Upgrade OEM CPU Without Re-Activation?

[ShrubKing]

So, I'm going to upgrade my OEM PC with an AMD FX-4300 CPU to an FX-8320 CPU.

I have already upgraded the GPU and PSU without any problems.

Anyway, will I need to re-activate my OEM copy of Windows 8.1 that came pre-loaded on the PC?

If anyone could clarify before I purchase the CPU that would be awesome.

Thanks.

SHRUBKING

[rotNdude]

A CPU exchange on an existing motherboard should cause no problems.

[_I_]

in amd boards it may cause other problems

going from a 95w to 125w cpu is a higher load for the mobos vrms
http://www.overclock.net/a/about-vrms-mosfets-motherboard-safety-with-high-tdp-processors
look up the board, and make sure its good for it
http://www.overclock.net/t/946407/amd-motherboards-vrm-info-database



from fx4300 to fx8350 will only add 4 more cores, not more speed
most games do not need more cores
http://www.cpu-world.com/Compare/302/AMD_FX-Series_FX-4300_vs_AMD_FX-Series_FX-8350.html

[ShrubKing]

Thanks guys, so I know my mobo is fine for the CPU power-wise as it is an Asus M5A97 EVO that can support up to an 8 core and 140w CPU. I not only want to upgrade my CPU for gaming but also for video rendering, as I am making extra money off videography/photography.

Would the upgrade still be possible without re-activation?

Thanks.

[_I_]

cpu upgrade (in the same board) will not need windows to be re-activated

if its that board, get a good cpu cooler (212evo)
then overclock to 4.2-4.6ghz

if the budget will allow upgrade to an i5/i7 for video work

[ShrubKing]

Thanks for your help, but I'm not really interested in overclocking. Will I need to re-activate Windows?

[rotNdude]

You've been told twice that you won't.

[ShrubKing]

Sorry, yours was clear the other ones were not.

Thanks again guys!

[Rove]

I don't think you will but if you did have to for some reason it's free and quick so what's the problem? If you don't have a telephone use Google phone.

[ZƐZZƐX]

In previous versions of windows, (xp and 7) changing your hardware required a re-activation of windows. Has something changed with windows 8

[ShrubKing]

If I have upgraded the GPU wouldn't that count as a hardware change?

[_I_]

windows goes by a point scale for hardware changes
mobo boot hdd/ssd is large
gpu/cpu are small
nic is small along with other cards (sound/drive controllers)
case is 0
odd and other non boot drives are 0

if there are alot of small changes it may run over the limit and need to be reactivated

[ShrubKing]

Okay, cool. Thanks for the info! I'm going to order it tonight. :D

[Veristä mössöä]

What's the problem with reactivation?

Is just one phone call to robot/narrator service.

[ShrubKing]

So, a BIOS question. After doing some research on my OEM M5A97 EVO, my BIOS are version 1102. The FX-4300 that's already in the mobo requires 1604. It's working without the updated bios. Will I need to flash bios for the FX-8320, even if the FX-4300 is woking just fine?

[time goblin]

you might as well flash it to improve stability, it doesnt cause any harm.