Questions from somebody with 0 computer knowledge.

[ProtoflareX]

I am planning on buying the processor and motherboard linked below, and I have a few questions about them.

Processor: http://www.amazon.com/AMD-FD8320FRHKBOX-FX-8320-FX-Series-Edition/dp/B009O7YU56/ref=dp_ob_title_ce

Motherboard: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008V9959O/ref=ox_sfl_cart_mbc_s1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&serverToken=Obidos

1. Is that motherboard compatible with that processor?
2. Does that processor come with a "thermal case"?
3. I spoke to someone on the phone who told me that replacing my current motherboard and processor might also require me to reinstall Windows 7. Can anyone think of a reason as to why this would be?

 

[TheMagicalWallaby]

Yes those are compatible. However, I would recommend this board as i is a 990fx board. http://www.amazon.com/M5A99FX-PRO-R2-0-990FX-Motherboard/dp/B008B6ONXK/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1406999651&sr=1-1&keywords=asus+m5a99fx+pro+r2.0

By thermal case, did you mean thermal paste? It comes with a stock heatsink and fan, with thermal paste pre-applied to the heatsink. However, the CPU cooler that comes with it, is loud, and ineffective, I recommend getting a Hyper 212 evo (and that comes with thermal paste so don't worry about that).
http://www.amazon.com/Cooler-Master-Hyper-212-RR-212E-20PK-R2/dp/B005O65JXI/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1407000033&sr=1-1&keywords=hyper+212+evo (make sure you case can fit it, otherwise look at the Hyper TX3)


You will also need to re-install Windows. "Yes you will. When you replace the system board Windows will tell you that your no long activated also it's best to remove the drivers related to the previous board to keep from having other unknown issues," neieus.

 

[TheMagicalWallaby]

Would you be open to getting an i5 4690k?

 

[ProtoflareX]

Yes those are compatible. However, I would recommend this board as 990fx boards are much better than 970 boards. http://www.amazon.com/M5A99FX-PRO-R2-0-990FX-Motherboard/dp/B008B6ONXK/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1406999651&sr=1-1&keywords=asus+m5a99fx+pro+r2.0

By thermal case, did you mean thermal paste? It comes with a stock heatsink and fan, with thermal paste pre-applied to the heatsink. However, the CPU cooler that comes with it, is loud, and ineffective, I recommend getting a Hyper 212 evo (and that comes with thermal paste so don't worry about that).
You will also need to re-install Windows. "Yes you will. When you replace the system board Windows will tell you that your no long activated also it's best to remove the drivers related to the previous board to keep from having other unknown issues," neieus.

So I would indeed have to reinstall windows... What would I do in a situation where I no longer have the resources necessary to reinstall it? Would I have to purchase Windows 7 again?

Edit: As for the i5 question, I'm going for more of a budget build, and that $230 price tag definitely does not agree with the budget.

 

[TheMagicalWallaby]

Yes those are compatible. However, I would recommend this board as 990fx boards are much better than 970 boards. http://www.amazon.com/M5A99FX-PRO-R2-0-990FX-Motherboard/dp/B008B6ONXK/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1406999651&sr=1-1&keywords=asus+m5a99fx+pro+r2.0

By thermal case, did you mean thermal paste? It comes with a stock heatsink and fan, with thermal paste pre-applied to the heatsink. However, the CPU cooler that comes with it, is loud, and ineffective, I recommend getting a Hyper 212 evo (and that comes with thermal paste so don't worry about that).
You will also need to re-install Windows. "Yes you will. When you replace the system board Windows will tell you that your no long activated also it's best to remove the drivers related to the previous board to keep from having other unknown issues," neieus.

So I would indeed have to reinstall windows... What would I do in a situation where I no longer have the resources necessary to reinstall it? Would I have to purchase Windows 7 again?

Edit: As for the i5 question, I'm going for more of a budget build, and that $230 price tag definitely does not agree with the budget.

You can create a system repair disk in Windows so you can reinstall Windows. http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/create-a-system-repair-disc