Installing a new motherboard, how to prep?

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Slurpee12

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Nov 19, 2015
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Alright so I'll be installing a new motherboard, but I know how to actually install it. However, this isn't a new build, it's just an upgrade.

Do I need to wipe my hard drive prior to installation? Going to have to be a fresh windows install?
Can I clone the hard drive? Download motherboard drivers instead of using the disc?

Thanks!

I'm getting an Asus ROG Maximus VII Hero if that helps.
 
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eggbrook


There are a handful of questions first, are you attempting to install this in a prebuilt PC by a manufacturer such as Dell, HP, etc.?

Have you bought a new CPU and RAM? If not are you certain your CPU and RAM are usable with the board?

You have to reinstall Windows because you are changing the motherboard, if your Windows key is an OEM...
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eggbrook

eggbrook

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There are a handful of questions first, are you attempting to install this in a prebuilt PC by a manufacturer such as Dell, HP, etc.?

Have you bought a new CPU and RAM? If not are you certain your CPU and RAM are usable with the board?

You have to reinstall Windows because you are changing the motherboard, if your Windows key is an OEM you must also purchase a new copy of Windows because upgrading a motherboard requires a new key. Windows OEM links to the motherboard, replacing the motherboard constitutes creating a new PC to Microsoft and as such needs its own key, unless it is a Retail copy of Windows. Retail Windows can be installed on one PC and transferred to PCs without an issue. Also wiping the drive takes place during the Windows installation process so you don't need to wipe the drive before hand.

I would also always suggest downloading the drivers online and putting them on a flash drive rather than using possibly outdated drivers on the disc and having to update drivers twice.
 
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Slurpee12

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Nov 19, 2015
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This is on my custom machine. I've built computers from scratch, but this my first motherboard upgrade.
It seems that I need to treat upgrading the motherboard as a new build rather than an upgrade.
I purchased an i7-6700k and G.Skill DDR4 RAM, so the parts are compatible. This isn't my first rodeo
;)
I will have to reinstall windows then. That was my primary concern. Time to backup my data!
 
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