CobraBites
no no no no u dont need a new cd key or operating system install just plug ur new cpu in plug in play with windows will do the rest u dont need to do nothing to the hard drive or windows trust me im a pc tech i do this all the time.....and no u dont have to reactivate nothing at all just make sure u do a proper shut down and then unplug pc from outlet install the new cpu and ur good to go nothing else required as long as the new cpu is compatible with ur motherboard just make sure u get the proper socket cpu that is compat with the motherboard then boot ur pc after install windows should install any new drivers u may need to run....and then u should be good bud like i said im a pc tech and u dont have to do anything to the harddrive u dont have to reinstall windows or reactivate windows or get a new key u only have to install cpu and boom ur runnin faster than b4... any other questions u can pm me on the website i will help u out with everything i d be willing to walk u thru it all over the phone if that will intersest u in making sure u are doin everything properly i would do that for and provide u with my phone number to help
Cobrabites is absolutely correct. The OS install is on your HDD which is already activated. It couldn't give a shit what other parts you take out or not. I do it at work all the time. You may not even need to install new drivers, as many are based on the mobo, which you aren't replacing. When booted back up, simply check the following, all hardware, by right clicking my computer, and choose manage. Then click on device manager. If there are no ! marks against anything, you are good to go. Though some devices may have a later driver available.
Also to keep yourself happy (but it will be fine, trust us), right click computer, and choose properties. Check MS OS is activated. It will be.
One final thing, get a closed circuit liquid cooling system. I have the Corsair H70. There is the H50, and H90 (may even be another). The difference is their size. So check dimensions for your case, but this will stop you burning out CPU's and fans, which are crap in comparision. Remember closed circuit means just means you have to screw the radiator and fans to the case, the element (with heat paste) to the cpu, and plug the power in. No pissing around with water, all fully sealed. You will see a huge difference.