How to properly change CPU and Motherboard

YellowSoft

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Apr 20, 2015
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Hey guys! I'm upgrading my CPU and Motherboard soon with the parts on the way. I would like some help and advice on how to properly replace my CPU and Motherboard without any problematic issues after.
I've done a little research as well and some posts says that the re-installation of the OS is necessary and some say no, so I'm seeking guidance and clarification here for a solution that will let my PC run smooth without any hassle after the change.
Going from AMD FX-6300 and M5A97 R2.0 to Intel i5-4460 and MSI Z97 Gaming 5 motherboard.
Thanks!

 


I'll be installing it into a HDD, also how would I go about into re-installing Win 7?
By re-installing the OS I'd be wiping out all my data right?
 


Unfortunately, yes. All your programs will need to be installed anew. For your games, there is a work-around for Steam and Origin that will allow you to not have to download them all again. But you will need to do a little work before hand.

Installing Win7 is easy if you have the installation disk.
 


So I'd have to back up my data? and sorry for all the questions, I'm fairly new to all this aha but how would I be able to save my data for steam and origin? and yes I have the disk, I could still use the activation key for my OS if i re-install?
 
First, the activation...
If that is an OEM license, it is bonded to the motherboard it was originally installed with. When you go to re-activate WIN7 after having installed it again with the new board, you will have about a 50-50 chance of it being accepted. If not, you will be directed to an automated re-licensing page that will ask you if that copy is installed on another machine. Answer no. Usually that will move you to the next page where you will be given a series of numbers to type in for a new license.
Sometimes, however, you will be directed to a live rep who will ask you why you want to install the licensed OEM OS on another machine. Perhaps your old board burned up and you had to get anew one?

As far as moving your Steam and Origin games to the new machine, you will need to make a backup of the Steam and origin folders on another media first. Either that, or (the best way) pick up a new HDD for installing Win7 on and leave the old HDD in the machine. (You can always use more storage room, right?)
Then follow this guide for moving the games to the new drive: https://support.steampowered.com/kb_article.php?ref=7418-YUBN-8129
For Origin, try this method: http://www.overclock.net/t/1222388/guide-moving-reinstalling-origin-and-games-without-re-downloading
 


Dang, I bought my Win 7 separately but I believe it's an OEM, So now I'd have to buy a new OS?
I believe I'd have to just buy a new HDD then and a OS. So then would I just connect the new HDD and install the new OS into that, simple as that?
 
You probably don't have to buy a new OS. Do as I suggested above. Only as a last resort, buy a new OS.
Yes, you simply insert the Win7 disk in the optical drive, reboot, make sure the DVD drive is set to boot before your HDD (or tap F8 for the boot menu), follow the instructions when the installation pgm begins. It's very easy.

Btw, now would be a good time to upgrade to a SSD. Then you can use your old HDD for extra storage.

Either way, remember, you can use the new Win7 installation for 30 days with no activation. Only after 30 days, do you get a nag screen reminding you constantly to activate. Win7 will still continue to work normally otherwise.
 


Ill do as you suggested, do the MS reps usually allow the transfer of the OS? Sorry about all the questions, I just really want to learn as much as I can and not make any mistakes, On the off chance that it doesn't work, I just install the SSD and the OS into it, would I have to transfer data from the HDD to the SSD? or do I just leave it.
 
Yes they normally approve the new activation, and if you have good backups can try simply booting from the drive with all your programs on it, Win7 is pretty good at seeing the new hardware and loading default drivers for it (make sure Win is up to date before trying) then if it loads, load the latest versions of your mobo drivers (get them from the wesite, those on the CD that comes with the mobo are often out of date), once that's done, run a good registry cleaner (Wise has a good free version) and you'll get prompted about reactivating or just jump ahead and see if it calls for it. I've done a number of AMD to Intel builds like this with no problems.
 


So just back up the data then boot it up with the new cpu and mobo? win 7 will correct itself with no complications? sorry, im just worried ill mess up ah. Also prompted to reactivating what sorry?

 


You sound like when I built my first electronic project, 120v was involved. I keep asking my friend, do you have the extinguisher ready? 😀

Don't do this if you need your machine soon, need to pay the bills the next few days (end of the month coming) etc.
 
There's no guarantees, but with good backups of your data you don't lose anything by trying (i.e. you'd simply have to install everything (OS and apps). Win will prompt you to reactivate Windows once all is done (the driver, Win, etc updates and running the registry cleaner)
 


Chances are, you won't have to "talk" to anybody. It is usually accomplished by an automated system as I explained above. The only time you'd be directed to a live rep, would be if the re-licensing pgm. happened to randomly pick you for further follow-up questions. Kinda like the IRS and audits ;-)