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Need help with new quad core system!

S

shG

n00b
Joined
Aug 23, 2007
Messages
41
I actually have a few questions dealing with OSes, Drivers, and software, so I posted this here to avoid making multiple threads. This is mostly about hardware compatibility after all. If this is not OK, please move my thread. Thank you.

Ok, I'm almost finished building my computer and I have some OS, driver, and software questions for [H].

Here's my system:

Red - Hardware driver concerns

CPU: Q6600 CORE2QUAD G0
VIDEO CARD: eVGA Geforce 8800GTS 320 MB PCI Express HDCP Video Card
MOTHERBOARD: GIGABYTE GA-P35-DS3R LGA 775 Intel P35 ATX Intel Motherboard
RAM: G.SKILL 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) (upgrade to 4?)
HDD: 2x 500gb SATAII SEAGATE
DRIVE: LITE-ON SATA DVD BURNER
CASE: COOLERMASTER w/ 3 LED fans
COOLING: Thermalright Ultra-120 Extreme CPU Cooler (Do I need an extra fan for this?)
COOLERMASTER - COOLDRIVE 5
Click to expand...

1. Which OS should I be using? I'm afraid of change, so I don't think I'd want to use Vista just yet. I also REALLY want to upgrade to 4GB ram with WindowsXP SP2, but everyone has been telling me that is a mistake. If I use the 64bit version of windows xp, will there be driver or software conflict? As far as I know 32bit xp is the most compatible, but then again, I will only be able to use 2GB ram.

2. Which drivers should I be downloading for my Video card and motherboard listed above? And what are some general drivers I need to download to make my build fully functional? Also, I have read about the DS3R having audio driver problems. Please advise me if you have this board.

3.Lastly, what kind of software should I download to maintain my computer. Things like graphics controllers, system diagnostic tools, and Bricopacks like these

Anyways, thanks to anyone who would take the time to answer my questions, and even to those who just want to offer me advice.
 
1) You can get 4GB of ram and run XP 32-bit, you just won't be able to utilize it all. You should be able to see around 3.3 - 3.5GB of it. When the time is right for you, upgrade to Vista 64-bit.

2) Download the latest drivers off of the manufacturer's websites. I havent had any problems with the DS3R audio drivers, aside from downloading them, lol.

3) Computer maintenance? I'd imagine stuff like Avast or AVG anti-virus, some anti-spyware (ad-aware/spybot/etc), and all that jazz. If you want benchmarking utils, get something like everest or sandra, pc mark, 3dmark, super pi, hdtune, etc.
 
What are the rules with mixing ram from different manufacturers? Even if I see 3.3 GB ram, will I be able to use all of the 3.3GB with 32bit windowsXP?

For example: 2x 1gb GSkill and 2x OCZ

Also, are there any drawbacks to using 64 bit XP? Will lots of software, drivers, and games be incompatible using a x64 windows?
 
Yes no matter what RAM brand you use, you'll only see and use 3.2 to 3.5 GB of RAM

Well some programs will be incompatible with 64bit OSes. Actually your best bet for a 64bit OS is Windows Vista 64bit. Apparently the 64bit version of Windows Vista is better supported in terms of drivers, software and games. Not too sure about that BUT you may want to research it a bit more. Here's a software list that lists a few compatible programs with 64bit Vista:
http://www.iexbeta.com/wiki/index.php/Windows_Vista_Software_Compatibility_List

Search for 64bit and you'll see which programs are supported.
 
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