Help Upgrading From AMD FX to Intel i5

[NomBom]

This thread is basically me asking for help/tips and stuff I should know/do before changing my motherboard and cpu from AMD to Intel.
My current build:
CPU: FX 8350
MOBO: ASUS M5A99X EVO R2.O
RAM: Kingston HyperX Beast (2x4GB)
GPU: R9 270X (Upgrading later to probably 1060)
PSU: CX600

New parts:
CPU: i5 4690k
MOBO: Gigabyte Z97X SLI
RAM: I'm going to use the same ram please just let me know if it would work.

So basically I'm upgrading and I just want to know if there's anything I need to know.
Like will I lose my windows or my data in my boot drive, do I have to uninstall drivers and stuff, is my stuff compatible, what should I make sure I do before I take apart my PC and build the new one etc.
Any help like that would be great as this is the first time I'm going to be doing something major to my PC as I've had this for 3+ years and not done anything to it.

Thanks!

 

[WildCard999]

Since your changing the motherboard (& also the CPU) your going to want to do a clean install of Windows, afterwards you'll want to get the newest drivers for the motherboard directly from Gigabytes site and the GPU drivers from AMD (or Nvidia if you get that 1060). Your current memory should work fine.

 

[Math Geek]

get the lan drivers for the new mobo first. often if one is missing it is this one which of course keeps you from getting online to finish the install. grab that one now and save it on a thumb drive for use as soon as you get windows installed. can't recall how many times i forgot to do this and then had to use a second machine, get the driver and then move it over. may as well get it now and save the frustration.

 

[NomBom]

Since your changing the motherboard (& also the CPU) your going to want to do a clean install of Windows, afterwards you'll want to get the newest drivers for the motherboard directly from Gigabytes site and the GPU drivers from AMD (or Nvidia if you get that 1060). Your current memory should work fine.

Is there anyway of doing it without reinstalling windows as that was what i was worried about.
I searched quite alot and some said that they had to reinstall but some said that they didnt have to and theyve done it plenty of times. I was hoping of just booting it up and then deleting all the useless drivers afterwards. Wouldn't that work?

Also so sorry I think I accidentally may've downvoted your comment as i was using mobile and couldnt see a reply button and i thought the down arrow may have been a dropdown lmao 😛

 

[NomBom]

get the lan drivers for the new mobo first. often if one is missing it is this one which of course keeps you from getting online to finish the install. grab that one now and save it on a thumb drive for use as soon as you get windows installed. can't recall how many times i forgot to do this and then had to use a second machine, get the driver and then move it over. may as well get it now and save the frustration.

Im not sure if I'll need the lan driver first as I use a usb wifi adapter instead of the ethernet and I think it should be ok. Also, do you think a reinstall would be mandatory or could i get away without it? Thanks

 

[Math Geek]

mandatory. your swapping the core of the system and that deserves a fresh windows install to work the best. you'll spend more time chasing issues if you try not to than if you just went ahead and started fresh.

 

[NomBom]

mandatory. your swapping the core of the system and that deserves a fresh windows install to work the best. you'll spend more time chasing issues if you try not to than if you just went ahead and started fresh.

so will that mean i will lose everything i have on my boot/C drive? If so should I just like backup the "Program Files (x86)" folder into my HDD. What about the windows activation?

 

[WildCard999]

Since your changing the motherboard (& also the CPU) your going to want to do a clean install of Windows, afterwards you'll want to get the newest drivers for the motherboard directly from Gigabytes site and the GPU drivers from AMD (or Nvidia if you get that 1060). Your current memory should work fine.

Is there anyway of doing it without reinstalling windows as that was what i was worried about.
I searched quite alot and some said that they had to reinstall but some said that they didnt have to and theyve done it plenty of times. I was hoping of just booting it up and then deleting all the useless drivers afterwards. Wouldn't that work?

Also so sorry I think I accidentally may've downvoted your comment as i was using mobile and couldnt see a reply button and i thought the down arrow may have been a dropdown lmao 😛

You could try it and it may actually boot but your likely to run into performance issues or BSOD's. Just backup(online or another HDD) any important files before you attempt this or a clean install of Windows.

 

[g-unit1111]

Since your changing the motherboard (& also the CPU) your going to want to do a clean install of Windows, afterwards you'll want to get the newest drivers for the motherboard directly from Gigabytes site and the GPU drivers from AMD (or Nvidia if you get that 1060). Your current memory should work fine.

Is there anyway of doing it without reinstalling windows as that was what i was worried about.
I searched quite alot and some said that they had to reinstall but some said that they didnt have to and theyve done it plenty of times. I was hoping of just booting it up and then deleting all the useless drivers afterwards. Wouldn't that work?

Also so sorry I think I accidentally may've downvoted your comment as i was using mobile and couldnt see a reply button and i thought the down arrow may have been a dropdown lmao 😛

Depends on what version of Windows you're running. If you're using Windows 7 you will need to do a full reinstall of the OS as it will wipe out all the drivers and anything else associated with the previous install and allow for a smoother transition to the new hardware. If you're running Windows 10, you do not need to reinstall the OS, but you will need to link your license key to your Microsoft account and then after the install it will take a few seconds to activate and you will be done. You will need to reinstall your drivers if that happens.

 

[USAFRet]

so will that mean i will lose everything i have on my boot/C drive? If so should I just like backup the "Program Files (x86)" folder into my HDD. What about the windows activation?

Backing up your Program FIles folder does no good.
You can't apply that to a new OS.

FX-8350 -> i5-4690k likely means a clean install.
Basically, there are 3 possible outcomes:
1. It boots up just fine
2. It fails completely
3. It boots up, but you're chasing random issues for weeks.

There is no way to force a particular outcome.

Having Win 10 is no guarantee of success. I've seen all 3.
Earlier OS brings greater possibility of fail.

For the licensing/activation...If Win 10:
Read and do this before you change any parts:
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/20530/windows-10-reactivating-after-hardware-change
http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/id-3164428/windows-build-1607-activation.html

If pre-Win 10, you will likely need to purchase a new OS license for your new hardware.

 

[NomBom]

so will that mean i will lose everything i have on my boot/C drive? If so should I just like backup the "Program Files (x86)" folder into my HDD. What about the windows activation?

Backing up your Program FIles folder does no good.
You can't apply that to a new OS.

FX-8350 -> i5-4690k likely means a clean install.
Basically, there are 3 possible outcomes:
1. It boots up just fine
2. It fails completely
3. It boots up, but you're chasing random issues for weeks.

There is no way to force a particular outcome.

Having Win 10 is no guarantee of success. I've seen all 3.
Earlier OS brings greater possibility of fail.

For the licensing/activation...If Win 10:
Read and do this before you change any parts:
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/20530/windows-10-reactivating-after-hardware-change
http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/id-3164428/windows-build-1607-activation.html

If pre-Win 10, you will likely need to purchase a new OS license for your new hardware.

Aight so I've linked my account to the license and i should be good. Guess i'll just go w a reinstall.

 

[NomBom]

ok guys i've given in to doing a reinstall. I will be attempting to change the parts tomorrow and i will keep you guys updated on what happens after or if i have any problems.
Thanks for ur help doods.

 

[NomBom]

So I've setup all the parts and I've eventually made everything work.
Windows did not ask me to reinstall or anything? Do I have to reinstall myself? My windows is retail version but for some reason I can't get my Microsoft account to activate it as the server's aren't working, meaning something on my PC is blocking access to the server's.
Shall I do stuff to the drivers manually? Do I even have to install any drivers as everything is working good. Let me know guys cheers

 

[USAFRet]

So I've setup all the parts and I've eventually made everything work.
Windows did not ask me to reinstall or anything? Do I have to reinstall myself? My windows is retail version but for some reason I can't get my Microsoft account to activate it as the server's aren't working, meaning something on my PC is blocking access to the server's.
Shall I do stuff to the drivers manually? Do I even have to install any drivers as everything is working good. Let me know guys cheers

When swapping parts like that, it sometimes works.
But also, it sometimes 'kinda sorta' works. You may find issues down the road.

For the activation? Give it a couple of days.