Do i need to reinstall Windows after CPU swap?

so, as the title says, do i need to format my hdd? i was planning to upgrade from 4670K to some i7 (hyperthreaded) model, but i'm reconsidering if need to do a fresh Windows install. i have soooo much designing software installed that it would be a hassle.

oh, and i'm using Win7 currently, if it makes any difference.

Most likely no, no need in new install, if you do however see some kind of issues, then of course get a fresh clean install.

About those programs, some will work fine after fresh install, other won't - easy way is to backup with external HDD.

just the cpu? probably not. Mobo too? Probably yes

This, although I've seen Windows ask for a re-activation after CPU installs.

If you're changing the whole mobo I would recommend a reinstall actually.

You don't necessarily NEED to re-install Windows after installing a new motherboard, but it's definitely recommended.

of course not...

CPU no, mobo for sure. Also, if you're using 4670K for mostly gaming then there's no point getting an i7. Performance will be the same. I have a 4670K in my other rig and it makes no difference (compared to 4770K).

Required, not usually, only if you have problems

Recommended, yes, always good to start fresh with a new cpu/motherboard - more so if the motherboard has been changed

nope definitely don't have to reinstall windows. I installed way back in 2008, still going strong... mind you I do clones of my hard drives for times when theres problems I can just clone back instead of having to reinstall everything.

I been using the same install of windows for a lot of cpus listed below.

Intel E8400 core 2 duo -> Intel i7 2600k -> Intel i7 4770k -> ??? who knows what will be next!

I used to do that too.... but then I couldn't be bothered anymore, lol...

I've just done this and this thread turned up in my searches.

I had my pc, a custom build core2duo. I forget the series and now its all unplugged, its all unplugged but circa ten years old. My new pc is a Dell i7 4770 x2e with 16GB and both have activated win10 Pro licenses.

I removed the SSD from my core2duo (upgraded a couple of years ago) and put it in the Dell, fully prepared with a usb image ready to boot and everything backed up, so was good to go.

TL;DR?

It just worked, literally nothing to do.

I remember back when i went from a Pentium d to a core2duo and had xp installed it fired right up, i had a gtx 970 and the drivers wasn't compatible with xp, so i edited the config file to make it install lol. And my now 4790k still murders at 1440p with a 1080ti. hell my i5 7400 murders at 1080p with the same gtx 970 wind force addition lol.

you should really consider biting the bullet and getting caught up to windows 10..its a lot zippier than 7

THREAD NECROOOOOH MANCEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE

at its finest.

Good job.

There is no need to reinstall windows ! You can migrate your designing apps to a virtual desktop for a safety side. CPU swap has nothing to do with it.

Adrian Gates

Sr. Systems Engineer - https://www.clouddesktoponline.com

CPU swap is totally different just migrate it

Yes, I agree with this comment there is no difference if you want to know more you can also visit http://technicalground.webstarts.com/ to know the actual thing here mentioned all the thing properly.