/manufacture/desktop/sysprep--generalize--a-windows-installation

But once you do that, you shouldn't boot the old system on this generalized drive. And I think you'll have to run some specific setup afterwards. I don't know much about this second part of the procedure. Someone who is sysadmin might be able to tell you how it's done.

But in the end, this tool was specifically made for sysadmins who work with a large fleet of computers that need to occasionally have their OS migrated. So, in such a setting, going through the effort of doing a batch migration is worth it, given the number of machines that would benefit from it. On a home, personal PC, it might not be worth the hassle and you'd be better off just reinstalling Windows.