Installation
Test Rig:
AMD Phenom II X3 720
Kingston HyperX DDR3-1600 2GB Kit
Asus Matrix GTX 260 Video Card
Thermaltake Toughpower Cable Management 850 Watt PSU
Spire TherMax Pro CPU Cooler
NZXT Tempest Extended Midtower
Windows Vista Ultimate 64-bit
Installation is very straightforward. Observe the “keys” on the rear of the CPU, and carefully install the CPU into the socket. Prepare the CPU by cleaning with isopropyl alcohol and a lint free cloth.
Apply thermal compound as per the manufacturer’s instructions. Be aware that if you are using a CPU cooler with exposed heatpipes that directly touch the CPU heatspreader, you need to spread the compound with a credit card or other thin flat object as the cooler’s base will not properly spread the compound.
Prep the cooler base by cleaning with isopropyl alcohol and a lint free cloth.
Install the cooler per manufacturer’s instructions.
Install the DDR3 memory into the two black memory slots. Just to mention, DDR2 memory will not fit this motherboard. If you are using more than two memory modules, I’d recommend using two modules at first, and once the operating system is installed and the system is up and running, then install the others.
Install the motherboard’s I/O shield into the opening in the case, then install the motherboard. If you are using a large cooler, you will probably be better served by plugging in the power supply’s ATX12v connector to the board prior to placing the motherboard into the case. In my case there was plenty of room.
Wire things up, install your video card(s) if you are using them, double check your work, and you’re done!
