First time swapping motherboard with Windows 8.1 OEM help

[The trollgamer6]

Hi there,

I'm thinking of buying a B150 mobo to replace my old MSI 760GM-P23 so I can finally run a i5 6500 instead of a FX 4300. I know how to replace everything with the cables/wires and stuff, but what I need help most on is what will happen when I boot up the new hardware? I've heard that Windows 8.1 can easily be installed again on a new mobo without a CD disk (I have the activation key but don't have the disk the manufacturer provided). Can anyone help and give me some pointers or steps on what to do exactly before I start replacing everything? Thank you.

 

[popatim]

Make sure the ram you get is on either the motherbds memory qvl or the ram manufacturers qvl for your chosen motherbd. Buy a dual channel kit for more performance.

While we recommend a clean install when you make such an upgrade, its very probably that windows will boot up and install all new drivers just fine.
I do suggest you look thru your current system and see if there's a way to create your installation media or system disk but I suggest you download a copy (in ISO form) from Microsoft also which can also be used to make a usb flash drive installer as well as burn a dvd. A Usb flash drive install is much faster then from dvd plus you can have all your new motherbds drivers downloaded onto it before you begin the upgrade (highly suggested)

If you dont bother with the fresh install, you will want to installl those motherbd drivers that you download anyways. Microsoft's are generic for some things the real drivers are usually much better.