First time builder needs advice.

[RaiderC]

This will be my first time building a computer. I just got all my stuff in the mail today so i will start building when i get home. Here is my stuff.

AMD 64 3500+ skt939.
ASUS A8V.
1Gb Corsair XMS DDR400.
160 Gb Seagate hardDrive.
eVGA 6800GT video Card.


My question is will i need to do anything special to get this thing working? I have read a lot about flashing motherboards to make the proc work? Will i have to do anything like that? I have also read as many FAQ's as i could find, so i am just looking for any advice or do's and don'ts. Thanks.

 

[Shooters]

As long as the current BIOS version supports the processor you're using (which the board you have should) then there isn't any real reason why you should flash it, unless there's a major feature added or bug fixed. A lot of manufacturers will say that flashing the BIOS is one of those "If it ain't broke, then don't fix it" things; of course that doesn't prevent people from doing it anyway.

There was a member here who wrote up a complete build guide that's helped out a lot of other first-time builders. Let me see if I can dig it up for you.

Edit:
Here you go

 

[RaiderC]

Thanks, that guide will help A LOT!!

 

[Trey22]

You'll know if you need to flash your mobo to handle the winchester core if Windows doesn't install correctly (I believe BSOD's are what people are seeing during the installation).

Other than that, nice system and have fun!

 

[rforum]

I would suggest downloading up-to-date motherboard drivers and have any necessary floppies and CD's with new drivers all set up and ready to use. My board came with outdated drivers. I didn't hook up everything at once - only the basics first. For instance, hook up only the hard disks your using to load the operating system - hook up any others later. Bios will not be confused then which drive to boot from, etc.