Rig Build

Hi Beau,

I would choose this processor (it's the dearest, but only by $10): 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

Thanks Dwarf. That's the one I'm leaning towards. I may someday wish to OC and that one has the most potential for that. Also, Just out-of-the-box it is alot of chip for the $$!

I would not flash the BIOS unless there's a specific issue an update is issued to sort.

Why, Thank You BFK. :)

Generally you shouldn't update your BIOS unless a newer version fixes a problem you are having.
It is possible to 'Brick' (can only be used to hold the door open) your motherboard when flashing the BIOS.
For some reason motherboards usually come with an older BIOS version, run your new system for a while and if you are having any issues that will be fixed with the new BIOS version you should weigh the benefits before proceeding.


For the utility drivers, first of all do not use @BIOS it has caused a lot of problems. The best way to update BIOS, if you absolutely have to, is using a USB memory stick.

On/Off Charge, only if you have a i-product, and don't want to charge your i-thing via the electrical plug in

Easy Tune 6, use for system monitoring, if you like, will get you a basic small OC. Any OC should be done by the testing and adjusting BIOS method, takes more reading and testing but you will get much better performance. These type of apps usually crank up the voltage to compensate for there inability to test small steps and give the best settings for your system. It's a one OC fits all approach and just doesn't work very well.

Xpress Recovery2, can't say, have not ever used it, haven't seen anywhere that anyone has or hasen't used it. There are very good free programs like, Macrium Reflect, free version of Acronis if you have Seagate or Western Digital HDD, that will image your drives and are recommended by many here.
Generally speaking, I tried some of these Gigabyte apps, but don't have any of them on my computer now.


CPUs, If your not planning on OC'ing you won't need the Black Edition, the other two will depend on what you do with your computer and your budget.
Read some reviews and go from there.

Let us know which one you decide on.

Thanks Dave. Good info. I really appreciate it. Once I begin the build and buy the CPU I'll post up too.

For your new build and fresh install of W7 you will want to download and have on hand (for the motherboard - from the "drivers" page):

• Audio Driver
• Chipset Driver
• LAN Driver
• SATA AHCI Driver (You want to set the "Storage Configuration" setting in BIOS to AHCI to take full advantage of SATA's capabilities - it is a chore to change this later)

Note the version numbers of the downloads on the website.

You will have a CD/DVD in the box with the motherboard that will have these drivers also. You can check the properties of the files and I bet you will find that the versions are much older. It is always best to install the most current version of the drivers IMHO, and I believe it's best to only do it once (as opposed to installing the old ones and then upgrading later). But note that W7 will install it's own generic AHCI driver during OS install - that you will have to update.

I consider all the "Utilities" to be fluff. I would wait and install these later if you ever wake up one morning and realize you can't live without them! (You wont)

You can lay your mainboard right on top of the box to install the CPU/heatsink and RAM. There should be an ESD wrapping and a foam pad covering the underside. You can use that on top of the box as a workspace. You can either get you an ESD wrist strap or you need to make sure you ground yourself by keeping your non working hand on the frame of the pc case. That keeps your relative potential at 0. Also when applying thermal paste you only need 1 to 2 pea sized drops and then use an old credit card to spread it evenly across the surface of the CPU. Make sure not to get any on the sides as it is conductive and increases your chances of shorting out pins. Everything else is pretty straightforward as others have stated previously.

Thank you much WD. More GREAT info I know is going to help make this a fun project and keep me with a big on my face!

On the CPU cooler, which direction does the fan go?