Getting my new motherboard set up.

I recently purchased and put together a new computer with help from people here (thanks again, guys!) and I want to set it up the best way possible.

Components:

Mobo:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813131570

PSU:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817103930

Case:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811129164

CPU:
http://www.monarchcomputer.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=M&Product_Code=120331&AFFIL=hhd&NR=1

RAM:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820145450

Heatsink:
http://www.sidewindercomputers.com/thhrthsifori.html

Newegg took down the link to my Hard Drive, but it was a Maxtor Diamondmax 100GB 7200RPM SATA 150, I think this is it:
http://www.staples.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/StaplesProductDisplay?prodCatType=1&storeId=10001&catalogId=10051&langId=-1&productId=135373

I would like some advice on the best way to set up my computer (what BIOS settings should I use, etc.)

One thing I would like to know is how to get the integrated graphics chip to run faster (I was averaging 1-3fps in 3dMark05 ), also where to get a good southbridge cooler?

Thanks again for everybody's help!

 

Thats all your gonna get outta the integrated graphics you could tweak it all you want,you'll still end up with around 3fps,southbridge cooler? you dont need one at all,do you mean northbridge cooler? You also dont need one unless your gonna massively overclock the fsb

For general bios tweaking best to read a guide

http://www.rojakpot.com/freebog.aspx

For settings that are specific to your motherboard check the manual,it'll have explanations of what the various settings do

 

Yep goto the BOG and look at the individual parameters within your particular BIOS (make, model, version). Wouldn't attempt any overclock (in case you were considering) yet until you have run it for a while and monitored with a sys diagnostics app, e.g. EVEREST Home Edition, and just make sure everything is running well and you have good sys, CPU temps, volts, etc. Compare EVEREST with BIOS and make sure there similar. Do this for at least 2-3 weeks before any "OC" consideration:

http://majorgeeks.com/download.php?det=4181

 

I have two main questions to be answered:

1) I have a passive cooler for my CPU, so I got a CPU fan error. I took a 40 or 60mm CPU fan from an old computer and plugged it in to the CPU_FAN socket and still got the same error!

This might have something to do with the PSU fan sensor being connected to the CHA_FAN socket, but Antec said it had to be plugged into a fan connector on the mobo.


2) Why is my computer reading that I have only 959MB of RAM, when I put two sticks of 512 in?

A third question: what is the largest size fan available with a two-wire, three-pin connector?

 

your computer reads less ram because the integrated graphics controller shares RAM with the system, 'stealing' the missing amount.

if you want better video performance, this is definetly the best bang for your buck right now. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814102483

if you want, you could get a 120mm 3-pin fan for your heatsink. as for the CPU FAN error, you might check forums specific to your motherboard for causes/workarounds.

as far as BIOS settings, as soon as you have the rest set up, you can get right on overclocking that 146. some basic info: your multiplier is top locked at 10x, giving the stock speed 200x10 = 2.0ghz. as you raise the HTT (~FSB), you'll need to lower the RAM divider from 200 to 166, depending on how well your RAM will overclock.

your 146 should easily hit 2.4-2.6ghz on stock voltages. let us know the results

 

No offence but I think that would be a bit reckless. At least ensure you have sys stability and adequate cooling firstly. You don't want to start causing stability issues and overheating dillemas with a brand new sys. Just my 2c.

 

understandably... but he already has system stability and is simply working out quirks. Also, opterons hardly generate any extra heat when overlocking on stock voltages. You'd be amazed at how simple it is to get them running 400+mhz OC'd without breaking a sweat.

 

Fair enough I don't know anything about the operton CPU but I was just saying be patient for couple of weeks. I don't OC yet (Prescott) and until I have cooling sorted I wont attempt. I have help resolve some people asking for help latley and after numeroues post within the thread they finally state they will adjust voltages, timings etc back and it has been a waste of time because they didn't state OC at the start and had just exceeded sys stability.