Completely forgot........

[mikeny]

What's the sequence when completing system build and turning on system for the first time. I wrote it down but accidentally threw it out. For example (not in sequence): OS first, 2-Bios 3rd Chipset 4-Drivers for parts ie. video card/sound card/Monitor

I was told that the Chipset drivers are loaded when you load the OS (in my case Vista), and there should be a option to load the chipset drivers before having the OS installed. Where exactly does Vista let you load the chipset drivers. I could of sworn when you have the DVD drive set to load with Vista in, Vista asks what install you want; upgrade or custom. After Custom, it asked what drives. Where is the "load chipset" drivers before Vista installs? This could be the source of some instability in my system at times and I was thinking of doing a reinstall of the OS but wanted to get the correct sequence. Was also looking into Windows 7 as well as Sandy Bridge and a new video card...but that's in my other posts. Please feel free to comment on them (in CPU, Vista, Motherboard, Video Card, New system build).


I haven't made up my mind until at the earliest, Black Friday and the latest by Christmas.

Main players in my system:
GSKILL 6GB (3x2GB) ddr3-1600 RAM Triple Channel
i7-920 Nehalem
EVGA x58 A1 mobo
Saphire 4890 OC edition
Windows Vista 64-bit

Thank you for taking the time to respond!

 

[o1die]

Just have the motherboard cd with the drivers handy. You may not need it. Vista and windows 7 will find most if not all of the device drivers on many recent motherboards. First, set your ide mode to "achi", which may be listed under "sata" or the southbridge section of the bios. Then I always connect just one hardrive for loading windows; use an ssd if you have it; it loads much faster; then I connect the second hardrive while windows is running. Windows will detect it and ask to format, which you can do. I usually clone the second drive using maxblast 5.0 or other hardrive software; after completing the cloning process, I disconnect the main drive and leave the ssd as the boot drive. You can't have two boot devices connected at the same time. After rebooting with the ssd, you can connect the main drive and windows will set it up as the secondary drive. Then, if your ssd fails, all you have to do is disconnect it and connect the main drive, and it will boot up. I've had my ssd fail three times, and the manufacturer is sending me a newer model this time. Good luck.

 

[mikeny]

Just have the motherboard cd with the drivers handy. You may not need it. Vista and windows 7 will find most if not all of the device drivers on many recent motherboards. First, set your ide mode to "achi", which may be listed under "sata" or the southbridge section of the bios. Then I always connect just one hardrive for loading windows; use an ssd if you have it; it loads much faster; then I connect the second hardrive while windows is running. Windows will detect it and ask to format, which you can do. I usually clone the second drive using maxblast 5.0 or other hardrive software; after completing the cloning process, I disconnect the main drive and leave the ssd as the boot drive. You can't have two boot devices connected at the same time. After rebooting with the ssd, you can connect the main drive and windows will set it up as the secondary drive. Then, if your ssd fails, all you have to do is disconnect it and connect the main drive, and it will boot up. I've had my ssd fail three times, and the manufacturer is sending me a newer model this time. Good luck.

Funny how you mention SSD. I was curious if they are recommended now but I see they are still very expensive. Is there a big jump between SSD and Velociraptors? I use a Velociraptor as my OS and drivers drive. I remember when Vista said, "new hardware found," so it will take the drivers automatically? I thought you MUST load the drivers that came with the motherboard.

 

[o1die]

If vista finds the driver, then use it. Only one you may need to upgrade is the video if the standard vga driver is loaded. Once you have the lan network driver loaded, then you can let windows search for updates. I've been using ssd's cause they're quiet and my password screen appears in about 15 seconds. Frys had a 32 gb for only $35 after rebate last friday; I'm sure they sold out.

 

[mikeny]

If vista finds the driver, then use it. Only one you may need to upgrade is the video if the standard vga driver is loaded. Once you have the lan network driver loaded, then you can let windows search for updates. I've been using ssd's cause they're quiet and my password screen appears in about 15 seconds. Frys had a 32 gb for only $35 after rebate last friday; I'm sure they sold out.

That would take some difficulty of loading drivers to the easy side so let me get this straight...

1-Put parts together
2- Turn on and go to BIOS screen
3- Change ide/South Bridge/Sata to ACHI
4- Set boot sequence to DVD
5- Save and exit BIOS screen (make sure OS is in DVD drive)
6- Follow prompts on Vista
7- After Vista loads, install LAN driver
8- Restart and then Vista would locate all drivers (with exception of video).

Correct?

By the way, when it asks to format the HDD, lets say the HDD is 200GB. (32MB cache) Format the whole drive but it sets aside the 32MB....I remember my 1TB WD Caviar Black SATA II, Vista wouldnt format 1TB but 1TB minus 32MB. This is normal?

What's a good size SSD for OS and drivers? 100GB? 150GB? Which Company is rated the best? I saw Corsair makes SSD's. Thank you for taking the time in responding!

 

[o1die]

Only install the lan driver if vista doesn't find the lan driver for your board. Usually it does. If the standard vga driver loads, then you will have limited resolution settings. Normally, the motherboard cd with drivers is old; newer updated drivers will run better. For the hardrive, just load windows on the drive of your choice. Then if it doesn't use the whole partition, click on the world icon in the lower left, right click on "computer" and click on manage>storage>disk management>increase or decrease partition size (or similar option). For ssd's, I can get by with 32 or 60 gb, but 120 or 128 is better; some are on sale for around $150 after rebate.

 

[mikeny]

Only install the lan driver if vista doesn't find the lan driver for your board. Usually it does. If the standard vga driver loads, then you will have limited resolution settings. Normally, the motherboard cd with drivers is old; newer updated drivers will run better. For the hardrive, just load windows on the drive of your choice. Then if it doesn't use the whole partition, click on the world icon in the lower left, right click on "computer" and click on manage>storage>disk management>increase or decrease partition size (or similar option). For ssd's, I can get by with 32 or 60 gb, but 120 or 128 is better; some are on sale for around $150 after rebate.

Thank you!

 

[mikeny]

Best answer selected by mikeny.