Upgrading a new cpu and Windows 7

Kippa

Senior member
Dec 12, 2011
392
1
81
Basically if I have an old rig and upgrade to a new cpu on the same motherboard will Windows 7 allow it? Or will I have to do a fresh OS install or even worse buy a new copy of Windows for the new CPU?

Do you only have to get a new copy of Windows when it is the new motherboard and not a new cpu?
 

jhu

Lifer
Oct 10, 1999
11,918
9
81
It should work. At worst, you'll have to call in and reactivate. But that's not likely for just switching CPUs.
 

Braxos

Member
May 24, 2013
126
0
76
Windows from pc builders will be locked to mb chip. If your windows aren't a oem ones then no worries even oems will not have issue aslong the mb stays the same.
 
Nov 26, 2005
15,163
390
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Are you selling the i7 970 or did you just buy one?

Make sure the bios is up to date before you install a new processor.
 

Johnny4

Member
Nov 12, 2013
71
0
0
this is so confusing.

here the motherboard i haveat amazon check out which you want to upgrade
 

Headfoot

Diamond Member
Feb 28, 2008
4,444
641
126
Don't know whats confusing about it.

Windows 7 OEM license: ($99 system builder version) tied to your Motherboard. You can swap CPUs, memory, hdd, etc. Anything but the motherboard. And even then if you have to replace your motherboard because it craps out, you can call in and they'll usually reactivate it for you. Done that about 3 times now

Windows 7 Retail Buy-At-BestBuy edition: can move something like once or twice? It says on the box itself
 

sm625

Diamond Member
May 6, 2011
8,172
137
106
Windows 7 will usually not have a problem even if you accidentally install the hard drive into a completely different machine. One time I did this it didnt even raise a fuss. It didnt even pop up a box saying "found new hardware". If it does have a problem its usually due to the storage driver.