Install and setup 7 on new build

I have read the manual for my new EP45-UD3P Gigabyte board and still don't get exactly what happens when you try to install Windows 7 after completing you build.

Do you need to have the BIOS configured for RAID EVEN IF YOU DON"T USE RAID at install if you plan to use it in the future?

Also, what are the NOOB problems everyone runs into when building a new system? (or is it idiot proof?)

I am reading conflicting posts here and there and the manual is just not clear on this. It seems to me if you don't have RAID configured at install, you have to do a repair or clean install to get the capability. I would like to enable all features the 1st time.

What advice can you give a NOOB? What's the hardest or most confusing item on a new build?

Also I got a 2 molex to P8 connector for my MOBO. Is this advised?

Hello Nate,

If you are not using RAID, then you will not need to set RAID in the BIOS or load RAID drivers. If your hard drive is SATA, then you would want to make sure that you have ACHI SATA select in the BIOS instead of RAID or IDE for the controller. Refer to page 52 and 55 of your motherboards's manual for more on this.

If your PSU has a 8 pin connector to use, it would be better to use it instead of the 2 molex converter. Refer to page 23 of your motherboards's manual for more on the power connections.

Hope this helps,
Shawn

Thanks for the response Brink. I have never done this before so I really need all the help I can get.

The pages in the manual you are referring to are for the onboard SATA controller. I have read I should use the Intel controller controlled by the southbridge. What do you think of this? Is it better to use the onboard for my first 2 SATA drives? I will only start with a SATA HD and SATA DVD burner. Is this what you would do?

Edit: I guess it's all "onboard"....I'm a noob. Thanks for the info. VERY MUCH!

I have a Gigabyte board myself, and I use the Intel controller (yellow connectors) instead of the Gigabyte (purple connectors) one. Either one will do though as long you have them enabled in BIOS.

Sweet, I will use AHCI SATA and I'm sure it will work fine. I'll be here asking for advice again this week when the parts get here. I hope the problems I encounter will help others in the future.

Thanks again Brink! I keep trying to give you rep but it won't let me. I guess you help me to much. lol

Also the manual says the board is compatible with 2X2 connectors. My PSU has no 2X4 so I guess I will try the 2X2 or the adapter and see how it goes.

You're welcome Nate. We'll be here when your parts come. :)

Thanks for the reply. That's another thing i'm wondering. I keep reading that if you don't set certain things up at initial setup.....it's a pain to do it later. I know RAID is one of these items. I would like to set it up with all options available the 1st time so I don't need to edit the registry later. (that is one workaround i've read) If there are any tips anyone has, please post them. I need all the help I can get. These manuals are not too specific on some things....unless you know what you're doing and all the "lingo"