So you want to build a PC

[Lil' ½ Dead]

I'm looking to build a gaming system. This is my first build and I am terrified.

These are the parts I bought so far;

Case - Solano 1000
MotherBoard - A790GXM-AD3 Black Series
CPU-Cooler - CoolerMaster V10
Power Supply - In Win Commander 750W PSU
Safety First - Anti-static Wrist Band


What's left? DDR3 ram, Phenom II X4 955 and 4890.

For Ram i'm looking at Mushkin DDR3 1333 One of the fastest in terms on Cas Latency for DDR3 Ram

As for the GPU brand I think i'll get DIAMOND OC Radeon HD 4890

If you have any advice please give. I will be posting updates on my progress.

[shattered.likeness]

I would not recommend going for DDR3-1333. Yes, the CAS latency might be a little lower, but I would suggest going for DDR3-1600 at the least. You will get much better results from the 1600 MHz memory, and if you go for DDR3-1866 or higher, you can normally get much better timings than stock memory speeds at the lower MHz range (i.e. 1600). All AM3 motherboards support at least 160MHz memory, and the it will create less of a bottle-neck in your system.

If you need some help getting some DDR3, PM me and I should be able to help you out.

[Lil' ½ Dead]

The higher timing ram I found on newegg are to tall to fit underneath the V10. And i'm cautious on finding ram that will actually work! Some of these AMD boards can be picky i've read... but since you reviewed this board i'm sure you know what works.

PM sent.

[shattered.likeness]

I sent you a reply PM.

Here are the kits that I would recommend for you: (links go to newegg)

$69.99 Mushkin 4GB DDR3-1600
$70.99 + Free shipping OCZ Platinum 4GB DDR3-1600

Both of these kits may not have the fastest timings out of the box, but you can tighten down the timings with some minimal voltage tweaking. And, I'll be here if you have any questions on tightening the timings.

You might also try some of the new "AMD Optimized" DDR3 kite available, although, I haven't had a chance to test those yet.

[Lil' ½ Dead]

I wasn't really looking at DDR3 1600 since my board only says 1333/1066. BUT I do know DDR3 1600 is compatible(read it in the PDF manual).

Oh well, more choices means a greater chance of finding a good deal.

[shattered.likeness]

I used the same memory from our Corsair DDR3-1600 review. It worked great in the system, and I was able to tighten up the timings quite easily.

[Lil' ½ Dead]

UPS came to my house today and brought some goodies!

I jumped right into it by installing the motherboard but realize after installing it I forgot to install the V10 CPU bracket.. So I took it out and continued to install the bracket only to realize the CPU is needed because the bracket connects through the motherboard and screws into the V10.

So basically I cant do anything until I get my other parts. Its a shame really lol I wanted to start today.

[Deton]

impatient ain't we?
Do you really need the Anti Static wrist band?

I do have one but hardly use when I building, I find it getting in the way.
Just make sure you're not standing on carpet and grounded yourself first by touching the metal case or PSU. 99% static build up when your room have carpet.

Don't forget to take a lot of pics and post them.

[Lil' ½ Dead]

impatient ain't we?

It was Christmas in June at my house today lol

Do you really need the Anti Static wrist band?
I do have one but hardly use when I building, I find it getting in the way.
Just make sure you're not standing on carpet and grounded yourself first by touching the metal case or PSU. 99% static build up when your room have carpet.

Don't forget to take a lot of pics and post them.

My house is fully carpeted. To be honest I never use one while adding parts to my other computers but never done a complete build from scratch before.

I wonder having a negative ion generator in my room is why I never had a incident.. hmmm

[Doctor_Death]

If your home is fully carpeted, then you may be better off using one, or at least making sure your grounded, it's better being safe than sorry.

[Lil' ½ Dead]

That would be terrible to buy all this stuff only to find out electrostatic discharge got you at the end.

Today the Anti-static Wrist Band once came loose from grounding.. I did touch the motherboard after the fact.

Doctor_Death, you have me paranoid here, what if...

[Deton]

Yes to be safe better than sorry.
When my office used to have carpet I do use the plastic chair mat which you can buy it from Staples Depot. I just stand on that and do the work.

Yeah...just grounded yourselft first before you touch everything.

[Lil' ½ Dead]

Do you guys think I would run into problems installing Windows 7 on this motherboard? The ESC website doesn't speak of capability..

[shattered.likeness]

There should not be any problems installing Windows 7 once it comes out. I've never had a problem installing an OS other than accidentally erasing the wrong hard drive.

[Lil' ½ Dead]

This is good news.

Have you tried Windows 7? how do you like it?

[shattered.likeness]

I love it! I have the latest release candidate here, I just haven't had the time to update it quiet yet. Still on Vista x64 for the moment. It is faster than XP from what I have seen, and everything is much more intuitive.