GA-890FXA-UD5 Build Review by absic

[absic]

Hi there,

Recently took delivery of the GA-890FXA-UD5 motherboard and thought you might like to see how I put it together and some of the results of my testing so far.

<a href="http://d.scribd.com/ScribdViewer.swf?document_id=43985093&amp;access_key=key-1p1lsr65vmw8jn880wda" target="_blank" class="new_win">http://d.scribd.com/ScribdViewer.swf?document_id=43985093&amp;access_key=key-1p1lsr65vmw8jn880wda</a>

If the Scribd viewer isn't working you can see the review and also download it from here: http://www.scribd.com/doc/43985093/Ga-890fxa-Ud5-Review

Hope it proves useful. Any comments will be gratefully received but be gentle as I have a fragile ego!

[Smitty]

Good write up absic.  I've read elsewhere that on a new build, you can sometimes avoid RAM problems by starting with just one stick of RAM to get you up and running, adding more sticks later.  I've run into problems getting Windows to load with a board full of RAM.  Also, I really like the idea of "test" building the setup outside the case first, but why not do this test using the CPU you intend to use instead of replacing it later?  Or did I misunderstand that part? 

[absic]

Yes, you are right about using just 1 stick of RAM but I thought I would do this build from the feedback I have had from other users and the problems they have encountered to see if I ran into the same problems. I didn't.

The reason I did the initial build with one CPU and then swapped it over was to show how to upgrade a CPU and also how to change the stock cooler for a 3rd party one, as this is what a lot of users tend to do.

I also ran through setting up the OS in IDE, AHCI and RAID mode which I wouldn't normally do. Again, this was so I could see how the motherboard handled each of the different configurations and also, so I could offer practical advice if question came up rather than having to reconfigure things later on.

[Smitty]

As far as applying thermal paste, it seems I've always used way too much (which is a bad thing).  I don't know about other aftermarket CPU coolers, but my Zalman cooler came with a little bottle of thermal grease. I don't know if it's as good as Arctic Silver--never used it--or the generic stuff I've bought at my local PC builders' store, but it is extremely easy to use--applied with a brush! At least it makes it difficult for someone to goop on too much.

[absic]

Yes, too much thermal grease can be as bad as too little. And a cheap generic thermal grease is better than no thermal grease!

When you use too much you run the risk of it leaking from underneath the cooler, getting onto the pins or contacts of the CPU or the motherboard socket and then the CPU won't run properly, if at all. I've actually seen this on some PC's and it is a difficult job cleaning thermal grease from the pins on an AMD CPU, believe me! 

Also it is amazing how many times I have heard that the motherboard is faulty because someone has been heavy handed in this area too when swapping out coolers or CPU's. When you point out they have used a lot of thermal grease you get: "Oh, I thought I had to use the whole tube!"

[absic]

Thanks to runn3R for getting the Scribd viewer working properly!

[runn3R]

Always welcome 

[virtualcrowbar]

Nice one absic, well done for this especially the part apart setting up RAID! 

[bytheway_r]

Finally had the time to read this review of yours. Good job! I can see how the placement of SATA ports could be a problem with high-end GPUs. Guess I'm lucky I can't afford a high-end card as my new board has the same layout of SATA ports .

[autotech]

I always start out with basics. 1 ram module and 1 monitor and so on 2 dvd drives. Except for the raid part i have to use 2 hard drives but i get the drivers of the disk and is why i use 2 dvd drives  during the install.  Then after all is installed except video drivers i add the other spare hard drives and video card and monitor then i change drive paths and im up.

Raid hasnt given me a problem on a gigabyte board knock on wood.  Good write absic maybe help a few others going the same route.

[soarwitheagles]

Absic, incredibly nice build pics!  I really like the sequencing you did as you progressed through this build.  Your hard work will definitely help many, many people!

Keep up the good work!

Soar

[jolphil]

Very Very helpful absic.. Kudos
I will follow this procedure shortly with my new build..
jolphil

PS: Thank you for taking the time and effort to do this..It is much appreciated..

[JoSeLeMiX69]

Awesome tutorial. If I had seen it 2 weeks ago, I'd have saved 40 € for PC assembly xD

[fadsarmy]

Hi. I noticed that you didn't disable DMI during bios upgrade. I never use to but I read recently on this forum that you should?

Nice build but where is your ssd?

[Dark Mantis]

Basically disabling the Keep DMI Data just forces all the old information to be cleared and a new set to be saved. It may work very well in a lot of instances even without that step but while you are there doing it you might as well refresh that too.

Nice build but where is your ssd?

Don't rub it in now