How to build from scratch?, Athlon 64 X2 with Fatal1ty AN8 SLi

Hello everybody,

This is my first time visiting and posting here.

I need some advise. I currently have P4 2.4Ghz PC and going to upgrade to
Athlon 64 X2 4400+. For motherboard, I am going to get Abit Fatal1ty AN8
SLi. I am now ready to order everything online, but I just noticed one big
problem. I just found out that all motherboard need BIOS update in order to
support Athlon 64 X2, otherwise it will not post. Now how am I suppose build
from scratch? I do not have any older AMD CPU, and do not want to buy one
just to update BIOS. Anybody here know how to get around this issue?

Thank you for your help.

 

Borrow one from a friend? =D

 

No, everyone is in the same boat! It is one thing to say compatible
with all 939 motherboard with the lastest bios, quite another to make
sure you get the mothrboard with the latest bios.

Maybe some good retailer will make sure the latest bios is installed
when you buy the motherboard and processor from them.

Ak

 

Have patience, wait for the old stock to get purged ??

Do not buy in a retail store, where the stock could sit on the shelf
for months. Suggest buying from Newegg.com, they turnover stock
pretty fast. Before ordering, phone them with regard to:-

(a) whether they know whether the Fatal1ty AN8 boards in stock
will support X2. They should know -- it may not be the first time
the question was asked.

(b) their return policy in the event of the BIOS not supporting
X2 ( being 1.5 or higher. )

(c) their return-policy in the event of complete non-functionality
or shipping damage ( pretty generous when I have dealt with
them..)

Anyway, in the event you get a board with an older BIOS, all is not
lost. BIOS 1.3 supports Rev E. cores, so you may well be able to
boot one core anyway and flash the BIOS.

Remember:-

* to read and understand the user manual thoroughly before doing
anything !!! ( You will probably find that some of the actual BIOS
entries wlill not correspond with the manual. Side-effect of rapid
BIOS updates -- check if the on-line manual is more current...)

* very careful assembly,

* all correct power connected,

* no shorts to the case - no stand-offs where they should not be.

* only one video board in the correct slot, no other PCI/PCIe plug-in
peripherals on first powerup.

* memory in the correct pair of slots
etc, etc.
MORE HASTE, LESS SPEED

You can read the BIOS version on the (black) statup screen
after the memory test and disk recognition.

John Lewis

 

buy cpu and MB from same on-line store. I've used
http://www.monarchcomputer.com before, they pretest there bundles. and will
flash to the newest bios at no extra charge. this link will take you to a
custom PC configuration page.
http://www.monarchcomputer.com/Merc..._Code=M&Product_Code=80152&Category_Code=AMDC

Good Luck

Jeff

 

That may be a good idea, depending on which X2 the OP wants to
purchase. For example, Newegg's price on the X2 4400+ is extortion.

John Lewis

 

Thank you guys for your advises. They helped me a lot.

I am going to order from where Jeff suggested. This store is great!!! Thanks
for the link!!!!!

 

NP ... I've had very good service from them, hope your experience is the
same... you can check them out at http://www.resellerratings.com

Jeff

 

I am planning on building a new system with an AN8 Ultra and an AMD 64,
but haven't decided on which model cpu.

I have seen AMD 64's with Rev. E cores advertised on Pricewatch.com, but
don't know what it means. Where can I get some info on this?

 

I've just built one using the AN8 Ultra (not SLI as I don't need
games). I went for a 3.2GHz Venice core as it is supposed to run
cooler than the older cored. Looks good in a Thermaltake Armor case,
and quiet too.

Just one prob, I thought I could boot it from a USB memory stick, but
the option doesn't seem to be available.

 

Haven't seen a discussion of the Venice model or an explanation of the
Rev. E on AMD's website.

Do you know what they are?