My additions to my rig and questions

[SGT (Ret) Padgett]

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/tLNqjX LOW Range
http://pcpartpicker.com/p/GDskpg MID Range
http://pcpartpicker.com/p/4vGc8d HIGH Range
I need some inputs of the three and is the i76700K really that big of a jump from the i74790K? Also I'm completely replacing my CPU and Motherboard, so will that cause all of my programs to be deleted on boot of my new system?

[Foglia]

Id definitely grab the RAM and upgrade your video cards (depending on what you have and how much you want to spend either get a really nice new one or double up on the one you have) I don't think the new CPU is worth it, but hey go for it if want to spend the money.

[Whitacre]

CPU is likely going to be one of the biggest performance increases for ARMA, if that is very important, don't skimp.

[SGT (Ret) Padgett]

All three of these configurations will be more than enough power to play any game for some time. My real concern is if when I upgrade if my data on my HDD and SSD will be safe/saved. I really don't want to have to do a fresh install of every program I have. I also read that I may have to deactivate some programs before I switch to a new mother board because some programs may think that I'm trying to steal the product.

[SSG (Ret) J. Patterson]

I'm also in the process of upgrading just CPU and Mobo, and I'm not sure what Windows will think when I make the switch. I'm not in the mood to do anything with my data, let alone clean install windows and my programs again.

Edit: Try this video and/or use this program in the 2nd link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JZn_hSlT0zk

http://linustechtips.com/main/topic/106642-how-to-keep-your-current-windows-install-with-a-new-motherboard/

2nd Edit: Fuck it, I'm waiting for the 2017 line of processors. I can't justify what I'm spending now. I think I'll just OC the hell out of what I have with a new cooler/case and use some of this old (but 99% working) optimization guide for Arma. http://day0.com.au/forum/arma/638-arma-3-performance-tweaks-and-settings-guide

[SGT (Ret) Padgett]

So i did it i got a better motherboard and ram (from the HIGH range build) and the total was around $1500. There has to be some one that has replaced a mother board here that knows if ill be able to save my files from my current hard drive???...

[SSG (Ret) J. Patterson]

You can always backup files and programs using a utility like estodo or acronis or macrium reflect free.

I would say back everything up as normal, and make a clone disk if you have a separate drive.

Use the method in my post above using the Paragon software and follow the instructions in that thread and within the software. Sounds simple and foolproof. You can replace the mobo, cpu, etc...and then boot straight to the software iso from disk/usb iso emulator and it will make windows recognize the system as unchanged, and when you boot the first time, just delete all the DEVICES and DRIVERS from the old board. Then immediately install the new device drivers for the new board.

Once you restart a second time, windows should be authenticated/genuine and no changes should need to be made.

This way you won't need to do anything other than plug and play where you left off.

[SGT (Ret) Padgett]

Thanks for your help Patterson ill update how it goes when the parts get here. Should be around the 10th of Dec.

[SGT (Ret) Padgett]

so my i7 6700K, my GTX 980Ti, and my DDR4 RAM is here just waiting for my motherboard!

[SGT (Ret) Padgett]

everything is here will be building it this Sunday

[SGT (Ret) Padgett]

Its time to build

[SGT (Ret) Padgett]

always have hot sauce on hand

[SSG (Ret) J. Patterson]

dis gun b gud

[CPT (Ret) Richardson]

dis gun b gud

[SGT (Ret) Padgett]

Im gonna be building all day, expect pic updates!