Upgrading from a dual core to a quad core!

bigblitz2006 · 12 Feb 2010

Hi all! I am not computer illiterate. I have a question for you. I am switcing from an AMD dual core 2.4GHz to a Phenom 9750 Quad core. Changing out the heatsink and fan also. Can I just swap out the CPU's and restart Windows 7 Ultimate 64bit. Or do I have to do a complete reinstall of the same OS? I know that I changed MOBO's or something like that, I would have to reinstall. But I'm not sure about the processors. Any answers would be appreciated. Thanks a bunch in advance!

Zepher · 12 Feb 2010

I swapped out my friends Intel E6400 Conroe for a Q9550 last week and everything was fine and runs great.
I don't see why AMD wouldn't be the same.

Nikolay · 12 Feb 2010

I didn't have to reinstall windows when I replaced my single core with a dual core. Both AMD.

blackroseMD1 · 12 Feb 2010

Yeah, I didn't have to reinstall after switching from a dual to a quad. Although, since I replaced a few other components, I did have to reactivate Windows.

GatoSoft · 12 Feb 2010

You don't need to reinstall when you change a processor.
But, when it's motherboards, you hve in most cases because every motherboard uses very specific drivers for every chipset. Anyway, I've succeded lots of time whitout reinstalling when changed a motherboard with, for example, an old Intel chipset to a new Intel chipset. I've experienced the same with nVIDIA, AMD, VIA and SiS. But I think never worked to me from one chipset's brand to another or when then jump on the same chipset's brand is too far (for example, Intel 440BX to Intel X58

).

Hope it helps you. :)

bigblitz2006 · 12 Feb 2010

Thank You for all the info. My new processor will be here Monday. And we will see how it goes.

Wishmaster · 12 Feb 2010

Worst case scenario:

Once in windows open Device manage:
Go to Processors

You will now have 4 listed as you should
but 2 may show as the old dual and 2 as the new quad.

Simple fix, r/click and uninstall all of them.
reboot
Windows will re-install the CPU driver for new Quad
Reboot again & your good to go.
Re-Run your WEI too :)