First Build Questions?

[lost0822]

The parts for my first build will be coming in this week and I’m really anticipating doing this as I’ve been looking forward to it for a while. Parts are as follows:

CASE ANTEC P-160WF
AMD Athlon64 3400+
MSI “K8N Neo Platinum” nForce3 250
Corsair (512MBx2) DDR PC-3200
SAMSUNG 160GB 7200RPM SATA
NEC 16xDVD+/-RW
DVD-Rom Lite On

I already have eVGA 6800GT, Antec 430 true power, mouse, keyboard and monitor. I am fairly confident in putting the parts together since I’ve replaced things in my Gateway (current setup) and by looking at the many guides on the internet. The thing that worries me and I’m the most nervous about is hopefully when I get all the parts together the thing posts, then once it does what order of operations to go in next? Do I update the mobo bios first or what? Also I’ve never done that before, how hard is it and are they any really good guides to guide me through it? Also setting up my Bios as well since I’ve never had to do that before, are there any good guides to setting up the cpu, to make sure the FSB is right and what not? So I guess I’m asking in what order should I go through once I get it to post, install the OS, update mobo bios/chipset, what?

Then do I need to run prime95 since I’m not overclocking yet and memtest86? If you any suggestions or could point me in the right direction with maybe some links on what steps to take after getting your rig to post I would be very appreciative. Like I said I’m really excited and anxious to do this, I don’t just want to have to spend weeks trying to just get the thing up and running right. Thanks!

 

[pbXassassinX1524]

It's probably going to be easier then working on a gateway. If you know your way around the guts, know what all the cables do and go to and go nice and slow (took me like 3-4 hours on this build (my 1st)) you shouldn't have any problems. The order you do things in don't matter that much really, just read all the instruction manuals over, make sure your not plugging something in wrong, it should boot up just fine; exactly like mine did, I had no conflicts or errors.

Hey, I was in practically the same situation as you, I was upgrading/switching around a compaq 8000t when I 1st got interested in building a machine, I'd say you'll be fine. I also used to watch TechTv all the time (before it was G4 and they got rid of everything good about the channel that I enjoyed, besides TSS) and I think that also helped me out a bit.

The bios will set it self up on its own, default settings are fine to start with.

Once it posts with no errors, throw in your OS CD, reboot and its fairly all automatic.

You can run prime95. I found it only uses 50% of my processor (hyperthreading) so I found a program called "toast" for CPU stressing, you can run multiple instances and it WILL heat that puppy up. Memtest 86+ I would run for like 24 hours if possible. This doesn't need to be done right away by the way, you can install your OS do the updates, drivers, etc before stress testing if your not having any random rebooting issues or other anomolies.

luck!

 

[xonik]

what order of operations to go in next?

Number one, install the OS. From there, get an Internet or network connection going, so that you can download driver updates. You might need drivers for any or all of the following:

AMD Cool 'n Quiet feature
AMD Enhanced Virus Protection feature
Chipset
Audio PHY
Ethernet PHY
Videocard (obviously)

You could also get the BIOS image and flasher and put that on a disk. It doesn't need to come first, since your motherboard will support the 3400+ from the get-go.

Also I’ve never done that before, how hard is it and are they any really good guides to guide me through it?

It's not hard. Just follow the instructions provided in this link:
http://www.msicomputer.com/support/BIOS_award.asp

And here is your BIOS page:

http://www.msicomputer.com/support/...el=K8N Neo-FSR/Platinum (MS-7030)&newsearch=1

Also are there any good guides to setting up the cpu, to make sure the FSB is right and what not?

The Athlon 64 processor doesn't have a front side bus. Its clock is synched with the HyperTransport bus. That said, you won't have any problems with the CPU not running at advertised speed.

So I guess I’m asking in what order should I go through once I get it to post, install the OS, update mobo bios/chipset, what?

Yes, that's fine. Having the OS up and running makes everything much easier.

Then do I need to run prime95 since I’m not overclocking yet and memtest86?

Of course you don't need to. Do it if you want to.

If you any suggestions

Yes, read your motherboard manual carefully to make sure that all of the jumpers are properly placed, and make sure that the power/reset switch and LEDs are all plugged into the motherboard properly. Also, don't overlook the obvious if something isn't working. You might get excited and not plug something in, like even a power cable or something really stupid.

 

[lost0822]

awesome thanks for the response! One more newb question, do i need to get a hold of my internet cable provider to let them know that i'm using a new rig or can i just hook my modem up to the new rig? Will it work right?

 

[gamer1drew]

Order of drivers installs taken from the MSI page

1. Windows XP Updates
2. Microsoft DirectX 9.0c (Web Install) -or- Microsoft DirectX 9.0c (Full Install)

3. Nvidia nForce3 Chipset Drivers
4. AMD Athlon 64 Processor Driver Version 1.1.0.14

5.Video Card Driver
6. Onboard Sound Driver (Realtek AC'97 Audio Codec)

You may need to install the nforce network driver first as xonik stated before you can windows update. Itll be part of the chipset drivers. Im not sure if I would use sp2 as people have been saying it has problems with AMD64s. If you need any more help just ask, I have almost the exact same setup as you.

As for the cable modem, you should be good to go, because when they do the setup for the internet they are just configuring the modem, not any settings for the computer.

If you want to make sure everything is right with the CPU run CPU-Z, itll tell you what your ram is at and whatnot.

 

[lost0822]

Order of drivers installs taken from the MSI page

1. Windows XP Updates
2. Microsoft DirectX 9.0c (Web Install) -or- Microsoft DirectX 9.0c (Full Install)

3. Nvidia nForce3 Chipset Drivers
4. AMD Athlon 64 Processor Driver Version 1.1.0.14

5.Video Card Driver
6. Onboard Sound Driver (Realtek AC'97 Audio Codec)

You may need to install the nforce network driver first as xonik stated before you can windows update. Itll be part of the chipset drivers. Im not sure if I would use sp2 as people have been saying it has problems with AMD64s. If you need any more help just ask, I have almost the exact same setup as you.

As for the cable modem, you should be good to go, because when they do the setup for the internet they are just configuring the modem, not any settings for the computer.

If you want to make sure everything is right with the CPU run CPU-Z, itll tell you what your ram is at and whatnot.

wow, your system is really close to mine, thanks for the help....i'm thinking i'm going to need it and some luck!

 

[xonik]

awesome thanks for the response! One more newb question, do i need to get a hold of my internet cable provider to let them know that i'm using a new rig or can i just hook my modem up to the new rig? Will it work right?

You shouldn't have to. Use the same settings and if you experience problems, then go to the ISP. I have never had problems when upgrading the computer connected to the cable modem. If you are just adding this computer to your home network, you don't have to take any action with the ISP. Depending on the way your network is set up, you might have to change router settings...that is, if you have a home network.