[Cptkyle789]

Hey, I've decided that I will buy a

AMD Phenom II X4 940 Deneb 3.0GHz 4 x 512KB L2 Cache 6MB L3 Cache Socket AM2+ 125W Quad-Core Black Edition Processor - Retail


for $189.99 (Free shipping)

A:


GIGABYTE GA-MA790X-UD4P AM3/AM2+/AM2 AMD 790X ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail
for $109.99



QUESTION 1: I have a question though: Will my PSU be able to still run my computer? It's a OCZ 500W.


I currently have a Biostar NF520-A2 and a AMD Athlon X2 64 4400+ at 2.3GHz, a nVidia GeForce 9800GT, 1 HDD, 1 CD-ROM, 1 DVD-ROM, 1 Floppy Drive, 2x 80mm fans, and 1x 120 mm fan.

QUESTION 2: Does the SUPPLIED STOCK HEATSINK and FAN come with Thermal Compound? Pre-applied?

[BG-0]

Q1: Maybe. Maybe. It's a bit close with the 9800 GT. I would go for something like Corsair 650TX, to allow upgrading the graphics and to keep it safe.
Q2: Yes it does.

[Cptkyle789]

Nothing is overclocked on this computer, I believe there is 18 amps on the 12v's.


Do i need to worry about getting my own thermal compound? Like Artic MX-2? I won't be overclocking just yet.


EDIT: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817341012 is my Power Supply Unit.

[BG-0]

You won't need any thermal paste if you don't plan on removing your heatsink before you get a better cooler(recommendations, Sunbeam Core Contact Freezer, Xigmatek Dark Knight S1283V, Thermalright Ultra120Extreme or TRUE Black, maybe Thermolab Baram for a bit lighter cooler, yet very efficient). When you start overclocking, you will want a bigger power supply with a single rail instead of two smaller ones. Like the Corsair 650TX.
At stock your current power supply is basically okay, but it's just that you really shouldn't run it that near its limits.

[crjdriver]

I run that same board and cpu; good combo. The supplied hsf works fine as long as you do not OC. If you do, then I would install a better hsf. The arctic freezer pro 64 has worked fine for me AND it is quieter than the stock hsf [which would get up to 5000rpm when running a game]

[Cptkyle789]

Ok that's sounds good. Installing a new PSU will be my biggest challenge yet. I've never installed a mobo or a CPU, so I can't say I know what I'm doing, but I've been doing alot of researching and watching alot of videos.

[BG-0]

A lot of videos are a bit... Dodgy. Make sure there's no false info and the like...

[Cptkyle789]

Right, I was watching mostly professional ones though, like TigerDirect

[crjdriver]

Like just about anything, installing a motherboard/cpu/ram is just a long series of simple steps. It is a good idea to have a tech or experienced person watch you the first time you do it however not absolutely necessary.

You do understand that you will need to clean install windows correct?

[Cptkyle789]

No. I do have a Vista disc ready. Maybe you guys can give me instructions from installing all the way to the end?

The only thing I'm worried about is installing in the very beginning, where you have to get the motherboard's washers/screws/ etc. so It doesn't touch the back of the case.

[crjdriver]

No washers are used. Here is how you fit a new board to the case. Note you should NOT reuse a dell, hp, gateway, etc case. Build up the board, cpu, hsf, and ram then install the board.

How to mount a new board in a case

1) Remove the IO plate from the back of the case.
2) Place the board in the case and use something like a sharpie or a pencil to mark the case where you will need to install the standoffs.
3) Remove the board and install the standoffs.
4) Install the IO plate
5) Place the board on the standoffs and slide it into the IO plate. Secure it with the screws provided with the case.

[Cptkyle789]

Only the in the metal holes right? I believe there is 8 of those. Do I need to install drivers, BIOS, etc.?
Thanks

[crjdriver]

The bios is a chip on the board. You do not install it; you can however update the bios if needed.
Drivers are installed after you load windows. The only exception would be if you need to load a mass storage ie raid driver during setup.

If you look closely at the screw holes in the board, you will see they each have a metal ring around the hole. This is what functions as a "washer" to distribute the clamping force on the board.

[Cptkyle789]

Well, I didn't mean to INSTALL a bios, but like what you said, update it. I don't think I have a raid driver since I don't know what it is... I just had a fresh install of Windows Vista 64 last week, and formatted my entire C: HDD.
Installing the standoffs won't be hard, Hopefully I know where all of my front panel wires will plug-in to.

[BG-0]

You won't need to update the BIOS, 790X-UD4P supports PII 940 BE straight out of the box. Before you overclock, you might want to consider it though, newer BIOS versions usually give better OC potential, at least marginally.
You won't need a RAID driver I'd say. crj might want to explain closer once he's here.
The manual usually gives a very good idea on the front panel wiring, if you still have trouble with it, post back here.