First
1) run MEMTEST prior to installing Windows
2) update BIOS if possible or do later (may solve memory errors but no guarantee)
3) read motherboard manual for DDR3 memory locations to use (in your case it MAY be 1 and 3, OR 2 and 4 for two sticks)
More
1) SATA controller set to AHCI
2) Use the best SATA controller (i.e. Intel 6gbps) for main drive
3) Some SATA inputs don't work properly with DVD/BD drives. See your manual.
4. Read about applying thermal paste properly if any doubt
5. Install Windows
6. Then go to motherboard support site to download and install
- Main Chipset Driver
- audio driver
- other drivers/software including the Fan Control software (may be part of larger program)
- *apply fan control software to CPU fan and case fans as applicable (example: 50% speed until 40degC then ramp to 80degC at 100%)
7. install Video card driver (from AMD or NVidia as applicable)
8. Finish Microsoft Updates
9. For W8, update to 8.1 if needed.
10. For W8, consider getting START8 (update next year may reduce need for Start8 by merging old and new interface)
11. Install programs.
12. If using an SSD apply firmware update, overprovision
13. If using an SSD consider installing STEAM on a second HDD due to capacity issues, and put media, downloads, and your backup Image(s) there as well. Example is a 120GB Samsung 840 Evo for Windows/programs, and a 2TB or 3TB HDD for Steam, other games, media etc.
14. Create a BACKUP IMAGE of your C-Drive (Acronis True Image or similar; free version for Seagate or WD)
15. update motherboard BIOS (can be done any time; do it PRIOR to installing Windows if Memtest shows errors as a BIOS update may fix that.)
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