Changing Motherboards AM4, from B350 to a B450

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jayzeehxc

Aug 3, 2018
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Hello, I currently have the following setup;

Asrock AB350 Pro4 (latest bios)
GTX 1060 6GB
R5 2600
2x4GB 2400mhz GeiL EVO X RAM

I am planning to upgrade my mobo to a MSI B450 Gaming Pro Carbon AC, and also get a 2x16GB TridentZ RAM.

My question is, would I need to reformat my drives (I have an SSD for OS and a HDD for files)? Or will my OS work just fine if I change my mobo? I don't mind doing a clean reinstall for my files. I just wanted to make sure. Also, are there any suggestions or advice on what to do after changing an old mobo?

TIA.
 
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Assuming Windows boots up after the swap you shouldn't need to do a complete re-install. Instead do a Repair Install over top of the existing installation. It will identify and load default drivers for all changed hardware, and fix up windows in the processs, while keeping installed software and settings. I've done this several...
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Rogue Leader

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Dec 22, 2014
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You should reinstall Windows. While there is a chance it may boot up, it may even seem to work fine, we have had MANY members run into strange, unfix-able issues like USB ports not working when not reinstalling.

Why are you making this switch? Other than it looking cooler and the onboard WiFi there is no performance to be gained by the new board. Also 32gb of ram is excessive, 16gb would be fine and with the money you save you could get yourself an X470 board which may allow for an actual performance improvement.
 
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jayzeehxc

Aug 3, 2018
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I am giving my old motherboard to my brother since he's also trying to build his own PC, Aside from that, I heard the MSI B450 Gaming Pro Carbon AC is the best B450 board for overclocking and overall features, I really like the integrated wifi and bluetooth 5.0

Thanks for the replies though, I might have to just reinstall my OS and just save my files on an external so I could transfer them after.
 
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Rogue Leader

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I guess so but you're better off with the X470 Gaming Pro Carbon AC if your goal is overclocking. Like I said better off with that than 32gb of ram. It has a much better power phase design.
 
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jayzeehxc

Aug 3, 2018
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I see, I might just stick with the B450 Gaming Carbon because I would really like the integrated wifi and bluetooth, I'll also take your advice and just get a 2x8GB ram instead, also I have another question for the motherboard. It has a 8+4pin power connection, Would I be just fine using the 8pin for the mobo or does it really require both pins to work?
 
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Rogue Leader

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If you are looking to overclock you want to connect both the 8 and the 4 pin, that connector is specifically there for that. If you're running only at stock speeds you don't need it then.

The MSI X470 Gaming Pro Carbon AC I mentioned is the same board as you are getting but with the X470 chipset which is better for overclocking and a better VRM setup, also better for overclocking. It has integrated wifi and Bluetooth. Up to you of course.
 
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drea.drechsler

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Oct 16, 2017
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Assuming Windows boots up after the swap you shouldn't need to do a complete re-install. Instead do a Repair Install over top of the existing installation. It will identify and load default drivers for all changed hardware, and fix up windows in the processs, while keeping installed software and settings. I've done this several times already when I've swapped processors and motherboards and once after a power outage trashed the Windows installation so it wouldn't start.

https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/16397-repair-install-windows-10-place-upgrade.html

That's the process spelled out. You should, of course, do a backup anyway to be safe. If you swap BOTH processor and motherboard you should be prepared to have issues with validation, however. When it wouldn't validate by re-entering my license key I had to contact MS Tech Support by phone, who were very helpful each time.

You can also do a Fresh Start.... just type Fresh Start in Cortana search box and follow it to the Device Performance & Health screen. I've never used that though.
 
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