Installing a new motherboard and CPU

[hjklime]

So, like the title says, this week my new i5 6600k and Asus Z170M motherboard will be arriving.

Currently I have installed an AMD Athlon x4 806k and Gigabyte GA-F2A78M-D3H. I am keeping all my other components for the time being, although will be likely upgrading the GPU in December.

Could anyone help me just get my head around what the process of this uninstall and reinstall is? From what I have read it seems to be as simple as turn off, and just take out the old components and put in the new ones, but I am sure this can’t be right, especially considering the new components are very different to the old ones.

Also, I am quite prepared to wipe my hard drive (only got one) completely doing this, I am looking to do a clean install of windows 10. I have already got my current product key saved and have a flash drive ISO ready, and have backed up all my files.

 

[Martell1977]

If you have an OEM copy (preinstalled, from Dell, HP, etc.) of Windows, or from the free upgrade, then Windows is tied to your current motherboard and will not activate on the new one. If you have a retail copy, i.e. one you bought from a retailer(download or disc, not labeled as OEM) then you should be able to transfer it.

Assuming you have a retail copy of Windows, you will need to reinstall it as the trying to swap out a motherboard without reinstalling Windows can and will lead to performance issues, even crashing.

As for replacing the motherboard and CPU, it's pretty straight forward. When complete, just double check all the PSU connections to make sure the are all connected and good to go.

 

[gussrtk]

You will also need ddr4 ram.

Try get a non magnetic screw driver (Philips)

Get a decent cpu cooler. Evolution 212 for low overclocking, for higher overclocking you will need to invest something around 50$++ (roughly)

The gpu slot does have a little plastic lock tab on the motherboard plug, it's a lift tab if I remember right.

Follow your motherboard manual for installing case controls, on/off button, usb hub, so on.

Take this time to arrange your wiring nicely and out of the way for better air flow. You can get extra case fans at same time if lacking

 

[hjklime]

its really very easy to uninstall the motherboard. the new components are very similar to the old ones except that the CPU is from intel and uses the LGA socket.
watch this video:
[video="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n2dJvqU2_x4"][/video]

You will also need ddr4 ram.

Try get a non magnetic screw driver (Philips)

Get a decent cpu cooler. Evolution 212 for low overclocking, for higher overclocking you will need to invest something around 50$++ (roughly)

The gpu slot does have a little plastic lock tab on the motherboard plug, it's a lift tab if I remember right.

Follow your motherboard manual for installing case controls, on/off button, usb hub, so on.

Take this time to arrange your wiring nicely and out of the way for better air flow. You can get extra case fans at same time if lacking

Thanks for your reply, I didn't mention it but yeah, I also have just got 16GB of DDR4 RAM, plus a mid range cooler for around that price.

 

[hjklime]

If you have an OEM copy (preinstalled, from Dell, HP, etc.) of Windows, or from the free upgrade, then Windows is tied to your current motherboard and will not activate on the new one. If you have a retail copy, i.e. one you bought from a retailer(download or disc, not labeled as OEM) then you should be able to transfer it.

Assuming you have a retail copy of Windows, you will need to reinstall it as the trying to swap out a motherboard without reinstalling Windows can and will lead to performance issues, even crashing.

As for replacing the motherboard and CPU, it's pretty straight forward. When complete, just double check all the PSU connections to make sure the are all connected and good to go.

Do you reinstall windows after replacing the motherboard and CPU? My copy that I originally bought was Windows 8 I think but I have got my key from some key finder programme, will this work? I have gone through the first steps of this to get the installation media on a USB

 

[Martell1977]

Yes, you reinstall after replacing the hardware.

You have a hacked copy of Windows, I suggest investing in a legit copy. Also, since Windows 10 was from the upgrade, it is tied to the current motherboard and wont activate on the new one. You can usually pick up a legit copy of Windows 10 for $80-$90.

 

[hjklime]

Yes, you reinstall after replacing the hardware.

You have a hacked copy of Windows, I suggest investing in a legit copy. Also, since Windows 10 was from the upgrade, it is tied to the current motherboard and wont activate on the new one. You can usually pick up a legit copy of Windows 10 for $80-$90.

Are you sure it's hacked? I bought a builders edition and don't have the case where I am living at the moment, so I used the first programme on here to retrieve my key. If this isn't legit I'll look into a new copy though.

 

[Martell1977]

Yes, you reinstall after replacing the hardware.

You have a hacked copy of Windows, I suggest investing in a legit copy. Also, since Windows 10 was from the upgrade, it is tied to the current motherboard and wont activate on the new one. You can usually pick up a legit copy of Windows 10 for $80-$90.

Are you sure it's hacked? I bought a builders edition and don't have the case where I am living at the moment, so I used the first programme on here to retrieve my key. If this isn't legit I'll look into a new copy though.

That is different, it just finds the key, I thought you were talking about key generators. That one is fine.

But having been upgraded to Windows 10, it is tied to the motherboard now, you will need a new license. You can try to activate it by phone (calling Microsoft) but it's hit or miss if they will help you. They do this to force people to buy new licenses when doing major upgrades or new builds.