First build... bios, raid, peripherals.... help a noob!

[snezzer]

(oops, I posted this in the mobo section, but then i realized it should probably go here. sorry, moderators)

 

So, I've never started from scratch before. And I realize that most of you here could put a computer together in your sleep. But I'm relatively new to this.

 

So, I've got my PSU in the case. Now, I'm gonna screw in my mobo, but... then I'm not sure how to go about things. What is the best order of steps to follow?

I was going to put the Ram, HDs, and optical drive in next.

 

Then I'm not sure... I will probably want to update the bios, right? So, when do I do that? Before or After I install Windows? And Raid... I need to do this before I install Windows for sure, right? But, then will updating the bios afterward screw around with the Raid setup that I will have?

 

I just don't know, boys & girls.

 

And then there's Raid... if I'm looking for increased speed, Raid 0 is the best, correct? Or is Raid 0+1 just as good?

 

Sorry for the messed up post. I'm just so thankful for this community and all the help I've had so far in researching for my build.

[powsmowl]

as far as i know one can only install raid after windows except with an Asus AI Home/lifestyle mobo (ez backup)

 

bios..if it works, id install windows and see if you even have to update the bios for the time beeing, if you have the chance to update from a floppy/usb device before the os is up, go ahead

 

and since your setting up raid, maybe you should read a guide, and now i have a question (concerning raid) could someone post a guide for raid 5? having trouble setting it up and maybe a raid 0 guide for snezzer (if he needs it)

 

sorry for kinda hijacking your thread =p

[Justin Sain]

concerning the BIOS, u shouldn't need to update it unless you face problems with your current versions. so i recommend skipping this step now

 

as for RAID, raid 0 is certainly the best performing. it can be done using 2 or more drives (similar drives recommended). raid 0+1 requires 4 drives.

if ur installing the OS on the raided drives, then u should setup the raid first. if not then do it after you install OS. search the forums for Angry's raid guide. it came in pretty handy. with my nvidia chipset, i had to put the raid drivers on a floppy disk so that windows setup recognizes the raid, which is probably the case with you. u can find the drivers on the motherboard cd or download the drivers from nvidia.com, errrr, intel.com.

[Kingfisher]

Good luck with your new hardware,very nice.

As far as building your PC, your very first one, you may want to set your motherboard up on a piece of cardboard laying on a solid table of other flat surface.

Do not supply any power to any of your hardware under any circumstances at this point.

Install your cpu and it's heatsink fan , be sure to use thermal paste such as Arctic silver 5 or you can use what came with your freezer pro. next install your RAM sticks in the correct slots, check your manual to be sure. Install your video card and ( you are still doing this on a piece of cardboard yes?)

then connect your monitor to the proper port on your video card. Connect your power supply to the motherboard, don't forget a pci express connector if your card needs one. Connect your case switch wires to your motherboard so you can then turn it on.

connect a keyboard and mouse

 

After you have done this now you may plug in power and fire it up. hit the delete key to enter BIOS.

Be sure your monitor is turned on as well, I forgot to one time and I tore everything apart only to find my bone-headed move.:confused:

 

If you can get to BIOS then you can proceed to insall hardware into your case.

The main reason to set it up outside the case is that you are making sure your hardware works and there is little else to interfere, instead of cramped in your case if you have to fiddle with things.

[Coors]

if ur installing the OS on the raided drives, then u should setup the raid first. if not then do it after you install OS.

 

If the OS is going on the raid then you HAVE to set it up first.