Just finished 1st build...now a couple of questions

[simonfitba]

Hi folks,

I've just completed my first-ever build and am well chuffed. Thanks for all your help so far.

Now I've got a couple more noobish questions.

1. I've installed Vista 64 but the cds with the drivers for mobo (Asus P5B) and sound card (Creative X-fi Music) don't recognise the OS. Is this right? Can I just download them from the Net?

2. I've got 4gb of ram (4x1gb) but Vista 64 is only showing 3gb. Will downloading the mobo drivers fix this or is there something else I need to do?

[redddraggon]

2. I've got 4gb of ram (4x1gb) but Vista 64 is only showing 3gb. Will downloading the mobo drivers fix this or is there something else I need to do?

You sure you got the sticks properly seated? I am assuming you actually have 64bit.

[s_kinton]

1. Yes thats right, Just go on the net and get the 64bit drivers. They should be readily available for those.

2. It sounds like you need a BIOS update. Is it flashed to the latest BIOS? Not all boards can handle 4gb.

Your motherboard may have an option in the BIOS to remap memory, solving the problem. Check the manual. Does the BIOS detect 4gb when posting?

[simonfitba]

1. Yes thats right, Just go on the net and get the 64bit drivers. They should be readily available for those.

2. It sounds like you need a BIOS update. Is it flashed to the latest BIOS? Not all boards can handle 4gb.

Your motherboard may have an option in the BIOS to remap memory, solving the problem. Check the manual. Does the BIOS detect 4gb when posting?

I very much doubt the mobo has the latest BIOS. I take it you flash it by downloading a file to the hdd and then running it.

I'll have a look at the BIOS once I've hooked the new PC up to the internet.

[simonfitba]

I went on to the asus site but there's loads of things to download for Vista64 and I'm really confused.

Don't want to install the wrong thing. Can anyone point me in the direction of the right drivers, bios etc?

I've got the feeling I could make a huge cock-up otherwise.

[Marcvs]

you want bios 1202

thats platform independant

then you need the latest version of chipset drivers for vista 64 (8. somethin i think)

[Clunk]

Bios from here.

Chipset drivers from here.

[Dreaming]

Vista is pretty cool in detecting drivers automatically. Though installing the proper chipset drivers is a good idea. I have a P5W and the way I do things:

- update to latest bios if needed
- reset bios to defaults
- change some simple settings so it works nicely
- install windows
- install Intel Chipset Drivers
- install matrix storage manager (I use raid arrays so quite important to manage / monitor them)
- install wireless lan drivers
- install sound card drivers
- install gpu drivers

then anything else really.

I would also recommend making a small partition on your hard drive for stuff like drivers etc. for when you restart. Or a CD is good too. Vista is pretty cool how you can resize partitions on the fly.

[redddraggon]

I would also recommend making a small partition on your hard drive for stuff like drivers etc.

That is a bloody good idea, I've never thought of that.

[simonfitba]

Thanks a lot folks. I'll give it a bash tomorrow. All this PC building stuff is quite good fun after all!

[Steve B]

everythings always fun until someone gets hurt...

[simonfitba]

Would it be safe to use the Asus Update Utility on Visa64 to flash the bios or is it best to dust off my old floppy drive and hook that up?

[Agrippa]

Use the floppy mate. In 95% of cases flashing in Windows (!) is fine, but then again most people who come on forums looking for help after a bad flash did so in Windows too.... Booting to DOS or using the BIOS flash tool is the recommended way.

[DratUK]

Use the floppy mate. In 95% of cases flashing in Windows (!) is fine, but then again most people who come on forums looking for help after a bad flash did so in Windows too.... Booting to DOS or using the BIOS flash tool is the recommended way.

Very advisable although with the Asus board you can flash from a USB stick if you havent got a flappy floppy.