Upgrading CPU without doing a fresh install of Windows?

[Minos]

Hey, I googled for this but couldn't find a definitive answer. I basically want to replace my CPU with a better one (just the CPU, not the mobo) and some people said that that could screw windows up. Has anyone here tried that before? I don't want to do a fresh install since that would be installing hundreds of updates and installing all the software crap again.

[mjens]

I changed my old Socket AM Phenom X2 2,4GHz to Socket AM2+ Phenom X4 3,5 GHz (with mainboard and RAM). My Windows 7 asked for new drivers and rechecked registration. I have a MSDNAA version of Windows so there was no problem with re-registration. If you have OEM it might ask you to call Microsoft and tell them that you had to change some parts of your PC (I had that problem with my old Windows XP - they gave me a new code via phone).

[Psy]

I've changed CPUs several times over the years and Windows doesn't give a shit.

[Thrik]

Shouldn't cause any problems. If you have a new CPU it should work with both 32-bit and 64-bit Windows so you're unlikely to have a problem in that respect (at one time they only supported one or the other), and if you do need to reactivate Windows it shouldn't be a problem — normally takes more than one piece of new hardware to necessitate reactivation.

[Minos]

Nice. I'll try and let you guys know if my PC explodes or something. Thanks!

[Sentura]

your pc won't explode, the interrupts will be handled before that happens. at worst, you'll just have to reinstall windows

[mjens]

Sentura, never say never!

[WD]

Changing the CPU will not cause windows to lock up on you but changing motherboard on the other hand might do that, though I only know one instance of that happening and that was Vista. Dunno if win 7 does that anymore.

[dux]

Where's mino? I guess it blew up.

[Minos]

Worked like a charm, the performance gain so far is incredible.

However I'm worried it's running a little hot. It's idling at 57ºC and peaking at 65ºC, but the ambient temperature is really hot today too. I think I'll get a new case fan.

[Sentura]

try with a better cpu cooler if you feel it gets unbearable, though 65 is pretty high. my cpu used to idle around 37-39 (celcius) and peak around 45-50. i don't think i've ever had temps above 55-57 with any part of my computer

[dux]

Is it running at default clock speeds? If it's overclocked then the stock cooler will start to struggle as it was never meant for that. Still, it's always better to get a 3rd party cooler regardless.

[⌐■_■]

peaking at 65 degrees on a hot day is nothing to be too worried about, but a better cooler is always a fine investment =) especially when you have alot of hot days.

[Minos]

peaking at 65 degrees on a hot day is nothing to be too worried about, but a better cooler is always a fine investment =) especially when you have alot of hot days.

Yeah I'll do that. Better spend a few bucks on a cheap case fan than having to buy another CPU. I didn't overclock it by the way.

Fun fact: I scavenged this CPU from my ex-work PC I bought when Ubisoft shut down

[Serenius]

You could always try spraying some compressed air directly into the CPU if it's running hot. If that fails, nothing has better cooling power than a spray bottle of cold water (except liquid nitrogen)!