Build Questions, including Core 2 Duo

[Paneos]

I'm posting this thread in CPUs, Motherboards, and Video, since I have questions relating to all of them.

I'm in the process of building a new desktop after about 5 years away, living my life on store bought laptops. Anyway, I have a few questions. But, first I'll post a list of my important components. It's a slightly modified version of the Ars Technica June 2007 Hot Rod.

CPU: Intel Core 2 Duo E6420
MoBo: Gigabyte GA-965P-DS3
Video: eVGA 8800 GTS 320mb (non-overclocked edition)
RAM: 2GB OCZ PC2 6400 Gold Edition XTC 5-5-5-12
HDD: Seagate 7200.10 320GB
DVD: Sony NEC Optiarc SATA
Power: SPARKLE ATX-450PN ATX12V 2.2 450W
Case: Cool Master Centurion 5
Monitor and other peripherals: Yet to be determined

Now for the questions:

1. Heat paste. Do I use it between my CPU and heatsink/fan (I'm using the stock, retail heatsink/fan that came with the CPU)? The MoBo manual and quickstart guide both mention it. The Intel boxed processor install guide that came with the MoBo and the book that came with the CPU don't mention it.

2. On the video card there is a small connector on the top edge of the board across from the PCI-e connector. It's the same style, metal terminals on the board, but i have no idea what it's for (SLi?).

3. There are both SATA and GSATA connectors on the MoBo. It seems like the GSATA go through the Gigbyte SATA controller (which I believe handles RAID), then through the PCI express bus, then into the southbridge, while the plain SATA goes straight into the southbridge. Am I wrong in assuming I should use the plain SATA connector, considering I'm not using RAID (yet). And plain SATA connector for the DVD drive too? And, the SATA connectors looks like they're coupled, should I connect both the HDD and DVD to one couple, or do one on each? (there are two couples of SATA, and one of GSATA for a total of 4 SATA and 2 GSATA connections)

4. BIOS settings. I haven't powered up yet. Actually I'm still waiting for my power supply. So, i haven't seen the BIOS interface yet, but if anyone has any experience with this board and has any tips here, I'd appreciate it. Specifically clock speed and multiplier combinations.

5. Initial set up. What's the standard operating procedure these days with the first boot up. How long should I leave it on the first time, and are there any utilities you would recommend running?

I suppose that's about it. If I think of anything else I'll certainly post it. My power supply should show up on Monday, so I have til then to figure this stuff out, then I'm sure there will be a whole new load of questions. In any case, thanks for your help, and I'll post again soon.

Nick

 

[drextremeops007]

Oops.. u already bought the PSU??? BY any chance you could return it and get a better one such as Corsair, Seasonic?? I will let the others chip in on ur questions. I have been out in the running for some time but I am also planning to build a C2D system in the next month or so, so your topic is useful as well.

 

[f4phantom2500]

1. I think there should be some kind of thermal compound preapplied to the bottom of the heatsink.

2. http://images10.newegg.com/New...mage/14-130-082-05.jpg is that what you're talking about?

3. it probably won't matter, i mean there are just 2 different controllers on it. but consult the manual for setting up raid stuff.

4. i don't know

5. all the drivers .

 

[Paneos]

drextremeops: Why do you say that? Bad experience with the Sparky?

f4phantom: Thanks for all the tips. In regards to #2 that is what I'm talking about. I can't believe how poor the eVGA documentation is. It's like they have one manual they send out with anything you buy. There are sections that are like if you have AGP.. if you have PCI... if you have PCI-e... come on. And I don't think there's even a mention of SLI.

Thanks again, all. I'll post again during or after the build.

 

[StopSign]

Avoid the GSATA controller if you're not using raid. Stick to the yellow ports and just leave it at IDE emulation mode. Which connectors you plug into on the motherboard doesn't matter.

 

[ultra laser]

1. If you're using the stock intel heatsink, there should be some pre-applied. If you're not, I recommend using these instructions: http://www.arcticsilver.com/ar...ilver_instructions.htm

2. Sounds like the SLI connector.

4. It should read what kind of CPU you're using and set the proper fsb/multiplier. I'd just make sure to set your ram timings and voltages as they are advertised.

5. Run prime95 for 12 hours to make sure it's stable at stock settings.

 

[drextremeops007]

Paneos... no experience with that PSU. But I am just recommending a better PSU. you dont wanna be left in the dust with a bad quality PSU. PSU is the bread and butter of a PC, dont skimp on it.

 

[o1die]

Sparkle works fine. Made by fortron fsp. I used several over the years.

 

[Paneos]

Well everythings up and running well.

First, I have to say, I almost had a heart attack snapping the heatsink/fan onto the motherboard. The amount of pressure needed, and the pop that thing made, convinced me I had cracked my board right in two....

Also, the Centurion 5 is obviously not made for these double wide video cards. On the beam that seperates each slot there's a little worthless bump sticking inside the case. Luckily it's cheap metal, and a minute with a pair of pliers was good enough to smooth it out.

Those were the only issues I had when building the thing. I ran memtest to 100% pass, and all went well. Right now I'm having some problems installing XP. I have an original copy and 300gb drive, so it only formats to 137gb. Anyway, I just read up on slipstreaming SP2 into the my install and reburing a new install disk. So after that's taken care of I'll be running Prime95 or some varient of it.

For now, my only real issue is what monitor to buy. Check out my post over in video and graphics for the straight poop:

http://forums.anandtech.com/me...id=31&threadid=2070774