I hate to support a monopoly, but unless you're thoroughly familiar with the non-Intel microprocessors, I'd suggest a genuine Intel Microprocessor. That way, if there's a problem, a CPU incompatibility is already ruled out. Note that modern microprocessors MUST be attached to a fan.
I like to have the store I buy the motherboard at install the chips, including processor, memory and fan, and configure the jumpers. It's their job, they do it every day, and they're good at it. They're less likely to make a mistake than I am.
Install and bolt down the video card (do not install the video card's
software at this time). Plug a monitor into the video card and a keyboard
into the motherboard's keyboard slot, and power it up. You should see the
computer count up the proper amount of memory on the monitor during self
test. If this doesn't happen, check all your connections. If you're reasonably
certain they're correct, call the store where you bought the motherboard.
When you can get the self-test to count memory, go on to the next step.
Install any 3.5 to 5.25 mounting conversion kits. Slide the drives into the case, and connect all IDE and Floppy cables. If your case is a full tower, you may need 24 inch IDE cables instead of the standard 18 inch. The 24 inch are hard to find, so call before you drive. Make sure to match pin 1 on the drive to the red stripe on the ribbon cable. One easy mistake to make is to connect an IDE cable "off center" such that two pins on one side remain unconnected. Good lighting, any necessary eyeglasses, and double-checking are your best defenses against this. This type of error usually produces "won't boot" or "drive not recognized" type errors, but could theoretically cause permanent damage. Make sure all cables are fully inserted on their connectors. When everything is connected properly, screw the drives into the case.
Double and triple check all your connections. When you're confident you've done it right, insert the special "System Builder" diskette you made earlier in this document and power the machine on. When the Power-up sequence tells you to hit a key combination for setup, hit that key combination. If you have IDE drives, use the "auto configure drives" option of the setup program. (may be called something else in your BIOS). For name brand, modern IDE drives, this almost always gives the correct configuration, and you should think twice before changing it.
When you've configured the drives, save the configuration and continue
the boot. When the boot is finished you should be at an A:\DOS prompt.
Power the machine down and up again just to be on the safe side. If there's
any data on any of your hard drives you should be able to see it at this
point. However, you won't see your CD-ROM drive because you haven't installed
the drivers. If your machine boots to an A:\DOS prompt with your "System
Builder" diskette continue to the next step. Otherwise seek help from the
store selling you the motherboard.
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