Is reformatt Necessary for new cpu?

[FieryGoose]

basically what the title says, If I reformat and decide to get another processor will I have to reformat again when i actually install the new processor? It's going to be the same socket(939) so i will only be replacing the processor, I'm guessing i don't have to but I'm just not positive. Thanks.

 

[giant384]

no you dont. the only real need is when you change motherboards.

 

[DreamThrall]

my general rule of thumb is try it, and if it won't work, reformat

 

[The Brick]

You won't have to, it will work just fine.

 

[exoeight]

I'm pretty sure you don't have to reformat your hard drive when you replace a processor.

 

[Adabiviak]

I didn't when I upgraded, but I use Intel. Shouldn't be different for an AMD I think.

 

[function9]

It depends on how different the cpu is from the older one and if you get lucky. Like going from a single core to an X2 (dualcore) chip. I would reformat. While some say the OS will recognize it on first boot and run fine, I've seen many times where for some reason the OS (XP) won't detect it.

 

[FieryGoose]

It depends on how different the cpu is from the older one and if you get lucky. Like going from a single core to an X2 (dualcore) chip. I would reformat. While some say the OS will recognize it on first boot and run fine, I've seen many times where for some reason the OS (XP) won't detect it.

yea well I'm probably going to be going from my 3500+ to a x2 4200 or 4800 just to help me hold off for another year or so. So I'm not sure if that will necessarily require a reformat...
Also do you guys think that I will experience a noticeable performance increase with my current setup, Also do you all think i'll be fairly future proof.

Also one of the only other reasons I'm getting rid of my old processor is because I'm going to sell my old vid. card along with my processor to my friend so he can have a decent computer to play games on, therefore I'm going to need a decent processor to keep up with games. And some media work.

 

[FieryGoose]

While I'm still on the subject of reformatting, I'm about to do it, I just wanted a quick opinion about whether or not I should use my old dell re installation cd of xp sp-1 disc thats about 4-5 yrs old or a xp media center 2005 disc that my parents got with their gateway, about 1 yr ago. Will I still be able to play games just as well/equivalent support for different stuff, etc...? Sorry, I'm just not familiar with the media center edition.
I just would probably rather install the media center edition because as most of you who have service pack 1 xp know, it can take a while to get back up to date...
I just read some scary stuff about mce in some forums back in '04 i-I just hope I don't have to troubleshoot myself to death.
Thanks in advance.

 

[Iced_Eagle]

Personally, I would go for MCE 2005... I'm not sure which horror stories you were reading but I haven't heard too many negative things lately about MCE.

 

[FieryGoose]

Crap... I'm just starting to realize that if i get a new cpu and memory + whatever else to make my computer faster I'll be screwing myself in the long run, since I'll still have AGP...
I think I'm going to end up returning my x1950pro back to new egg and getting a whole new setup, which at first sounded like hell but for some reason now sounds like angelic voices.
So if you guys could help me out that would be awesome. And i can't wait any longer really to upgrade my components being that i have to somehow run semi-modern games at a res. of 1680*1050. so that poses a slight problem for my wee little rad. 9700. I'm not making a new thread just because this one is semi-on-topic and still near the top of the list.
So I have components selected out for an Intel setup and an AMD setup as follows:
Intel:
Mobo:http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813131045
CPU:http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16819115003
AMD:
Mobo:http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813128011
CPU:http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16819103759
So Either of the setups will pair of with one of these graphics cards, Memory stick packages, and case, not to mention my already obtained psu:
GPU1:http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814186005
GPU2:http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814186011
Ram1:http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820220144
Ram2:http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820145168
Case1:http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811129154
Also on this case and a few others I don't understand the concept of the PSU sitting on the bottom couldn't that damage the motor running the fan on the psu while its directed at the bottom of the case?
Case2:http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811112116
Case3:http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811112058
This one's nice but i'm not quite sure if it will suite me well enough for the price, I'll need a case that can eventually support probably 2 8800gts's and i don't know if mid-towers are big enough for that.

I'm not necessarily asking you all to do all the work for me I would just appreciate some input like i was given for my first build. So what do you guys think would be the best combo for the price?
Thanks a ton guys.

 

[The Brick]

I recommend going for the Intel mobo+cpu, the 8800GTS and this ram. I myself would have gotten the Antec P180 case if I had to choose from those three, but it's a matter of personal preference.

 

[FieryGoose]

I recommend going for the Intel mobo+cpu, the 8800GTS and this ram. I myself would have gotten the Antec P180 case if I had to choose from those three, but it's a matter of personal preference.

I guess from a little reading, I read somewhere that Amd is changing there socket pretty soon for the new cpus, also that this Intel one benches better than the fx62 in some cases. So I think I will go with the Intel, also is that mobo a good choice?
Is that Corsair Ram better than the Corsair that i picked out?
I just realize that the high end lian li won't suit me well since the side fan will be blocked off due to the positioning of my case. But that p180 does look quite good as well as the airflow aspect of it, But i don't really get the concept of the psu being at the bottom doesn't that reduce airflow to the psu? thanks.

 

[The Brick]

Yes the motherboard is an excellent choice.
I'd say the one I linked is better. They're actually underclocked pc8500 simms, so they could easily work at that speed if you put the voltage a bit higher.
I think the idea of putting the PSU at the bottom is that the mobo will be much closer to the harddisks and optical drives, so they're easier to reach.