Do I have to format my PC if I change the motherboard?

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76561198204773656 Jan 11, 2017 @ 9:59am

I recently got a new mobo and I heard that if I change the mobo I have to format the PC, is that right or what?

Last edited by gl_vertex; Jan 12, 2017 @ 3:54am

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Showing 1-15 of 39 comments

joetheplumber68 Jan 11, 2017 @ 10:16am

Fresh install of operating system needed as well as new drivers.

WarmedxMints Jan 11, 2017 @ 10:19am

If you are on windows 10, boot up on your current install first. This will transfere your key to your new hardware. Then you can format if you wish.

Alexalmighty502 Jan 11, 2017 @ 10:23am

technically it isnt needed but is recommended to avoid any driver issues

Last edited by Alexalmighty502; Jan 11, 2017 @ 10:23am

rotNdude Jan 11, 2017 @ 10:35am

Try it and find out. When you get a BSOD immediately when booting to Windows, you'll know that there's an issue with Windows.

Alexalmighty502 Jan 11, 2017 @ 10:52am

Originally posted by rotNdude:
Try it and find out. When you get a BSOD immediately when booting to Windows, you'll know that there's an issue with Windows.

+1 it never hurts to try running windows on your new computer before you wipe everything and start over

Alexalmighty502 Jan 11, 2017 @ 11:14am

Originally posted by Killua #99:
it takes 30 minutes to reinstall windows and it will be fresh, why take a chance

because its not only windows he will need to download its steam, steam games and any other programs he uses

Alexalmighty502 Jan 11, 2017 @ 11:26am

Originally posted by Killua #99:
steam games can be kept on seperate storage

all you need is windows and your graphics drivers

1 Not everyone has 2 different drives and still many required programs are saved on your main drive
2 it isnt only gpu drivers there are many other required drivers

Alexalmighty502 Jan 11, 2017 @ 11:28am

Originally posted by Killua #99:
im actually going to reinstall win 10 later today ill time it

no one cares your set up isnt the same as his

Alexalmighty502 Jan 11, 2017 @ 1:21pm

Originally posted by Killua #99:
ok back on steam now after full reinstall 11:30 to 1:17

just stop posting as i said before not everyone has 2 or more drives and even so some people keep games on their primary drive if its a ssd for improved loading times

76561198204773656 Jan 12, 2017 @ 1:51am

Can I run the PC without the hard drive? Is it even possible?

#10

Generation X SMURF Jan 12, 2017 @ 1:54am

Originally posted by Retro:
Can I run the PC without the hard drive? Is it even possible?

There are linux live cds and some that will even run in ram and in theory no need for HDD just a optical or even a usb

#11

76561198204773656 Jan 12, 2017 @ 2:08am

Originally posted by Teh Anarchist!!!:
Originally posted by Retro:
Can I run the PC without the hard drive? Is it even possible?
There are linux live cds and some that will even run in ram and in theory no need for HDD just a optical or even a usb

Well, I don't have Linux, and I am just doing this because I heard that I have to format my PC if I change motherboard, I just don't want to do that because I don't want to lose my data

#12

WarmedxMints Jan 12, 2017 @ 2:09am

If you are running windows 10, you don't need to format and reinstall. It's still not a bad idea to of course.

It is possible to load earlier version of windows on new hardware but can be a bit more of a pain.

#13