Processor swapping

[samgorney101]

Hey,

When I change the motherboard and processor on my computer, do I need to a clean install of windows for it to recognize the new hardware?

 

[Dufrane]

For a motherboard I think that you will need to reinstall windows, but for just a simple processor change I don't think you have to reinstall widows.

 

[Mik3y]

for mobo, yes. for cpu, no.

 

[ectx]

I have sereral nforce2 based mb's and I have no problem switching around (and use different cpu's). But if you have two different chipsets, I'd assume you need (or safer) to load the os.

 

[nick1985]

no

 

[Corporate Thug]

i have swapped out mobos without reinstalling

no problems

 

[aka1nas]

In general for Mobos, if you stay within the same processor architecture you can avoid a reinstall. I.E. a P2 to a P3 might work, but not a P3 to a P4. ALso, going from significantly different chipsets may require a reinstall. I.E. A KT333 and a KT400 are basically the same chipset for an athlon and swapping between wouldn't really matter most likely.

 

[RussianSoldier]

If you want to swap out a mobo without reinstalling, check this link out. I just did it successfully on a dell. Yes, a dell.

 

[Wingznut]

Yes, it's possible to swap out a motherboard and cpu without reinstalling Windows (especially if you are using WinXP.)

However... It's best to be prepared in case it doesn't work out. Be sure to backup whatever files you'd want to keep in the event you do need to format.

 

[RussianSoldier]

well, if it doesnt work, you can just hook up the old mobo most of the time.

 

[lookin4dlz]

Just swapped from a 845PE board w/ a 1.8a P4 to a 865PE board w/ a 3.0c w/ absolutely no problems. However, I'd disable all extra's in the bios (lan, firewire, etc.) swo those drivers aren't installed when you first boot up w/ the new system. Then you can go back & enable them after your certain you're stable.