Will I have to reinstall windows when I replace my GA Z97X-SLI with a GA Z97 HD3

[Aisolon]

Hello,

I searched around the internet and there are conflicting opinions. Some say it has to be done everytime, some say only when changing chipset, some say its not a problem with windows 10.

So I wanted to ask around if I could just uninstall all the motherboard drivers for the z97x-sli and then install the z97 hd3 without any problems.

 

[USAFRet]

Hello,

I searched around the internet and there are conflicting opinions. Some say it has to be done everytime, some say only when changing chipset, some say its not a problem with windows 10.

So I wanted to ask around if I could just uninstall all the motherboard drivers for the z97x-sli and then install the z97 hd3 without any problems.

That is a 100% maybe.
The closer together the hardware, the more likely it is to simply boot up.
But be prepared for if it simply fails to boot up. Consider this just like an original clean install.

That covers the Operation.

For the licensing and activation, read and do this before you change any hardware:
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

Obtain and create you own install DVD or USB here: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10

 

[Aisolon]

Hello,

I searched around the internet and there are conflicting opinions. Some say it has to be done everytime, some say only when changing chipset, some say its not a problem with windows 10.

So I wanted to ask around if I could just uninstall all the motherboard drivers for the z97x-sli and then install the z97 hd3 without any problems.

That is a 100% maybe.
The closer together the hardware, the more likely it is to simply boot up.
But be prepared for if it simply fails to boot up. Consider this just like an original clean install.

That covers the Operation.

For the licensing and activation, read and do this before you change any hardware:
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

Obtain and create you own install DVD or USB here: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10

Is this an either or? So either it boots and im golden or it doesnt and I need to reinstall? Is there a chance for it to work, but cause problems in performance and overall healthiness of the entire system?

 

[USAFRet]

Hello,

I searched around the internet and there are conflicting opinions. Some say it has to be done everytime, some say only when changing chipset, some say its not a problem with windows 10.

So I wanted to ask around if I could just uninstall all the motherboard drivers for the z97x-sli and then install the z97 hd3 without any problems.

That is a 100% maybe.
The closer together the hardware, the more likely it is to simply boot up.
But be prepared for if it simply fails to boot up. Consider this just like an original clean install.

That covers the Operation.

For the licensing and activation, read and do this before you change any hardware:
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

Obtain and create you own install DVD or USB here: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10

Is this an either or? So either it boots and im golden or it doesnt and I need to reinstall? Is there a chance for it to work, but cause problems in performance and overall healthiness of the entire system?

Yes to all of the above.
It may boot up, it may fail to boot up.
It may boot, but with lingering issues you don't see until later.

But with your specific hardware change, it probably will boot up

May I ask why you're changing from one Z97 to another Z97?

 

[Aisolon]

http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/answers/id-3382544/acting-strangely-accidently-bending-pins-cpu-socket.html Basically this.
A more specific example is here (thread by me, didnt want to explain the bent pins scenario again so i asked what hardware these problems could come from): http://forums.ubi.com/showthread.php/1632764-Long-load-times-and-freezing-stuttering-when-PC-ran-for-a-while

 

[USAFRet]

http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/answers/id-3382544/acting-strangely-accidently-bending-pins-cpu-socket.html Basically this.
A more specific example is here: http://forums.ubi.com/showthread.php/1632764-Long-load-times-and-freezing-stuttering-when-PC-ran-for-a-while

Oh, OK.

So...it might work, it might not.
You particular parts lean more towards will rather than won't.
Only way to know is to try.

Be prepared for if it does not.

 

[Aisolon]

Is it crucial to uninstall the old motherboards drivers before replacing it?

 

[USAFRet]

Is it crucial to uninstall the old motherboards drivers before replacing it?

No, and you can't.

Prepare for if you have to do a clean install.
Be thankful if you don't.

And see the previous links about the activation thing.

 

[Aisolon]

Yes, I checked those. Thanks for the help so far, am on my Laptop right now. Will report the outcome.

 

[Aisolon]

It appears to have accepted the new motherboard. Windows did a "devices are being installed" blackscreen and then booted up normally.

 

[Aisolon]

Sadly after some testing the issues I described are still there with the new motherboard. So either something * up my drivers when the pins bent, or a piece of hardware got damaged. Any idea what might cause the problem I described over at the ubisoft forums? http://forums.ubi.com/showthread.php/1632764-Long-load-times-and-freezing-stuttering-when-PC-ran-for-a-while

 

[USAFRet]

Sadly after some testing the issues I described are still there with the new motherboard. So either something * up my drivers when the pins bent, or a piece of hardware got damaged. Any idea what might cause the problem I described over at the ubisoft forums? http://forums.ubi.com/showthread.php/1632764-Long-load-times-and-freezing-stuttering-when-PC-ran-for-a-while

No idea, man. Sorry.