Basic guide for a stable computer build +

[KoG]^weaZel

Ok so you just got your all new hardware, well what now?
1- Take the motherboard and either lay it on the static-free bag or install it on the motherboard tray from your case (using the proper "stand-offs"). Once you have the board where you have a good view of it. Verify that all the jumpers are in the correct locations. This can be a major headache later on if they are not. If the cmos jumper is not in the default location it will cause the computer to not power up.Before you install any hardware use some canned air to blow out the slots on the motherboard, as there maybe some foreign material in them.Now continue on with the installation of all basic hardware. (ie motherboard, cpu, ram, video card, cd-rom, and HDD.) you just want the basics installed at first to avoid any conflicts and it makes it easier to trouble shoot should there be a problem. It is also best to use one cd-rom and one harddrive (unless you are building a RAID array). In most cases you will want to have the power supply mounted before you install the motherboard (but not in all).

2- Double check all wiring. If your video card needs an extra power lead make sure that is it plugged in. I cant say how many times I have forgotten this one. Also if your motherboard (which most of them do these days) requires the "P4" power lead, make sure this four pin connector is plugged in as this can cause some troubles.

3- Before we get to the OS install you need to verify a few items in the bios. First is to make sure the cpu is being read correctly, multiplier is right and the FSB is at the correct speed. Next we will move onto the vdimm, here you will want to set it to 2.8v, you can change this later on but for doing the OS install it is good to give the memory a good voltage to avoid errors. You can also run memtest86+ before doing the OS install that way you can tweak the memory timings and voltage, but this isnt absolutely necessary at this point. Then find and set the PCI latency to 64.

4- Now we come to the OS install. This is were I am going to point you to a wonderful guide by Mr Steveo. Read the guide
There is alot of info there so take your time as it should help you have a trouble free install process. Once you have all the drivers install then we can move on.

5- With the driver installs complete we can move on to the testing phase.
To check for stability you will want to run a couple of programs.
-First we will run Memtest86+ You will want to burn this to either a cd or floppy. This program runs before any operating system is loaded so all it tests is the memory. Run this for at least 5 passes (each pass will take about 10 minutes or so). Or if you are like me and have your computer running 24/7, you should run this test for at least 24 hours. When you are satisfied that the memory is stable we will move on.
-Second we will run Prime95. This one will test your overall system stability and a very good way to see if your overclock is stable. Here again this is one the longer you are able to run it the better. For you P4 with HT users it is recommended that you run two instances of it at the same time. To do this you will want to download and save it. Then when installing the first "instance" the install is normal. The second "instance" you will want to change the name of it somewhat. I add "beta" on to the end of Prime95 when it askes what directory to install it in. Now you should have two Prime95s to run.
The best test to run is the large inplace FFT's, as this will bring a less than idea system to its knees. Once these torture tests have been past we can move on to more interesting things.

6- Benchmarking!! Now we can take a look at what the new beast can do. Here it doesnt matter what order you run them in, but it is suggested to restart your system after each benchmark.
You can get any of the 3dMark series here at Futuremark.
Aquamark is a good quick benchmark and kinda fun to watch (well for the first couple times that is)
RealStorm, a seldom used system benchmark. Which is too bad because it give the system a good work out.
I know this next one really isnt a benchmark but it is always good to have it on hand to verify cpu speed and memory timings. CPU-Z is a staple of every tweaker's portfolio.

If you think that there should be any additions, changes or subtractions please PM me so that they can be put into effect here.
If you have any questions regarding any tweaks or special settings please post them in the appropriate sections. For overclocking information please read this

I would like to thank Mojo1340, PolarPyro, JayDubya and Mr Steveo for their contributions to this guide. And thanks go out to those code writers that give us the needed tools to make all this beautiful hardware sing!

Tweak It Like You Mean It!
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PhRoZeN_X_ · SirTweaksabit Joined: 19 Jun 2004 Posts: 410

Good post. **** sticky ***

Josh · Posted: Sat Oct 09, 2004 6:09 pm Post subject:

seconded ^^^

Nice post weaze, as you are a mod, stick it yourself

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Ham_fisT · Posted: Sat Oct 09, 2004 6:51 pm Post subject:

Thirdified^^^

could have used this a week back...XP would NOT install 'till I bumped VDIMM to 2.8
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Yeah....... ok

Yoshida · UberTweaker Joined: 24 Dec 2003 Posts: 1219

yes good postage,
lil thing id like to add

i was reading another building guide that said to get this, ALWAYS use the thermal pad on the hsf, id like to recommend to ALWAYS use artic silver thermal grease.

fourthified on the stickiage

mojo1340 · UberTweaker Joined: 19 Jun 2004 Posts: 1022

Great advice! Something else I always do is to use some canned air to blow out all the slots, sockets etc. to remove any ummmmm.......debris that may be lodged in there.

On a new build some time ago, when I started the machine for the first time, one of the memory slots let out some very bad smelling smoke. Very disturbing!

Good job, Weaz!!

Ham_fisT · Posted: Sat Oct 09, 2004 7:58 pm Post subject:

Instead of that thermal-pad.....you can use a 1/4 slice of Kraft American Cheese

That is a NICE OS installation guide, BTW

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Yeah....... ok

JayDubya · Posted: Sat Oct 09, 2004 11:44 pm Post subject:

Looks good *hotlinks if he ever builds a pc*
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PolarPyro · Posted: Sat Oct 09, 2004 11:50 pm Post subject:

Looks fine and dandy!
But you forgot the most important saying, "Tweak it like you mean it!"

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Zero_Fresh · Posted: Sun Oct 10, 2004 12:19 pm Post subject:

Damn Weaz.. Props to the time and effort put into that post. Great job. Nice use of the edit powers too. =P

Now the quetion is.. should this be in general hardware?
j/k
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racing87stang · Posted: Thu Dec 01, 2005 3:51 am Post subject:

welcome to TN.net
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