Getting new parts in Wednesday - what do I need to know?

[kyzen]

I rushed and ordered parts for a new build Friday, and have begun reading various horror stories around the web about trying to boot a mobo with 4 sticks of ram in it, or using the new 45nm chipsets, or using a Xeon instead of a C2D in a desktop.

Is there anything I'll need to do with my machine as I assemble it, so that I don't freak out trying to figure out why it won't turn on?

 

[runawayprisoner]

Yes. You need guts, and the belief that nothing is going to come out wrong. Hey, I ran 4 gigs of RAM (1 gig each stick)... on an mATX board... with a 3.80GHz 45nm quad-core CPU... all on AIR... in a very cramped eMachines case... with only a 80mm fan in the back to exhaust... and a Thermaltake Big Typhoon cooler on top of the CPU, and the CPU did not break a sweat. I think your build on Friday has plenty of potential. More so than mine did... but it was essentially one of the most potential 45nm quad builds in the world, too! Be positive!

 

[Creideik]

I just built a similar rig two weeks ago. The exception is that I use only 2 sticks of G-Skill (4 gb) with an ASUS P5E. It was the easiest build I have ever done. Posted first time, with no later problems AT ALL. I only messed up the power LED What I have read is that there is no difference between the c2d and our Xenons. I think you should be fine. Perhaps only put in two gigs till you post, install your OS and get the updates installed including BIOS. You should be fine unless the BIOS does not support the 45nm CPU.

 

[Winterpool]

I am building a Xeon E3110 system myself, on an Abit IP35-E (see link below). The hardware assembly is essentially complete, and the system POSTed on first attempt (one of the few times in my life) both outside and inside my P182 case. I installed only two DIMMs of memory, however. Many folks advise installing only two (or even one) on first POST attempt, but if you've bought good memory and have a decent power supply, you'll probably boot with four OK.

My only initial issues have been the peculiar default 2 per cent overclock on the FSB (common to Abit, ASUS, et al, apparently): my Wolfdale therefore booted at 3.06 GHz. Also my system sometimes hangs when exiting the BIOS, but suspect this issue is peculiar to my Abit board, not P35 + Penryn in general.

If you've a digital camera, I advise you to take photos each step. Anything you might need to jot down (serial numbers, etc), any configurations you might need to tweak -- you'll have photographic documentation. Aside from the usual tools (Phillips screwdriver), you might want to have a directable light, fine tweezers, compressed air (if you're working in dusty environs), plastic ties, and some sort of magnifying glass. I like to have a second person about: even if he's not tech-savvy, he can provide a second pair of hands and a second pair of eyes.

And snacks, definitely snacks (nothing too crumby though).

Did you purchase the GA-P35-DS3L?

 

[Winterpool]

Oh dear, I just read the thread on your missing UPS shipment. Are these the same goods arriving at last? How did you resolve the issue?

 

[toschek]

i just built a e3110 system, no problems except i can't overclock much beyond 385mhz FSB.

I'm blaminig it on my crappy case and heat, you should be ok with a vanilla build though.

Good luck!

 

[tutelary]

you'll need another processor to flash the bios with initially if it wont accept the 3110. the microcode for the 3110 is only supported in the newest bios, which your likely wont have, as mine didn't have it and I got my board just recently. (the bios is beta).

also, remember the 2gig vista limitation on initial install.

 

[jdoggg12]

Originally posted by: toschek
i just built a e3110 system, no problems except i can't overclock much beyond 385mhz FSB.

I'm blaminig it on my crappy case and heat, you should be ok with a vanilla build though.

Good luck!

Ouch - which board are you running? I got my e3110 up to 460mhz FSB for a limited time - was able to test it just fine, but i didn't like being in the mid 60Cs so i backed down to 411mhz and close to stock temps