Z97X-SOC Force: upgrade to W10 and SSD.

[vabiii3]

OS Name   Microsoft Windows 7 Ultimate
Version   6.1.7601 Service Pack 1 Build 7601
Other OS Description    Not Available
OS Manufacturer   Microsoft Corporation
System Name   
System Manufacturer   Gigabyte Technology Co., Ltd.
System Model   Z97X-SOC Force
System Type   x64-based PC
Processor   Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-4790K CPU @ 4.00GHz, 4001 Mhz, 4 Core(s), 8 Logical Processor(s)
BIOS Version/Date   American Megatrends Inc. F3, 4/21/2014
SMBIOS Version   2.7

I want to upgrade to Windows 10, clean install, on a new SSD. Also upgrading to GeForce GTX1660Ti gpu.
Are their any drivers, bios updates or other items I might require for this MoBo, to help ensure a reasonably painless process?
I have found the procedure for installing W10 on a GPT partition, and that seems pretty straightforward.

Advice?

[dmdilks]

There really nothing you have to do other than install windows 10. Just make sure you are booting in UEFI. One thing I would do is only have that SSD connected. Once you get to where it ask you if want to do a upgrade or custom? Click on custom. Once on the screen just click on the drive and then click NEW in the bottom right. That will setup the drive. Once that is done just click the lg partition and click next.

Now if you want a off line account disconnect from the internet. You get to a point where it ask to connect to the internet. Click I don't have internet. Then click I will use limited use. It will bring you to the next screen where can add a name. At that point reconnect to the internet. From that point on you are all set.

[dmdilks]

Also upgrading to GeForce GTX1660Ti gpu.

One thing here have you tried this Video card? I have Had problems with the AMD GA-970A-UD3P board. They don't like the new cards even after a bios update too. Not saying yours will do this, but I'm telling you to make sure that card works before you do all of this.

[vabiii3]

Thank you!

[shadowsports]

Hi vabiii3,
I'll add the following to dmdilks suggestions.

Stick with BIOS F5 or earlier for your 4th gen CPU.  You'll ensure better stepping performance, power management and stability sticking with a 4th gen BIOS over 5th gen.  [F6, F7] 

Make sure the BIOS is properly configured

Set CSM Support Always
Set Storage Boot Option Control to UEFI Only
Set Windows 8 Features to [Windows8]
If you see an option for Secure Boot, enable it

**Do not enable Fast Boot, you don't need it. 

When installing Windows, boot to USB with UEFI(prefix), and use shift+F10 to open and command prompt and convert the disk to GPT.  Install windows to that partition.   

The commands are as follows

Press Shift+F10 to open the command prompt window
Type command: "diskpart"
Type command: "list disk"
Select the drive to use as boot drive
Type command: "select disk" <the number of drive>
Type command: "clean"
Type command: "convert gpt"

Exit the command prompt, select the drive you converted to GPT above and install windows. 

If you can see video from the card on your monitor, it will work in windows without issue.  User HDMI or DP, no adapters and not to a giant TV.   

Any questions, reply back and one of us can assist. 

[vabiii3]

@shadowsports

When installing Windows, boot to USB with UEFI.
Can you explain this part?

[shadowsports]

Use the Windows Media Creation tool to make a bootable USB stick with windows 10.

You'll perform a fresh install.  When you are selecting the disk to install to, use SHIFT+F10 to open a command prompt.  Then use the diskpart command to convert the drive to GPT format.  Select that partition / disk to install windows.

I have an old Z97 board.  Windows 10 installs fine and has native support for the killer NIC.  You don't need to disable anything. 

These are the commands for converting the disk to GPT:

type diskpart, press enter
type list disk, press enter
type select disk x (Note x is an example be sure to select the correct number)

Disk x now selected

type clean, press enter
type convert gpt, press enter

Then quit and continue the install.

[vabiii3]

Thank you!