Changing from 32 to 64 bit, I need some 64 bit help.

Sun Nov 9 00:06:28 UTC 2008

Alan Dacey wrote:
> Steven Vollom wrote:
>   
>> Over the past year I have accumulated the components for a new 
>> computer.  I will be changing to 64 bit.
>>
>> Not having a 64 bit system, I have not been paying attention to the 
>> unique problems 64 bit users have had when installing and configuring a 
>> Kubuntu OS.  I would like to begin with a stable application, so which 
>> version should I start with?
>>
>> *The following is a request for advice on installing new equipment; 
>> since it doesn't concern Kubuntu, don't use your time reading it unless 
>> you have the time and/or experience to advise on assembly.
>> *
>> The motherboard and case are in transit right now as the last components 
>> necessary to build a functioning 64 bit system.
>>
>> The motherboard is a rather sophisticated unit, and I have some concerns 
>> about assembly.  If anyone has assembled a computer using an ASUS 
>> Mempipe motherboard would you advise any particular problem I may 
>> encounter installing the cooling system, or for that matter, any other 
>> area of concern when assembling a new system?
>>
>> I have never purchased and installed a new processor, but I am told the 
>> one I bought generates a lot of heat immediately, so I want to make sure 
>> I install it properly before firing up for the first time.  There seems 
>> to be a pre-coated area for contact between the processor and the heat 
>> sink.  Is that sufficient, or do I need to apply a coating made for that 
>> purpose?  I have heard of such a procedure.  The processor is an AMD 
>> quad 9600.
>>
>> On a rather fortunate last moment bid for some memory on Ebay, I 
>> purchased 12gb of Axiom ECC DDR2 memory.  I got it all for the minimum 
>> opening bid, so I have more memory than my board can handle and will 
>> probably have as much memory as I can use for the first time in my 
>> life.  The motherboard can handle 8gb.
>>
>> If my luck holds, I will win the bid on an 800W power supply which is 
>> suitable for the components I have.  Can I install that after installing 
>> the other components, or is there a potential hazard in choosing that 
>> order of installation?
>>
>> I am a little cautious because I am probably over my head with this 
>> installation, so should I only start with one 2gb stick, or should I go 
>> ahead and install all 8gb?  The complicated assembly of the heat pipe 
>> system of cooling for the memory makes me want to install it all at the 
>> same time, but I don't know if that is wise.
>>
>> If I have infringed on the etiquette of this forum by adding this 
>> assembly information request, I am very sorry.  Please advise so that I 
>> don't screw up again.
>>
>> Thanks for any help,
>> Steven
>>
>>     
> I will not be any help on the 64-bit questions, but I do know something about 
> putting all the parts together.  First thing I need is a list of your 
> components.  What exact motherboard, the M3N-HT?  What video card, or are you 
> using the onboard 780i?  Is your memory DDR3 1066?  Stock cooling fan?
> To answer your cooling question, since it seems you have a pretty high-end setup 
> (not ti mention a quad core!), I would say that you will _need_ to put a coating 
> of silver paste between the cpu and the cooling fan.  If you do not have any 
> yet, I would suggest the brand Arctic Silver.  The link on the bottom is an example.
> You can always change a power supply at any time.  If you are installing linux, 
> you do not need to worry about how much memory is in the board (at least I never 
> had a problem)
>
> Alan
>
>
> http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835100007
>   
Hi Alan,

Thanks for the response.  I know it is out of order for this forum, but 
I get my best help here.

The Motherboard is an   ASUS M3N-HT Deluxe Mempipe Motherboard SLI AM2+ 
.  For now I am going to use the on-board  sound and video.  It has 
taken me a long time to get the components together, so I am going to 
use the on-board equipment until I can afford to improve.  At least I 
will have a better system.

The Memory is in 2gb sticks.  It is Axiom DDR2 ECC 667 mhz.  I am not a 
gamer, so I am sure it will more than meet my needs.  I will install 8gb.

The Power Supply will be a *Thermaltake Toughpower 850-Watt, or a 
**Thermaltake Toughpower 700-Watt.  *The bid comes to a close late 
evening tomorrow  on the 850.  I expect getting it, however if I don't, 
the 700 comes due in 2 days.  Surely I will succeed on one or the 
other.  If I don't, I will purchase an 800 that is offered at a fixed 
price.  So installation will take place in about a week.  I am just 
trying to get my T's crossed and my I's dotted before it arrives.

I have 2ea. Maxtor DiamondMax 11 mode 1: 6H500FO 500gb Sata 3.0gb HDD's.

DVDRW Sony 16X (used)
DVDRom Toshiba 48X (used)

My new case is an *Antec Three Hundred ATX Computer Case.  *The case 
includes several fans, with two for video cards when I finally get 
them.  I purchased this case because it has washable reusable filters, 
and it seems to be prepared with sufficient cooling fans.  And of 
course, the mempipe system is designed to keep the system 10 C cooler 
because of their design.

Because at present, I don't have a 64 bit system, I pretty much ignored 
all the emails that relate to it.  I am hopeful someone with experience 
will recommend the proper distribution of Kubuntu.

I do have a huge problem that I am trying to rectify.  The hard drives 
and the motherboard are pre-configured to work with Vista, which I do 
not have.  Is this something I can work around?  A new copy is very 
costly, and I will not use it once the system is installed.

I sacrificed all comforts to be able to purchase these components this 
past year; I live on a low fixed income, so I really can't afford to 
screw up on the installation.  So if you can forewarn me of any 
pitfalls, I would appreciate it.

Cordially,

Steven                                                                 
P.S.:  Can you think of anything needed that I am missing, other than

            the Arctic Silver?