Mobo/CPU changeout - Windows reinstall required?

dl8860 · 18 Jan 2017 at 14:15

As title says, I'm changing my mobo/cpu. Will I need to format my hard drive and start again or will I be able to carry on as normal? I have read conflicting things from google search so thought I'd see what people had to say on here.

If I didn't reinstall and it did work OK, would it be sub-optimal in any way? Or would it be a case of it either works or it doesn't?

varkanoid · 18 Jan 2017 at 15:13

Personal preference really.
It used to be more prevalent when there was different motherboard chipsets but if you are going from Intel to Intel its not really required.
Some do some dont.
I do not as there is no need and I prefer to keep my current install that I have took an age to get right how I want it.

IvanDobskey · 18 Jan 2017 at 15:26

I didn't bother reinstalling windows 10 when changing over from a 2500k setup to 6700k.

No problems at all, other than having to reinstall my soundblaster z drivers and having to get microsoft to reactivate.

dl8860 · 18 Jan 2017 at 15:56

Well it's not intel to intel, I'm going from AMD AM3 (athlon II) to B250 (g4560).

Think I'll give it a go and see how I get one, have done a recent backup so no problem if I do have to.

Cheers

Dark Light · 18 Jan 2017 at 16:10

Just sysprep the OS.

demonix · 18 Jan 2017 at 16:38

There isn't anything that is necessary since windows operating systems from windows 8 onwards are a lot more robust about major motherboard changes and instead of crapping all over itself in a blue screened mess, it was just change everything over to the new configuration and continue as normal (except for any activation issues).

magpie1966 · 18 Jan 2017 at 18:07

I recently did mine, and had to get microsoft to help, as I upgraded to Windows 10 from 7, they were very helpful and sorted it in about 5 minutes.
but if you have your product key at hand it just asks for that.