Reformat needed? [SOLVED]

Hey,
I was just thinking about buying a new CPU and i was wondering say i have a setup at the moment (Motherboard, CPU, HDD) if i wanted to install a new CPU an of course the motherboard was compatible with this new CPU after i had removed the current one and installed the new one into my motherboard (leaving current motherboard and HDD) would i just be able to boot up the computer like usual and all should be good to go or would i need to something else? For example re-install my OS or something?
Answer #1
You shouldn’t have any problems at all, I’ve previously only had to do a reinstall after changing the mobo, as long as the cpu is compatible it should just boot straight up, the only issue could be if the new cpu does not support the RAM speed, but that should only entail adjusting that in BIOS (may need a little googling for correct timings and voltage, but if you have any difficulties you can always ask on here). Don’t forget thermal compound (Gelid GC Extreme is excellent).
Answer #2
Awesome, yes of course i need to pick up some thermal compound, Thank you for the help!
Answer #3
Actually there could be more issues then “not support the ram speed”. That issue you say should not even appear. A cpu doesn’t need to support the ram speed. The motherboard needs to. One of the main issues that can appear is that eg the sound stops working (onboard soundcard), usb controllers no longer recognised, … because drivers for that are usually on a CD that comes with the motherboard if the MB is newer than the OS. Things like that can make an OS stop functioning correctly amongst other things.
If you swap out the MB, cpu etc a fresh OS install is recommended to ensure maximum compatibility and to ensure that all drivers that are supported by the OS are installed properly.
Answer #4
Just installing a new CPU should be fine.
Windows may say “Found New Hardware”, and then sort itself out.