Helping a friend build a PC

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  1. Posts : 795
    windows 7 RTM x64
       #11

    gregrocker said:
    Windows 7 installer is driver-complete. You dont' need to go changing out drivers given by the installer unless there are performance problems or lags.

    Missing drivers should arrive via Windows Update or can be found at manufacturer's Support Downloads webpage for that model device.

    Install walkthrough with screenshots here: Clean Install Windows 7
    Now, that i do NOT agree with. Always install the drivers for your video card, at least. I would then install the chipset drivers from the asus's website. Also you can check the device manager to see if any devices have the exclamation mark (needing driver to work).
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  2. Posts : 3,300
    Win7 Home Premium 64x
    Thread Starter
       #12

    wow, thanks all, there is alot of good info in these posts. I had informed him that DDR2 was older tech and that he would need a new mobo to get DDR3. He was ok with this. He has a five year old laptop and it is barely enough to run XP and WoW. I will make a list of all parts (just in case) and get drivers for them so they are on hand. I also informed him of 64x as the way to go and that 32x wont do....so when it arrives, I will be more prepared.

    Another question. Anything to keep in mind when putting in the mobo? besides the thermal paste for CPU and static. I have not done work on a motherboard so any info would be appreciated.
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 2,685
    Windows 7 Ultimate x86-64
       #13

    Thorsen said:
    wow, thanks all, there is alot of good info in these posts. I had informed him that DDR2 was older tech and that he would need a new mobo to get DDR3. He was ok with this. He has a five year old laptop and it is barely enough to run XP and WoW. I will make a list of all parts (just in case) and get drivers for them so they are on hand. I also informed him of 64x as the way to go and that 32x wont do....so when it arrives, I will be more prepared.

    Another question. Anything to keep in mind when putting in the mobo? besides the thermal paste for CPU and static. I have not done work on a motherboard so any info would be appreciated.
    CPU TIM is preapplied. Touch an unpainted surface regularly. Install GPU drivers first. You can't install the chipset drivers if the GUI is all wonky.
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 795
    windows 7 RTM x64
       #14

    For the mobo, just be sure to use the metal standoff's that come with it, so the back won't touch the case and short out.
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 2,685
    Windows 7 Ultimate x86-64
       #15

    ccatlett1984 said:
    For the mobo, just be sure to use the metal standoff's that come with it, so the back won't touch the case and short out.
    Some standoffs may also be preinstalled for your convenience.
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 1,083
    Windows 7 Enterprise 64-bit
       #16

    The motherboard is great, I use it myself. It comes with a 4200HD onboard. I opted for a dedicated GeForce 9400GT instead though because of the dedicated RAM. However, with that 4350, you can do a hybrid-Crossfire configuration. And I'd say shell out some extra for an AMD Phenom II X4 instead of the X2.
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 3,300
    Win7 Home Premium 64x
    Thread Starter
       #17

    Interesting that the CPU has thermal paste applied already, I would not expect that....,

    Frostmourne, I was also a little worried about the standoffs and if that would be hard to figure out.

    Why does the GPU need to be installed before Chipset Drivers? I would expect the other way around, but you know more than I so I will heed your warnings. thanks

    Thanks Fred, Glad to get input from someone who has the Board. I had not researched the "hybrid-Crossfire configuration", but had heard that term somewhere on this forum before. I just looked it up looks nice: ATI Hybrid Graphics - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
    Is there a good guide for setting this up? I looked here: ATI CrossFireX? | GAME.AMD.COM but all pages are moved?

    Thanks for everyones input!
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 3,300
    Win7 Home Premium 64x
    Thread Starter
       #18

    Alright found a decent CrossfireX Guide: AMD Game Forums - The CrossfireX Guide and Trouble Shooter
      My Computer

  9.    #19

    Windows 7 is not XP or Vista. MS spent a fortune paying all manufacturers to build drivers (WHQL) for Win7 so that they would have them in the installer and via Windows Update first, and prevent manufacturers from holding out to force consumers to buy new hardware as happened in Vista.

    As a result, almost all drivers are in installer. If you have older onboard GPU it may require replacing the installer driver with the maker's, but it must also often be installed in compatbilitility mode. Newer GPU's drivers should be current in installer or via Update - even beta drivers.

    There are a few cases where a chipset driver was missing where I've used the maker's chipset, but it isn't otherwise necessary unless you suspect or experience performance problems. In that case, swap in the other chipset but be prepared to roll it back to the Win7 version.

    If it is given by the installer, it is because installer believes it is best to run Win7. Errors have been ironed out largely thanks to our help. Yet I'm constantly amazed by those who seem to think that decade-old XP driver rules still apply.
      My Computer


  10. Posts : 3,300
    Win7 Home Premium 64x
    Thread Starter
       #20

    Asus M4A785-M Drivers:ASUSTeK Computer Inc.-Support-

    XFX HD-435X-ZAH2 Radeon HD 4350 drivers: XFX HD-435X-ZAH2 Graphic Adapter Driver Download

    posting these in case needed.

    Note: mobo comes with cd and card should too, just dont want to have to search for them when the time comes.
      My Computer


 
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