I have an AMD CPU (Phenon II 945). I've noticed some issues with running plug-in effects like the Overloud VSTs, and I am considering upgrading to an Intel i7. I understand I'll have to re-authorize Windows 7 (64-bit SP1) after I replace the motherboard and CPU, but I don't know if I'll have any issues with Sonar due to the upgrade. Note: I'll be upgrading my old M-Audio 2496 to the RME HDPSe AIO at the same time (since my new motherboard doesn't have any PCI slots).
 
I am already aware of backing up my system, and running Windows sysprep before installing the new motherboard. What else, if anything, should I expect? Thanks to anyone who can help.

 

make sure all the components are compatible with the new mobo, enough of the right slots, hd controller, ram?

Be aware that some third-party plugins might require you to re-register, though.

Well... a MOBO is just what is sending the data around. This is kind of like asking whether your upstairs toilet will still flush after replacing all the pipes in your house. If the board has the right connections, everything is hooked up properly, your external hardware is up to the job (and your internal hardware is compatible, the boards drivers are solid and Windows is able to keep things moving through it then yes... it should work.
 
What you should really do is check out the connections your interface will be interacting with (like google problems with that board and that connection... particularly in the case of PCI and firewire which work better with specific chipsets) and whether there are any driver issues, particularly in regards to the BIOS, and make sure you are using the best driver versions (which in most, but not all, cases will be the latest version... do not use the CD that came with the board. Go to the manufacturers website).
 
From there you may have OS settings that need to be tweaked. You may already have your system optimized so by reinstalling the OS or making such a drastic change to the system you may need to dig through the control panel to make sure everything is as it should be.
 
Disclosure: I'm not a tech. These are just things I'd keep an eye on. Good luck.

I would be concerned about Windows and whether it will run or not. It may require a reinstall. If Windows starts up and gives you no trouble Sonar should be a happy program with shinny new shoes. 

Yeah want John said. I just replaced my Mb and CPU and had to register win8.1 again. It let me, but it asked if it was installed on more than one PC. I said no, but didn't think that they might be asking how many times was it installed.

After it was over and I am up and running I now realize they wanted to know of it was on more than one individual PC, and not multiple installs on same PC.

Just wonder what would have happened had I said yes by accident.

As I was doing my dishes I couldn't help thinking about this more. Personally if I were replacing a MOBO like this I would view it as a completely new build even if I was still using all the same components and software. Basically back up all your projects onto an external drive or whatever you have handy. In the past with Sonar you'd do this with the CWB file extension but now it seems it is recommended to use the Per Project option so read up on that. Just ensure you have the Project files AND the affiliated audio and safe and snug on a separate drive. Also any other files you may have on the system like lyrics or art or whatever that you don't want to lose.
 
Then make a regular system image just in case things go horrifically wrong and you need to revert back to the old board. You can use Win7 recovery options to do this or a program like Acronis. This will save the entire system as it is and you just gotta hook everything back up as it was and you should be able to load it.
 
Then replace the MOBO, hook everything back up and reinstall Windows and all your programs from scratch.
 
Now it is like a brand new computer. Not sure how Microsoft deals with the OS lincense when doing this but I'm sure that info is available online and you'll be able to use the original license.
 
The OTHER option is doing a bare metal image restore and praying to the norse gods of computer crap that it works. This is the same as creating a regular system image which would normally be loaded onto the EXACT same hardware configuration except it allows for drastic hardware changes (such as a new MOBO) or on a totally different system.
 
This however is a huge gamble and doesn't always work. I've never done it but there is lots of info out there for this type of restore option.
 
Either way... this is kind of a big deal. If you aren't REALLY computer savvy I would let a pro do it. I sure as heck wouldn't try it on my studio rig.
 
Again, good luck.

Grem

Just wonder what would have happened had I said yes by accident.

Hellfire missile in your sitting room.

Thanks for all the comments. I am fairly computer savvy (I go back to FORTRAN & PL-1 days), but even so, the prospect of Microsoft sending that Hellfire missile to my home office does give me pause (thanks, Beepster!).
In addition to making a full backup and restore point, I will be cloning my Micron 256GB SSD over to a new Samsung 1 TB SSD, and then I'll put the pristine Micron aside so I'll do all the conversion using the Samsung. If it doesn't work, I can always go back to what I had before.
Here's hoping the increase in speed and CPU capacity is worth it. I plan to start on this a week from Sunday, when I have a full day with nothing else planned. Wish me luck!

Last time I did that I ended up having to reinstall Windows entirely because so many drivers and chipset things had changed that I couldn't seem to get it stable.
 
Also, if you have an OEM version of Windows, it's tied to the mobo of your first install. Microsoft considers a new mobo a new system.