Below are few notes I put together on testing a new system (you might already be familiar with them, or not):
TESTING NEW BUILD
A. Before starting the build, it is a good idea to skim through the BIOS section of the mobo manual - just to get an idea of the kinds of settings there. Most you will never use and will stay on the default setting - so no need to try to understand it all now. The idea is just to be familiar with the items so if you want to change something or if an issue does come up, you might remember that there is a BIOS setting that affects it.
B. Also before starting the build, download the three tools listed below so you have them conveniently available once starting to build; then use them as noted.
1. Memtest86+
Download the application and instructions from:
http://www.memtest.org/
Also this Wikipedia article provides some good general info.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Memtest86
This program is used to test memory. I have only used it on Intel CPUs and assume it works with AMD but am not certain.
On a new system, run the memory test as soon as the base system is installed (CPU, CPU fan, memory, video card, and monitor) and before installing HD, OS, and optical drives. The reason for running it before other components are installed is to try to confirm the memory itself is working prior to installing the other components which could themselves affect the test.
You should run it for a few passes first. If you encounter problems, they should be addressed then before adding more components. If you get a good first run, then it should be run overnight (or for a good 8 hours). If system is working right it will report no errors, which gives you a lot of confidence in this portion of the system.
2. Download Prime95 and the Wiki article about it
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prime95
http://majorgeeks.com/Prime95_d4363.html
This is used to test the full system operating at full load for a continuous period of time. Note that this is particularly useful in testing system stability and cooling performance. One thing you should watch after a new build is CPU temperatures to ensure the HSF was installed correctly and has a good "bond" with the CPU. This is particularly useful for ensuring that.
3. Download CPU-Z
http://www.cpuid.com/cpuz.php
The software provides a wealth of statistics about how your system is operating.
After your system is up and running, I recommend downloading a copy of the mobo manual. . I find it much easier a year or two later to go to my stored manual than to run down the hard copy. Also note the links on the page for info on how to check your BIOS version and how to update your BIOS. Actually I like to download manuals and spec info on other hardware components as well since printed manuals tend to get lost over time and online data on legacy components also get harder to find over time.
C. PCPitstop.com has a free computer diagnostic tool that is nice to run if you are not using more detailed benchmarking tools. The review provides a lot of information about your system, including some basic benchmarks, a list of all software running, and a review for latest drivers.
http://www.pcpitstop.com/
D. I have found it very helpful to have an folder on my pc with all the information I can find on my PC components. When I purchase, I store a copy of the invoice and web page listing the item. Later I visit the site to download any manuals, drivers, or other reference information or downloads. When needed later, it is a lot easier to find on my PC than to go look for manuals stored somewhere or to try to find online references for legacy products.
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