First New System Bulild - Have a few questions

RickyDVT

RickyDVT

RickyDVT

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Joined
29 Nov 2006
Posts
187
Hi All,

Well i bought my new conroe system and it arrived today, Woohoo!
Some of you may of read my previous post about whether to risk building it on my own as im new to it, anyway if some of you could answer the questions i have i wouldt appreciate it.

1. I heard a lot about thermal compound for CPU coolers, but i have an Artic Freezer Pro 7, and it doesnt mention anything bout it in the instructions, does it not need any?

2. is it possible for my to install my old hardives (one with XP on it and programs, and the other for downloaded data) straight onto my new motherboard and simply switch on the PC? or do i need to format both hard drives so when i put them onto my new MB they will be completely blank, only recently did a system format so dont want to do one agen if i dont have to!

3. I have 1 IDE HD and one SATA, will i be ok to use an IDE cable for my 2 ROM drives (as there is only one IDE slot on the DS3) and then get a converter for my IDE HD and simply use them both as SATA.

4. Will my computer automatically reconise the 2 SATA HD and carry on as normal (just like how IDE was automatically reconised) or do i have to configure something?

5. how do i know what software/drivers to install that are provided on the CD that came with the MB there seems to be loads, im going to be overclocking so are any of these useful for that?

There could be more but ill add them if i think of some,
Would appreciate it if you answer them by number so i dont get even more confused.
And thanks again, i know some of these may sound stupid but i would like to know all my queries before attempting the build.

Ricky.

Merry Christmas
 
Daunting times matey..... but WELL worth it in the end as the other thread stated.

1. I heard a lot about thermal compound for CPU coolers, but i have an Artic Freezer Pro 7, and it doesnt mention anything bout it in the instructions, does it not need any?

The CPU cooler must have some form of thermal compound. Usually 3rd party (Non Intel/AMD branded) Heat Sink/Fans require a separate helping of thermal compound. The retail box supplied options generally come with a pre-applied 'just the right amount' covering. I'm sure you'll need some AS5 or the like for your build and maybe check the CPU manual/Mobo manual for instructions on how much/how little to apply. (Or Google is your friend ;))

2. is it possible for my to install my old hardives (one with XP on it and programs, and the other for downloaded data) straight onto my new motherboard and simply switch on the PC? or do i need to format both hard drives so when i put them onto my new MB they will be completely blank, only recently did a system format so dont want to do one agen if i dont have to!

It is very possible for you to install your old drives, however you will have to format your drive containing the XP install.... Many reasons for this but due to something along the lines of Windows installing basic operating functions specifically for the machine it's being installed on it will have numerous issues with COMPLETELY different hardware if you simply try to boot to it off the bat. Fresh install with the Windows drive installed then once that's set up reopen the case and connect up your media drive. Windows 'should' recognise it and there be no need for format (Never a guarantee though so BACK IT UP!!)

3. I have 1 IDE HD and one SATA, will i be ok to use an IDE cable for my 2 ROM drives (as there is only one IDE slot on the DS3) and then get a converter for my IDE HD and simply use them both as SATA.

Personally I've never used an IDE-->S-ATA converter but as long as they do 'exactly what they say on the tin' then I'm sure you won't have an issue. Only thing is and it's up to you on this one.... is that if you connect up the "HDD Light" cable to the mobo header your HDD light will 'dance' in unison with your primary ROM light. (Mobo maker haven't managed to replace the IDE light with S-ATA yet afaik)

4. Will my computer automatically reconise the 2 SATA HD and carry on as normal (just like how IDE was automatically reconised) or do i have to configure something?

Not sure if it's Windows that used to have a problem with seeing S-ATA drives or the mobo not reporting them correctly but I've built a Socket 754 (Friends), 939(Mine :() and C2D(Friends) machine in the last year all with there own copy of XP Home SP2 and with ,obviously, varying mobo's and I've never had to use the 'F6' key and a boot up floppy to get the install to recognise the drive before so I'm sure that may have only been the early days of S-ATA drives. Basically I think it'll see em without any input from you (Just as IDE does)

5. how do i know what software/drivers to install that are provided on the CD that came with the MB there seems to be loads, im going to be overclocking so are any of these useful for that?

Once you're in and the 'hard' part is over have a look at the drivers section on the CD provided and I'd recommend installing all available... THEN search the net for updated ones. As for the usually bundled bloatware utilities I'd search each one that 'sounds' useful individually and get the general concensus on whether they are useful or like a chocolate teapot that hogs precious resources.

Finally I know it pretty much goes without saying but do ALL Windows updates once you're up and running but not before installing your preferred antivirus and firewall softwares.

By the way, althought I've played with computers fore about the last 5 years I don't claim to be an expert. If anything I've posted above is utter garbage then please point out the wrong doing and I'll edit accordingly giving praise to the 'pointer-outer-of-fact' :p
 
ok .DJsean has done a good job there .about smack on with what hes saying .ok let me add my bit :D

i think my Artic Freezer Pro came with a small tube of compound in the box but i could be wrong about that .

The SATA converters work just fine i am useing one now on my pc . i built my mate a PC with the same board as yours using windows with SP2 and it worked fine .i think u only need to do the F6 thing if your going raid . and dont forget to install your mother board\chipset\ sound\network\and gpu drivers.
 
And another thing .have one of your rom drives set as the master and the other the slave .the master should be on the end of the IDE cable.
 
I would just add that if you really don't want to reinstall windows it is possible to upgrade although there is no guarantee it will definitely work. I recently upgraded and looked in to the possibility as I was short of time to completely reinstall everything. The most recommened course of action I found though is to format and start from scratch!

In the end I plumped to upgrade to Windows XP64 so did a complete reinstall. If you want to try the non-reinstall method let me know I will dig up all the links to the info and guides I found when I get home. :)
 
humax said:
i think my Artic Freezer Pro came with a small tube of compound in the box but i could be wrong about that .
Click to expand...
No tube of compound with mine but it did already have some applied to the base of the heatsink.

Reading the little instruction sheet I did note a paragraph that said that the CPU should be wiped clean of any compund before seating the cooler. So i imagine that the cooler is pre-prepared, although this may not be the case with yours!!
 
mine has a small square grey coloured compound on the bottom i think, and there was no paste with it, so should it be ok to just put on?

Also, whats the best way to go about preparing my hard drive for formating ready for the new system, becuase if i do it once its in the new system it will still have eveyrthing on it, should i just right click on my C: drive and select format? once thats done remove it and put it into new system?

Also do OCUK sell the SATA:IDE adapators?
 
if it has a small square on its bottom its ok to put it straight on .put ya hard drive in the new system and format it on there .just boot the pc with the winxp disk in it and format it that way
 
i would wait till you have it built and running fine before you start thinking about overclocking it .and maybe start a new thread on it . just get it built first and take it slow .one step at a time .
 
lol yeh i will do mate dont worry, well do worry cos i am!! :rolleyes:
do you know is ocuk sell the SATA adapators?

i was going to be cheeky enough to see if someone would give up their time on the phone when it comes to overclocking so they can talk me through it lol.
 
to be honest i did look on OcUK but i cant see them .but other places do have them on there site .cost about £12
 
no im lookin on ocuk tryin to find the best PSU cant decide between a couple, and im uming and aring about gettin the HD thats on week only offer, got made redundant this week so very short on cash now!
 
RickyDVT said:
lol yeh i will do mate dont worry, well do worry cos i am!! :rolleyes:
do you know is ocuk sell the SATA adapators?

i was going to be cheeky enough to see if someone would give up their time on the phone when it comes to overclocking so they can talk me through it lol.
Click to expand...


i think you would be better off getting the overclocking help from the forum and not the phone .you will get more people helping you that way and you can always print it out and read it a few times before you start clocking
 
RickyDVT said:
no im lookin on ocuk tryin to find the best PSU cant decide between a couple, and im uming and aring about gettin the HD thats on week only offer, got made redundant this week so very short on cash now!
Click to expand...


if you mean the seagate there a great drive i have one myself .just get a good brand PSU with the money you can afford and you wont go far wrong
 
yeh i was looking at them but if i get something at about 500W + they get quite expensive, the OCZ 520W its only £55 so it seems quite cheap.
 
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