New Motherboard and CPU OLD HDD

[centralhigh76]

Hey Guys,

I am going to be ordering my new parts in the next week and I need to know how to put the things together when they come. This is my first build im doing my self; and my second total build. I am getting everything new except the HDD's 1 HDD is 3years old and the other one is 1year old so no point in buying 2 new HDD's. The big question is CPU & Motherboard setup process and how to setup the HDD's with it. I'm still going to be using my same os on the drive (WinXP 32x). I know how to put Cards in, RAM, MOBO mounting, PSU, ect. If you have a nice guide that you found that would be nice.

Questions in a nut shell
When I hook everything up and press the power button do I need to go into BIOS?
What settings for the CPU will I need to set?
Do I have to reinstall windows?
How do I configure the HDD's with the MOBO?



Specs:

MOBO: ASUS Rampage III Formula
Newegg.com - ASUS Rampage III Formula LGA 1366 Intel X58 SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard

CPU: Intel Core i7-950 Bloomfield 3.06GHz
Newegg.com - Intel Core i7-950 Bloomfield 3.06GHz 4 x 256KB L2 Cache 8MB L3 Cache LGA 1366 130W Quad-Core Processor BX80601950

Please keep it some what noob oriented due to the fact that this is my first build.

[FuzzySquirrel]

Yes you reinstall windows.
HDD's are configured via the port they're connected to by default (Sata 1 would be first boot, 2 2nd etc)
if you want to do raid or anything else you'll have to change it but it should be fine otherwise.
Unless you plan on OCing the CPU you shouldn't need to change anything.
and you should go into the bios to set up a few things (disk boot priority, Possibly ram timings, power settings) mainly things of your preference.

[SnipingCoward]

Fuzzy is correct.

Here something more:
Windows 32bit RAM limit is at 3.25GB - if you have more your OS is not going to use it. You would need a 64bit OS.

Make sure your Mobo supports what ever your HDDs connectors are. Some newer boards for example do not support IDE anymore.

When first switching power on: Double check that all fans are connected and RUNNING! Sometimes they will shortly after power on stop spinning, this is ok when they are temperature controlled.
If you forget to connect a fan you risk serious hardware damage.

[centralhigh76]

Ok thanks guys. My HDD's are SATA so I should be good, and I know the RAM limits are 4GB (I have PAE) and I will upgrade to 64bit when I get Win7.... Unless when I reinstall windows I can Choose 64bit?? With Windows 7 I know its 1 disk and on setup you choose 32bit or 64bit is it the same with xp? (That would be great and save me $400) Once again thanks guys great help!!!

[strima]

Make sure you read your Mobo manual, once read, read it again. Asus are normally good manuals and have a step by step process to set most things up.

[centralhigh76]

Ok thanks guys great help!!! 6/5 awesome!!

[SnipingCoward]

Unless when I reinstall windows I can Choose 64bit??

I am unaware of legal XP install Disks that would support that. So: No, you cannot. You would have to buy a 64bit XP seperately.

Also: be aware that Win7 might be the better choice for newer parts as it is possible that there are no drivers for your hardware for Windows XP available.

[CommunistComma]

Actually, 64 and 32 bit windows are separate programs. The 64 bit will run you up probably $10+ over the 32 for windows 7 (greedy ********).
Another thing; be careful when you're mounting your processor, especially if it's AMD. you'll probably want to get somebody else to do it, because if you fuck if up, the warranty won't cover it, and you're out the core.
Oh it's not AMD. Still, I'd get somebody else to mount it, but that's just me.

[FuzzySquirrel]

Actually, 64 and 32 bit windows are separate programs. The 64 bit will run you up probably $10+ over the 32 for windows 7 (greedy ********).
Another thing; be careful when you're mounting your processor, especially if it's AMD. you'll probably want to get somebody else to do it, because if you fuck if up, the warranty won't cover it, and you're out the core.
Oh it's not AMD. Still, I'd get somebody else to mount it, but that's just me.

1. Its a i7 so the contact pins are on the motherboard not the CPU.
2. Its VERY difficult to fuck up putting a CPU in. Match up the Arrows and make sure the 3 solid parts on the socket match the empty spots on the CPU (if it was amd)

[SnipingCoward]

When assembling remember the static energy. Read the mainboard's or CPU's manual on how to counter that.

[SnipeHunt]

Actually, 64 and 32 bit windows are separate programs. The 64 bit will run you up probably $10+ over the 32 for windows 7 (greedy ********).

nah, I have the family pack on order right now. It comes one DVD for the 32 bit version, and one DVD for the 64bit version.

[centralhigh76]

I'm going to get a static bracelet I normally pug in the PSU (not to components just the wall) and keep a hand on that when doing stuff cuz it discharges every thing threw the ground wire in the psu.

[JohnnyTheIED]

I'm going to get a static bracelet I normally pug in the PSU (not to components just the wall) and keep a hand on that when doing stuff cuz it discharges every thing threw the ground wire in the psu.

Wouldnt wearing latex gloves solve that problem? I like it chirurgical

[centralhigh76]

Hmm..... never thought about that.... anyone know??

[SnipeHunt]

Wouldnt wearing latex gloves solve that problem? I like it chirurgical

I don't think latex is a good idea to use whether you are grounded or not. Latex will conduct static electricity...

Think about rubbing a latex balloon on your head...

[FuzzySquirrel]

Just put the mobo on the bag it comes in (which is of course antistatic) and you'll be golden, Unless your house has shag carpeting of course...

[SnipeHunt]

Just put the mobo on the bag it comes in (which is of course antistatic) and you'll be golden, Unless your house has shag carpeting of course...

and itchy feet.

[centralhigh76]

Lol guys ya thats good I got an Idea!!! From all the anti static bags ill get from my new setup ill make a jump suit and were it for a day then work on my comp!!!! PERFECT!!!!!!!!

P.S. Check out the new sig

[JohnnyTheIED]

I don't think latex is a good idea to use whether you are grounded or not. Latex will conduct static electricity...

Think about rubbing a latex balloon on your head...

Obviously the balloon is a good exemple but, Isnt the inside of the balloon protected? I mean, by wearing the gloves wouldnt you be infact shielding your fingers from giving away static shocks?

Im really wondering on that one. I know the best solution is definitely to ground yourself but I cant even remember the last time I had a static shock, (edit, learned something today, apparentely we dont feel em before 1500volts, however a discharge of 5-10 volts can hurt components). Theres gotta be a cheaper way. Perhaps I should goggle an effective way to discharge all static energy via some homemade method.

EDIT: Anti-Static fabric softener

The power cord with only the ground prong seems like a good idea too.