Computer able to run with old thermal paste?

[Hex.]

I recently upgraded my motherboard, and learned I need to have my windows key. Will my CPU be fine if I do not reapply the thermal paste as I move it to my old motherboard to boot windows and copy the code? 

 

I have an i5-4440 with a stock cooler.

[xnoobftw]

If it is temp, then yes

[imreloadin]

6 minutes ago, Hex. said:

I recently upgraded my motherboard, and learned I need to have my windows key. Will my CPU be fine if I do not reapply the thermal paste as I move it to my old motherboard to boot windows and copy the code? 

 

I have an i5-4440 with a stock cooler.

Yeah it'll be fine as long as you don't put it under any kind of load, just boot it up and get the key and shut it down.

 

Just be sure you don't forget to clean the old gunk off and reapply new paste when you get it ready with the new board.

[Bl00dgod]

the windows key is on your old harddrive, why should you swap the cpu around?

i'd connect the HDD to the new pc and boot with ubuntu or something and just read the key

http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=1249597

[Hex.]

1 minute ago, Bl00dgod said:

the windows key is on your old harddrive, why should you swap the cpu around?

i'd connect the HDD to the new pc and boot with ubuntu or something and just read the key

I am on my computer right now, but it says I need to "Activate Windows." According to Microsoft support, the cause is because the system isn't treated as the same computer due to the new motherboard, but I could just input the key and everything is smooth sailing. 

[Bl00dgod]

i know, win10 wants a key if you swap important components like the MOBO,

my idea was to connect the HDD from your old pc to the new and use a ubuntu boot medium ( usb stick, cd ) and read the key from the registry then

HDD is easier to move with less effort than a CPU

[DrM]

3 minutes ago, Hex. said:

I am on my computer right now, but it says I need to "Activate Windows." According to Microsoft support, the cause is because the system isn't treated as the same computer due to the new motherboard, but I could just input the key and everything is smooth sailing. 

if its not a retail key (the ones you pay $119 for and can swap as many mobos as you like) then its tied to the mobo and you cant transfer it, assuming this is windows 8 or higher

[Hex.]

4 minutes ago, DrM said:

if its not a retail key (the ones you pay $119 for and can swap as many mobos as you like) then its tied to the mobo and you cant transfer it, assuming this is windows 8 or higher

Microsoft said that I could switch it over as long as I got the key. But if this is true, is my computer unaffected other than this overlay effect?

https://gyazo.com/b73f84b5ab824cec12c16c11a50d5a1e

[Hex.]

6 minutes ago, Bl00dgod said:

i know, win10 wants a key if you swap important components like the MOBO,

my idea was to connect the HDD from your old pc to the new and use a ubuntu boot medium ( usb stick, cd ) and read the key from the registry then

HDD is easier to move with less effort than a CPU

I'd prefer not to get on the software side of things for this, as I am basically a novice in that department. 

 

Furthermore, I will have to remove the heat sink anyways, as I will need to install a back plate for my heat sink when it arrives in a few days.

[DrM]

7 hours ago, Hex. said:

Microsoft said that I could switch it over as long as I got the key. But if this is true, is my computer unaffected other than this overlay effect?

https://gyazo.com/b73f84b5ab824cec12c16c11a50d5a1e

microsoft said you could switch the key? hmm its worth a try. and if you dont activate windows im sure itll deactivate in 60 days or so

[Quaker]

The key is not stored on the motherboard, it's on the hard drive. If you don't have the actual "printed" key, you can get the key off the hard drive using whatever tool you have, without changing motherboards.

 

In answer to you original question, no, you shouldn't need to be concerned about the thermal paste if you are only running the old mobo to get the key. It's basically idling at that point.

[NumLock21]

So you got your OS for $119? Do you have the package that came with it? On the package, there is a tiny sticker, with your windows key on it. The license you've bought is OEM, and OEM license cannot be transferred to a new computer as in your original system is working fine and you built yourself a brand new PC. But if you are still using your old computer and your motherboard has died and you need to change it, is that still consider a "brand new pc"? There are a limited number of times you can reactivate without the need to call Microsoft. After it's up, then you'll have to use their telephone method to activate your windows.

When activation is successful, there should be no overlays of any kind.