Hello All,
I am in the process of getting all the pieces for my first system build (EPoX EP-9NPA+Ultra, 3000+ Venice, Sonata II, eVGA 6600GT, Corsair ValueSelect 1GB, Seagate Barracuda 7200.7 160g). To say I have a few questions would be an understatement, I'd sure appreciate any advice, tips or pointers to detailed building "How To's."
I have seen the excellent "How to Build" often posted here but it has little to no detail on what to do once the computer is assembled and posts. I am up to posting and going into the Bios to set the CD as the first boot but pretty much lost from there. Specifically:
1. Should Memtest and any other specific utils be run before loading the OS?
2. Once any tests are run I take it that XP w/SP2 should be loaded.
a. I believe it is not necessary to load the raid drivers with the EPoX EP-9NPA+Ultra to use a Sata drive - can I just ignore these drivers if I have no interest in RAID setups? Is there a "no raid" Bios setting I need to make? Are there other steps I need to prepare for during the XP install (yes, I currently use WinMe...)
b. I have a comcast cable modem, will the XP install automatically set that connection up for me? What info do I need?
c. After the OS has installed do I install Norton AV and Zonealarm before going online for XP updates?
3. When the OS has loaded do I go get XP updates or do I then load the various drivers?
a. I've read the XP IDE drivers are far better than the ones I will get with my Mobo. Is this also true with other drivers? Is it better to use a new mobo driver package (if there is such a thing) downloaded from the Epox website or just use the ones on the mobo disk? Is there a "menu" that allows me to pick and choose which drivers to install and which to ignore?
b. Do I install the 6600GT Drivers or use the Mobo or the XP ones?
c. Is there a definite progression of which drivers to install first? In other words, first NF4 drivers (except IDE, ???) then GPU, then Monitor, etc.
4. Do I need to flash the Bios anywhere in here?
Thanks for reading and for any advice.
I am in the process of getting all the pieces for my first system build (EPoX EP-9NPA+Ultra, 3000+ Venice, Sonata II, eVGA 6600GT, Corsair ValueSelect 1GB, Seagate Barracuda 7200.7 160g). To say I have a few questions would be an understatement, I'd sure appreciate any advice, tips or pointers to detailed building "How To's."
I have seen the excellent "How to Build" often posted here but it has little to no detail on what to do once the computer is assembled and posts. I am up to posting and going into the Bios to set the CD as the first boot but pretty much lost from there. Specifically:
1. Should Memtest and any other specific utils be run before loading the OS?
2. Once any tests are run I take it that XP w/SP2 should be loaded.
a. I believe it is not necessary to load the raid drivers with the EPoX EP-9NPA+Ultra to use a Sata drive - can I just ignore these drivers if I have no interest in RAID setups? Is there a "no raid" Bios setting I need to make? Are there other steps I need to prepare for during the XP install (yes, I currently use WinMe...)
b. I have a comcast cable modem, will the XP install automatically set that connection up for me? What info do I need?
c. After the OS has installed do I install Norton AV and Zonealarm before going online for XP updates?
3. When the OS has loaded do I go get XP updates or do I then load the various drivers?
a. I've read the XP IDE drivers are far better than the ones I will get with my Mobo. Is this also true with other drivers? Is it better to use a new mobo driver package (if there is such a thing) downloaded from the Epox website or just use the ones on the mobo disk? Is there a "menu" that allows me to pick and choose which drivers to install and which to ignore?
b. Do I install the 6600GT Drivers or use the Mobo or the XP ones?
c. Is there a definite progression of which drivers to install first? In other words, first NF4 drivers (except IDE, ???) then GPU, then Monitor, etc.
4. Do I need to flash the Bios anywhere in here?
Thanks for reading and for any advice.