First Build Questions

**dex71** · 09-22-08, 09:11 PM

So the big brown truck stopped by today and dropped off all kinds of goodies! :10

I've got a few things together ( cpu in motherboard,fan/heatsink mounted,dvd drives installed,psu mounted,ram inserted and little Corsair fan array)and I decided to make some of the connections to the mb before I invade the area with the 4870x2(which is fraking HUGE!!! It could be a diving board!).

My first question is concerning the fan connections. The aftermarket cpu fan/heatsink came with its own little speed controller and is powered by a 3 pin connecter like the rest of the case fans. My mb has a terminal for the stock cpu fan,but its 4 pin. Do I need to connect to that specific terminal? (thus needing an adapter to go from 3 pin to 4) Or can I connect it to the terminal marked "pwr_fan"? (which I'm assuming is "hot" all the time since its one of 2 fan terminals that,according to the manual, are not supported by the mb fan control dealy-bobber)

mb:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131284

hearsink/fan:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16835226026

**RhysJD3** · 09-22-08, 10:26 PM

It looks like it was packaged with an adapter cable (the heatsink/fan). However, I can't see what it adapts and can't locate the manual. Do you have this cable?

**RhysJD3** · 09-22-08, 10:43 PM

Some threads I found on the topic. It looks like you can plug in the 3 pin fan onto the motherboard cpu 4 pin connection but you'll lose some of the fan control through the motherboard. Read the first thread I've linked especially blonde288's comments which are fairly important. He posted more than once in the thread so review them all.

http://forums.techguy.org/hardware/3...connector.html

http://forums.anandtech.com/messagev...&enterthread=y

http://www.scythe-eu.com/forum/ninja...connector.html

**jason_jinx** · 09-23-08, 01:01 PM

how is the build going i really want to see those 4870x2 bench's

**dex71** · 09-23-08, 10:20 PM

As of tonight WE ARE UP AND RUNNING!! :10 :10 :10 :10

Well kinda any way.

What is the easiest way to update the BIOS for my mobo?

When I reboot, I get the message that I need updated bios to "unleash" the power of my processer. Will I lose everything I have installed?

Otherwise,case looks GREAT!, Posted the first time i fired it up,and vist 64 installed and updated without a hiccup! :9

**{DCM}necessaryevil101** · 09-24-08, 04:29 PM

Originally Posted by jason_jinx

how is the build going i really want to see those 4870x2 bench's

For real,cuase i ordered a 4870x2 with my new system.

**dex71** · 09-24-08, 05:08 PM

Having problems updating the BIOS for the mobo. Everytime I try to download the ASUS utility,I get a message that says the program is uncompatable with my OS (Vista 64),even though I am trying to download the Vista 64 version. Without it,I can't get the new Bios update and its not recognizing my processer,so its kinda slow.

**dex71** · 09-27-08, 02:26 AM

Originally Posted by jason_jinx

how is the build going i really want to see those 4870x2 bench's

3DMo6...

http://service.futuremark.com/home.a...FF1E00EAC72AD0

All stock settings and I haven't unlocked the GPU in CCC . In case the link doesn't work...17633.

Thank you all for all of your help Wiley,Soy and Steve and everyone else.This went pretty damn smooth,and when i did run into problems,it was great to have a reliable place to go for advice. :9

**jason_jinx** · 09-27-08, 10:50 AM

Originally Posted by dex71

Originally Posted by jason_jinx

how is the build going i really want to see those 4870x2 bench's

3DMo6...

http://service.futuremark.com/home.a...FF1E00EAC72AD0

All stock settings and I haven't unlocked the GPU in CCC . In case the link doesn't work...17633.

Thank you all for all of your help Wiley,Soy and Steve and everyone else.This went pretty damn smooth,and when i did run into problems,it was great to have a reliable place to go for advice. :9

That is a awesome score for stock.

**SapiensErus** · 09-27-08, 02:17 PM

Originally Posted by dex71

Having problems updating the BIOS for the mobo. Everytime I try to download the ASUS utility,I get a message that says the program is uncompatable with my OS (Vista 64),even though I am trying to download the Vista 64 version. Without it,I can't get the new Bios update and its not recognizing my processer,so its kinda slow.

yeah, I never got the GUI based flash utitility to work under Vista 64 (never tried with Vista 32). There are options however:

1) use the DOS based flash utility. Make bootable DOS CD, put the DOS based flash utility on it, and the newest BIOS image. Boot up in DOS mode and flash away (see also option 3).

2) Doesn't your mobo have a fancy USB based flash utility called "EZ flash" or something? I thought all the higher end Asus mobos had it... Use a flash drive and that utility.

3) get a copy of windows PE? It is a minimal Vista 32 bootable, I believe you should be able to run your flash utility under it. Get it here, FREE! http://www.windowspe.com/

Take these offerings and use the google.