Newbie Q's(sorry guys)

[Apple]

I'm finally at the point where it is time to build my first system and I have some simple questions for you guys:

1.) Will my mail files for my current rig(Win98) be compatible on my new one(Win2k)?
2.) I was thinking of installing Win2k + SP2 and then the VIA drivers along with the drivers for my other components. Will this work? I heard that MS has better IDE support than the VIA drivers, is this true?
3.) When installing the CPU, HSF, RAM, would laying the Mobo on a piece of styrofoam with a towel over it be ok?
4.) Do I need to clean the HS with alcohol before installing it onto the CPU?
5.) Is there any truth to what I've heard about certain memory settings leading to data corruption for the EPoX 8K7A mobo?

The NewEgg shipment should be arriving in about an hour, hopefully I'll have a kickin' rig by the time the night is up.

 

[Apple]

Ack, I just tried to turn on the PSU with only the 4 fans installed and hooked up(I don't have a mobo or any other devices yet) and it didnt make any sounds. Does the PSU need a mobo to run or is my PSU DOA?

 

[dowxp]

1.) Will my mail files for my current rig(Win98) be compatible on my new one(Win2k)?

A: if you are using outlook, use the export to *.pst function. best way to transport.

2.) I was thinking of installing Win2k + SP2 and then the VIA drivers along with the drivers for my other components. Will this work? I heard that MS has better IDE support than the VIA drivers, is this true?

youre better off using via.

3.) When installing the CPU, HSF, RAM, would laying the Mobo on a piece of styrofoam with a towel over it be ok?

towel or carpet. they say it can harm it, which it can. but it never does. to be real safe, carpet with static thingy over it.

4.) Do I need to clean the HS with alcohol before installing it onto the CPU?

unless its used, u dont need to

5.) Is there any truth to what I've heard about certain memory settings leading to data corruption for the EPoX 8K7A mobo?

dont own one, so i dont know.

 

[Apple]

Thanks for your help.

 

[Yossarian]

Apple wrote:



<< Ack, I just tried to turn on the PSU with only the 4 fans installed and hooked up(I don't have a mobo or any other devices yet) and it didnt make any sounds. Does the PSU need a mobo to run or is my PSU DOA? >>



Needs a mobo. I wouldn't screw around powering things up before the system is assembled. Under no circumstances power up the cpu for even one second without the HS and fan installed.

 

[Apple]

Yeah, I know what that can do to a TBird. I just wanted to see if the fans were blowing the right way. thanks, won't mess with it again until the Mobo gets here.

 

[smp]

I was always under the impression that the first drivers you should install are the VIA 4 in 1's, then video, then your other devices.

 

[Apple]

Well I heard that SP2 has better VIA support, is this true?

 

[Prince of Persia]

I'm also setting up a sys like apple so it would be nice to know as well about his Q's.


Also whats the best setup for stability in terms of installing drivers/servicepacks/ main apps (like office)

 

[Yossarian]

<< Well I heard that SP2 has better VIA support, is this true? >>



I don't know for sure, but I don't see how that could be true. VIA makes the chipset, they should know best how to make it communicate with the IDE channels.

 

[Apple]

Ok then.

 

[Apple]

When I'm installing my HSF(Vantec) should I hook one clip on while it is at an angle then slowly move it until it makes contact with the core and hook the other side? Or should I just set it on the core and try to put both clips on while it's on the core?

 

[gnoymyguy]

I do the first

 

[dowxp]

if u do the latter, i guaratee you something will break.

 

[Apple]

Thanks for the help, for some reason I was thinking my NewEgg shipment would come UPS(so I was expecting it last night). Oh well, maybe FedEx will have it to me by 2:00.

 

[skace]

I read the MS drivers were better also from a recent tweak guide on a different thread. Basically it stated to install SP2 before the 4-in-1 drivers because the IDE drivers in the 4-in-1 are crap.

As far as which way your fans are blowing. They should blow in whichever direction the logo is on. So for intake fans on the front of the case, point the logo inwards. Hopefully I will be correct with your fans

 

[Apple]

That's what I figured. I think we both read the same guides about the MS drivers being better. Was it this one? I'd also like to know if I should do anythiny to the thermal diode that reads CPU temps, will bending it up a little make the readings more accurate?

 

[clockhar]

<< I read the MS drivers were better also from a recent tweak guide on a different thread. Basically it stated to install SP2 before the 4-in-1 drivers because the IDE drivers in the 4-in-1 are crap. >>



Gotta agree w/ you there. I installed SP2 then via 4 in 1 (4.31) and all is well (and fast). So, that's what I suggest.

 

[Apple]

Damn you FedEx, I received the big order, but the processor is on another truck. :| Guess I can install the memory and put the drives in the bays.

 

[Apple]

Ack, I was putting ASII on my core and mangaed to get it on the other parts, I've tried acetone and a qtip and acetone and a kleenex but it just seems to spread around. Will it be ok to boot with ASII on the other parts of the chip? Can I ruin my TBird?

 

[Yossarian]

Use some isopropyl alcohol on a lint-free cloth. Get all that goop off, don't take any chances. As you have learned, you only need a small bit of AS on the core or it goes all over. I remember how excited I was to build my first system, but don't take shortcuts you might regret

 

[Apple]

Bah, I can't get it off, it's by the L7 bridge, but just little specks, the main concentration is the bare area above the L7 and I have some on one of those little black things by the core.

 

[Yossarian]

Should be ok. It's conductive, but just a tiny bit.

 

[drewski]

<<Gotta agree w/ you there. I installed SP2 then via 4 in 1 (4.31) and all is well (and fast). So, that's what I suggest.>>

doing this still uses the Via drivers for IDE. If you don't want to use the 4in1 IDE drivers, deselect that option when doing the 4in1 install (they provide a list of the drivers that you can select).

i'm actually using the 4in1's (4.31) and have had no issues. didn't try the MS ones solo to test though, so i don't really have a point of comparison.

<<When I'm installing my HSF(Vantec) should I hook one clip on while it is at an angle then slowly move it until it makes contact with the core and hook the other side? Or should I just set it on the core and try to put both clips on while it's on the core? >>

I would use the first technique. It will be alot easier to install the HSF. One note though. Make sure the HSF has moved to level and is making solid contact with the CPU prior to exerting any pressure on the 2nd clip.

<<3.) When installing the CPU, HSF, RAM, would laying the Mobo on a piece of styrofoam with a towel over it be ok?>>

Most Mobo's should come with some open cell foam in the bottom of the box and in an anti-static bag. I usually just take the mobo out of the bag, put the bag on the foam in the box and install.

 

[Apple]

Thanks guys, I'm getting 59-65 load temps, so I guess my HSF isn't seated properly or I need to reapply ASII. I am also getting this error &quot;Stop: 0x000000D1(0x548B0424, 0x00000002, 0x00000000, 0x548B0424) Driver_ IRQL_ not less or equal.&quot; Any ideas what this means? My AOpen DVD drive didn't come with a jumper switch for selecting Master/Slave, even though the manual says to have one set up for the master pins. I'm thinking maybe this is the problem? Oh well, tommorrow's a new day.