Hi guys,
I want to swap out my motherboard (current mb: https://www.centrecom.com.au/msi-b450-tomahawk-max-ii-amd-am…) with a different one but same brand (was looking at: https://www.centrecom.com.au/msi-b450-gaming-pro-carbon-max-…).
Would I need to reinstall windows or would I be able to run it just fine?
Sorry, I'm not too familiar with upgrading parts- I usually just build a whole new set.
Any suggestions on new MB would be appreciated also.
No need to reinstall.
But windows might make you reactivate what version do you have
Windows10 Pro
Windows licensing is tied to your motherboard.
If you associate your local account with an online Microsoft account, however, you may be able to move the licence across to the new motherboard.
It gets tricky if you've got an OEM licence, they are not designed to be movable.
Maybe time to stop using Windows?
I play games and stuff and prefer windows, I don't mind getting a new license for Windows if I have no other choice.
Last time I did a motherboard switch I rang a Microsoft phone number, talked to a robot (no human) and it was switched. Easy as pie.
Microsoft also changed their licensing. OEM is no longer tied to the motherboard in the same way, unless you purchased a prebuilt machine from Dell or someone with a bulk licensing agreement. Buy the OEM copy from an IT store and it’s not tied to the motherboard (but they do check that it’s only active on one device at a time). Retail versions can always move between devices.
I guess I'll ask the question.. why do you want to swap the motherboards? performance gain = zero
Same question I want to know.
Only difference I can tell on those boards is the rgb lights and built in wifi.
A lot of effort and cost to get some shiny leds added.
Yep, a $5 RGB strip and a $20 PCIe wifi card will do the trick hahah.
If it is the same chipset, you don't have to re-install Windoze;
you only have to re-install Windoze if it is different chipsets
No definitive answer. But my guess would be you should not have to re-install.