Upgrading and from AMD to Intel

[Kaiza]

G'day all, i am considering upgrading from an AMD phenom x4 940 to an i5 3570 (with an associated mboard upgrade). I have had some conflicting info from the computer shops I have got quotes from, and was looking for some input.

 

-Will I need to format my os hard drive and reinstall windows?

-Are their any issues with my windows license with the swap?

-Are their any other considerations with such an upgrade?

 

Thanks

Edited June 3, 2013 by Kaiza

[Dave317]

I've just done this from a x4 955 to a i5 3570k. It's well worth doing, even at the same speed the I5 was nearly double the amd according to my performance testing program.

 

I did need to format my hard drive and reinstall windows 7, it wouldn't boot otherwise.

I did have a bit of trouble with the windows license but there is a way to confirm your is genuine by phoning number that then list loads of numbers that you need to put in the computer. It's not hard to do and it explains how to do it when you try and validate it.

Probably worth going for the K version so you can overclock it in the future.

[Kaiza]

Great info, thanks Dave!

 

I did need to format my hard drive and reinstall windows 7, it wouldn't boot otherwise.

 

Oh noooo, I suspected as much!

[metalnwood]

Don't be so bloody lazy. Why on earth would you want to get a new computer and use a year old or more install of windows on your PC. You're just asking for trouble!

[Kaiza]

Cos reinstalling windows, drivers, games, remapping keys, tracking down all my installation files, CDs and keys, losing all my home server settings, remembering all my passwords for a billion forums is not actually all that fun.

 

But also because I have a couple of programs that I lost the keys for when xtra wiped my old email account, and I am afraid I will have trouble reinstalling them.

[MeerCaT]

> remapping keys

Most games (DCS World certainly does) save these settings in a separate file that can simply be back-up and copied across into the new installation.

 

> remembering all my passwords

Every password for every account you have EVER created should be recorded somewhere anyway (in a secure, protected file somewhere, or just a little notebook under your pillow)

 

> couple of programs that I lost the keys for

Before wiping your current system, it may be possible to retrieve the serial keys for some of your programs from the Windows Registry. Search the internet for specific details about this for each separate application.

 

 

Things usually have to get worse before they can get better.

Before you enjoy the pleasure, first endure the pain.

<insert_favourite_cliche_here>

[gear_monkey]

I just did this very thing. Upgraded from an AMD 985BE to a i7 3770K.

No comparison. I had the AMD overclocked to 4.0ghz and the i7 is running the same.

WAY faster...I wish I hadn't waited so long.

 

To the point, however, I installed the new cpu and motherboard and did not reformat hard-drive or reinstall windows. All I had to do was re-activate my windows serial number and delete old drivers. Very easy.

[SkateZilla]

You will not have to re-install windows to switch mainboards and CPUs if you do it correctly.

 

You will have to re-activate it depending on OEM or Retail License.