First time builder needs guidance (installing, connecting, and BIOS settings for 8RDA(+))

[Mooncalf]

I am doing my prep work for my upcoming first build. I think I am okay on most everything except getting the motherboard and case hooked up properly. Specifically I downloaded my cases manual and am now feeling a bit overwhelmed and nervous about what it describes. I don't yet have my motherboard but if someone would be willing to walk me through the following I would be most appreciative.

Using the manual as a guide, it mentions that I can connect two of the three fans either to the power supply 4 pin or 3 pin. Can they also be connected to the motherboard? Would it be best to connect them to the power supply or the motherboard and the 3 or 4 pin? Where does the third side fan connect to?

It also mentions that I can connect the power supply itself to the MB 3 pin connector so as to be able to monitor the fan speed. Is that something that is only advantageous or are there reasons I shouldn't?

Dropping down to the Power/LED Connections area, does the 8RDA have the Aux and +12V connectors and should I use them?

Are the USB and Firewire connections as confusing as it now reads to me from their description?

Thank you ever so kindly to those that choose to share their time and input.

Is this going to be as difficult as I am feeling right now or once I have it in front of me everything will be clearly layed out, marked, and only one right way?

 

[Insane3D]

When you get everything in and are ready to build, shoot me a PM and I'll walk you through anything you need help on.

 

[Mooncalf]

Very kind offer and one which I probably will accept. Thank you.

I downloaded the ePox manual, which was nice and tidy on a 28.8 connection. I believe it helped clear some things up and bring forth a bunch more BIOS questions.

Sounds like I will connect the side fan to the fan 3 connector and the two rear fans to the power supply. Depending on what is recommended to do those 3 or 4 pin. And connect the PS fan to the 3 pin MB for monitoring.

Think the USB and Firewire connections are clearer in this manual though will the 8RDA even have those FireWire connectors? Is there a way to hook up my Audigy FireWire so I can use my front FireWire ports or am I limited to just the ones on the Audigy card itself in the back?

Doesn't sound like the ePox had the Aux and +12V connectors, correct?

 

[Christof]

I sure am glad to see this post.

In 4 days I am ordering an 8RDA+ with an XP 2000 processor and Samsung PC2700 DDR Ram.
I hope you dont mind another PM or two Insane3D

 

[cowdog]

Ah yes, Insane3D, you are more than welcome to cc me on that email.

amdmd.com EPoX mobo forum has an EPoX tech who frequents. There is an 8RDA+ setup thread there with some good information if you don't mind reading through lots and lots of posts. Of course, I honestly think I've seen better and more to-the-point advice and feedback here.

 

[Insane3D]

Sure guys, feel free to shoot me a PM. I may not always reply right away, but I'm usually around more than I'm not.

 

[Christof]

cowdog:

I went to amdmd.com and its the Affiliated Medical of Dearborn page.

Could you post a linky to that site? I would really like to read that post.

Nevermind Cowdog.. you typoe'd heh.. it is amdmb.com..
I found it, and thanks... seems the information in Anandtech is far superior

 

[cowdog]

Oops, I did have a wee bit of typo there didn't I? Hehe.

While I am waiting for my case to arrive, I just pulled off the stock 8RDA+ NB heatspreader. It comes off easilly with two little squeeze tabs accessed from the back of the mobo. Then a little gentle twisting and it comes off. EPoX used a little square sticky to connect the heatsink that probably wasn't very efficient for heat transfer. I cleaned that off and will apply some AS3 before putting it back on. I watched the cheesey Artic silver application video a couple of times, so now I am ready to give it a go. I have heard that helps that heat spreader work better. Supposedly the NB gets mighty hot. I also downloaded the latest bios (3129), benmarking software, pdfs on overclocking, and all sorts of other little thingy's that I might find helpful. Wrote those to a CD. My next task will be to look think out how I am going to power all these fans and components. I am not sure there are enough connections. I hope I can splice in a couple per connector. Anyway, at least I could do something while waiting. Fortunately it looks like more snow here, so I'll be out skiing quite a bit this weekend and not thinking about putting this sucker together.

 

[Mooncalf]

Can anyone help with the questions I posted in the third post?

 

[Shimmishim]

Originally posted by: Mooncalf
Can anyone help with the questions I posted in the third post?

No, it does not have the +12 thing connector on the board

btw..

it's amdmB.com NOT MD

 

[Mooncalf]

Nor the Aux one then either?

Sounds like I will connect the side fan to the fan 3 connector and the two rear fans to the power supply. Depending on what is recommended to do those 3 or 4 pin. And connect the PS fan to the 3 pin MB for monitoring.

Think the USB and Firewire connections are clearer in this manual though will the 8RDA even have those FireWire connectors? Is there a way to hook up my Audigy FireWire so I can use my front FireWire ports or am I limited to just the ones on the Audigy card itself in the back?



Anybody willing to help?

 

[Mooncalf]

Insane3D.. I have sent you a couple of PM over the last few days. I could really use the assistance if you can.

Thanks.