new builder - basic question - DVI port

[obmot]

Hi, noob here - and about to begin my first build (PC bits arriving this week).

I think I have a strong handle on how to proceed vis a vis the build, but there is one issue I need to ask about, and it is likely very simple and stems from some basic understanding I lack.

Specifically, when the system is built, I will need to tinker with the bios a bit and then load the OS (W7). But I dont know which DVI port to use - the mobo port or the dedicated GPU card port? The CPU is core i5 lynnfied. My confusion stems from not understanding how one installs an OS (necessarily requiring a monitor) before one has the opportunity to install GPU and its drivers. Chicken and egg issue.

As I said, I'm sure I just dont understand some basic concept and the answer is quite simple. Tips would be appreciated.

[juppy]

If you're not using an add-on video card and just have onboard video on the motherboard, you use the port on the motherboard. If you're putting a better video card in one of the slots, then use the port on that video card.

As for the install, the OS has generic video drivers that will let your video card operate good enough until you can get the drivers that came with the video card installed. Might be a bit lower resolution or whatnot, but they're plenty good to give a decent picture until you can get the better drivers loaded.

[Nikon]

if you are going to use a graphics card, definately use it from the install afterwards.

the mobo usually (but not always) will set a detected graphics card to the default display, so you should be able to get a signal from the comp w/o an os installed (you should be able to see post screen and access bios via the card's outputs)

if you dont get anything from the card (make sure you check BOTH ports if it has 2) then try the onboard grahpics port. if you get a signal from there, you will need to enter bios, and manually change the default graphics to the card, rather than onboard.

after you do that, there is one more problem that may arise. some video cards only output 'vga mode' on dvi ports until drivers are installed. to get around this, use a dvi - vga adapter.

this should cover just about any problem you have on this front.

[obmot]

thanks guys, that helped a lot(!); build is going pretty well and i got to POST screen; have had a few very minor issues, will post a different thread

[Nikon]

keep it in the same thread, if you dont, they will probably be merged into one thread anyways.