First Build - Construction - Problems

[Pryse]

Hello everyone,

Well all the pieces have arrived and I have set about putting it all together:

Case: Antec Sonata II
Front Fan: Antec Smart Cool
Processor: Intel Pentium D 950
Mobo:Intel D955XBK
RAM: Corsair Value Select 2 x 1024mb ddr2
Graphics Card: Sapphire RADEON X800 GTO2
DVD / CD RW: Samsung SH-W162C
Optical Drive:Mitsumi 7 in 1 card reader
Hard dirve: Maxtor DiamondMax Plus10
Operating System: XP Pro

I have set about taking all the electro-static precautions and followed the 'builders guide' from this website and supplied manuals....

I have assembled the case with all the components and put most the connections in the right places (i think!)....

My questions are....

1). I'm unsure where to connect the case speaker points - I have connected all the front panel (power switch, reset switch, HHD light, Power LED) into the front panel connectors. Having read the mobo manuel I still can't find any reference to the speaker connection point.... where is it???

2). On the DVD / CD RW there is an audio cable... I realize it isn't necessary to connect this up initially but when the time comes to it where does it go... n.b. I'm going to be using the mobo's on board sound.

After connecting up everything (minus the above cables) I thought I would try the first power up.... the result was - all the fans started up (front rear and cpu) and the front panel light (bright fluorescent blue) came on but nothing else happened..... no sounds from any components and a blank monitor....

My firsrt attempt at resolving this will be to remove mobo and do a minimal component startup (ala pcmech troubleshooting guide) but other than faulty components is there anything obvious I am doing wrong??

Many help in advance...

Pryse

[Panama Red]

I have nearly the same setup only I'm using an Asus mobo instead of Intel. Not sure where the speaker connection is on the Intel. Normally it's on the same connection area as the other front panel items. I'll take a look in the manual an get back to ya.

No need to use the audio cable on the CD drives. The ide cables do a fine job of transferring the audio.

Double check your cpu/heat sink attachment. The 4 pins holding the hsf in place can be a bit tricky. Make sure they are locked all the way thru the mobo.

[Panama Red]

Look on page 21 of your manual. The speaker is mounted on the desktop board. That's why theres no place to connect the case speaker - it's not needed.

[Pryse]

Hello again,

just a quick update.... i have removed all connections and components except CPU, CPU fan, power switch, 24 pin atx power cable and have noticed one major flaw in my building....

1). When connecting power cables to mobo i connected the 24 pin power cable and then for some unknown reason tried connecting the six pci-e power cable into the 8 point aux power point (don't ask me how, I feel stupid). Anyway had a look in mobo box and the was an adapter cable to change 4 point power cable to 8 point....

Fired her up this time and got significantly better results (all the normal startup messages).....

However I still have am clueless about those audio cables in the first post. Any help greatly appreciated.

[Pryse]

thanks panama red.....

i will try connecting everything and see how it goes.... no doubt i will be back with more problems...

[Pryse]

just out of interest panama red.... seeing as we have a similar system ( if i complete mine) just how good is it? I will be using mine mostly as a home/office system for media work (web designing - mx studio, paint shop pro etc) and some gaming?

[Panama Red]

You're gonna love it! Awesome machine. I doubt you'll need that front fan tho. This case has great ventilation. Not like the first Sonata. The front on the first design was a bit restrictive.

[glc]

You will not need an audio cable, period. Just make sure digital audio is enabled on your CD/DVD drive after you get Windows installed.

[Pryse]

hello again,

Success! I have now got the system up and running with OS installed.... I have a question regarding the mobo (Intel D955XBK) and its on-board audio system.

I haven't got a sound card as I am planning on using onboard sound. Currently speakers are connected but there aren't any sounds. I have read somewhere that I need to alter the BIOS to 'turn on' the on board sound system....

BIOS---> ADVANCED ---> PERIPHERAL CONFIGURATION ---->

Parallel Port
Mode
Audio
High definition front panel audio
on board LAN
Secondary SATA
Onboard 1394
Front panel 1394 Port 1 <1394B>
Front panel 1394 Port 2 <1394A>
Aux power
Trusted Platform module

Which setting do I need to change to 'turn on' the onboard sound device?

Many Thanks

[Kareeser]

You may have to check the CD that came with your motherboard to retrieve and install the Audio Drivers.

If you cannot get them off the CD, then check the manufacturer's website: http://www.intel.com/design/motherbd/bk/bk_drive.htm (This link is for your motherboard)

[Pryse]

problem fixed - tried using mobo cd to install drivers using express installer--> sound driver installations kept on failing---> installed drivers directly from setup.exe file and it all worked fine.....

One quick question - How do I check that my OS has recognised or is running the dual processor / hyper threading???

[Cricket]

Originally Posted by Pryse One quick question - How do I check that my OS has recognised or is running the dual processor / hyper threading???

Try going into Device Manage and check if there are two processors listed.

Cricket