Ready for the Smoke Test

[donsor]

Got my rig together and went over the assembly to make sure I got everything where they belong. I've rebuilt PCs before but it has been a long time since my last project. Just to make sure:

I'll power up and set the BIOS.
I'll load the OS (WINxp Home SP2)
I'll load the mobo install CD.
I'll load the appropriate drivers.

Let me know if this the right sequence or if I,m missing a step or two.

[Cricket]

The order of steps looks fine.

Don't forget to install some security software and then go on-line to get critical updates.

Cricket

[doubledragon5]

If you have any issues at all, come back and list parts by manufacture and model including brand and wattage of psu.

[donsor]

After powering up do I need to install the mobo Support DVD first or do I install the OS (WinXPSP2) first? At what point will I be required to format the hard drive?

The reason I'm asking this is that the two instructions I have indicated a need for making a SATA driver diskette. However, the mobo User Guide did not mention anything about creating the driver diskette. It looks like by installing the mobo Support DVD, it will include all the drivers I need.

Motherboard: Asus M3A32-MVP Deluxe

[shadowpr]

If the motherboard manual didn't mention it, then I would just install the os first. That will format and partition your hard drive for you. After that is installed, then install the drivers.

[doubledragon5]

After installing your OS, you can have windwos update instll them for you as well. I dind't in stall mine and thre listed up in windows update has a option..

[phigdon]

please post a review of that board when you get it up and running, I am looking at for an upgrade. and I agree with Cricket, install the security before even plugging in the Ethernet cable.

[donsor]

Doubledragon5:

I have not powered up yet as I just to make sure I got everything covered. Nonetheless, here are my specs:

Asus M3A32MVP DeLuxe/WiFi
AMD Socket AM2+ Phenom X4 9500
Antec Sonata II with 450W PSU
3 Gig Kingston DDR 2 800
WD400 SATA HD (Primary)
Maxtor 400 SATA HD (secondary)
Diamond ATI Radeon 3870
Sony DVD-RW optical drive EIDE (2)
Sony SATA DVD-RW optical Drive
19" Viewsonic VA912b LCD monitor
Logitech cordless keyboard and mouse.

BTW, I have a Sound Blaster Audigy 4 sound card which I will not install for now. I've heard and read that the built in SoundMAX High Definition Utility sound system is just as good. Any oinion?