If I swap my motherboards can I unplug my HDD so nothing is deleted?

[vezityshock]

Hi. My PC has a crappy H110 Plus motherboard by asus. Can I unplug my HDD from my motherboard so when I factory reset my pc before I install the new motherboard it won't wipe out the stuff in my HDD? The motherboard I am looking for is the MSI Z270 SLI.

SPECS:
Asus H110 PLUS motherboard: https://www.asus.com/Motherboards/H110-PLUS/
Asus GTX 1060 3GB Phoenix Fan Edition: https://www.asus.com/us/Graphics-Cards/PH-GTX1060-3G/
I7 7700: https://www.frys.com/product/9041267?store=15&source=google&gclid=CjwKCAjw_47YBRBxEiwAYuKdwzwBMV9lWv_IPXzmijn_bouMhCAcRxbkdFxEjPmqGYOrE_6FvKXvJxoCMLgQAvD_BwE
Enermax Case Fans: https://www.frys.com/product/7054581?store=15&source=google&gclid=CjwKCAjw_47YBRBxEiwAYuKdw7Wi-7JT3Ch42gkVe0cGlYoK_iCMySRPQI3KPzreUDyVlU5jmfU3iBoCnDcQAvD_BwE
ARC Case Fan: (Unknown Link)
Crappy AVC Cpu Cooler: https://www.amazon.com/Heatsink-Cooler-Socket-617755-001-Intel/dp/B00HT4W35A
2 x 8 GB of XPG Z1 Ram: https://www.amazon.com/ADATA-2400MHz-Memory-Modules-AX4U2400W8G16-DRZ/dp/B00MSOKA10
WD 120GB SSD
WD 1TB Drive
Crappy 500 WATT PSU

or just visit this:https://www.bestbuy.com/site/ibuypower-desktop-intel-core-i7-7700-16gb-memory-nvidia-geforce-gtx-1060-120gb-solid-state-drive-1tb-hard-drive-gray-black/6032004.p?skuId=6032004

NEW MOTHERBOARD: https://www.frys.com/product/9177838?site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG

So, can I unplug my HDD so it won't be cleared?

 

[kraelic]

https://www.windowscentral.com/how-re-activate-windows-10-after-hardware-change

Link to a microsoft account and keep the id and password handy, it will be the windows login also. Then swap the motherboard, unplug the HDD and reinstall/reactivate on the SSD. Then remove the microsoft account and go back to a local account.

https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/delete-microsoft-account-create-local-windows-10-login/

 

[vezityshock]

Wait, so will my data still be on my HDD?

 

[richiestang_78]

That Z270 board wont do anything for you. You have a non k 7700 so you cant overclock it.

Be aware it is also pretty much required to eventually reinstall Windows with a new motherboard or you will just be asking for driver issues. And if you are running an OEM copy of Windows you'll have to rebuy a new copy as OEM is a 1 and done deal.

 

[USAFRet]

Assuming Windows 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


You will still likely need to do a full reinstall on the SSD after the parts change.
If there are any applications apart from Steam games on the HDD, you'll likely need to reinstall those as well.

But yes...unplug the HDD when you do the clean install ont he SSD.

 

[USAFRet]

And why, exactly, are you changing motherboards? You won't get any performance increase.

 

[vezityshock]

I need more plugs for the case fans, as well as more rams slots because I mostly do audio production. I also have 2 1070s which I would like to SLI, but I only have one PCIe x16 slot on the h110plus, and H mobos do not support SLI. I don't trust using fan splitters either. Most likely in the future, I will buy a 7700k.

 

[richiestang_78]

I need more plugs for the case fans, as well as more rams slots because I mostly do audio production. I also have 2 1070s which I would like to SLI, but I only have one PCIe x16 slot on the h110plus, and H mobos do not support SLI. I don't trust using fan splitters either. Most likely in the future, I will buy a 7700k.

Honestly its not worth it, you would be better off buying a Ryzen 2 CPU and board or 8th Gen Intel CPU and board. The 7700k while a good chip is not worth throwing money down at.

 

[vezityshock]

Well, I bought a 7700k and the performance increases a lot. I’ll be buying the Mobo tomorrow and along with an sli bridge.

 

[USAFRet]

Well, I bought a 7700k and the performance increases a lot. I’ll be buying the Mobo tomorrow and along with an sli bridge.

Read and do the steps linked above before you change any more parts.

 

[vezityshock]

Alright, I did everything and the system works great! Thanks for your help!