Do I need to re-install my OS when upgrading my APU?

romancandle · 09 Apr 2015

I found a similar thread here: Will I have to Re-install with a CPU Upgrade?

But I'd like to know if it is different for APUs.

I currently have a AMD A6-5400K single core. When I built the pc I didn't think I'd need more than one core. I was very wrong.

I'd like to upgrade to at least an A8 or A10 dual/quad core, haven't made up my mind yet. Would upgrading be as painless as a CPU upgrade? Iassume there will be an extra step or two because of the built-in GPU.

Sorry if this is under the wrong section, I'm new here!

rvcjew · 09 Apr 2015

If you keep the same motherboard then you should not have too, also that cpu has two cores not one.

TVeblen · 09 Apr 2015

Hello romancandle. Welcome to the forum.

From a system standpoint there is no difference between a CPU and an APU. They are both processors.

You need to make sure that the new processor will fit in the motherboards socket, and that it is compatible with the BIOS. You may need to do a BIOS upgrade to use the new processor.

Anytime you change a processor you need to reset the BIOS CMOS-RAM. There is usually a Clear CMOS jumper on the motherboard for doing this. Just ask if you need the procedure.

Once the system at the BIOS level has reset for the new processor and boots with those new settings there will be little if any affect on your Windows installation.
You will, however, probably need to reactivate Windows, as the OS will see itself installed on a "new" computer with new hardware. This is a simple process, usually by phone to the MS Activation Center, to explain your situation and activate your install again.

EDIT: as rvcjew has said, there may be no need to reactivate either.

romancandle · 09 Apr 2015

rvcjew said:

If you keep the same motherboard then you should not have too, also that cpu has two cores not one.

It shows as having two cores, but one is actually an AMD Radeon HD 7540D, running under that core.

TVeblen said:

Hello romancandle. Welcome to the forum.

From a system standpoint there is no difference between a CPU and an APU. They are both processors.

You need to make sure that the new processor will fit in the motherboards socket, and that it is compatible with the BIOS. You may need to do a BIOS upgrade to use the new processor.

Anytime you change a processor you need to reset the BIOS CMOS-RAM. There is usually a Clear CMOS jumper on the motherboard for doing this. Just ask if you need the procedure.

Once the system at the BIOS level has reset for the new processor and boots with those new settings there will be little if any affect on your Windows installation.
You will, however, probably need to reactivate Windows, as the OS will see itself installed on a "new" computer with new hardware. This is a simple process, usually by phone to the MS Activation Center, to explain your situation and activate your install again.

EDIT: as rvcjew has said, there may be no need to reactivate either.

I'm sure the ones I'm looking at are the same socket type as my current APU, and I updated my BIOS when I first built the pc, so I should be fine there; I wasn't sure what CMOS was, is this what you were talking about? How do I clear the CMOS?

Thanks for the quick replies!

TVeblen · 09 Apr 2015

romancandle said:

II wasn't sure what CMOS was, is this what you were talking about? How do I clear the CMOS?

Thanks for the quick replies!

That might work on an Intel board.

But usually just removing the battery only resets BIOS defaults. To clear the BIOS settings on a desktop motherboard there is usually a header with 3 pins and one 2-pin jumper that is marked Clear CMOS, or CLRTC, or similar. But it is always best to read the friendly manual!

TVeblen · 09 Apr 2015

romancandle said:

I'm sure the ones I'm looking at are the same socket type as my current APU, and I updated my BIOS when I first built the pc, so I should be fine there;

Always best to check the manufacturers website for your motherboard and check the list of compatible processors. See the words!