Is it smart to do a fresh windows install when upgrading GPU?

[Nvidiaguy07]

I used to be really crazy, and do a fresh install after changing any hardware in my computer. Im about to purchase a gtx670, and upgrade from my 560ti. Is it ever really necesary or a good idea to do a complete wipe and fresh install when upgrading graphics cards?

 

[The_Golden_Man]

I used to be really crazy, and do a fresh install after changing any hardware in my computer. Im about to purchase a gtx670, and upgrade from my 560ti. Is it ever really necesary or a good idea to do a complete wipe and fresh install when upgrading graphics cards?

no! No reason for it!

 

[MagnusTheBrewer]

Why?

I suppose in the bad old days when gpu's had problems if previous drivers weren't removed first it might be just as easy to reinstall. Nah, that was crazy even then.

 

[Denithor]

Serious overkill. Even back before the driver package asked if you wanted to do a clean install. Now, it's just silly.

 

[Don Karnage]

Drive sweeper is all you need

 

[toyota]

Drive sweeper is all you need

you dont need that at all. there is zero reason than to do anything more than uninstall drivers, install new card, install drivers and then reboot.

 

[BTRY B 529th FA BN]

Download the GTX 670 drivers first. Then uninstall all the old ones. You could use Drive-sweeper. Nothing wrong doing it or not doing it. I used it when I upgraded my GPU. Then swap out the card for your brand new GTX 670 and boot up.. and do your usual install bs

 

[SolMiester]

Never heard of anything sillier!

 

[Corporate Thug]

a fresh install is a lot of work for a video card upgrade and unnecessary.

 

[borisvodofsky]

It only takes about an hour these days, if you're installing from a thumb-drive. So, It's not nearly the chore it used to be.

 

[Zorander]

It only takes about an hour these days, if you're installing from a thumb-drive. So, It's not nearly the chore it used to be.

It takes longer to re-install all your apps & games as well as Windows updates.

Need I start on re-configuring system preferences, browser bookmarks/add-ons, etc?

 

[bleucharm28]

That title took it to a whole new level,

 

[Gordon Freemen]

Fresh install of Windows is always a good thing nothing like a fresh install.

 

[SlowSpyder]

I would only if you have problems... why do it if it works fine? Install the new card, test, if no problems than leave it alone. Problems? Go from there.

 

[Pray To Jesus]

Fresh windows is like a girl without STDS. . .



you can always have more fun.

 

[Meghan54]

Fresh install of Windows is always a good thing nothing like a fresh install.

While a fresh install is nice, for anything other than major problems, it's stupid. I use my computer and would hate to have to reinstall all my Office docs, spreadsheets, games, other applications I use constantly. Damn, it'd take hours upon hours.

Guess if you don't use your computer for anything other than web browsing and some games....go ahead. For those of us with lives, just stupid.

 

[staryoshi]

It certainly doesn't hurt to implement a fresh install, but it isn't really necessary. Uninstalling the ForceWare driver, powering off the PC, installing the new card, booting up the PC, installing the new driver, and restarting the PC again should take care of things. A fresh install is beneficial if any issues arise, though

 

[d3fu5i0n]

It takes longer to re-install all your apps & games as well as Windows updates.

Need I start on re-configuring system preferences, browser bookmarks/add-ons, etc?

Indeed, I must agree.

 

[d3fu5i0n]

OP...
I wouldn't say so.
I would only recommend a standard uninstall of drivers if you're staying on the same brand [AMD -> AMD or nVidia -> nVidia].
However, I do like to 'sweep' the drivers of the system if I am switching from one to the other - but that's what I like to do!

 

[lehtv]

It takes longer to re-install all your apps & games as well as Windows updates.

Need I start on re-configuring system preferences, browser bookmarks/add-ons, etc?

You can have all the installation files at hand, doesn't take long to install a few apps and games. Preferences for apps and games (ini files mostly) can be carried over. Browser profiles, including addons, can also be carried over, no need to reconfigure everything.

 

[palladium]

Overkill, unless you have other reasons for a clean install (virus, computer slowing down, etc). I personally use driver sweeper for every video card upgrade, doesn't take long and reduces the chance of problems happening, especially if you're switching vendors (*cough* Intel).

 

[Jacky60]

No, it's not smart, nor big, nor clever! Do it if you want but it's completely unnecessary.

 

[007ELmO]

No.

 

[tweakboy]

Yes there is reason for it.

If you had a ATI and are moving to a nVidia ... your gonna have problems cuz there is left over ati crapola on your rig. If your giong from nVidia to ATI same thing. Soo ya a format is desired.

 

[007ELmO]

There are utilities to clean those up. It's not going to hurt anything, but the concept of a "good idea" can be left up to interpretation. I think most people are not going to even consider formatting their PC after plugging any new hardware in, unless the stats are coming up terribly lame.