Advice on Installing New Motherboard

[MEH]

Hi, I just had a few questions I wanted to ask before I go through the upgrade process. I'm getting the MSI-6321 with dual P3-800EB's. As a general question, I was wondering if anyone had links to comprehensive how-to articles on motherboard installation. While I've done a lot of installation of other components, this'll be my first motherboard and cpu attempt.

My current system consists of: P2/400 (Micron), SE440BX, 384MB PC100 budget RAM, Promise ATA66 controller card, Elsa Eraxor X2, Diamond MX300, Speedstream 3060 DSL modem, Maxtor 40G 7200rpm drive, WD 18G 7200rpm drive, WD 6G 5400 drive, Digital Origin 1394 card, internal Pioneer CD-rom (old), internal zip, assorted usb devices (HP 8200e, Epson 870, Wacom tablet, MS explorer mouse), dual boot Win98se and W2K Pro.

Here's my list of specific questions:

1. Should I be able to do the MB and CPU install without having to re-install the operating systems? Even if so, are there big advantages to doing a fresh OS install when installing new MB's? (e.g., ACPI with W2K comes to mind, from what I've read).

2. Since I won't need the Promise controller card with the new MB, I'm somewhat worried that I won't be able to keep the same drive/partition letter assignments in the new system, which would be problematic if I don't reinstall OS and apps. How have people managed this sort of thing? I know in W2K about changing drive letters, but it doesn't seem to work with active partitions and I need the three drives I have in the right order...

3. While I'm thinking about getting a new case too, I was hoping at least at first to use the Micron case I have; from what I can tell the dimensions should be ok, but are there problems I might not be aware of with cases that came with prebuilt systems?

4. Eventually I'll get PC133 ram, but for now I want to use my PC100; the MB specs indicate that's fine, but I wanted to double check here.

5. Assuming there are newer BIOS updates available online at MSI than what's on the MB when I get it, should I flash before any other setup or should I go through the whole process with whatever I got, then do all the updates?

6. Being new to dual processors, do I need to finish the setup/install with one CPU then put in the second, or do I start with both plugged in?

I'm grateful for any info about these things, or any other advice you might have.

Mark

 

[Ulysses]

Here are some things to review first:

One

Two

Also, see the dual processor info under "Compatibility" here.

Install both CPU's first before installing Win 2K, I believe. You can later remove one. If you don't you may not be able to use the two CPU's later without a reinstallation of the OS.

I would do a clean install on a system like this, even if you don't have to in the strict sense.

Generally speaking an ATX case is an ATX case as far as the board fitting it goes. In the unusual situation where it doesn't, get another. Maybe check that first.

BTW, use an anti-static wrist strap when handling the board etc.

PC100 RAM should be OK if the manual says so.

I would upgrade the BIOS first myself before installing the OS etc., just in case something goes wrong. But first see that it at least boots up.

 

[MEH]

Ulysses,

Thanks for your info and the links; I've spent quite a while looking through it all and it answers a lot of my questions.

I should get the MB today, and I think I'll give it a try with current OS installations first, but it would be nice to have everything start clean and I may reinstall as you suggest.

Thanks,

Mark

 

[Shudder]

ESPECIALLY with Windows 2000, do not be surprised if you have to reinstall. Get it through your head that you plan on reinstalling anyway, and if it works without having to, consider it a bonus.

I'd recommend a fresh install if it has been a while since you installed the OS originally. I just did one and it worked fine without reinstalling it, but the OS was about 1 week old. Windows 2000 didn't like the new motherboard though

 

[birddog]

Unless you are using motherboards with the same chipset, your best bet is to do a clean install. It will take you less time in the long run.

 

[Scarpozzi]

Also, word of advice....if you're running dual processors, you won't be able to take full advantage of the second processor unless you run Linux. I've read a lot of articles that all suggest that only around 18% of the second processor would be utilized. Keep in mind, this is only me passing on what I've read. I've never personally had a setup like that(at work we run a lot of dual processor systems, but they all run Novell and are proprietary Dell servers running 4 processors...6500s kick *SS). But, if you have the means....why not?