OK, building my new computer now...

[bovinda]

I'm building my second computer and it's been awhile (3 years). I have some questions about the order of things--is this basically it? Questions follow. If you can answer any of my questions, I would immensely appreciate it!

I've seen mechBgon's handy post about building, and I'm sort of working from that outline...but still want to confirm:

Order of building
1.) Install PSU in case
2.) Install CPU and heatsink on mobo
3.) Install mobo/CPU/heatsink into case
4.) Install RAM (do I install one DIMM or both?)
5.) Install optical drive
6.) See if it POSTs and test? (Using Prime 95, Memtest to confirm CPU and RAM are stable?)

Assuming everything works...

7.) Install hard drives
8.) Install remaining optical drive, multimedia card reader
9.) Install graphics card
10.) Install OS, Kaspersky, other software

Now for the questions...

1. Once everything (hard drives, OS, etc.) is installed and running, assuming having already run Prime 95 and Memtest, would you run them again?

2. Can anyone recommend a good resource for BIOS configuring (for this mobo or generally)?

3. How do I know what timings to use for the RAM? Is it always best to use the timings they're sold as?

4. How do I know what voltage to set the RAM to? (I've heard the preset voltage on the mobo may not be the best?)

5. Are there any other settings for RAM besides voltage and timings? If so, where can I learn about them?

6. Does it matter which RAM slots I use? Would you install both at once, or one at a time, before testing for stability?

7. Any other utilities to use besides Prime 95, Memtest?

8. Perhaps most importantly, do you have any other feedback or suggestions for things I should consider?

I really, really appreciate any comments! I haven't had as much time to research this in advance as I would have liked, but I'll have time now that it's almost mini-vacation time. I think I will OC after I've had it stable for a week. Will be my first time OC'ing! Does it look suitable for that?

Here's the parts list:

Q6600
Thermalright Ultra 120 Extreme with Nexus 120 mm fan
Abit IP35 Pro
OCZ DDR2-800 (2x2 = 4GB total)
Antec P182
Corsair 620 HX PSU
Samsung 500 GB drive (x2)
Lite-On DVD burner (x2)
EVGA 8800GT Superclocked
Vista 64 Home Premium
Kaspersky IS

Thanks in advance everyone. The help I've gotten on AT over the years has been invaluable, and I'm excited to be at this point again. :beer:

 

[MagnusTheBrewer]

1. I always do a minimal install (PSU in case, MB, CPU, GPU, one stick ram and HDD out of case) first Then add components and test as you go. Install in case and test again.

2. Rojack's Pot is one of the best resources for BIOS info

3. Timings can sometimes be tightened up but unless you are comfortable OCing, I recommend staying with the rated timings.

4. When first booting set the voltage specified on the ram in the BIOS.

5. Yes there are quite a few settings that are user configurable for your ram. I would suggest Rojacks Pot once again for a place to learn more.

6. Yes, it does matter which slots you use if you are interested in running dual channel ram. Refer to your manual for further info.

7. I would refer you to the OC sticky here

8. You might also check out MechBgon's site.

 

[oynaz]

You need to install the video card before you can run the tests ;-)

I would install both RAM modules before testing.

 

[Roguestar]

Originally posted by: oynaz
You need to install the video card before you can run the tests ;-)

I would install both RAM modules before testing.

ROFL.

Yes, I see no reason in putting it together and testing it bit-by-bit unless you're having problems with it. Go for it and stick everything in at once, carefully, then test. No point in wasting your time if you've done it right. As has been said, mechBgon's website and his post are pretty much all the info you need. Just bite the bullet, face your fear and start doing it.

Then post a "help me!" thread if it goes wrong!

 

[bovinda]

Originally posted by: oynaz
You need to install the video card before you can run the tests ;-)

I would install both RAM modules before testing.

Ha! That would have been a challenge trying to attach the monitor I guess, huh?

Anyway, thanks for the feedback guys, I will use the BIOS optimization guide Magnus recommended, and I'll just go ahead and put everything in before I test. I'll also refer back to MechBgon's page. If there are any problems, expect a 'help me' post soon. Thanks guys!