okeee

When assembly of parts is done, is it better to immediately update bios as well? ASUS P5Q-Ehttp://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131296

Or is it better to install windows to see if everything is already working ok?
If i need to update bios, when is the best time to do it, right after assembly of parts, even before installing windows?

Phædrus2401

I'm using the original BIOS, no trouble. If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

wrench97

^^ if it supports your components leave it be.

okeee

Should I check with Asus for compatibility? I've send them emails before, but no answer.

About inserting the CPU into the motherboard, for AMD CPU there is a marker that indicates how it should be placed. How is this done with Intel CPU?

wrench97

CPU support list here> http://support.asus.com/cpusupport/c...roduct=1&os=25
You won't know what Bios version the board has until you get it.

okeee

What would actually happen if you would turn on the computer, and the bios version is lower than needed for the CPU?

wrench97

Sometimes you would need an older CPU to flash it to the newer bios, in most cases with the C2D's they are close enough to run and flash the bios to the latest.

okeee

I checked here for RAM compatibility with motherboard p5q-e:
http://www.corsair.com/configurator/product_results.aspx?id=589503
RAM I selected: Corsair XMS2 - Memory - 4 GB ( 2 x 2 GB ) - DIMM 240- pins - DDR2 - 1066 MHz / PC2-8500 - CL5 - 2.1 V
The only memory that resembles it is under "Memory Type":
DDR2-1066 (XMS2-8500C5*4GB*SLI
But I don't have SLI. And the corresponding Part Number is "TWIN2X4096-8500C5"

So DDR2-1066 (XMS2-8500C5*4GB*SLI and TWIN2X4096-8500C5 are the same? Because the shop I checked listed these as different memory.

wrench97

It will work but it is optimized for a Nvidia Chipset which are far more memory picky then the Intel boards.

okeee

I read that the heatsink and fan of intel were very difficult to install, so I thought I try to install it first without the CPU. Is this ok? Or will the thermal compount strip stick to the CPU socket then?

Phædrus2401

What? You mean mount the heatsink without the CPU? What's the point of that? It won't even turn on. Do you mean put in the CPU without the heatsink? Your processor will hit 70C in about five seconds and shut itself down.

wrench97

I think he wants to do a dry run to see how the H/S mounts not have a working system.

Mount the CPU in the socket with the board out of the case on the bench then install the heat sink also on the bench that way you can look at the bottom side of the motherboard to see if the pins/legs are fully inserted, they are difficult the first time but looking at the bottom will allow you to better understand how they are supposed to go.

You can even install the video card and ram hook up the PSU and start it up on top of the Motherboard box before installing in the case.> How to Bench Test Your System

okeee

Indeed, just to make sure that heatsink and fan fit and it would be safer I thougt.

If you put the CPU in the socket, and install the heatsink (which has the thermal compound strip already applied on it, for cpu boxed version?)
can you remove the heatsink and reinstall it again or do you need to reapply new thermal compound first?

wrench97

That's right anytime you place the heat sink in place and remove it either with a thermal pad or thermal paste you need to reapply.

If you set it up outside of the case simply leave the CPU and heat sink installed when installing the motherboard in the case.

okeee

With this motherboard: p5q-e
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...1296&Tpk=p5q-e

and this RAM: CORSAIR XMS2 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500) Desktop Memory Model TWIN2X4096-8500C5C G - Retail http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820145247

you need to adjust some settings in bios. I read that in order to make any changes in bios, you need to set "AI Overclock Tuner" to "Manual", even if you don't overclock any hardware. Is this correct?

except set:
- DRAM Frequency to 1066
- DRAM Voltage to 2.1V
- timing to 5-6-6-18

Do I need to adjust the northbridge voltage as well?

wrench97

No just the ram voltage. But do this last after the OS is installed and the system is 100% stable.

okeee

-After all hardware is assembled, what is REALLY important to check before you turn on the pc?
For example,
check that CPU fan is connected and running.
check that no wires are touching the cpu heatsink and fan.
check the number of motherboard holders.

-Should I check all the hardware for errors and check if the system runs stable? What program could I use, preferably for free and checking all hardware (or at least the most important components).

-For all of the hardware that needs to be screwed in, how thight should this be? As thight as possible, or still easy to remove?

wrench97

Snug is the best way to describe it not 2 handed tight not loose enough to move around.

I see no reason to test all the hardware only test if there is na issue.

The CPU fan will not run before turning on but the other checks are good.

motherboard fasteners > a Screw and a Stand Off for every hole no more, no less if you put in 6 stand offs make sure you have 6 screws(if not you have a standoff in the wrong place, there is a diagram in the motherboard manual of where and how many.

Clear the CMOS, Start it up enter the Bios> Check the Temps and voltages on the PC health page 12v, 5v, 3.3v should be +/- 5%, CPU temp below 40c.

Put the Windows DVD in the Drive> Reboot and Windows will start installing.

okeee

clear cmos, you mean that the battery should be removed for several hours before the pc is turned on?

wrench97

No use the jumper before installing the board. See page 2-20 in the manual.