How to change out motherboard and cpu

[Space Marine]

Hey guys, I recently purchase an i7 7700k and an asus maximus ix hero motherboard. This is my question: Currently I am using an i5 6600k with an asus maximus viii hero, when I swap out the components will I have to do anything special? Will I be able to keep my SSD/HDD with all of my data without having to wipe and re-download everything? Also, if there any preparations (downloading of bios prior to installing motherboard) what would they be? Thanks for any help.

 

[Barty1884]

A clean OS install is recommended any time you change the motherboard (if you upgrade the CPU, normally you can be ok).
Even though it may just 'work', you'll likely run into issues.

Make sure you link your Windows license to your MS account *before* you make any hardware changes.
http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/id-3164428/windows-build-1607-activation.html

 

[Scottray]

It "might" work since the old and new are closely related. However, you still may end up with glitches due to hardware and driver differences. Anytime you swap out CPU/mobo, it's generally recommended to do a clean install of windows. Then, install the drivers for the new mobo. Next install GPU drivers and last reinstall programs.

 

[Space Marine]

A clean OS install is recommended any time you change the motherboard (if you upgrade the CPU, normally you can be ok).
Even though it may just 'work', you'll likely run into issues.

Make sure you link your Windows license to your MS account *before* you make any hardware changes.
http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/id-3164428/windows-build-1607-activation.html

Ok so I linked my windows 10 to my windows account, now this is the next question: After swapping out the mobo and cpu, how do I go about with a clean install? Do I just go into my settings, go to recovery, and do a system wipe that way or is there a recommended way to do this.

 

[Barty1884]

No, what you're describing is a "reset".

A clean install involves creating bootable media:
https://www.microsoft.com/en-ca/software-download/windows10

Creating a bootable USB (or DVD etc), booting from it and overriding your existing Windows installation (you'll lose everything, so back up anything you can't afford to lose).

 

[Space Marine]

No, what you're describing is a "reset".

A clean install involves creating bootable media:
https://www.microsoft.com/en-ca/software-download/windows10

Creating a bootable USB (or DVD etc), booting from it and overriding your existing Windows installation (you'll lose everything, so back up anything you can't afford to lose).

Sounds good. Grab a flash drive, download windows 10 installer, slam in new mobo/cpu combo, then install new copy from flash drive.

 

[Barty1884]

That's the one.

Once you sign in with your MS account and get online your OS should activate. If not, just use the troubleshooter under "activation" as documented here:
https://support.microsoft.com/en-ca/help/20530/windows-10-reactivating-after-hardware-change


Also, when creating your media/downloading the ISO, ensure you use the "create media for another PC" and select the appropriate version. Can't really go wrong.

 

[Space Marine]

That's the one.

Once you sign in with your MS account and get online your OS should activate. If not, just use the troubleshooter under "activation" as documented here:
https://support.microsoft.com/en-ca/help/20530/windows-10-reactivating-after-hardware-change


Also, when creating your media/downloading the ISO, ensure you use the "create media for another PC" and select the appropriate version. Can't really go wrong.

Thanks for your help. CPU and RAM come in tomorrow. Can't wait to get my new system up and running.