P67A-UD3P New Build Questions

[jim53]

Hi guys,
Im a newbie at this have some questions in regards to building my first computer. I usually buy from Dell and am ready for a new system so i thought i would give a shot at building one.
I am going to start assembly today, just waiting for UPS to deliver the remaining components today.

This is what i purchased:

Case: Antec 300
Motherboard: Gigabyte P67A-UD3P
CPU: i5 2500K
CPU Cooler: Hyper 212 Plus
Memory: GSkill Ripjaws 4GB F3-10666CL9D-4GBRL
PSU: Corsair 650TX - 650W
GPU: EVGA 01G-P3-1373-AR GeForce GTX 460 (Fermi)
SSD: OCZ Vertex 2 60GB
HDD: Samsung Spinpoint F3 500GB
DVD: Asus (SATA)
OS: Win7 64 bit

I plan on testing the mobo outside of the case and installing just the cpu, hsf, 1 stick of ram in slot1 and the video card then boot up and see if it will post, if it does post my next step would be to check the other stick of ram in slot1 and post, if that stick checks ok then test the other 3 ram slots, if all is ok then i will install 1 component at a time and reboot as i move along.

Does this sound like the correct way to do it?

Should i update to the latest bios right away even if the board posts without errors?

Can i update the bios before i install Win7?

Are most of the issues related to OCing?

Is there anything i should be aware of by running stock and all settings at default?

I will not be OCing, at least not yet. I want to run at stock to be sure the system is stable and i need to learn more about OCing

Thanks for your help
Jim



 

[Dark Mantis]

Hi and welcome to the Gigabyte Forum.

You seem to be well informed as far as the build goes and apart from observing anti static precautions there is nothing really to add.

Your components seem to be well ballanced and I don't forsee any problem there. Just be very careful installing the CPU in the socket as the pins are very easilly damaged.

Normally you would be fine to update the BIOS from QFlash which is the safest wayof doing it but there was a glitch with the first boards to be marketed in that they needed to be updated for the first time with @BIOS hte Windows program. After that inital update you could use QFlash as normal. The @BIOS program would need to be downloaded as the latest version ids required.

[faizoff]

I have the same CPU and Mobo Jim and it's been running great. You look you're on the right path. I've OC mine to 4.2 Ghz right now on stock cooler and it runs great.

[jim53]

Hi and welcome to the Gigabyte Forum.

You seem to be well informed as far as the build goes and apart from observing anti static precautions there is nothing really to add.

Your components seem to be well ballanced and I don't forsee any problem there. Just be very careful installing the CPU in the socket as the pins are very easilly damaged.

Normally you would be fine to update the BIOS from QFlash which is the safest wayof doing it but there was a glitch with the first boards to be marketed in that they needed to be updated for the first time with @BIOS hte Windows program. After that inital update you could use QFlash as normal. The @BIOS program would need to be downloaded as the latest version ids required.

Dark Mantis,
Thank you
So , in order to flash bios for the first time i need to use @bios?
And in order to use @bios i need to have Win7 installed?

I installed the CPU yesterday and everything seemed to go ok. I felt very little resistance if any as i lowered the locking lever.

[jim53]

I have the same CPU and Mobo Jim and it's been running great. You look you're on the right path. I've OC mine to 4.2 Ghz right now on stock cooler and it runs great.

Glad to hear that!
Hope my assembly and posts goes smooth too. Feeling a little nervous as i've never done this before.

[Dark Mantis]

So , in order to flash bios for the first time i need to use @bios?
And in order to use @bios i need to have Win7 installed?

That is pretty much the size of it. If you are lucky and got one of the later boards you might be fine as it satnds and be able ot run the update from the BIOS utility QFlash. Try it and see. If you can't it will just give ypu a checksum error or invalid file.

[jim53]

So , in order to flash bios for the first time i need to use @bios?
And in order to use @bios i need to have Win7 installed?

That is pretty much the size of it. If you are lucky and got one of the later boards you might be fine as it satnds and be able ot run the update from the BIOS utility QFlash. Try it and see. If you can't it will just give ypu a checksum error or invalid file.

Ok
Thanks

[jim53]

faizoff,
I noticed in your sig. you're using biosV. F4. Did F6b not work for you?

Being that you have the same board i do, i was wondering if the board has any built in audible sound or led for diagnosis in case of a problem.

[Dark Mantis]

You will need to find a buzzer to fit for the POST beeps and to help with faultfinding if the need arises. They are only a few pence and easilly fitted to the Front Panel Connector block.

[jim53]

Ok, Thanks
Remainder of components just arrived so on with the build!

[faizoff]

faizoff,
I noticed in your sig. you're using biosV. F4. Did F6b not work for you?

Being that you have the same board i do, i was wondering if the board has any built in audible sound or led for diagnosis in case of a problem.

I'm actually waiting for the full release of F6. I don't really need to update my BIOS as everything seems to be running fine as of now even with the OC. I'm waiting to order a cooler most likely the Hyper Cooler 212+ and once that's here I'll go ahead and upgrade the BIOS as i'll want to OC even higher.

[Bradleyo]

I'm running F6b on my new build and it's running very stable, no BSOD's at all; in a previous build I ran a beta bios for three years without a problem. 

How long does Gigabyte wait on their main site before updating their bios availability?  I see they are still only offering F6A on the UD3P.

[jim53]

Hi Guys,
I have a question regarding bootup.
I currently have the motherboard out of the case (installing and booting as i gol). I have so far installed only the cpu, hsf (hyper 212 plus), 2 sticks of memory (gskill ripjaws 4GB 9-9-9-24) video card, corsair 650tx psu and have the keyboard (usb) plugged in.

When i boot up the Gigabyte logo screen appears for about 2 seconds then disappears and a black screen appears with the message:
Loading Operating System...
Disk Boot Failure, Insert System Disk And Press Enter

Is that what is supposed to happen?
or
Is the logo screen supposed remain so i can enter the Bios Main Menu from there?

I can enter the bios main menu though during bootup by tapping the delete key.
Bios shows version F2

Thanks
Jim  

[Dark Mantis]

Hi Jim

Yes that is exactly what is supposed to happen at that point as the BIOS is looking for a drive to boot from and and not finding one. When you install a hard drive and tell it where to boot from it will go there first.

[jim53]

Hi Jim

Yes that is exactly what is supposed to happen at that point as the BIOS is looking for a drive to boot from and and not finding one. When you install a hard drive and tell it where to boot from it will go there first.

Thanks Dark Mantis,
I connected the ssd, hdd and dvd drive and it appears that each is recognized when booting (screen goes by quickly).
In the bios under integrated peripherals i set PCH SATA Control Mode to AHCI

Does R_USB30 stay at disabled or do i enable that?

So, i guess it is safe now to disconnect everything from the mobo and go ahead and install the mobo and all the componets into the case then install:

Win7 and after that update bios and then install the chipset drivers from the CD in that order?

Thanks
Jim