Building my PC

Mach III

Mach III

Expert Member
Joined
Sep 28, 2010
Messages
3,495
Reaction score
200
Location
Somerset West
Hey guys

I recently bought the following parts:
CPU: Intel i7 3770
CPU Cooler: Coolermaster 211p cooler
Motherboard: Gigabyte z77-ud3h
Graphics card: PCS HD7950
Hard drive: Samsung 1TB h103si
Case: Cooler master 311b Elite
Power: Seasonic 750w m12II

I didn't budget for a dvd rom and the one my friend gave me is IDE so I can't connect it; hence l have to install windows form a USB lol.

It was the first PC I've built from scratch, and I almost installed my motherboard without the back pins, I realized something was wrong and subsequently put the back screws in. Upon completion it didn't boot and I thought I damaged my motherboard, however it was just the power to the CPU that was not plugged in! Luckily gigabyte makes high quality boards for dumbasses like me.

All is booted now, and the nice 3d bios tells me my temperatures are around 24 degrees which I think is safe.

Now: I need some tips:
1. Do I install my graphics card cd or just download the drivers from online?
2. I don't have the motherboard cd - which drivers should I download for the board? http://www.gigabyte.com/products/product-page.aspx?pid=4140#dl

Any other tips, suggestions are welcome!
 
1) Online
2) Get a model number off the board itself. You say z77-ud3h, but that link says Z77-D3H
 
Well done with your first PC build! I bet all of us have at some time forgot to plug in CPU power or a cable here and there... Or is it just me?

Agree with Bromster.
1) Download the latest Radeon driver from the website http://support.amd.com/us/gpudownload/Pages/index.aspx
At Step 2, select the "Radeon HD series". The driver you download also depends on your Windows installation.

2) If you have the Z77-UD3H http://www.gigabyte.com/products/product-page.aspx?pid=4441#dl
Download the drivers and BIOS updates. If you had an MSI mobo (motherboard), you could have used MSI Live Update, which is very handy on initial setup. Don't think Gigabyte has an app for that? Last had a Gigabyte mobo 4 years ago.

Also, you don't have to install all those Utilities you get with the GPU and Mobo. Some are handy, but most are useless. If you are into overclocking, then some Utilities become very handy.

If you don't manage, ask the forum.
 
bromster said:
1) Online
2) Get a model number off the board itself. You say z77-ud3h, but that link says Z77-D3H
Click to expand...

Sorry, my mind is so clouded researching every part that I do not know the difference between the ud3h and the d3h...

It is the d3h version http://www.rebeltech.co.za/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=19&products_id=5764

Gerhardva said:
Which operating system are you using?
Click to expand...

Windows 7 64bit, or any recommendations?

EmileS said:
Well done with your first PC build! I bet all of us have at some time forgot to plug in CPU power or a cable here and there... Or is it just me?

Agree with Bromster.
1) Download the latest Radeon driver from the website http://support.amd.com/us/gpudownload/Pages/index.aspx
At Step 2, select the "Radeon HD series". The driver you download also depends on your Windows installation.

2) If you have the Z77-UD3H http://www.gigabyte.com/products/product-page.aspx?pid=4441#dl
Download the drivers and BIOS updates. If you had an MSI mobo (motherboard), you could have used MSI Live Update, which is very handy on initial setup. Don't think Gigabyte has an app for that? Last had a Gigabyte mobo 4 years ago.

Also, you don't have to install all those Utilities you get with the GPU and Mobo. Some are handy, but most are useless. If you are into overclocking, then some Utilities become very handy.

If you don't manage, ask the forum.
Click to expand...

Haha, thanks. So I'm not completely retarded :)

Wish there was a live update, and BIOS, worth upgrading or not?
 
It is worth updating your BIOS, but it is not a must.

With regards to Utilities, I recommend to only download them when you need them or find a need for them.
 
F1 Fan said:
Not to be negative, but that board is terrible. I have one and it is extremely problematic when you need to format. I hope they have updated it as mine is about two years old.

Congrats on your first build....hope you enjoy it...
Click to expand...

I dunno, it seems to have excellent reviews. I see now that there were some problematic areas that have been corrected with BIOS updates. Wondering if I should update my BIOS. Hmmm.
 
My board had all kinds of issues because I bought it just after it was made. After a month of BIOS updates, everything was working fine. Gigabyte make very strong boards. You shouldn't have a minute's trouble with it. Looks nice too.

And I disagree with stating that a motherboard is terrible based on one person's experience with it.
 
bromster said:
My board had all kinds of issues because I bought it just after it was made. After a month of BIOS updates, everything was working fine. Gigabyte make very strong boards. You shouldn't have a minute's trouble with it. Looks nice too.

And I disagree with stating that a motherboard is terrible based on one person's experience with it.
Click to expand...

Makes me feel a bit better haha

I got the board for gaming. Has everything that I need :)
 
Kinda get where he was coming from with the board. Getting it to boot from a USB was such a mission. Oh well, that's all over; up and running now and this thing is insane! Have it running through my 24" monitor and it's amazing.
 
Just let windows pick the drivers. Unless windows fcks it up somehow that is generally fine (e.g. mine didn't pick up the lan).

Except for the gfx of course.

Also - why no SSD for OS partition? Seriously you need to make a plan there. It'll make the box feel 10x faster. :)

Congrats on new box though - its a great feeling having a new toy.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top
Sign up to the MyBroadband newsletter
X