The update may cause some changes, but it shouldn't harm your system.
The update may cause some changes, but it shouldn't harm your system.
I still have a 9th gen Intel Core i3 and managed to find an RX 5600 XT at a good price. I was considering switching to an AMD CPU and a new motherboard, wondering if it would really make a difference. Essentially, would I need to reinstall games or install a fresh Windows version? It sounds a bit confusing, but I don’t want to invest too much for something that might impact my system this way. Thanks!
It’s probable you’ll have to reinstall Windows again. Your activation key remains usable so you can still turn it on, and unless your games are stored on a different SSD than Windows, you won’t need to redo their installation. A service like Steam must be displayed at the location where the game files reside. Also confirm that game save data is safely backed up, especially if it isn’t stored in the cloud. For instance, Dark Souls saves its information in the boot drive’s appdata folder.
In certain situations reinstalling Windows can be beneficial to sidestep blue screen issues caused by CPU-specific driver conflicts from Intel or AMD. However, it’s not always necessary—Windows may boot once it detects all new hardware, which could take more than an hour. You might also need a fresh Windows 10 activation key, particularly if you’re using OEM keys without linking them to your Microsoft account.
The OEM key remains technically usable, though the buyer may need to contact Microsoft support if issues arise.