re-install OS using UEFI on x79 motherboard

DoDidDont

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May 27, 2009
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Hi,

I built my system 2 years ago, but want to do a fresh install and take advantage of the UEFI features. Currently the system is using an SSD for OS, with the standard MBR/NTFS.

I’ve looked online about installing Windows 7 Pro x64 using UEFI but I’m a little confused.

Guides talk about using a USB stick, but how does this work exactly?

Does this mean I have to permanently have this USB stick inserted to load the OS, or is this only for installation, and the files get put on my SSD?

Does the SSD have to be prepared specifically for UEFI bios or does the SSD become obsolete for OS loading?

I've been building my own systems for years, but never delved into UEFI before.

A step by step link would be nice from bios to installation.

Thanks

• Asus Z9PE-D8 WS
• Dual Intel Xeon E5-2687W
• 64GB Hynix DDR3 1600Mhz Quad Channel Memory
• 4x Nvidia GTX Titan 6GB (10,752 Cuda cores)
• 256GB Samsung 830 SSD (O/S & App's)
• 300GB WD VelociRaptor HDD (Projects)
• 2TB Seagate HDD (Media Storage, Batch Files, Games)
• Dual Enermax Platimax 1500W PSU's. +Add2PSU
• LG Blue-Ray, Lightscribe, DVD Writer
• O/S Windows 7 Professional x64 (SP1)
• 3DS MAX 2015
 
Solution
Hi


You only need to use uefi bios & GPT instead of MBR & 64 bit OS if you want to boot from a hard disk which is larger than 2 TB.

So in your case you do not need to do so

UEFI bios enables secure boot (but not supported by Win 7 as far as I know, only Win 8) so this feature must be off at the moment.

You can boot PC off Win 7 DVD or use Microsoft program to put files from Win 7 DVD or ISO onto a 4GB USB memory stick if no working DVD drive available.

Hopefully you will be still booting from SSD after installation complete.

You have a very powerful PC, what do you use it for ?
games or work ?

If you want to do this here are 2 tutorials
which shows Win 7 DVD OR Win 7 USB media can be used...
Hi


You only need to use uefi bios & GPT instead of MBR & 64 bit OS if you want to boot from a hard disk which is larger than 2 TB.

So in your case you do not need to do so

UEFI bios enables secure boot (but not supported by Win 7 as far as I know, only Win 8) so this feature must be off at the moment.

You can boot PC off Win 7 DVD or use Microsoft program to put files from Win 7 DVD or ISO onto a 4GB USB memory stick if no working DVD drive available.

Hopefully you will be still booting from SSD after installation complete.

You have a very powerful PC, what do you use it for ?
games or work ?

If you want to do this here are 2 tutorials
which shows Win 7 DVD OR Win 7 USB media can be used

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/186875-uefi-unified-extensible-firmware-interface-install-windows-7-a.html

http://blogs.technet.com/b/askcore/archive/2011/05/31/installing-windows-7-on-uefi-based-computer.aspx


regards
Mike Barnes
 
Solution

DoDidDont

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May 27, 2009
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Hi Mike,

Thanks for your reply.

Below are some advantages to using UEFI

Boot from large disks (over 2TB)
Faster boot-up
CPU-independent architecture
CPU-independent drivers
Pre-OS environment

It’s a shame not to use UEFI if the motherboard I use supports it. My line of thinking was that UEFI is the future, and that maybe it will provide better hardware compatibility, plus the faster boot time.

Thanks for the links. Maybe I will give it a try tomorrow, if my clients ever give me a free weekend : - )

I use the system for 3d modelling and production rendering. The 32 logical CPU cores for Mental Ray rendering, and the 4x GTX Titans for Iray rendering. Sometimes I work on very detailed geometry so need the 6gb of onboard memory the Titans offer. I don’t get much time for gaming these days but already having 4x Titans for work, is an added bonus when gaming : - )

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