Moving from Intel to AMD...

[Samington28]

So I want to move from my Intel CPU to an AMD... I just wanted to know if I can still use the same hard drives that I had with the Intel CPU? I just didn't know if it stored Intel files or what ever. So basically I'm asking if all I have to replace is my mobo to have an AMD processor.

 

[Calnin]

It depends on the type of windows you have. Windows is probably the biggest problem if you're changing out your hardware.

 

[SkyBill40]

Yes, your drives will be fine.

 

[TechyInAZ]

The hard drives don't matter, so yes you can use the HDDs.

 

[TomTom111]

So I want to move from my Intel CPU to an AMD... I just wanted to know if I can still use the same hard drives that I had with the Intel CPU? I just didn't know if it stored Intel files or what ever. So basically I'm asking if all I have to replace is my mobo to have an AMD processor.

You can definitely use the same hard drives, but you will need new drivers for the AMD motherboard. I would recommend uninstalling as many of the intel drivers prior to the switch, just as a precaution.

 

[ingtar33]

So I want to move from my Intel CPU to an AMD... I just wanted to know if I can still use the same hard drives that I had with the Intel CPU? I just didn't know if it stored Intel files or what ever. So basically I'm asking if all I have to replace is my mobo to have an AMD processor.

the physical hard drives are fine. the windows install will be the problem

likely windows won't be able to load when you change motherboards/cpus... because of certain drivers it has installed will be incompatible with the new cpu/motherboard. you can fix this yourself (likely) though it not always works and sometimes you just have to re-install windows to fix this.


basically the main problem will be the southbridge drivers, more specifically the achi/raid drivers particular to your old motherboard will likely be incompatible with the southbridge on the new motherboard, meaning windows won't be able to talk to your hard drives.

 

[jitpublisher]

You are very lucky to get a motherboard change to work with an install of Windows. Moving from Intel to AMD, and complete new system will require a complete new install of Windows, there just is no way around it really.

 

[Robert Ferenc]

So I want to move from my Intel CPU to an AMD... I just wanted to know if I can still use the same hard drives that I had with the Intel CPU? I just didn't know if it stored Intel files or what ever. So basically I'm asking if all I have to replace is my mobo to have an AMD processor.

I would not do, do not recommend to switch from Intel to AMD.
I think that the INTEL are higher

 

[ingtar33]

So I want to move from my Intel CPU to an AMD... I just wanted to know if I can still use the same hard drives that I had with the Intel CPU? I just didn't know if it stored Intel files or what ever. So basically I'm asking if all I have to replace is my mobo to have an AMD processor.

I would not do, do not recommend to switch from Intel to AMD.
I think that the INTEL are higher

depends what Intel he's coming from. if it's a p4 then i think ANYTHING will be an improvement.

 

[jitpublisher]

There are also licensing issues if your current system is running an OEM version Windows from a prebuild. If this is the case, then you CANNOT use your current Windows install in the new system. The drives themselves are physically fine to be reused again in your new system, you will have to format your current install of Windows though and start all over.

 

[Samington28]

OK thanks for all the answers... Two questions though. So basically I would wipe my hard drive then reinstall windows? And I was also wondering if you could recommend a good mobo for the AMD FX-8350? I don't really want to spend more than $120.

 

[Calnin]

Gigabyte 970 UD3P, MSI 970 Gaming << Probably the two cheapest if you want to overclock.

 

[slyu9213]

Who cares about licensing issues. If it came with the PC then the OS was part of the total cost. I would use it freely to my needs. If the OP bought it he should be able to use it in a new computer as long as it is uninstalled on the original computer. Any licensing that locks the OS to a computer instead of the buyer is just silly and I would never agree to follow that rule.

If the OP is lucky he will be able to switch HDD and boot up to OS. Then OP just needs to install drivers and remove old drivers. Programs may not work as they should though. Intel by itself doesn't really have any drivers except the graphics/chipset drivers. You will just have to uninstall them and install AMD drivers if your PC boots succesfully with the HDD. A Fresh install is the most recommended though.

 

[SkyBill40]

To get the most from an 8350, anything short of a 990FX is cutting yourself short. That's not to say they won't work, you just won't get the most from the CPU.

 

[Calnin]

@SkyBill40 I'm not sure what you mean by that. The UD3P and MSI 970 gaming can both achieve pretty decent overclocks and they're features are fairly good also.

 

[slyu9213]

The best non-990FX chipset is probably the UD3P with 8+2 Power Phases like the 990FXA-UD3. Unless you need more sata ports/usb or want to crossfire you don't necessarily need a 990FX motherboard.

Speaking purely of overclocking the UD3P will do well and the MSI 970 Gaming is a great/newest AM3+ motherboard too. I don't think it's 8+2 but it's quality makes up for MSI's other crappy AM3+ motherboards.

 

[SkyBill40]

The 970A is good board, no doubt. I use MSI so I'm familiar with it. The 990FX boards still are the top end for AM3+ and they're not terribly expensive as an Intel equivalent would be.

 

[slyu9213]

The 970A is good board, no doubt. I use MSI so I'm familiar with it. The 990FX boards still are the top end for AM3+ and they're not terribly expensive as an Intel equivalent would be.

You're right. AM3+ has been around enough that most of the prices are not too expensive excluding the always expensive ROG boards. Both 970A-UD3P and MSI Gaming is at a sweet spot for design/durability for under $100. 990 boards seem to be at least $20 more to $100+. Just not sure what the OP intends to do with the system. If Crossfire isn't planned to be use, may as well skip the 990 chipsets.

 

[ingtar33]

OK thanks for all the answers... Two questions though. So basically I would wipe my hard drive then reinstall windows? And I was also wondering if you could recommend a good mobo for the AMD FX-8350? I don't really want to spend more than $120.

1) yes, that's the easiest way

2) check my sig. the m5a99x evo r2.0 comes in under 120, and overclocks rather well.

 

[mdocod]

As someone who has overclocked on both the 990X EVO and UD3P I can say that they are pretty similar in terms of their practical power limits.

Here's some key differences that you might not have expected or noticed...

990X EVO R2.0 advantages:

All PWM 4-pin fan headers. (and more of them)
Properly functioning socket temp reading from superIO
Properly working IOMMU
ECC memory support
More VRM fine tuning options (frequency, load balancing characteristics, etc)
Useful "buttons" on motherboard for performance tuner recovery etc
idiot lights


UD3P advantages:

XMP profile support
Properly working offset voltage controls
Option to disable 1 core per module for specialized performance tuning.
Slightly better onboard sound

 

[jitpublisher]

Who cares about licensing issues.

Yeah, okay its completely apparent that you don't have a clue.

 

[slyu9213]

Who cares about licensing issues.

Yeah, okay its completely apparent that you don't have a clue.

No I understand the rules and what they want people to do, I just don't follow this particular rule. The OS came installed in the computer, in most cases they come with a sticker with the license/serial key on the computer case or in the packaging. As long as I have the physical serial key in my possession I'll use it freely whether I change out the motherboard or the case. Nothing changes the fact I have still own the product that came with the OS and serial key.

 

[jitpublisher]

Who cares about licensing issues.

Yeah, okay its completely apparent that you don't have a clue.

No I understand the rules and what they want people to do, I just don't follow this particular rule. The OS came installed in the computer, in most cases they come with a sticker with the license/serial key on the computer case or in the packaging. As long as I have the physical serial key in my possession I'll use it freely whether I change out the motherboard or the case. Nothing changes the fact I have still own the product that came with the OS and serial key.

You can reinstall it all you want, but it won't reactivate.

 

[slyu9213]

Who cares about licensing issues.

Yeah, okay its completely apparent that you don't have a clue.

No I understand the rules and what they want people to do, I just don't follow this particular rule. The OS came installed in the computer, in most cases they come with a sticker with the license/serial key on the computer case or in the packaging. As long as I have the physical serial key in my possession I'll use it freely whether I change out the motherboard or the case. Nothing changes the fact I have still own the product that came with the OS and serial key.

You can reinstall it all you want, but it won't reactivate.

Are you sure about this? Not sure about Windows 8 and beyond but I have successfully used multiple Windows 7 serial keys from my desktops when I changed hardware or on different computers. For example netbook serial key on Desktop, Laptop Serial Key on Desktop, I even have a Windows 8.1 Serial Key from a Windows Tablet but I haven't tried with that yet.

There might have been some cases I couldn't get passed a specific point in an OS install but once it passes that I was good to go. If it doesn't activate automatically over the network for some reason using the good old call Microsoft to activate method hasn't failed me yet.

Once again it comes down to is it allowed or not and then if you agree with what Microsoft thinks/says. If I just changed a motherboard or HDD to failure then I feel that I am still using that OEM computer. If I used one piece of hardware from the old computer to the new I feel the same. Then there is the part that I don't care, as long as I still own the OEM computer and the Windows is installed on one computer.

.:edit:.

Oh I did it with my old Vista key too a while back. It's not vista anymore though

 

[SkyBill40]

If it's an OEM version (such as what I have) it's encoded to your mobo and thus will only work with that board per my understanding. You can try to re-install, but don't be surprised if it fails to work after you've swapped out your board. Other components should be fine, however.