Helping a friend build a PC

[Frostmourne]

So as far as I know, the kit is coming tomorrow....

Last questions? Drivers ready? Chipset? GPU?

 

[Thorsen]

Thanks everyone, hopefully tomorrow all goes well, I am currently downloading the rest of the Asus mobo drivers (just in case) and ATI Catalyst Software Suite (just in case). The main one VGA is still (Edit)1 hour I hope they are done soon....

 

[Zomby88]

AMD Vision Barebone Kit - Asus M4A785-M Mobo, AMD Athlon II X2 240 Dual Core CPU, Kingston 2GB DDR2 RAM, XFX Radeon HD 4350 Video Card, Western Digital HD, PowerUp ATX Black Case with 450W PSU at TigerDirect.com

A friend of mine just purchased this Barebones Kit from TigerDirect.

He also purchased the extra 2G of RAM and Win7 Home

First off, I know that the Ram is DDR2, and the PSU is underpowered. He is going to upgrade these later down the road (I advised to get the DDR3, but he has a low-budget and will have money down the line for upgrades.)

I have not built a PC so some of this is new to me. As for previous experience, I have repaired some things replaced HDD's, and cpu's gpu's etc.

Can people here give me some guidance on tips and tricks for new installs. When I do the install I would like to refer to this thread and this forum for my info.

First off you can only use 1 type of memory, if the board uses ddr2 that`s what you haveto use.

Email me with any questions, I`ve probly built over 200. Check out the specs on my latest.

 

[Zomby88]

Thanks everyone, hopefully tomorrow all goes well, I am currently downloading the rest of the Asus mobo drivers (just in case) and ATI Catalyst Software Suite (just in case). The main one VGA is still (Edit)1 hour I hope they are done soon....

Why are you downloading drivers ? Install W7 then check Device Manager. Windows 7 will install or update every driver you need.

 

[Zomby88]

Any driver discs you need better come with the kit!!! Did you order from TigerDirect ??

 

[Thorsen]

Zomby88,
Thanks for the input, I understand and appreciate your concern.

I have not built a copmuter from the ground up so this is a first for me, but I have been working on computers since I could tie my shoes

The Kit will come with Driver Discs, I just want to make sure I have the latest drivers from the Mfg sites and I have them on hand.

also note for the drivers, I did say "just in case". Murphy's Law strikes quick. I don't want to be in the middle of this install and have the CD with the Drivers not run and think "Fail now I have to find them online and download a 117M VGA driver". or that the DVDdrive is a brick and needs to be returned. (I do have a backup CD drive I am going to bring with me but still)

I also know that DDDR2 is on the spec for the motherboard and you cant go to DDR3 without changing the mobo. By upgrades I meant mobo and RAM, I informed my friend of this, but the DDR3 kits were out of his budget. On the Athlon X2 path right now, DDR2-DDR3 is not a major performance gain. it is when you get to higher end systems that you see the performance increase and access to higher Hz.

This case should last him a few years and when he wants to upgrade, he is at a good point to get a new mobo and RAM that is cheaper 2 years from now than it is now....

Thanks again and if you see anything missing out of this Thread let me know. I wont know what I am missing till Zero Hour. the Kit should be delivered Today I will keep everyone posted and will have my laptop with me in his house to do whatever is needed online.

 

[IggyAZ]

Thorsen
Just wanted to say that your original question on building a new system has generated many good suggestions and ideas in your thread.
I wanted to thank you for your questions as well as your continued replies.
Plesae keep us posted onyour final outcome.

Good Luck!

 

[Thorsen]

Thanks Iggy. I haven't heard if it has arrived yet, but he said he was going to wait by the window....

"is that a UPS Truck?!?!? nope just a van....."

"Is that a UPS Truck?!?!?! nope its the garbage truck....."

 

[Frostmourne]

Thanks everyone, hopefully tomorrow all goes well, I am currently downloading the rest of the Asus mobo drivers (just in case) and ATI Catalyst Software Suite (just in case). The main one VGA is still (Edit)1 hour I hope they are done soon....

Why are you downloading drivers ? Install W7 then check Device Manager. Windows 7 will install or update every driver you need.

Wrong. 7 will install old GPU drivers, and chipset drivers that may not have everything you need, like PCI bridge driver.

 

[gregrocker]

How can it be assumed that Win7 will install an old GPU driver? Are you familar with the 7 Driverstore for his GPU?

Seven enthusiasts should be up to date on the changes made by MS to make the installer driver-complete, a completely new approach than Vista or XP.

The WHQL driver program partnered with every manufacturer to build Win7 drivers, with MS picking up the tab so they could have the drivers first in the installer or via Updates.

 

[Frostmourne]

How can it be assumed that Win7 will install an old GPU driver? Are you familar with the 7 Driverstore for his GPU?

Seven enthusiasts should be up to date on the changes made by MS to make the installer driver-complete, a completely new approach than Vista or XP.

The WHQL driver program partnered with every manufacturer to build Win7 drivers, with MS picking up the tab so they could have the drivers first in the installer or via Updates.

The drivers are 4 or more months old. WHQL certification? Ignored by ATI.

 

[Thorsen]

Thanks Frostmourne, you have helped tremendously. Everyone on here has helped me alot with this.

I downloaded the latest drivers for the critical parts - the GPU lol. The software comes with it, but its not gonna be up to date like the ones I dl'd. Since it was so easy to just dl them, I did it. The kit didn't show up yesterday. Hopefully it will get here today.

 

[Thorsen]

Well good news and bad news....

The good news is the kit arrived and i am going to set up the system tonight. The bad news is my friend ordered the 32x version instead of 64x. I had not informed him enough on this point before he ordered it....so he is returning it overnight and then the 64x version will be sent....Oops my bad...

So I am going to set up the rest and make sure the BIOS recognizes all the hardware, then on Monday or Tuesday, I will help him install windows and the software and drivers for the system....

 

[Thorsen]

All right, everything went well. I put all parts in the box, but I don't have the win7 64x, so that will come later. I will still have to install that and the drivers.

All the hardware went in and works great!

Pics to come soon!

 

[Thorsen]

Ok so update: He has Windows installed, Catalyst is installed and the Graphics drivers are installed. The graphics card is not top of the line, but is pretty good.

There is a power supply warning from the motherboard. I think It is hooked up with 24pin connector is this supposed to be only 20? there are all 24 available, but this is first time for me so I don't know if it needs all of them even if it has room for all 24.

Also, CrossfireX is not connecting both the IGP and GPU to use both in crossfire mode. Anybody know what I need to do to set this up? I looked on the AMD/ATI website and found nothing

Thanks in Advance,
Thorsen

 

[Thorsen]

Any one have any ideas on the power supply warning? I will try and get a screenshot or exact error code tonight, any ideas would be appreciated.

 

[Thorsen]

I have not had a chance to get a screenshot of power supply warning.

here is the current issue list:

1. Startup prompts user to press F1 to go to setup or F2 to start with current setup due to Asus Surge Protection.

2. HDMI out does not work

3. mobo has IGP and comp has GPU installed(ATI Radeon HD 4350) WEI score is 3.1 (i think might be 3.7) due to Graphics. Gaming Graphics is 5.?

4. Installed all current drivers, CCC (Catalyst) and chipset (which installed older version of CCC), still CrossfireX is not available to use both IGP and GPU at same time.

5. Event Viewer has 1 Kernel 41 Error and errors for whenever he tries to use the HDMI port, but no specific info just says its not available.



Questions:

Should I start a new thread for each of these issues?

Could the surge protection be disabling the HDMI/DVI usage and only allowing VGA?

What all can the Kernel 41 error mean? I have seen this alot on this forum and its always bad

How can i turn off the IGP so the computer only uses the GPU? would this be suggested?

What would I need to do to get CrossfireX working if drivers are all installed and CrossfireX doesn't work?

I will be calling TigerDirect, What should I ask or demand of them? RMA anything specific?



Anyone who has any info, please answer. Any info is appreciated.

 

[stormy13]

1. Disable Asus Surge Protection. Sounds like a nice feature but if it is getting in the way, get rid of it.

2. HDMI on the motherboard or the video card?

3. Not sure on this one, but the 4350 isn't the greatest, it is better than the onboard HD4200 though.

4. Hybrid Crossfirex won't work with that card and the onboard,

ATI CrossFireX? | GAME.AMD.COM

An ATI Hybrid CrossFireX™ system includes an ATI Radeon™ HD 2400 Series2, ATI Radeon™ HD 3400 Series or ATI Mobility Radeon™ HD 3400 Series graphics processor and a motherboard based on an AMD 780 integrated chipset, all operating in a Windows Vista® environment.

Ignore the 780G, his has the 785G and there isn't enough difference between the two IGP's to matter. The best you can get with using the two together is to enable the Surround View option in the bios and use both to run up to four monitors.

5. If it is the one I think it might be (more info would help), then it isn't the HDMI cable but something to do with IPv6, or at least that was the best I could find for that one showing up in my Event Viewer. My solution was to just disable the logging of that one item (Kernel-EventTracing).

How can i turn off the IGP so the computer only uses the GPU? would this be suggested?

If he isn't going to use the onboard, then yes it can be disabled; instructions are in the manual.

 

[Thorsen]

1. Disable Asus Surge Protection. Sounds like a nice feature but if it is getting in the way, get rid of it.

2. HDMI on the motherboard or the video card?

3. Not sure on this one, but the 4350 isn't the greatest, it is better than the onboard HD4200 though.

4. Hybrid Crossfirex won't work with that card and the onboard,

ATI CrossFireX? | GAME.AMD.COM

An ATI Hybrid CrossFireX™ system includes an ATI Radeon™ HD 2400 Series2, ATI Radeon™ HD 3400 Series or ATI Mobility Radeon™ HD 3400 Series graphics processor and a motherboard based on an AMD 780 integrated chipset, all operating in a Windows Vista® environment.

Ignore the 780G, his has the 785G and there isn't enough difference between the two IGP's to matter. The best you can get with using the two together is to enable the Surround View option in the bios and use both to run up to four monitors.

5. If it is the one I think it might be (more info would help), then it isn't the HDMI cable but something to do with IPv6, or at least that was the best I could find for that one showing up in my Event Viewer. My solution was to just disable the logging of that one item (Kernel-EventTracing).

How can i turn off the IGP so the computer only uses the GPU? would this be suggested?

If he isn't going to use the onboard, then yes it can be disabled; instructions are in the manual.

ok thanks Stormy lots of good info

i am worried about crappy PSU so I will get new PSU and see if surge protection still activates...

HDMI is onboard. card has vga, and DVI (he doesn't have a DVI cable, we are testing that next with my cable)

HD4350 came with barebones kit, he will upgrade later to better ATI card when funds are available. games are using the card, just not as well as they should due to using VGA

The site he bought this from said it had Crossfire. I would hope it does, but i will definetely look into this. Thanks.

i must have missed the part in the manual I will check that next. I couldn't find any info on how to online. thanks

I am now confused. i dont know what IPv6 would have to do with HDMI. I will look into the settings and see if it is causing this conflict. thanks for suggestion.

 

[stormy13]

The Kernel 41 error would help to know which of the 5 different Kernel events (folders) it is from.

The site he bought this from said it had Crossfire. I would hope it does, but i will definetely look into this.

I wouldn't worry about this too much. The 4350 may not be the best of cards, but it will still be about as faster or a bit faster than using the onboard with a compatible card in Hybrid Crossfire; one reason why that card won't work for it.

HDMI is onboard. card has vga, and DVI

If he wants to use HDMI (and is using audio over it) then leave the onboard video enabled and use it just for that, and use the video card for everything else.

P.S. XFX cheaped out a bit by not including one of these with the card,

Newegg.com - HIS DVI to HDMI Adapter for HD4K Series Model HHDMI4071 - Video Card Accessories

as that 4350 is more than able to output HDMI with audio using that adapter. Sad part is XFX isn't the only one that didn't include it with the cards that don't come with w native HDMI port. Pretty sure that if you contact XFX they will send you one (not sure if it was XFX or one of the others, but most that have requested them have got them for free).