New PC Build Question

[Sundog]

Hi guys,

I'm looking at building a new PC so I can run this with everything turned up for great performance and great graphics. My question is this; If I build a new PC and just move my HD's over, do I need to reformat windows? Should I simply wipe it off the HD of the old box and re-install it new when I transfer the Crive? My Crive is mostly clean. Even my pictures/documents libraries are on other drives. Also, all my drives are SSD.

I think I have to re-install windows because of the massive hardware change, but I'm not sure. So what's the word?

Thanks,
Ken

[DennyA]

Windows 10 is much better at handling total hardware changes than previous versions. But honestly, I'd take the opportunity to do a fresh start. Just less chance for odd issues.

[azflyboy]

I completely rebuilt my PC about two years ago (I only kept the hard drive, case, and power supply), and Windows did an absolutely fine job with the new hardware, and hasn't given me any trouble since.

The only issue I had with the new build was with getting Windows 10 to re-activate (which is required if a bunch of hardware changes at one time), but that was entirely because I'd done the free upgrade from Window 7, and Microsoft support was actually really helpful in getting the OS to realize it was a legitimate copy.

[Sundog]

Thanks guys, that's all good to know.

Ken

[rvn817j]

Are you planning on using your current Windows 10 license on your new build? I have had some M$oft issues when I've upgraded CPU, M/B and graphics card at the same time. Research the issue a little before upgrading and you may be able to save $100 on a new OS. The literature says convert to a digital Windows 10 license and it should be transferable. I did it and still had a problem. Called M$oft support and after 1 or 2 hours got them to allow my use of license. Keep receipts from upgrade in .pdf form so you can give them to M$oft support.Good luck.

Edit: You will have a period of time while windows works to delete old drivers and install new ones and accomplish other house cleaning tasks. It is also during this period you should be contacting M$oft to authorize your OS installation.

[Priller]

Hi guys,

I'm looking at building a new PC so I can run this with everything turned up for great performance and great graphics. My question is this; If I build a new PC and just move my HD's over, do I need to reformat windows? Should I simply wipe it off the HD of the old box and re-install it new when I transfer the Crive? My Crive is mostly clean. Even my pictures/documents libraries are on other drives. Also, all my drives are SSD.

I think I have to re-install windows because of the massive hardware change, but I'm not sure. So what's the word?

Thanks,
Ken

You'll have to start from scratch I'm afraid. Massive hardware changes aren't handled by windows. Not even by 10.

Moreover, your old drivers would still be on there, so the conflicts that await you are horrible.

Kind regards,

Priller

[CybrSlydr]

If I may offer some advice, don't build just yet!

AMDs Zen 3 CPUs are close to launch as are their RDNA2 GPS. Both are promising some great performance increases.

Then you have nVidia coming out with the 3000-series of cards towards the end of the month. They are also promising massive improvements in performance over the previous generation. Price may be an issue with cards in the $1400 range possible.

I'm waiting until all three release to refresh my build.

[rvn817j]

If I may offer some advice, don't build just yet!

AMDs Zen 3 CPUs are close to launch as are their RDNA2 GPS. Both are promising some great performance increases.

Then you have nVidia coming out with the 3000-series of cards towards the end of the month. They are also promising massive improvements in performance over the previous generation. Price may be an issue with cards in the $1400 range possible.

I'm waiting until all three release to refresh my build.

I would go with Ryzen 7 3800XT - current price / performance leader.... https://www.newegg.com/amd-ryzen-7-3...E&gclsrc=aw.ds

But, yes, wait for new graphics cards. (Nvidia RTX3080 beyond what I would spend for a card, but my 5700 handling things OK. 5700XT might be value go to.)

[ColoKent]

Glad I took a look at this thread...until MSFS 2020 came out, I had been operating P3D v4 and v5 quite happily on my 2016-vintage, 4.0 Mhz Intel i7-6700K, nVIDIA 1070 with 16 GB of 3200 RAM...but in many respects, MSFS 2020 is a stuttering, freezing slide show-- especially at lower altitudes-- even with the settings dialed down.

I was leaning towards springing for a new rig....but after reading this thread, I think I'll wait a bit.

Kent

[jmig]

Glad I took a look at this thread...until MSFS 2020 came out, I had been operating P3D v4 and v5 quite happily on my 2016-vintage, 4.0 Mhz Intel i7-6700K, nVIDIA 1070 with 16 GB of 3200 RAM...but in many respects, MSFS 2020 is a stuttering, freezing slide show-- especially at lower altitudes-- even with the settings dialed down.

I was leaning towards springing for a new rig....but after reading this thread, I think I'll wait a bit.

Kent

Kent, I would try upgrading the GPS. A RTX 2070 Super can be had for $500-600 and it handles MSFS quite well. In reviewing the hardware posts, it seems that the GPS is now the limiting factor in MSFS rather than the CPU.

If the new GPU doesn't help much...well, you have a head start on a new build.