Mobo/CPU Upgrade Question

[Izumo]

So at some point in the future I'd like to upgrade my Motherboard and CPU, I already have done research and made sure that what I pick will be compatible with my RAM and other hardware.

 

Question is: Is it safe to swap an old Mobo/CPU with a new one?

I don't want to lose all of my files and data, in order to do this I am apparently supposed to remove all the drivers so that they don't interfere with new ones. I read that the best option is to completely wipe your drive and re-activate windows; I have 3 internal drives and 2 external, and I don't want to lose anything.

 

P.S. I don't understand exactly what "re-activating" windows means. 

[Luca Rallis]

You should wipe your boot drive and the reinstall Windows on that. Use the product key that came with the original version of Windows to activate it. Make sure that you back up your boot drive to another drive so that you don't loose any data.

 

I would however, remove all your other drives from your PC before, while, and after upgrading. Just until you know your system is stable (there's no reason it shouldn't be, just an abundance of caution).

 

[TwoBigBalls]

Imma work this backwards.

Re-activating windows : If my memory isn't too far gone already, windows activates based on a key and association. If you're logged into a microsoft account this will be far easier and may not even be an issue when the time comes.

 

You do NOT have to wipe ANYTHING. It's recommended purely because of driver congestion (I made that up) - excess files existing that are no longer needed, referenced and may potentially cause issues down the line. How likely is it in my experience? Never had an issue. Done it dozens of times for customers. I "clean up" the old drivers by force and love with software easily google-able. Ideally without the extra viruses.

 

The only issues I see is this:

• CPU Cooler

If you have an aftermarket one is it compatible with the (new?) chipset? If you threw the AMD brackets away and go from a core duo to a threadripper, is that lil puppy going to fit? Does your new CPU come with one or do you intend to buy one?

 

• RAM

Odds are any real performance upgrade from couple year old hardware to todays (mobo & CPU) is going to likely introduce new ram. DDR3 =/= DDR4. Make sure of this. Then double check it.

 

• Do you have enough SATA ports

I hope I don't need to explain.

 

• Motherboard size. 

If you have a micro ATX case with a micro ATX board, odds are your E-ATX board likely isn't going to fit without a dremel tool.

 

[jammycrumbs]

i would download everything onto your external drives, then do the swap. then you can reinstall everything back onto ur computer

[jammycrumbs]

what6 motherboard and CPU have you got at the moment?

[Izumo]

 

On 6/25/2018 at 2:55 PM, TwoBigBalls said:

Imma work this backwards.

Re-activating windows : If my memory isn't too far gone already, windows activates based on a key and association. If you're logged into a microsoft account this will be far easier and may not even be an issue when the time comes.

 

You do NOT have to wipe ANYTHING. It's recommended purely because of driver congestion (I made that up) - excess files existing that are no longer needed, referenced and may potentially cause issues down the line. How likely is it in my experience? Never had an issue. Done it dozens of times for customers. I "clean up" the old drivers by force and love with software easily google-able. Ideally without the extra viruses.

 

The only issues I see is this:

• CPU Cooler

If you have an aftermarket one is it compatible with the (new?) chipset? If you threw the AMD brackets away and go from a core duo to a threadripper, is that lil puppy going to fit? Does your new CPU come with one or do you intend to buy one?

 

• RAM

Odds are any real performance upgrade from couple year old hardware to todays (mobo & CPU) is going to likely introduce new ram. DDR3 =/= DDR4. Make sure of this. Then double check it.

 

• Do you have enough SATA ports

I hope I don't need to explain.

 

• Motherboard size. 

If you have a micro ATX case with a micro ATX board, odds are your E-ATX board likely isn't going to fit without a dremel tool.

 

I'm going to assume that my OS is linked to my Microsoft account, I just checked on my Account > Devices > and this current PC shows up. 

As for drivers, I understand I can remove them manually via the Control Panel and Device Manager, but anything more than that is unknown to me. I'd have to research more.

Aftermarket CPU Cooler is compatible with current and new Motherboard.

Current RAM sticks are DDR4-2133MHz which is also compatible with current and new Motherboard.

No need to explain, I made sure. 

Current and new Motherboard are both ATX 12 inch x 9.6 inch.