Rig Build

When I get done with the rebuild I'll be running a different mobo, CPU, and DVD drive.

It seems like this should be the right order:
*** Get all the latest drivers for them now (saved to a flashdrive or external HD)
*** Do my rebuild and install all the new hardware
*** Install Seven
*** Install Drivers
*** Install Virus/Malware programs
*** DL latest updates
*** Run Prime95 stress test
*** Install my other programs (office, Adobe, etc...)

When I do my fresh install, I will re-format that partition again. this should wipe out all the old Drivers right?

Any other advice or am I headed in the right direction here?

I'll do it. Thanks. :)

If you are going to do stress testing. I'll suggest OCCT It will not only do CPU tests, but GPU and PSU as well. It monitors temps and voltages, and gives you several graphs as images after, showing these items. I usually run it for 6 hours and have Real Temp open as well. Real Temp will show the lowest and highest temp reached. I think running these type tests should be a part of any new build. It will show any problems, including cooling issues, which should be addressed right away before stressing the PC through use. A Guy

Idle



Testing



Results



12v result (an example of the results, this was just a 5 min run to generate this image)



Very nice tool few are aware of. Read the FAQ on the site, and they have a forum for more info or questions. But it is very straight forward. A Guy

Wow Guy, that looks like a pretty SUHWEEET program. I'm gonna check that out now. :)

Guy, it looks like that OCCT tests the RAM too. So, should I still run Memtest 86+?

Also, looks like that temp program only works for Intel chips. I'm gonna buy an AMD chip.

WartHog said:

Guy, it looks like that OCCT tests the RAM too. So, should I still run Memtest 86+?

Also, looks like that temp program only works for Intel chips. I'm gonna buy an AMD chip.

Memtest is the best memory test program, I'd definitely use that. OCCT just tests the GPU memory. For AMD, Core Temp will do you well. A Guy

Thanks my Friend!

Okay, update:

I bought the Gigabyte mobo. For what I need and the "bang-for-the-buck" it is my best choice: Newegg.com - GIGABYTE GA-MA785GM-US2H AM3/AM2+/AM2 AMD 785G HDMI Micro ATX AMD Motherboard


Then I decided to forgo the conventional card reader drive and opted for this: Newegg.com - Rosewill RSD-CR106 Black USB 2.0 External Single slot SD / MMC Card Reader


And for the DVD Writer I went with this one: Newegg.com - LITE-ON Black 24X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 12X DVD+R DL 24X DVD-R 6X DVD-RW 12X DVD-RAM 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-R 32X CD-RW 48X CD-ROM 2MB Cache SATA 24X DVD Writer LightScribe Support

The mobo I got is the latest revision of that board (3.3) so I am happy about that. I went to Gigabyte's site and DL'd the drivers for everything. Do I need to update my BIOS drivers too? Here is the listing from the Gig site: GIGABYTE - Motherboard - Socket AM2+ - GA-MA785GM-US2H (rev. 3.3)

Also, do I need to DL any of the utility drivers? GIGABYTE - Motherboard - Socket AM2+ - GA-MA785GM-US2H (rev. 3.3)

I have 2 Rosewell 120mm case fans coming and I still have to order my CPU (remember I bought the Xigmatek Gaia SD128 cooler already).

I can't decide on which CPU. I am going to go with one of these 3 choices:
Newegg.com - AMD Athlon II X4 640 Propus 3.0GHz 4 x 512KB L2 Cache Socket AM3 95W Quad-Core Desktop Processor ADX640WFGMBOX
Newegg.com - AMD Phenom II X4 945 Deneb 3.0GHz 4 x 512KB L2 Cache 6MB L3 Cache Socket AM3 125W Quad-Core Processor HDX945FBGIBOX
Newegg.com - AMD Phenom II X4 955 Black Edition Deneb 3.2GHz 4 x 512KB L2 Cache 6MB L3 Cache Socket AM3 125W Quad-Core Processor HDZ955FBGMBOX
I checked and the mobo does support all 3 CPUs and the 125 watts. I may never get too deep into OCing, so I'm not sure I need the 955 BE.

Thanks everyone. I'm really excited about this build. Can't wait to get started!