Upgrading CPU

[ant900]

Hey everyone.  I just recently got a hold of a i7-975 Processor and I figured I might as well put it to use.  However I have never upgraded a computer without completely reinstalling the OS, and this time I would prefer to not go through all that trouble.  So is there something that I can do after installing the new CPU to prevent me from having to completely reinstall XP?

Also while on the subject of a new processor, anyone have any suggestions for a LGA1366 motherboard to go with it?  I always have a hard time figuring out which boards are better than others.

The new system will be:
Intel Core i7-975 Processor
nVidia GForce 9800GT
D-Link DWA 556 Xtreme N PCIe Adapter
3 SATA HDDs (1TB,1.5TB,250GB)
1 IDE HDD (160GB)
1 CD Drive
1 LightOn DVD-RW Drive (Flimsy PoC that sorta works )

[Lupin]

1. Backup your stuff
2. Uninstall all drivers from the hardware you want to replace
3. Replace the hardware
4. Pray to your god(s) if you have any that things will go well
5. Turn on the computer

The worst you can encounter is a BSOD which would mean a reinstall. The best you can expect is a reactivation since you probably changed three(?) hardware in your PC--processor, motherboard and memory.

[relic2279]

If you do end up installing a new OS, I wouldn't re-install XP. I'd give Windows 7 a shot. Nice chip BTW... I need to upgrade badly myself. Long overdue

[nstgc]

I would reinstall XP (or better install 7 as Relic said). I have had bad experience with changing the CPU and keeping the OS. I also have never gone from one type of processor to the same type (If I upgraded my Phenom II 945 to a 965). I have always changed the type of processor (like from an Athelon 5200 to a Phenom 945). Also, if you change the motherboard, Windows will think its a new computer and bitch at you.

Installing an OS isn't that hard. It takes some time, but most of that is installing drivers, updates, and other software (I configure things as I go).

[BuriaL]

I just quickly looked at some motherboards.

Gigabyte GA-EX58-UD5
http://www.ocaholic.ch/xoops/html/modules/smartsection/item.php?itemid=224&page=0
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128362&Tpk=GA-EX58-UD5

It supports XP, alltho they dont say what service pack.

Do some research on cards before buying anything. And make sure the stuff you gonna put on it will fit.

[ant900]

1. Backup your stuff
2. Uninstall all drivers from the hardware you want to replace
3. Replace the hardware
4. Pray to your god(s) if you have any that things will go well
5. Turn on the computer

The worst you can encounter is a BSOD which would mean a reinstall. The best you can expect is a reactivation since you probably changed three(?) hardware in your PC--processor, motherboard and memory.

Uggh if I have to do that then I might just to a clean install =/

If you do end up installing a new OS, I wouldn't re-install XP. I'd give Windows 7 a shot. Nice chip BTW... I need to upgrade badly myself. Long overdue

I would prefer to keep with XP, at least for the moment.  My card doesn't support DX11 and I don't have the money to buy one that does.  The only reason I would switch would be to run on a x64 OS, but I don't really feel like dealing with compatibility issues.  I'll probably get 7 in a year or two.

I would reinstall XP (or better install 7 as Relic said). I have had bad experience with changing the CPU and keeping the OS. I also have never gone from one type of processor to the same type (If I upgraded my Phenom II 945 to a 965). I have always changed the type of processor (like from an Athelon 5200 to a Phenom 945). Also, if you change the motherboard, Windows will think its a new computer and bitch at you.

Installing an OS isn't that hard. It takes some time, but most of that is installing drivers, updates, and other software (I configure things as I go).

My current cpu is a Core 2 Quad Q9550.  Not exactly the same processor type.

It wouldn't be my first time installing an OS (my current machine is self built), I just hoped that switching the Mobo/CPU while keeping the OS would be a lot simpler than Lupin says it will be.  I guess I was just hoping that I would just have to re-register XP and install a few new drivers or something =/

I just quickly looked at some motherboards.

Gigabyte GA-EX58-UD5
http://www.ocaholic.ch/xoops/html/modules/smartsection/item.php?itemid=224&page=0
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128362&Tpk=GA-EX58-UD5

It supports XP, alltho they dont say what service pack.

Do some research on cards before buying anything. And make sure the stuff you gonna put on it will fit.

That one looks pretty nice, though is Gigabyte a good Mobo manufacturer?  I am not too familiar with Motherboard brands.

[Mag-X]

If you were upgrading just the CPU, Windows doesn't care. Since you are going to have to upgrade your motherboard as well, I would highly suggest reinstalling the OS, but you don't have to. You could just switch the parts, and start the computer up with the old OS installed. It'll give a bunch of new hardware found messages, and you can install the new drivers. I've done it before, and it worked.

I would prefer to keep with XP, at least for the moment.  My card doesn't support DX11 and I don't have the money to buy one that does.  The only reason I would switch would be to run on a x64 OS, but I don't really feel like dealing with compatibility issues.  I'll probably get 7 in a year or two.

I've been using 64 bit OSes since XP x64. There is nothing to worry about.

[sdedalus83]

Gigabyte makes excellent consumer level boards, especially for overclocking.
Changing chipsets is a much bigger issue than changing CPUs.  You could easily go from an Athlon 64 X2 to a Phenom II X4 with just a BIOS update, as long as you're on an AM2 board.

[ant900]

If you were upgrading just the CPU, Windows doesn't care. Since you are going to have to upgrade your motherboard as well, I would highly suggest reinstalling the OS, but you don't have to. You could just switch the parts, and start the computer up with the old OS installed. It'll give a bunch of new hardware found messages, and you can install the new drivers. I've done it before, and it worked.

did you have any problems when you did it though?

I would prefer to keep with XP, at least for the moment.  My card doesn't support DX11 and I don't have the money to buy one that does.  The only reason I would switch would be to run on a x64 OS, but I don't really feel like dealing with compatibility issues.  I'll probably get 7 in a year or two.

I've been using 64 bit OSes since XP x64. There is nothing to worry about.

If I have to do a full wipe I might do it.  I guess I am just so used to XP that I would prefer to stay with it rather than figure out the differences with 7.  Also doing a full back-up, and then restore does not sound fun

Gigabyte makes excellent consumer level boards, especially for overclocking.
Changing chipsets is a much bigger issue than changing CPUs.  You could easily go from an Athlon 64 X2 to a Phenom II X4 with just a BIOS update, as long as you're on an AM2 board.

I guess I'll have to take a closer look at the one BuriaL suggested then.

[Mag-X]

If you were upgrading just the CPU, Windows doesn't care. Since you are going to have to upgrade your motherboard as well, I would highly suggest reinstalling the OS, but you don't have to. You could just switch the parts, and start the computer up with the old OS installed. It'll give a bunch of new hardware found messages, and you can install the new drivers. I've done it before, and it worked.

did you have any problems when you did it though?

Not really. I've done it with both XP x64, and 7 Ultimate x64. I still don't think that it's the best idea, but it should work. You should still back everything up anyway, so you might was well re-install.

If I have to do a full wipe I might do it.  I guess I am just so used to XP that I would prefer to stay with it rather than figure out the differences with 7.  Also doing a full back-up, and then restore does not sound fun

7 is so much better than XP. I don't know anyone who has switched and wasn't happy about it.

[fohfoh]

7 takes a little getting used to, but I feel it's far superior than XP.

Seriously, you might as well.

[Stsin]

The easiest way is like already suugested.  Having windows do a repair install on top of the old windows, which will install the right drivers for your MB and CPU.  But may go back to default settings and may lose some of your app settings too, having to reinstall some apps...but some may not overwrite and use the old settings.

I also agree that the best option is to take the dive into Windows 7 x64.  But while you want a clean install, you can use the same drive (don't format it).  It will automatically detect the older windows and back it up to windows.old.  So also need plenty of space for both OSes.  This way you'll have a clean install, but can look in windows.old for many of your app settings that you forgot to back up.  It saved me a lot of time when I did a clean install from RC1 to Win 7 retail.  well, can install on a separate drive and use the old for reference, but I like having my drives set at install and just delete the windows.old when done ...disk cleanup can clean up all remnants of old OS too.
May also want to consider getting atleast Win 7 Pro x64, to be able to use XP Mode for those legacy apps that you need to run in XP.  With Virtual Windows XP being well integrated, it's just like using a separate window.  Though do have to suffer through the initial boot times from a cold start, if not hibernated.

The third option is to use Sysprep tool on your windows XP CD.  It's used to install an image of windows on multiple computers with varying hardware.  Since I never used before, I won't post any links but there are many tutorials out there on using it to change motherboards.

Just found an easier option to try:
http://www.tweakxp.com/article37174.aspx

[Inate8]

I would prefer to keep with XP, at least for the moment.  My card doesn't support DX11 and I don't have the money to buy one that does.  The only reason I would switch would be to run on a x64 OS, but I don't really feel like dealing with compatibility issues.  I'll probably get 7 in a year or two.

The compatibility issues you speak of were back when XP x64 was fresh and new.  Those have been resolved for the most part.  Actually in the coming years you'll probably end up running into more issues staying with a 32-bit OS(especially as old as XP is, it's great but it's time to move on).

[NaRu]

There is really no reason not to get Windows 7 64bit. It will run all of your old software that can run on XP just fine. Just get windows 7 and dump XP

[ant900]

a lot more push for Win7 than I was expecting.  I am still going to try to do a hardware switch before I wipe anything, but if I have to I might as well go to win7.  Though maybe I should just listen to my dad and use linux beyond my occasional use of it with my ps3 -_-

[nstgc]

a lot more push for Win7 than I was expecting.  I am still going to try to do a hardware switch before I wipe anything, but if I have to I might as well go to win7.  Though maybe I should just listen to my dad and use linux beyond my occasional use of it with my ps3 -_-

I certainly advocate that

I have both WIndows 7 x64 and Ubuntu 9.10 installed. Ubuntu is default on my system and I use it for most everything. Multi-tasking with Compiz is much better and I think the video quality in MPlayer is better than in MPC (although you will have to build it yourself). If you do install Ubuntu I would wait a bit. I believe the next long term distribution of Ubuntu is coming out this month. You will want an LTD version as they are more stable. Of course you probably are using Yellow Dog already (since you mentioned the PS3) so you may want to stick with what you are use to.

[ant900]

a lot more push for Win7 than I was expecting.  I am still going to try to do a hardware switch before I wipe anything, but if I have to I might as well go to win7.  Though maybe I should just listen to my dad and use linux beyond my occasional use of it with my ps3 -_-

I certainly advocate that

I have both WIndows 7 x64 and Ubuntu 9.10 installed. Ubuntu is default on my system and I use it for most everything. Multi-tasking with Compiz is much better and I think the video quality in MPlayer is better than in MPC (although you will have to build it yourself). If you do install Ubuntu I would wait a bit. I believe the next long term distribution of Ubuntu is coming out this month. You will want an LTD version as they are more stable. Of course you probably are using Yellow Dog already (since you mentioned the PS3) so you may want to stick with what you are use to.

I currently have Fedora(PC) and Yellow Dog (PS3), though for the most part I am still a Linux newb so I don't mess around with them too much., plus I don't really feel like dealing with a virtual machine just so I can do my work and play games.  I'll probably reinstall fedora, but it will stay as a secondary os.

[kyanwan]

1. Backup your stuff
2. Uninstall all drivers from the hardware you want to replace
3. Replace the hardware
4. Pray to your god(s) if you have any that things will go well
5. Turn on the computer

The worst you can encounter is a BSOD which would mean a reinstall. The best you can expect is a reactivation since you probably changed three(?) hardware in your PC--processor, motherboard and memory.

If swapping your MB you would need to switch your PC from ACPI to Standard.   If your system detection fucks up, though - you'll be stuck on Standard PC - and a reinstall or in-place install will be necessary.

If you're just swapping out the CPU though ... I don't really see any reason why you would need to go nuts. 

I just swapped the whole board, memory, and CPU out of 2 XP systems here.   I ripped out the drivers - then let windows restart.  Unfortunately - needed to do in-place installs of XP on both systems as well.

It was a couple hours each - BUT - it was a WHOLE shitload faster than reinstalling all the software and crap on both systems. 

[ant900]

1. Backup your stuff
2. Uninstall all drivers from the hardware you want to replace
3. Replace the hardware
4. Pray to your god(s) if you have any that things will go well
5. Turn on the computer

The worst you can encounter is a BSOD which would mean a reinstall. The best you can expect is a reactivation since you probably changed three(?) hardware in your PC--processor, motherboard and memory.

If swapping your MB you would need to switch your PC from ACPI to Standard.   If your system detection fucks up, though - you'll be stuck on Standard PC - and a reinstall or in-place install will be necessary.

If you're just swapping out the CPU though ... I don't really see any reason why you would need to go nuts. 

I just swapped the whole board, memory, and CPU out of 2 XP systems here.   I ripped out the drivers - then let windows restart.  Unfortunately - needed to do in-place installs of XP on both systems as well.

It was a couple hours each - BUT - it was a WHOLE shitload faster than reinstalling all the software and crap on both systems. 

My new CPU is a different Socket from my current so I have to switch out both.

[Kasumi X]

Strange how I'm making my first post here instead of somewhere else...

Anyway, I build systems as a hobby (and also as a side income to support the missus), and even though many have already posted here, I'll go ahead and post my input.

Nice choice of CPU first of all, it's a good upgrade from a Core 2 Quad. Since you're replacing both the CPU and Mobo, the obviously different hardware will more than likely require you to re-activate your copy of Windows XP, unless you get extremely lucky. Though with Microsoft's recent tactics at anti-piracy you'll probably be forced to buy another product key for it, which shouldn't cost more than $100 the last time I checked.

Unless you feel confident enough to make the upgrade to Windows 7, which I strongly recommend. Mainly because it was designed to support the newer Intel i7 CPU's and LGA1156/1366 sockets, where XP wasn't. Technically, it should still run, but tell Mobo manufacturers that. A few Mobo's still support XP, but most don't because of Microsoft trying to push the upgrade to Vista/7 which results in you getting a BSOD, even if you use safemode. If you want to try your luck with keeping XP, try procuring a copy of XP Professional x64. Yes, you will have to do a clean install, but the chances of it working on the new Mobo are much higher than a copy of 32-bit XP. Since you'll probably have to purchase a new product key anyway (unless you're a crafty pirate like myself), it's better off anyway since a clean install on a new/rebuilt system is better than trying to fudge it into working properly. Any products you have installed that use a hardware ID will deactivate anyway because of the change.

You're last concern is drivers, since at worst when it tries to load the old one's, you'll get a BSOD. Of course if you really want to keep XP, and not do a new install period, you could go into safemode and remove all the drivers for the old Mobo and install the ones for the new Mobo. I'd also uninstall the drivers for your GFX and Sound cards and get the newest ones for the best compatability. If anything, safemode will let you retrieve your files.

Other benefits to at least switching to XP Pro x64 are the removal of the 3.25 GB RAM cap that 32-bit systems have. 7 is also just as zippy as XP, especially considering the CPU you will be using. Hope that helps. I'd post more, but the missus has me cooking.