I think if you remove the EZ Backup jumpers than one of the orange connectors becomes part of the ICH7R array. I know I read this on the XtremeSystems P5W forum, but can't find it right now.
I think if you remove the EZ Backup jumpers than one of the orange connectors becomes part of the ICH7R array. I know I read this on the XtremeSystems P5W forum, but can't find it right now.Originally posted by: FoeHammer
Fantastic, thank you for the help...I dont have leave 2 raptors behind with the new rig
Looks like a very nice setup. What power supply are you going to be using?Originally posted by: DualMonitors
Asus P5W DH Deluxe / Intel 6600 core 2 duo 4mb cache / Crucial Ballistix 2gb (2x1gb) DDR 2 800/PC2 6400 dual channel kit / evga 640-P2-N821-AR GeForce 8800GTS 640mb 320-bit GDDR3 / Lite-On 20x dvd...IDE / 2 X Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 ST3500630AS 500gb / Thermaltake Armor VA8003SWA Silver ATX Full Tower / Vista 32-bit Ultimate
Originally posted by: DualMonitors
Hello Mr. phile:
thx so much for your kind, detailed reply and support. I literally mean support in this situation because even though i read online tutorials for assembling PC's, there doesn't seem to be online tutorials for what to do when you plug the PC into the wall the first time!! How odd! btw, if you know of a better "assembly" tutorial, please link me...the one i read is from Corsair's site but it is based on an AMD processor and i understand that the pins/shape/nuances of how to properly "seat" the processor is different and i'm as new as they come in these things!
now questions, if you don't mind:
- sata 1 and sata 3 for my 2 HDDs: do you mean sata ports 1 and 3? i have another issue: i purchased sata cables 39" (yes, 39 inches because the case is the large Armor Thermaltake and the location of the sata ports is at the very bottom of the MB, i believe 39" is the theoretical maximum for sata cables, at least according to wikipedia, would 39" give me problems?) BUT the sata cables i bought are these sata 150, NOT the sata 300! is that ok? or am i compromising my performance? http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16812105912
When I say SATA1 and SATA3, I am referring to the labels. You may consult the manual or look directly on the board. Beside each port there will be some type indicating which the port number. Also, SATA1 is the red port. SATA3 is the black port immediately to the right of SATA1.
Those cables have a transfer limit of 1.5 Gbit/s, while the SATA II interface has a theoretical throughput of 3.0 Gbit/s. Most SATA II drives are unable to supply data at that speed, so it's not too big a deal to be using those cables.
- i bought BOTH the Artic Silver thermal compound as well as the Artic Silver "goo remover" that comes in 2 bottles. That would do, right?
Yes. Just make sure to clean off the thermal strips from the stock heatsink.
- i only have one IDE dvd writer drive (Lite On: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16827106055 ) I was concerned about the SATA Samsung not being yet fully compatible with everything. Valid reason to not go SATA DVD writer? If only using one IDE for now, do i just use the BLUE IDE connector, as you mentioned? and AVOID the Jmicron controller? Should i learn how to disable it in the BIOS? or should i leave the BIOS/Jmicron controller since if not used, it won't do any harm and the less i fuss with the BIOS (since i'm not good with it), the better?
Use the blue port. This is the native IDE port, on the ICH7R southbridge chipset. The black port is on the third-party JMicron controller, which you should disable in the BIOS, if not using.
- i only have 1 set of 2 x 1GB Crucial ddr2 800 ram (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820146565 ) You wrote clearrly that i need to put ONE in Slot 1, and ONE in Slot 3. I need to refer to the Asus Manual pdf from their site (the 200+ pages manual) to see how i would be able to figure out if those memory slots are labeled on the board itself as "Slot 1...etc".
Slots 1 + 3 are orange, while slots 2 + 4 are black.
- the evga 8800GTS video card is VERY power hungry so i'm sure i'll need to use some 12V for it (that's as much as i know because i've only read about it, never really seen what 12v looks like, etc)
I have bever used a PCI-E vidcard with a dedicated power connector, so I'm not quite sure if your card has a molex connector (the white 4-pin power connector) or one of those PCI-E connectors. It should be obvious once you have all the components in front of you. The manuals are your friends, use them.
- BIOS SET UP:
- you mentioned to set Overclock to manual: didn't lots of people post why the DDR2-800 should NOT be set as such even for DDR2 800 memory? As counter intuitive as that sounds, it has something to do with the dual channel memory thing and somehow, you're supposed to use HALF the speed's numbers to set it in the BIOS? sort of like if your DDR2 memory is 800, you're supposed to use a setting like 400?? i forgot the details, but it has something to do with it not being obvious.
When you first enter this page, you will see the memory set to DDR2-533 (266MHz). At this speed the memory is operating in sync with the CPU (without a divider), since the stock FSB is 266MHz. This means a 1:1 FSB:MEM ratio. This board supports many memory dividers, which allow for running the memory bus and CPU bus (FSB) out of sync. Therefore, you may run your mem at DDR2-800 (400MHz), which will use 2:3 FSB:MEM divider.
- would 2.2V, which is Crucial's suggestion, be VERY VERY high and almost borderline dangerous? i worried about that but decided that going Crucial in this case would be better than going Corsair especially in light of Corsair's recent issues with this specific typc of memory (the exact model that i was going to buy!)
2.2v is as high as you want to go, and not something to worry about if it's the rated voltage for memory, when operating at the rated speed of DDR2-800.
Regarding Corsair, the memory you had previously was just fine. I know of no widespread problems with the XMS line of PC2-6400. Perhaps, there was a bad batch, which can happen with any line of memory.
- when would it be advisable (or would it NOT be advisable) for someone like me, a non gamer, to update to Asus's later BIOS for this board? I have no idea what BIOS version it will come with but it has to be relatively new, even if not the Feb 9th 2007 one that Asus has listed on their site already (i just ordered this over the weekend and it is supposed to arrive during this week). is it ill advised to update BIOS if not needed? the latest BIOS does talk about how it has "BETTER interaction between the Asus EZ BIOS update tool and the USB flash drives). doesn't that sound awfully USEFUL? my understanding is that you'd want BIOS updates to go totally well since it can totally fry a MB if it were to go wrong.
Most people outside the enthusiast community never update their BIOS. Typically, one does so if a BIOS update improves compatibility with certain hardware, or provides better overclocking performance. Let's see what BIOS version you get, before deciding on whether an upgrade would be worthwhile. Will your new machine have a floppy drive?
- INF Update Utility (Chipset Drivers):
you mentioned at the end of your post that once Vista is installed, i shoudl start by "applying the latest chipset drivers". sorry, i have no idea what that means and how to do that. i can just barely download drivers for peripherals like printers and stuff. Is this INF whatever also VERY dangerous and precarious like updating to the latest BIOS? would one do that via some one click no brainer "tool"? sorry, i have never heard of INF update utility and don't really understand what it means.
Just download the file from the link I posted. It's an executable file (.exe) that you just double-click, run the installer, and then reboot. There's nothing to it. This file is the latest set of 975X chipset drivers. More specifically, drivers for the components on the motherboard that are controlled by the 975X chipset.
So sorry for this long post but very excited about building this! I just hope that things well and i don't end up with a half built machine sitting here for 2-3 weeks waiting for RMA and exchanges before i can move forward! That will take a lot of good luck since every single item has to work fine before the entire system can boot up and be running well!
The first build is a very exciting and nerve-wracking experience. Just take things slow.
thx so much!
You're welcome.
-phil
Originally posted by: DualMonitors
thx yet again!
my components list does NOT include a floppy! I've been told by many that it is no longer necessary for updating BIOS...etc. many told me that one can update BIOS nowadays via USB flash drives (i have one handy at home that is a 512mb Sandisk Cruzer Micro which i've never used). Have I made a mistake to not include a floppy? Should i run out to bestbuy and buy any floppy that i can find and bring it home so i'll have it "ready to go" along with all my other components for Thursday's morning delivery so i have everything needed for assembly?
First, if you don't try to calm yourself down, your hands are going to be too shaky to build anything. :laugh:
You do not NEED a floppy, as there are options for flashing the BIOS via usb key. However, it is my opinion (from experience) that the AFUDOS method is the most reliable. At this point, though, there is no need to rush out and do anything. I see nothing about your setup are needs that will require a BIOS update.
i did some research on this on Asus's site and it appears (though i might well have misunderstood it) that a floppy is needed? I went to the "AFUDOS BIOS Update Procedure" section and selected P5 series: http://support.asus.com/technicaldocume...ocuments.aspx?root=198&SLanguage=en-us
It talks about "...inserting a clean, unformatted disk into A:\drive and boot the system into DOS mode..." etc. Not that i know how to do that, but it sure does sound very "10 years ago" type of procedure! is this the BEST method to PROPERLY update the BIOS?
The best method *should* be the EzFlash method (see manual), but I have seen too many people end-up with a corrupt BIOS as a result of this procedure failing. This is why I still use the AFUDOS method, antiquated as it is. The important things is that it works, and works very well. FYI, you need 2 floppy disks for the AFUDOS method. One disk that you will format and make bootable, and the other for storing AFUDOS.exe and the BIOS .ROM file.
Again, BIOS flashing is not something I expect you will have any for, anytime soon. If it makes you feel more comfortable, go out and buy a floppy drive (a cable is included in the P5W DH box).
i just ordered the P5W DH Deluxe over this past weekend and it will be delivered on 2/22/07, so i think i'll just miss the latest BIOS. BTW, according to this page (http://support.asus.com/download/download.aspx?SLanguage=en-us ), is version 1901 THE BEST BIOS version for me? As 1901 was updated on 2/9/07, i don't believe that it would be enough time to make it to NewEgg and to me by this past weekend
The 1901 saying that it "...enhances compatibility between EZ-Flash II and USB Flash...supports new CPUs..." all sound quite important!! what might be your advice, please? There are MANY MANY versions of all sorts of new "stuff" to download there at Asus's page for this motherboard. Which ones do i need? Which ones are "not yet stable"? i recall reading some thread where people complained repeatedly that certain BIOS updates are not that great that that they had to go back to older ones and all! While i'd certainly want the most functionally stable and great BIOS and anythings else appropriate for my MB, i do not wish to get an unstable driver/BIOS and have to go back! All these BIOS and various driver updates cause me concern so i guess the best route for me is to ONLY handle the stable ones - i'm not the right candidate for BETA drivers! can't figure out what other drivers from Asus that i ought to download as well.
Many people are still using BIOS versions from last August/September. Whichever BIOS you will get (and it WILL be a recent version) will be fine for your setup.
In terms of a "time line" of steps, would this be best? :
- assemble parts into case
- plug in power supply into ups power surge protected "power outlet"
- turn on the power button
- hope that BIOS shows up on the LCD monitor? (is this true?)
- use Mr. phile's advice and input those relevant BIOS settings, i.e. RAM timing 4-4-4-12, etc
- put Vista Ultimate 32bit CD into optical drive
- i assume that the CD will be automatically read by the computer?? (i don't know about this at all!)
If you set the boot order to have the DVDROM drive at the top, you will see a message "Press any key to boot from CD." when booting with the Vista DVD in the drive.
- wait from 15 mins to 30 mins, approximately, for Vista 32bit Ultimate to fully load
- reboot?
The installation will guide you, step by step. One thing to note: the machine will reboot at least once during the installation, DO NOT PRESS ANY KEY to boot from the DVD this time around. Just let it continue.
- the PC will turn on now with Vista Ultimate's desktop displayed, just like a new Dell computer would show up in my house (is this correct?)
- using my flash drive, which i would have a preloaded Avast Home Edition (free) downloaded by my current pc prior to this, upload Avast to my new, just assembled PC
- install Avast for anti virus protection
- download INF Update Utility (chipset drivers):
http://downloadfinder.intel.com/scripts...0Ultimate,%2032-bit%20version<=eng
Install the chipset drivers first, before anything else.
(phile suggested that if i were to do RAID, then i'd need these 2 additional items:
RAID/AHCI Software - Intel® Matrix Storage Manager (if burning to CD):
http://downloadfinder.intel.com/scripts...0Ultimate,%2032-bit%20version<=eng
Floppy Configuration Utility - Intel® Matrix Storage Manager (if using floppy disk):
http://downloadfinder.intel.com/scripts...0Ultimate,%2032-bit%20version<=eng
You do not need to download both of these. See my comments in brackets? The first link is if you plan to burn the drivers to a CD and use that to preload the drivers. The second link is for use with a floppy drive only.
In any case, since you will NOT be building a RAID array, you will not need either. So ignore completely.
IMPORTANT: these downloads contain drivers for both the ICH7R and ICH8R chipset drivers. Vista should choose the proper driver from the list, but make sure you select the drivers for the ICH7R chipset. BUT, since i do NOT intend on doing RAID even though i have 2 identical 500gb seagate drives, do i NOT NEED those 2 links? just want to be sure, also want to be sure of the sequence)
If not building RAID array, you will not need these drivers.
after this point, the Intel INF chipset drivers are updated. Avast would have been INSTALLED BEFORE the INF chipset drivers are installed, is that ok?
Chipset drivers before anything else.
NOW, do i want to go to Asus and try to update my BIOS via flash drive? Is it even POSSIBLE to update BIOS via flash drives? This point, plus the actual TIMING and SEQUENCE of events outlined above, i'd like to be certain of to "do the proper, best thing".
Once again, forget about BIOS update.
- can i now download Firefox, and put in my brand new Office 2007 CD's to install Office 2007?
After installing the chipset drivers, you will need to install the drivers for your other components. For the sake of ease, I will dictate the order:
1) Chipset drivers
2) Ethernet drivers
Vista may find and install ethernet drivers automatically.
3) Sound drivers
If Vista finds no driver, download latest Vista driver from realtek:
Vista Driver (32/64 bits) Driver only (ZIP file)
ftp://202.65.194.211/pc/audio/6213_Vista_APO.zip
4) Videocard drivers (download latest nVidia drivers for your 8800)
ForceWare Release 100
Version: 100.65
Release Date: February 20, 2007
WHQL Driver
http://www.nvidia.com/object/winvista_x86_100.65.html
Note: Vista drivers for the nVidia 8800 series are still in Beta, and being updated frequently.
5) Now, you should run Windows Update (Start Menu/Programs)
6) With all your drivers installed and Windows updated, go ahead and install all your software applications.
- can i also download G-chat, Yahoo messenger, Trillian...the several programs that i use often? Also, i use Photoshop CS2 and it is loaded on my current PC, can i load it up on my new Vista Ultimate PC as well? Will it allow me to do that? will the registration code or whatever allow me to do that? this is absolutely for personal use.
All these programs should have Vista versions - check the respective sites for latest download. Photoshop CS2 runs perfectly on Vista, as is.
- what might be the CONSEQUENCES of updating the BIOS AFTER all these various "daily use" programs are already on the hard drive?
None, especially because you won't be updating your BIOS, in all likelyhood.
- i now would connect my new PC to my Linksys B wireless router, which my current old PC is also connected to. i think i can now network them VIA THE LINKSYS and transfer my old files from my current PC's hard drive THROUGH the Linksys to my new hard drive on my new PC, is that correct? are there consequences to doing all these things FIRST and only later, do I update the BIOS? i.e. install the several often used programs, transfer many files from my old pc to my newly built pc...etc. AND ONLY THEN would i learn to and update to the latest BIOS? confused here... I know nothing about BIOS...sorry to be so verbose.
Hook-up the router when you initally set-up the hardware, for first boot. No need to wait until after Windows is installed.
sorry i'm so detailed oriented. i'm just trying my best to do this right and be prepared for Thursday. i figure an ounce of prevention and early research and notes, would likely save me lots of stomach acid on Thursday! Thx for bearing with me
I could write 1000 word posts every hour for the rest of my life, and you won't learn as much as you will be simply getting your hands dirty.
Originally posted by: DualMonitors
Mr. Phil: Fantastic news, no need for floppy drive! thx! glad to hear that it is unlikely that i'd need to update my BIOS. Is a PS2 keyboard recommended? or will a USB keyboard work just as well? i do have a ps2 mouse.
You can use either USB or PS/2 keyboards and mice.
i'm writing a revised order of events. essentially, since all those items, including the intel chipset drivers, require access to the internet (i'm thinking that the browser IE would be included in Vista? How else would one get Firefox or IE if it's not already ON the operating system since we need IE or Firefox to access the internet), do we access the internet to download the chipset drivers, and the others WITHOUT avast antivirus protection? This is counter intuitive since i've always been told to never be connected to the internet without antivirus protection. maybe you mean for me to download those drivers using my current PC onto a flash drive first?
Download everything you need on the computer you are using, and then burn it all to a CD or copy it all to a usb storage device.
Here's my revised sequence, many thx to you for giving so much detailed teaching points! you must be a professor or maybe a school teacher!
I am Web site developer, and all-round computer enthusiast. People keep telling me I should be a teacher, but doing this all day, every day, would dry me insane.
- assemble parts into case. NOTE these: mount the motherboard in the case or tray. Make sure to use the included motherboard risers when mounting the board. Otherwise, you will most likely short-out the board and it won't boot.
- PSU: ensure that you connect BOTH the 20+4-pin ATX (next to memory ports) and 4-pin 12V (just above the CPU socket) connectors.
- clean cpu surface and apply Artic Silver
- use SATA#1 (RED port) and SATA #3 (BLACK) for my 2 Hard drives.
- Use the blue IDE connector for your DVDROM drive (only 1 drive ordered at this time). The black IDE port is managed by the JMicron controller, which can be disabled in the BIOS, if not used. BUT PAGE 4-29 OF THE MANUAL STRONGLY RECOMMEND THAT WE KEEP THE DEFAULT SETTING OF ENABLED!! (Check the IDE ports to make sure no pins are bent or pushed-in.)
Trust me: whatever devices you are not using, you can safely disable in the BIOS.
- MEM: make sure to install your two DIMMS in slots 1 + 3.
Slots 1 + 2 = Channel 1
Slots 3 + 4 = Channel 2
in order to run the mem in DUAL channel mode, you must have a DIMM in each channel.
- VID: I'm pretty sure your vidcard has a dedicated power connector. Be sure to use the proper cable from your PSU.
- For the balance of the assembly, consult the manual. It should be fairly easy, just take your time. You do not need to change any jumpers at this time.
- One more note: ALWAYS TURN OFF THE PSU before seating or removing DDR2 DIMMS. This applies more to future adjustments, but very important, nonetheless. DDR2 DIMMS appear to be particularly sensitive to power issues, and therefore easy to damage.
- plug in power supply into ups power surge protected "power outlet"
- turn on the power button
- hope that BIOS shows up on the LCD monitor?
If the machine POSTs (Power-On Self-Test) you will see a logo screen for the ASUS P5WDH motherbaord. At this point hit the delete key to enter BIOS setup.
Assuming that the build has gone well and the machine POSTs, here are some settings:
ADVANCED/JUMPEFREE
----------------------------------
- Set A.I. Overclock to manual (this will reveal a page of advanced settings)
- Adjust memory speed to DDR2-800
- Adjust memory voltage to 2.2v (based on QuietRiot's post)
- Leave everything else on this page at default
ADVANCED/CHIPSET (please see questions in this section below)
----------------------------------
- Set SPD Timing to disabled (this will reveal a page of advanced settings) Page 4-26
- Set the FIRST FOUR memory timings to 4-4-4-12. By "first four...", I assume you mean that I ALWAYS select "4 Clocks" for EACH option? There are 5 categories here: (!) DRAM CAS# Latency 5 clocks; (2) DRAM RAS# Precharge 4 clocks; (3) DRAM RAS# to CAS# Delay 4 clocks; (4) DRAM RAS# Activate to Precharge DElay 15 clocks; (5) DRAM Write Recovery Time 4 clocks. So according to Phile, ONLY CONFIGURE 1 to 4, that means LEAVE DRAM Write Recovery Time unchanged? This is from PAGE 4-26 in the Manual that I downloaded.
- Leave everything else on this page at default
BOOT/BOOT SEQUENCE
----------------------------------
- Arrange the boot order so that your DVDROM drive is first (Page 4-38)
- Somewhere in the Advanced section there is a page where the FIRST option asks if the OS is plug and play. Set that to YES.
NOW, PUT VISTA 32BIT ULTIMATE CD INTO OPTICAL DRIVE AND LET VISTA BE LOADED!
If you set the boot order to have the DVDROM drive at the top, you will see a message "Press any key to boot from CD." when booting with the Vista DVD in the drive.
The installation will guide you, step by step. One thing to note: the machine will reboot at least once during the installation, DO NOT PRESS ANY KEY to boot from the DVD this time around. Just let it continue.
AT THIS POINT, DO I USE INTERNET EXPLORER (I THINK EMBEDDED IN VISTA?) TO GO ONLINE WITHOUT ANY AVAST ANTIVIRUS TO THE NEXT STEP OF GOING ONLINE TO FIND AND INSTALL THE INTEL CHIPSET DRIVERS? OR SHOULD I HAVE DOWNLOADED THE INTEL CHIPSET DRIVERS USING MY OLD PC, PUT ON FLASH DRIVE, AND USE THE FLASH DRIVE ON MY NEW PC AND LOAD IT ON NEW PC VIA FLASH DRIVE? I ASK BECAUSE THERE IS NO ANTIVIRUS ON NEW PC AT THIS POINT AND I WAS ALWAYS TOLD TO NOT GO ONLINE WITHOUT ANTIVIRUS. (NOTE: I WAS GOING TO USE AVAST HOME WHICH IS HIGHLY RATED AND COINCIDENTALLY FREE, ANY OTHER SUGGESTIONS? AVG? NORTON?)
See above.
INSTALL Chipset drivers (should i have downloaded this using my old pc and put this into my flash drive and put the flash drive into my new pc? Or, should i use my new pc's IE browser to use this link below to download?): http://downloadfinder.intel.com/scripts...&strOSs=156&OSFullName=Windows%20Vista*%20Ultimate,%2032-bit%20version&lang=eng
2) Ethernet drivers
Vista may find and install ethernet drivers automatically.
3) Sound drivers
If Vista finds no driver, download latest Vista driver from realtek:
Vista Driver (32/64 bits) Driver only (ZIP file)
<a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="ftp://202.65.194.211/pc/audio/6213_Vista_APO.zip">ftp://202.65.194.211/pc/audio/6213_Vista_APO.zip</a>
4) Videocard drivers (download latest nVidia drivers for your 8800)
ForceWare Release 100 Version: 100.65
Release Date: February 20, 2007 WHQL Driver
http://www.nvidia.com/object/winvista_x86_100.65.html
5) Now, you should run Windows Update (Start Menu/Programs)
6) With all your drivers installed and Windows updated, go ahead and install all your software applications. AT WHICH POINT SHOULD I DOWNLOAD AND INSTALL AVAST ANTIVIRUS? SHOULD ALL THESE WINDOWS UPDATE AND LOOKING FOR NVIDIA DRIVERS BE DONE ON THE NEW PC VIA INTERNET EXPLORER WITHOUT AVAST ANTIVIRUS?
You can safely use your machine on the internet without any anti-virus software. You are in no danger of being infected with a virus unless you open an email attachment containing a virus, or visit a malicious Web site. As long as you are only visiting trust-worthy sites, like ASUS, nVidia, etc., you will be in absolutely no danger. As for hackers trying to gain access to your machine, your router protects you from that, without the need for any extra firewall on your system. In any case, Vista also comes with a built-in firewall, which is enabled by default.
Yes, Internet Explorer 7 comes with Vista.
Originally posted by: DualMonitors
This might be of interest to the general population of owners of this motherboard:
what might be the pros and cons of using SPD timing "enabled" for "automatic reading of the DDR2 800 memory"?
The memory's SPD contains pre-programmed timings that are "looser" than the rated timings. The manufacturers do this to minimize first-boot compatibility issues.
By manually setting the rated timings you are lowering the various latencies of the memory, and thus improving performance. Lower = faster = better, to put it simply. To learn about the different types of latencies (timings) use Google. There is lots of info out there.
Mr. phile kindly suggested to "disable" SPD and input: "When you are on the appropriate page in the BIOS, you will ONLY adjust the FIRST FOUR timings. The remainder you leave at the default values. This will be clear when you see the page in the BIOS." I see 5 categories: (!)
Yes, there are more than 4 categories, which is exactly why I specifically instructed you that only the first 4 correspond to the rated rimings (4-4-4-12) for your kit.
DRAM CAS# Latency 5 clocks; (2) DRAM RAS# Precharge 4 clocks; (3) DRAM RAS# to CAS# Delay 4 clocks; (4) DRAM RAS# Activate to Precharge DElay 15 clocks; (5) DRAM Write Recovery Time 4 clocks. So according to Phile, ONLY CONFIGURE 1 to 4, that means LEAVE DRAM Write Recovery Time unchanged? This is from PAGE 4-26 in the Manual that I downloaded.
Yes, "leave all other settings at default values" includes DRAM Write Recovery Time. Was this not clear?
So how many "clocks" should one select in each of those categories? i think Mr. phile said for me to input (for my Crucial DDR2 yellow sticks: 4-4-4-12) 4 for the 1st category called DRAM CAS# Latency 5 clocks, but how many "clocks" should i select? then input 4 again for the 2nd category called DRAM RAS# Precharge 4 clocks...etc. The same questions go for each one of these categories. And then when we get to the 5th category called DRAM Write Recovery Time 4 clocks, i should just leave it alone, as per Mr. phile.
I don't mean to come off as impatient, but it's a tad frustrating to see you asking the same questions, over and over again. I do not understand why you are asking about DRAM Write Recovery Time when it was clearly explained that you only need to adjust the first 4 timings.
So the pros and the cons of using "enable SPD" and make this process "automatically sensing the memory sticks" versus disabling the SPD and making this process manual as described by Mr. phile?
See above, where I explain what the SPD is.
there must be good reasons why Mr. phile suggested that and as a newbie, i'd like to learn, please.
Stop calling me Mr. Phile! The name is Phil.
thx in advance!
PS: i just cleaned the copper plate of my processor's heat sink with the 2 bottles of Artic Cleaners tonight and i'll receive the case tomorrow and will put the pc together tomorrow! hopefully, things will go well and will be "uneventful". what joy! should things go well!!
thx for all your support...
I would advise to take a look at the DDR2 800 RAM. A quick look on NewEgg and your RAM seems to be only $5 cheaper than the cheapest DDR2 800 RAM. I was just putting together a computer for a friend and I was amazed at how 'expensive' some of the DDR2 667 RAM is.Originally posted by: barryb
My main questions at this point are about the RAM I selected.
I just shoved a 500GB SATA drive into my Vantec enclosure and plugged everything in and it worked...Originally posted by: rnbargI would like to add a SATA drive via the eSATA interface using the connector on the back of the case. Do you need any special drivers for eSATA?
If you aren't already using the JMicron, then yes be sure to turn it on...What do I need to do to attach a SATA to the eSATA interface, having already installed Vista Enterprise? From what I can see you need to turn on the JMicron SATA controller and set it to Basic Mode.
Didn't see anything that says there's a higher throughput version, but I'm using the one Vantec supplied...Other than length, is there only one type of eSATA cable?
Yea, but my throughput isn't as good as it could be (only slightly better than PATA) so I plan to add the special drivers later on, just to see if it helps...SATA I and SATA II appear to refer to types of SATA drives and their throughput
150 vs. 300 and not to the cable, is that correct?
Originally posted by: davidjs
Thought it was about time I sent a big thank you to Phil, for all of his help on this forum.
I built my new PC last October.
Followed all of the help and Overclocking info that you have so kindly given.
E6600 running superbly at 3ghz.
Thanks again,
David.
Originally posted by: barryb
Hello. I'm building my own computer, for the first time, and this thread has been incredibly helpful to me, so thanks very much to everyone. Here is what I am currrently planning to build:
P5W DH Deluxe
Intel Core 2 Duo E6600
Cooler Master RR-LCH-P9E1 Hyper L3 775 CPU cooler
Antec P180 Mid Tower Case
Seasonic 550W High-Eff PS, Model SS-550HT
Asus GeForce 7600GS 256MB Silent video card
Kingston ValueRAM DDR2-667 2 x 1GB (2 GB total)
2 x Seagate Barracuda SATA II 400 GB hard drives
1 x Maxtor SATA II 500 GB hard drive
LG DVD-ROM
Plextor PX-760A EIDE DVD burner
NEC floppy drive
Logitech wireless keyboard & optical mouse
Windows XP Home or MCE (not sure which one yet)
My main questions at this point are about the RAM I selected. I based the selection on the fact that I am not a gamer, and it was a lot less expensive than the RAM I was considering first. I had perhaps heard the term "overclocking", but had no interest in it. Until I read this thread, that is! Now I may have been bitten by the bug.
Aside from the memory, the hardware you have is extremely overclock-friendly. The E6600 can be boosted to 3GHz with such ease that it's silly not to do. I would strongly recommend returning the Kingston and going with a good kit of PC2-6400 CL4. I will suggest a few kits:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820231065
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820146565
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820220144
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820227169
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820609026
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820231114
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820145034
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820227139
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820231087
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820144061
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820227089
The first kit is what I would buy, if I were shopping today.
The last kit is what I am currently using, and it's performed quite well.
I would go with the G.Skill kit simply based on what I have read with respect to its performance on the P5WDH.
I use the computer heavily, doing mp3 encoding, renaming, tagging, and burning; video capturing through an external Hauppauge USB mpeg encoder box; DVD ripping, decrypting, and burning; video editing, encoding, and transcoding; and all the other normal PC stuff, including peer to peer file transfering.
All of these tasks would benefit greatly from a moderate overclocking of your system.
The Kingston ValueRAM that I bought (P/N KVR667D2N5/1G) doesn't seem to even have a specification for latency, that I have been able to find. The Kingston data sheet says the power supply should be 1.8V +/- 0.1V.
I did a quick search and couldn't find the full list of latencies, but I would guess that your kit is CAS Latency 5 (CL5).
So, my question is, should I simply leave the "Configure DRAM Timing by SPD" option enabled? If I disable it, I won't know what to put in for the latencies.
Unless you know the rated CAS-tRCD-tRP-tRAS values, stick with SPD enabled. But, you would be best to get some better mem, as stated above.
Also, should I leave the memory voltage on Auto or enter 1.8V there? It isn't clear to me what voltage will be used if I leave it set to Auto.
If you have no stability issues, atm, leave voltage at auto. If/when you buy a kit of PC2-6400, they mostly require anywhere from 1.9v to 2.2v at the stock speed of DDR2-800.
If I keep this RAM (rather than return it for something better), will I still be able to overclock modestly (say, 25% to 33%)? All the overclocking instructions always say to disable SPD and set the latencies manually, and I don't know the latencies.
You could try 3GHz, which would have your current running 1:1 with the FSB (333). If you do try this, you will need to disable Hyperpath 3, on the Advanced/Chipset page. You may want to up the mem voltage to 1.9v, as well. Just to summarize, the overclock would require the following BIOS adjustments:
Advanced/Jumperfree
- set A.I. Overclock to manual
- set FSB to 333
- set mem speed to DDR2-666/7
- set mem voltage to 1.9v
Advanced/Chipset
- set Hyperpath 3 to disabled
If this config passes POST and boots into Windows without issue, you will want to test your system's stability at load. Use Orthos Stress Prime for this.
http://sp2004.fre3.com/beta/beta2.htm
Run the Blend test for a few hours. If you get any errors it's almost certainly due to the mem not being able to perform.
Is there anything else in my list of uses for the computer that will suffer from this RAM, as opposed to faster, lower latency RAM? As I said, I am not going to be gaming on this computer, and I understood that low latency RAM was mainly useful for gaming, but now I am wondering if it might also be useful for other things. If so, then just how useful?
Basically, this memory is not hurting you at stock speeds. But, it is likely going limit you from getting the most out of your machine (overclocking).
This will be my first time building a computer, so I might well have other questions in the coming days, but the hints here have been very valuable, and I feel ready to give it a go, other than these nagging RAM questions.
Lastly, are there any other tips or anything else I should know about before starting the build?
Unfortunately, there's simply too much one could answer to such a vague question.
Thanks so much,
Barry
Originally posted by: srs
is there any way I can RAID 0 two hard drives connected to the JMicron IDE, and leave the JMicron SATA ports as normal (AHCI) (preferably in hardware, not software raid?)