Need help upgrading cpu and motherboard!

[akerssens]

I just got an i5-6600k, msi gaming m5, and some new ram and I am nervous to upgrade my system due to my lack of knowledge. I am going from an AMD fx 6300 and an asus M5A78L-M/USB3 mobo. I have read that I need to do a clean install but I don't want to lose my stuff on my hard drive and I don't really know what to do. My research has brought me to the following conclusion and I wanted someone to confirm that what I am going to do is correct. I am going to change out the hardware, install my optic drive, insert my windows disk, change boot drive to boot from disk, click upgrade instead of clean install, and let it do its thing. Is this the correct steps, or do I have to do something before changing hardware? I am on windows 10 also.

Thanks in advance for your help!!

 

[Multipack]

You need to do a clean install, especially when going from AMD to Intel. You'd be crazy to try to use or even reconfigure the same OS.

 

[akerssens]

So I have to give everything on my hard drive up in order to upgrade?

 

[Multipack]

Well yes, except you can back up anything you need first. You cant keep any software or settings though.

You'll need to install new chipset and management drivers that come with the motherboard. They arent compatible with an AMD system unfortunately.

 

[akerssens]

If I do not have access to another hard drive, what are my options? Also will this hinder my SSD performance? I currently have a HDD and an SSD

 

[Multipack]

Are you installing to the SSD? Because if you install to that then you can keep the files (not programs) on your hard drive. Just make sure you dont connect your hard drive until after the new install. Where is your OS installed now? Are you planning on using the same WIndows product key?

Your SSD performance wont be affected no. You have a better chipset now so it'll be even better.

 

[akerssens]

Yes I will be installing it to the SSD but it is already installed so I guess I can't backup to there. I used to run just an HDD and then I added the SSD, so I assume they are both formatted for the AMD setup. Can I unformat my HDD somehow and use that as a backup?

 

[jay_rogers]

This may help you. check it out. http://www.pcworld.com/article/200827/how_to_upgrade_your_motherboard_the_easy_way.html

 

[Multipack]

Your OS will only be on one drive. If you have them both connected, look in Disk Management to see which has the OS boot drive and system partitions on then try to empty it of any files you want to keep.

You can use the HDD as a storage drive and browse all the files on it after you reinstall Windows.

 

[akerssens]

Ok I think they both have windows installed though because I installed it on the SSD after I put it in and never took it off of the HDD (because I didn't know how to). I just changed my boot order.

 

[Multipack]

This may help you. check it out. http://www.pcworld.com/article/200827/how_to_upgrade_your_motherboard_the_easy_way.html

I really, really wouldn't recommend that myself. If you were to attempt to do it, it'd be a better to create a System Image using Windows Backup then restore it on the new system *after* the clean install. Then Windows could reconfigure itself and attempt to fix any system file conflicts during the restore.

 

[Multipack]

Ok I think they both have windows installed though because I installed it on the SSD after I put it in and never took it off of the HDD (because I didn't know how to). I just changed my boot order.

Well only one will be actively booting Windows. Its not a good idea to get into too much of a mess with old OS's but it should be ok, just like it is now. Just get all the data files you want to keep off the SSD and then you'll wipe that when you reinstall. You can keep the HDD as it is then.

 

[akerssens]

Ok since I changed my boot order, only the SSD is booting windows. Is there a way to take windows off of my hdd? Sorry I'm kind of a noob at this stuff, it's my first major upgrade.

 

[Multipack]

Yes all you have to do is make a folder for your data at root level on the HDD and copy your files into it then delete every other folder (Windows, Users etc) from the drive. You'll just have the storage folder left on the D drive then with no OS or system files. Only do this after you have reinstalled Windows to the SSD though. Keep the HDD unplugged until thats done.

PS Its wise to question things and plan it out. You'd be a fool if you didn't. You're getting a serious system upgrade whether you realise it yet or not..! (I have the MSI Gaming M5 too 😉 )