Windows 8.1 OEM, New Motherboard.

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Rainfire

Rainfire

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Jan 20, 2014
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Hey everyone,

I wanted to ask if it's possible to change my motherboard with Windows 8.1 OEM, my PC came pre-built with windows 8.1 being pre-installed. I'm going to be replacing a GIGABYTE ga-78lmt-usb3 + AMD FX 6300 with an ASUS Z97-AR and i7 4790k. All I contain for this OS is the Product Key in the sticker by the side panel of the PC and what I think, is the recovery disc. If it helps, it's a CybertronPC Hellion and the disc says, "For use with a licensed CybertronPC System" on the disc but it also says Windows 8.1 64-bit. Would it be possible to change the MOBO if I use the same HDD with the OS on the new motherboard?

Thanks in advance,
rainfire
 
Solution
USAFRet


For a prebuilt system (HP/Dell/etc) the OS is indeed tied to that original motherbaord. Except in cases of actual hardware fail, you do need to buy a now OS for the new motherboard.

Any exception to this would have to go through Microsoft.
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jafrankl

jafrankl

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Dec 7, 2014
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Possible, yes. If you are just changing out those components and have checked RAM and GPU compatibility, you can trade those components. The OS is on the hard drive and will work fine with Intel components. Be wary that changing components can void warranties.
 
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joesklar

joesklar

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Sep 17, 2013
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Usually there's no issue with this. All you have to do is change the components you want and then put everything back together. Windows 8 is very good at working with new hardware, so you probably won't even have to reinstall Windows.

Just change the motherboard and reconnect the HDD/SSD. It will try to boot and configure Windows for use with the new hardware. Once this process has completed you can reactivate by going to PC settings.

If the activation fails, just call Microsoft can explain that you swapped your motherboard because the other one was faulty.
 
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Watrevir

Watrevir

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Oct 29, 2013
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Everything I've read about this says that you will have to buy a new copy of Windows. I'm about to do exactly the same and change the motherboard, but with an HP system, and I have a copy of Windows 8 OEM. Everything I seem to read says that changing any piece of hardware BUT the motherboard is ok.

If you did this and it all went well, I'd like to know.
 
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USAFRet

USAFRet

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Mar 16, 2013
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For a prebuilt system (HP/Dell/etc) the OS is indeed tied to that original motherbaord. Except in cases of actual hardware fail, you do need to buy a now OS for the new motherboard.

Any exception to this would have to go through Microsoft.
 
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