EXTRAS: Frequently Asked Motherboard Questions
Q: When installing hard drives, does it matter which SATA port the drive connects to on the motherboard?
A: SATA hard drives and optical drives can connect to any SATA port on the motherboard. There is no specific order for connecting SATA drives.
Q: When installing the CPU, is thermal paste required?
A: Yes, thermal paste is required for heat to properly transfer from the CPU to the heatsink/fan assembly.
Q: Is it important to use an anti-static mat or wrist band when installing the motherboard or other components?
A: Yes, using an anti-static mat and/or wrist band is very important to prevent electrostatic discharge (ESD) from transferring to the components and possibly rendering them inoperable.
Q: Are standoffs always required when installing the motherboard?
A: Some cases have built-in motherboard standoffs, however some do not and require standoffs. Most computer cases will come equipped with motherboard standoffs if they are required, otherwise you will want to check in the manual that came with the case.
Q: How often should I update my BIOS?
A: The system BIOS should only be updated if there is an issue with the system. Updating the BIOS on a fully functional system can cause issues and is not recommended.
Q: Should I install my operating system or the drivers CD first?
A: The operating system has to be installed first in order to install the motherboard drivers.
Q: When installing my operating system, why doesn't it see the hard drive?
A: Sometimes, if the motherboard is set up for a RAID configuration, older operating systems such as Windows XP will not recognize the hard drive and will require information from the Drivers disc. Consult the motherboard manual for more information.
A: SATA hard drives and optical drives can connect to any SATA port on the motherboard. There is no specific order for connecting SATA drives.
Q: When installing the CPU, is thermal paste required?
A: Yes, thermal paste is required for heat to properly transfer from the CPU to the heatsink/fan assembly.
Q: Is it important to use an anti-static mat or wrist band when installing the motherboard or other components?
A: Yes, using an anti-static mat and/or wrist band is very important to prevent electrostatic discharge (ESD) from transferring to the components and possibly rendering them inoperable.
Q: Are standoffs always required when installing the motherboard?
A: Some cases have built-in motherboard standoffs, however some do not and require standoffs. Most computer cases will come equipped with motherboard standoffs if they are required, otherwise you will want to check in the manual that came with the case.
Q: How often should I update my BIOS?
A: The system BIOS should only be updated if there is an issue with the system. Updating the BIOS on a fully functional system can cause issues and is not recommended.
Q: Should I install my operating system or the drivers CD first?
A: The operating system has to be installed first in order to install the motherboard drivers.
Q: When installing my operating system, why doesn't it see the hard drive?
A: Sometimes, if the motherboard is set up for a RAID configuration, older operating systems such as Windows XP will not recognize the hard drive and will require information from the Drivers disc. Consult the motherboard manual for more information.
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