Need help with upgrading motherboard / CPU

[ProTech10]

I physically do not have all of the parts with me until tomorrow, but I was wondering what I needed to do before upgrading the motherboard, CPU, etc. The motherboard that I am currently using is the ASROCK Extreme 3 with the AMD-FX-6200 with the Sapphire R9 290X graphics card.

What I am getting is the Gigabyte Z97X LGA 1150 motherboard with the Intel Core i5 4690k with a Cooler Master heat sink.

I am quite confused what to do before installing the new motherboard and what I should do after installing it. I have TWO hard drives. One has Windows on it, and the other one has a bunch of games on it and none of the OS files in it. Do I still get to keep the second hard drive or will I have to re-install Windows? I'm really confused.

Thank you!

 

[BadActor]

You can try using the the HDD with the OS system on it and see if it will boot Windows, but more than likely you will have to do a fresh install after changing that much hardware. Your storage drive will be accessible after you get Windows running with no need to do anything other than plug it in.

 

[ProTech10]

You can try using the the HDD with the OS system on it and see if it will boot Windows, but more than likely you will have to do a fresh install after changing that much hardware. Your storage drive will be accessible after you get Windows running with no need to do anything other than plug it in.

Thank you for the quick reply!

I have a few other quick questions: When I install the motherboard, do I ONLY plug in the hard drive with the operating system on it or should I plug in both on the first test boot? Also, when I change my motherboard, is taking out EVERYTHING a good idea? I have a pretty huge full tower case so I don't think it'll interfere with anything. The PSU is covered by a panel and it is not visible, and from what I've heard, this motherboard is actually quite small?.

Thank you so much!

 

[BadActor]

As long as you can remove and replace the motherboard without interference, no need to take everything else out. I would start with one hard drive and then plug the other on in when you get the system up.

 

[ProTech10]

As long as you can remove and replace the motherboard without interference, no need to take everything else out. I would start with one hard drive and then plug the other on in when you get the system up.

Thank you!

 

[ProTech10]

As long as you can remove and replace the motherboard without interference, no need to take everything else out. I would start with one hard drive and then plug the other on in when you get the system up.

I know the issue is already solved, but I forgot to ask you about the drivers (ugh).

Could I just download all the drivers and stuff AFTER I install the OS or should I do it right now before I upgrade?

 

[BadActor]

I would download them now and save to a usb stick in case Windows doesn't automatically install them for you.