Can you move a Windows 10 SSD to a new PC? - Probing Paul #40

Summary

In this episode of Probing Paul, episode 40, Paul answers various questions from his audience. Topics include reusing an SSD with Windows 10, memory speed compatibility with Ryzen CPUs, building a system for couch gaming with a Samsung Q70 4K TV, NVMe SSDs versus SATA SSDs, and more. Paul offers practical advice on system builds, storage options, and performance tweaks while sharing personal experiences, including a humorous take on Filipino foods like balut and bagoong. The video wraps up with Paul inviting viewers to submit questions for future episodes.

Takeaways

• 😀 Reusing an SSD with Windows 10 installed on it in a new build is possible, but it's important to wipe the data securely before doing so, especially if you're concerned about security.
• 😀 You can move a Windows 10 installation to new hardware without wiping the drive, but activation might not work if the license is tied to the old hardware or motherboard.
• 😀 It's recommended to perform a clean install of Windows 10 for a new system to ensure optimal functionality and driver support.
• 😀 When building a PC, it's common to skip the operating system installation process in tutorials, but separate system setup videos are available to guide users through installing Windows and drivers.
• 😀 3200 MHz RAM can work fine with an AMD Ryzen 5 3600, but 3600 MHz is considered the sweet spot for optimal performance.
• 😀 For the best RAM performance, choose memory that is on your motherboard's Qualified Vendor List (QVL) and consider lower CAS latency for improved speeds.
• 😀 For gaming at 1440p or 4K with a 120 Hz display, pairing an AMD Ryzen 3000 series CPU or Intel i5 with a powerful GPU like the RTX 2080 Super or 2070 Super will offer good performance.
• 😀 NVMe SSDs, while not necessary, are faster than SATA SSDs, providing better boot times and faster load times for games and applications.
• 😀 Even though NVMe SSDs are not always required for gaming, they are recommended for quicker system boot times and faster file transfers, especially for large game files.
• 😀 Balut, a Filipino delicacy, is an egg with a partially formed chick, and while it's not for everyone, it remains a unique part of Filipino cuisine.

Q & A

Can I reuse an SSD that already has Windows 10 installed for a new build without rebuying Windows?

Yes, you can reuse an SSD that already has Windows 10 installed in a new system, but it is recommended to wipe the drive clean for security reasons, especially if you're passing it on to someone else or reselling. A secure erase function, available in most modern motherboards, can help ensure all personal data is removed. However, when moving the drive to a new system, Windows 10 may not activate automatically and could require reactivation through either the hardware or your Microsoft account, depending on how it was originally activated.

Is it better to do a fresh install of Windows 10 when moving it to a new computer?

Yes, it's generally better to do a fresh install of Windows 10 when moving it to a new computer. Although Windows 10 is more flexible than older versions and can detect new hardware and install drivers, a clean installation will ensure optimal performance and avoid potential issues with the old system’s settings, especially with regards to activation.

Why do YouTubers like Linus, Jay, and Kyle not add the operating system installation in their PC build videos?

The reason many tech YouTubers don't include the OS installation in their PC build videos is because it would make the videos much longer. The process of installing an operating system is standard and not specific to the build. Many creators instead direct viewers to dedicated system setup videos, where the focus is on getting the system up and running, including installing Windows, drivers, and updates.

Can 3200 MHz RAM work with a Ryzen 5 3600 processor?

Yes, 3200 MHz RAM will work with a Ryzen 5 3600 processor. While 3600 MHz is considered the sweet spot for Ryzen 3000-series CPUs, the performance difference between 3200 MHz and 3600 MHz is minimal for most tasks. However, the RAM’s CAS latency and whether it’s on your motherboard's Qualified Vendor List (QVL) can have a significant impact on overall system performance.

What should I consider when selecting RAM for a Ryzen system?

When selecting RAM for a Ryzen system, you should look for memory with a high MHz rating (3600 MHz is ideal for Ryzen 3000-series), low CAS latency, and ideally, choose a RAM kit that is listed on your motherboard’s QVL list. Using RAM from the QVL list ensures that the motherboard has been tested with that specific memory and will run at its best performance with pre-configured settings.

What GPU would pair well with a Samsung Q70R 65-inch 4K TV for gaming at 1440p and 120 FPS?

For gaming at 1440p and 120 FPS on a Samsung Q70R 65-inch 4K TV, a powerful GPU is required. The RTX 2080 Ti or RTX 2080 Super would provide the best performance. However, if you're looking for a more cost-effective option, the RTX 2070 Super or the AMD Radeon RX 5700 XT could also be great choices, as they offer good performance for a lower price point.

Do I need an NVMe SSD for gaming?

An NVMe SSD is not strictly necessary for gaming, but it does offer significant benefits, such as faster load times and reduced boot times for the operating system. While the frame rates in games will not be affected by switching to an NVMe drive, games with large assets will benefit from faster load times. For most gamers, NVMe SSDs are now affordable enough to be worth considering.

What’s the difference between SATA SSDs and NVMe SSDs?

SATA SSDs use the older SATA interface and are slower compared to NVMe SSDs, which use the more modern PCIe interface. NVMe drives provide much faster read/write speeds, making them ideal for tasks requiring high-speed data transfer, like gaming or working with large files. While SATA SSDs are cheaper, NVMe SSDs are becoming more affordable and offer superior performance.

What are the benefits of NVMe SSDs over SATA SSDs in gaming?

In gaming, NVMe SSDs offer faster load times, which can improve the overall gaming experience, particularly when loading large game assets. They also provide faster boot times for your operating system. While they won’t directly impact frame rates, NVMe SSDs can enhance performance in games with large environments, such as open-world titles.

What is balut, and did Paul like it?

Balut is a Filipino delicacy made by boiling a fertilized duck egg that has a partially developed embryo inside. Paul tried it once but did not enjoy it, describing it as unpleasant. He also mentioned another Filipino food, bagoong (fermented shrimp paste), which he dislikes even more. Despite this, Paul enjoys most other Filipino foods for their unique flavors.