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Best Approach for Upgrading Motherboard With OEM Windows?
I'm sorry if there is a better section to put this in, but it seemed to be the best option for my question.
I currently have an HP Pavilion p7-1102
Specs:
Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit SP1
Pegatron 2ACD
AMD A8-3800
1 TB Hitachi SATA
512 MB ATI AMD 6550 (integrated)
8 GB DDR3
I want to do an overhaul, upgrading to the following:
i5 4690k
[compatible Z97 chipset MOBO, preferably with multiple PCIe x16 for future SLI options - still undecided on exact model]
GTX 970
Corsair CX600M
I have an OEM version of Windows, which I understand will not allow me to upgrade my motherboard. I was trying to avoid buying a retail copy of Windows 7, but I've done some extensive research and it looks like I'm going to have to buy it.
My question is: What is the best way to go about installing retail Windows with all the new components while keeping all of the programs and files on my HDD? I wasn't able to find anything all that helpful in my research, and I'm hoping someone can outline the best approach. Thanks!