upgrading cpu & mobo

This is probably a noob question. I am thinking about upgrading my HP computer's Cpu and MoBo. I currently run i3-530 with stock motherboard H57 chipset. I want to upgrade to i5 2500k with a p67chipset. Windows 7 came preloaded with no installation DVD. What are the chances of upgrading and the system booting right up without having to do a clean install? If I have to reinstall OS can I spare the info on my harddrive or must it be reformatted.

Thank You Very much for your help.

If you want a 2500K, you will have to get a new motherboard with the p67 chipset.

Such motherboards are all under a recall notice and likely will be for at least 2 more months.

Even if the motherboards were readily available, the first thing I would investigate is how standard your HP case is. It may have some proprietary features that make it difficult to upgrade--in which case you would have to buy a new standard ATX case.

As far as the OS goes, I've heard that Windows 7 is much more forgiving of new motherboards than earlier Windows versions, but I don't know how accurate that is.

ignatzatsonic said:

If you want a 2500K, you will have to get a new motherboard with the p67 chipset.

Such motherboards are all under a recall notice and likely will be for at least 2 more months.

Even if the motherboards were readily available, the first thing I would investigate is how standard your HP case is. It may have some proprietary features that make it difficult to upgrade--in which case you would have to buy a new standard ATX case.

As far as the OS goes, I've heard that Windows 7 is much more forgiving of new motherboards than earlier Windows versions, but I don't know how accurate that is.

Check out this post:
Upgrading CPU and MOBO

ignatzatsonic said:

As far as the OS goes, I've heard that Windows 7 is much more forgiving of new motherboards than earlier Windows versions, but I don't know how accurate that is.

You forgot too mention that doing so is also against the EULA for OEM Windows, and will void the license that came with the computer.

Big hardware swaps like the motherboard will trigger a re-activation. If its OEM, online activation will probably fail. The motherboard is one of the items your not allowed to swap. Its the equivalent of installing on a new PC and thats not allowed with an OEM version. Its tied to the original hardware it was activated on. You would then have to activate by telephone and plead your case with Microsoft. Whether or not they give you the code to type in depends on what they ask you and your answer.