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I'm upgrading my PC and I need help trying to figure out what to do first.

Anonymous
2025-04-08T05:15:43+00:00

I'm upgrading my self-built pc. I'm running Win 10 home. I already put in a graphics card which can run x16 but is running at x8 because of the CPU. Trying to figure out what to do next is driving me crazy. For one thing, my motherboard with an AM4 CPU socket is 7-8 years old with no problems. These are the things that I am wanting to do: I need to switch the CPU for Win 11 and graphics. I can get a CPU for about $90 that will fix the issues. But should I even bother since the MB with the M4 socket is so old? I Need to change from Legacy to UEFI and putting in a larger HHD (already acquired.). Should I change to UEFI then copy to new HHD or copy then change? I'm wondering if I should wait until a catastrophic event happens and just rebuild. I'm pretty sure I can still use most of the components for Win 11, I would just need a new motherboard and CPU. I hope this gives enough info to describe my dilemma. Any input would be much appreciated.

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Install and upgrade

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  1. DaveM121 868K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2025-04-09T16:37:23+00:00

    I think you are correct a full clean install is the best option and should ensure compatibility with the new CPU and result in a stable and responsive system.

    Before the installation, temporarily disconnect the old HDD to ensure a boot partition is created on the new disk.

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  2. Anonymous
    2025-04-09T16:26:06+00:00

    The CPU is also on Windows 11 capability list

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  3. Anonymous
    2025-04-09T16:23:55+00:00

    Thanks for the input, Dave. The CPU I was referring to is of the same socket type, AM4. I was thinking that a clean install on the new HHD would be the best. I'll just keep the old HHD until I transfer what I want off of it, then format it so I'm not dealing with two OS's on two different HHDs, and use it for extra storage.

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  4. DaveM121 868K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2025-04-08T06:03:39+00:00

    Hi, I am Dave, I will help you with this.

    If oyu need to get a new CPU to be Windows 11 compatible, first check your motherboard socket specifications, to see if the processor will fit into the old motherboard socket, if not, then you would need to purchase a new motherboard and processor.

    Then, before swapping out that hardware, backup all your files, because you will need to clean install Windows using a bootable USB and at the start of the installation, ensure the drive you will install Windows onto has a GPT partition Style so it is compatible with UEFI BIOS.

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