Do I need to format after taking out the cpu?

[egil87]

Proooobably a silly question, but do I need to format my pc after taking out the cpu? Im changing fans, and im applying new thermal paste.




Thanks

 

[jerry6]

mo ,

 

[ulillillia]

Unless you change the CPU or some other hardware, then you'll likely need to update drivers, though a reformat is only needed if all else fails (I've had that happen once though only due to changing CPUs rather than taking it out and putting the same one back in). Why you'd need to take out the CPU itself to reapply thermal grease is another subject - this gets applied on the bottom of the heat sink and the silvery cover of the CPU.

 

[gmcizzle]

If you aren't changing the CPU, then no. If you are using a different CPU, then Windows may make you re-activate it, if you are using Windows of course.