Looking for build advice :)

silent-circuit said:
Wait wait wait wait wait.

The Prelude is PCI, yes? I don't believe there's going to be an open PCI slot (there's only one) on that board with two dual-slot video cards installed. I'd cancel the Prelude order quick.
Click to expand...

Silent,

you can put one card in a blue PCI-E 2.0 slot and another in the white x16 1.1 with no issues or performance loss (despite what the MSI manual says.) I do this with my two GTXes and run my PCI X-Fi. No problems, no worries :)
 
Markyip1 said:
Silent,

you can put one card in a blue PCI-E 2.0 slot and another in the white x16 1.1 with no issues or performance loss (despite what the MSI manual says.) I do this with my two GTXes and run my PCI X-Fi. No problems, no worries :)
Click to expand...

Does it come with really long flexible bridges, then?
 
Yes it does. Here's a close-up:



The pic in the manual shows that the two shorter cables (for tri-sli) are used, and it is those shorter cables which barely don't fit. The manual is wrong however, and using just the longer, flexible cable is fine. My 3DMark 06 score (with my proc at 3.6ghz) is 18,300 and performance in games is on par with what it should be with 2 GTXs. (Note that the best 3DMark score I ever pulled on my 680i was 17,800-17,900 with the same configuration)

The black card in between the two GTX's (with the cables resting upon it) is the X-Fi. For some reason, I have one GTX in black and the other in green. Both are stock EVGA models.
 
<threadjack>
What OC are you running on the Q6600, Mark? I may be selling my IN9-32X MAX as it has proven to be a disappointing OCer with the quads even with the latest BIOS (can't get past 3.1Ghz stable on water, and I know it isn't the chip, the thing will post at 3.6Ghz but the northbridge and southbrige get stupid hot and it crashes before getting in to Windows)... and I have zero interest in DDR3, so the P7N Diamond may be my next board (...it would be my 4th...)
 
Haha oh crap... I already cancelled the order. Now I'm just going to wait until I get the case tomorrow and put the system together (If everything works).. Then I'll see how the sound is, and if I don't like it I'll reorder the card again once they refund me back the money I guess.
 
I'm at 3.6ghz stable at 1.4v and have benched as high as 4.05ghz at an encouraging 1.55v. As the MSI BIOS matures and once I have more free time to tweak, I fully expect I'll be able to raise my stable OC (not that 3.6ghz is a confirmed maximum with the current BIOS, but it's just where I've put it atm as I've been too busy to benchmark these past couple weeks.)

As of now, the challenge remains to fully understand the esoteric settings used for GTL ref and FSB VTT (which differ from other boards.) With this information in hand, and with a maturing BIOS (MSI should be releasing an update shortly,) I'll first aim to lower stable voltage at 3.6ghz, and then I'll shoot for 3.8-4ghz stable. I'm quite convinced I have a golden chip, and on an able X38 or P35 board I may very well be at 4ghz already, but SLI is more advantageous from a performance perspective (and quite a bit more useful) than an extra 400mhz. Still, to be able to hit 3.6ghz with an early BIOS on a non-reference nForce board is impressive. People are still struggling to hit that with the Striker II, although I hear there is a new BIOS which is working well. The reference boards should have no trouble with my Q6600 at 3.6ghz, but I've never been able to get one to work at 4ghz.

EDIT: Just a quick addition to this small thread-jack response :) One key characteristic of this board is that the NB does seem to run significantly cooler than on the ASUS boards or the reference boards. I'd still recommend some sort of fan blowing over it for high OCs, but if everything is seated right, you shouldn't have an issue with temps.
 
Try the card that comes with the MSI board... it can't be that bad. Then try your Audigy2 to see if it sounds any better. If you're unhappy with either card, then pickup a PCI-E soundcard. FYI, the other PCI-E 16x slots should be able to take the PCI-E 1x card.
 
enginurd said:
Try the card that comes with the MSI board... it can't be that bad. Then try your Audigy2 to see if it sounds any better. If you're unhappy with either card, then pickup a PCI-E soundcard. FYI, the other PCI-E 16x slots should be able to take the PCI-E 1x card.
Click to expand...

Yeah, wasn't thinking about that earlier.

Also, Syribo and Mark, I'm going to be putting my "money where my mouth is" -- I just ordered a P7N Diamond and sold both my XFX 680i LT and the Abit IN9-32X MAX. ;)
 
silent-circuit said:
Yeah, wasn't thinking about that earlier.

Also, Syribo and Mark, I'm going to be putting my "money where my mouth is" -- I just ordered a P7N Diamond and sold both my XFX 680i LT and the Abit IN9-32X MAX. ;)
Click to expand...

I hope all goes well with your new board! No DOA or anything hopefully ;)

I actually had trouble sleeping last night, I really felt like a little kid on Christmas Eve.. trying to sleep so I could get up and unwrap presents. My case should be here in about a half hour (It's nice being the first stop on the UPS guys route), and I am so nervous and excited! I know I had some more little questions to ask.. Now I just have to remember what they were ;)

Just to clarify, I will be attaching the CPU, heatsink, RAM, video cards, sound card all to the motherboard before mounting it in the case, yes? Well, that would all come after installing the PSU first I think. Then the HDDs and the optical drive.

At what point do you check to see if the parts are working, and I mean when you just check a few of the parts together to see if it boots up. After the mobo and the CPU, then you hook up the keyboard and mouse? Must you hook up the monitor also, or do you just listen to see if it beeps?
 
Syribo said:
Just to clarify, I will be attaching the CPU, heatsink, RAM, video cards, sound card all to the motherboard before mounting it in the case, yes? Well, that would all come after installing the PSU first I think. Then the HDDs and the optical drive.

At what point do you check to see if the parts are working, and I mean when you just check a few of the parts together to see if it boots up. After the mobo and the CPU, then you hook up the keyboard and mouse? Must you hook up the monitor also, or do you just listen to see if it beeps?
Click to expand...

Attach the CPU, HSF, and RAM outside of the case. You can do a bench test while the board is outside of the case, just plug in the vidcard, PSU, and keyboard. This is otherwise known as a DOA test. Yes, listen for the POST beep, and you can also go into the BIOS and set your RAM voltage (vDIMM). When you're ready to install into the case, pull out the vidcard. All expansion cards will be installed after you install the mobo. The CPU and RAM should be installed onto the mobo before you install the mobo into the case.

Here's a good guide to check out: http://www.mechbgon.com/build/index.html
 
enginurd said:
Attach the CPU, HSF, and RAM outside of the case. You can do a bench test while the board is outside of the case, just plug in the vidcard, PSU, and keyboard. This is otherwise known as a DOA test. Yes, listen for the POST beep, and you can also go into the BIOS and set your RAM voltage (vDIMM). When you're ready to install into the case, pull out the vidcard. All expansion cards will be installed after you install the mobo. The CPU and RAM should be installed onto the mobo before you install the mobo into the case.

Here's a good guide to check out: http://www.mechbgon.com/build/index.html
Click to expand...

Thanks :) That guide actually is really helpful, I've read it quite a few times already.. But I'm going over it one more time again now ;)

Also, will there be a manual or something with the RAM that will tell me what I should set the voltage to? Because I have absolutely no idea.
 
Which RAM did you get again (model #)? sorry, your thread is so long. :eek:
 
enginurd said:
Which RAM did you get again (model #)? sorry, your thread is so long. :eek:
Click to expand...

Ahaha, I know.. it is really long :p And it will only get longer too!

I have OCZ SLI-Ready Edition 4GB(2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400)
 
Oh, nice, same RAM as I'm using. It needs 2.1v. The OCZ website told me so. ;)

http://www.ocztechnology.com/products/memory/ocz_ddr2_pc2_6400_sli_ready_edition_4gb_dual_channel

Specifications
800MHz DDR2
CL 5-4-4-15 (CAS-TRCD-TRP-TRAS)
Available in 4GB (2x2048) Dual Channel Kits
Unbuffered
Nvidia XTC* Heatspreader
OCZ Lifetime Warranty
2.1 Volts
240 Pin DIMM

Special Features
2.2V EVP**
EPP-Ready

Part Numbers
4GB D/C Kit PN - OCZ2N800SR4GK

**OCZ EVP (Extended Voltage Protection) is a feature that allows performance enthusiasts to use a VDIMM of 2.2V without invalidating their OCZ Lifetime Warranty.
Click to expand...
 
I know for a fact that stuff will do 4-4-4-12 T1 at 2.1vdimm, even if it's rated for higher. ;)

At least, it would in my EVGA 680i. Not in the Abit, though.
 
Oh God, you guys.. The case just got here.. And.. I am so overwhelmed, I think.

Took a look inside the case... at all of the screws... The manual... I don't think I can do this :p There's so many wires, and especially those little pin ones that come from the top and stuff?

I'm going to try and get started now... I'm so much more nervous than I was previously was!
 
silent-circuit said:
Calm.
Click to expand...

Okay... slow breathing techniques! Just kidding, I'm not freaking out that bad.. Just.. a bit more nervous ;)

Going to go get started on 'preparing the case' first I guess, then put in the PSU and then work on the mobo. Thank goodness I have this computer and the internet in case I need help! I'm sure I'll be back shortly with some questions ;)
 
Just take it slow and pay attention to what you're doing and you'll be fine. If you have any questions, ask, that's what we're here for.

If you need to, step back, take a deep breath, and maybe have a sip of a nice soothing cup of tea. :) Just not near the computer. That could be bad. :eek:

-Jade
 
Okay, here's a quick update ;) The reviews on NewEgg were indeed correct, the PSU wouldn't fit in so I had to unscrew the I/O thing from the top and take it out. Then the PSU slid in perfectly, screwed that in and attached the top I/O thing again.

Now I'm just trying to figure out how to put the little arm thingy that the PSU came with in... The supporter or whatever it is called ;)

I'm also not sure where to put one of the fans, it came separate in a bag.. so I have to figure that out.
 
Okay. Just got the I/O panel out of the case. Then I installed the CPU into the mobo.

But none of the manuals or instructions tell you how to apply the thermal stuff.. I got the MX-2. Do you just make one line across the CPU? Does it matter which direction? I need to do that before I put the heatsink on... Why doesn't it explain how to put it on :(

Also, is it safe to put the motherboard on a table with nothing under it? I can't figure out any other way to work on it at the table.
 
Actually, the heatsink instructions say to spread it thinly and evenly... But in the guides I read, they spread it themselves using like a glove or a ziplock bag or something.. But I think I remember you guys saying just to make a line, so now I'm confused ;)

Edit: Okay :) Thanks, I'm following the AS5 instructions then!
 
In the past, it was necessary to spread it yourself since the die was exposed. Modern chips now have an IHS, integrated heat spreader, that makes it much easier to apply the TIM, thermal interface material. While its better to spread the TIM and create a nice thin layer, its not so necessary anymore. Just give the heatsink a couple nice twists before securely mounting it -- this will help spread the TIM.
 
Okay :) I put the TIM on like the directions said. I put the back mount on the motherboard, put the plate on the bottom of the heatsink (I have the Nirvana one, in case you are wondering), put the screws in and then put it on top of the processor, with the screws in the hole.

Now, the instructions aren't clear at this point... Those big screws with the spring-like metal things coiling around them, do you screw those into the motherboard? I can't figure it out, I can't seem to understand how you actually get the heatsink mounted on the board. The instructions show a little arrow going around the screws, clock-wise it seems, but when I tried screwing them with the screwdriver, it seemed like nothing was happening?
 
Okay I got the heatsink mounted woohoo, we're really moving along here :p

I always thought the heatsink plugged into the CPUFAN thing.. but it can't, I guess, because the CPUFAN has 4 pins and the thing from the heatsink only has 3. There are like 3 or 4 SYSFANs, does it go into one of those then? Uhm.. which one? ;)

There's also plastic coverings on one or two things on the mobo, common sense is telling me to take them off, but don't know for sure.
 
You'll notice that the little holding plastic tab is set to one side of the 4 pin socket -- just connect the 3 pin connector from the HSF to the 3 pins so that that tab lines up. It just won't use one of the pins.
 
silent-circuit said:
You'll notice that the little holding plastic tab is set to one side of the 4 pin socket -- just connect the 3 pin connector from the HSF to the 3 pins so that that tab lines up. It just won't use one of the pins.
Click to expand...

Ahhh :) Okay! I am so glad you guys are online right now to answer all of my noobish questions ;) Better to ask questions and not mess up though I guess!

And I peel off the plastic cover sheets on.. I think it's the South Bridge and North Bridge that have them, yes?
 
Yeah, there shouldn't be any plastic cover sheets. Like the really thin stuff used to prevent scratches, yes? Remove that before starting the machine, yes.
 
Yup! Like they put on cell phone screens to prevent scratches.

Now I'm going to try to put in the RAM but I can't figure out which slots it says to put them in.. It shows three possible ways to do it, but doesn't tell you which to use. I'm going to try 1 and 3 though.
 
Okay well I seem to be having some resistance when putting the RAM in.

I am definitely putting it in the correct way, the pin is aligned with the tiny notch in the bottom of the RAM. It says to push down gently, and I did but it won't go down. I tried with a little bit more force, not much, and it still wouldn't go down. The little things on the side are not closing, and I can tell that the RAM is not in enough because the little things on the side are not aligned with the notch on the RAMs side.

I can't imagine using MORE force.. it says gently. What could I be doing wrong :( It is definitely going in the correct way.
 
Do one side then the other, kind of rock it (long ways, not side to side -- pushing it side to side can hurt the slot). Unless you're flexing the board a bunch you don't need to worry about pushing too hard -- it can take a good bit of force. Just /make sure/ you do in fact have it in the right way, and push the locking things out all the way.
 
Syribo said:
Okay well I seem to be having some resistance when putting the RAM in.

I am definitely putting it in the correct way, the pin is aligned with the tiny notch in the bottom of the RAM. It says to push down gently, and I did but it won't go down. I tried with a little bit more force, not much, and it still wouldn't go down. The little things on the side are not closing, and I can tell that the RAM is not in enough because the little things on the side are not aligned with the notch on the RAMs side.

I can't imagine using MORE force.. it says gently. What could I be doing wrong :( It is definitely going in the correct way.
Click to expand...

You will need to apply more force to properly seat the ram for the first time. Push down until the clips on the side move in and "hug" the ram. I takes more force then you would expect...
 
Well that worked :) I actually did have to use much more force than I thought would be necessary. So now the RAM is in, yay! We're getting there!

Going to do the video card now, one of them. In order to POST successfully, I assume I need to hook up the monitor too, don't I?
 
Okay then. I put in one video card, and I plugged in the 24 pin power thingy and the PCI-E cable from the PSU into the video card. The guide that came with the video card (Which pretty much doesn't explain anything) says that if the card is equipped with a supplemental power adapter, to use it etc. It came with some cables, but I'm not even sure where to plug them in. It doesn't even say.

The only thing in the video card right now is that PCI-E cable from the PSU... I'm not sure if I'm supposed to use that wire or not.

The video card came with a cable that plugs into the 6pin slot on the card itself, and coming out of that wire are two bigger 4 pin slots. Do they both get plugged in to the wires from the PSU? Theres these wires from the PSU that have about 4 different slots on each cable... Is that what I use? I'm confused.. and these guides and manuals aren't helping :p
 
I think you can disregard that last post.. I'm not sure. I looked at the FAQs on EVGAs site and it says to use the PCI-E cable that comes from the PSU to put into the video card, so I will go back to doing that again.
 
Syribo said:
The video card came with a cable that plugs into the 6pin slot on the card itself, and coming out of that wire are two bigger 4 pin slots. Do they both get plugged in to the wires from the PSU? Theres these wires from the PSU that have about 4 different slots on each cable... Is that what I use? I'm confused.. and these guides and manuals aren't helping :p
Click to expand...


The cable that came with the video card is what you use if your power supply doesn't have the correct 6 pin PCI-E connector for the video card, it lets you use 2, 4-pin standard molex connectors instead. You don't need that cable.

-Jade
 
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