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

[Steven Vollom]

Willy K. Hamra wrote:
> Steven Vollom wrote:
>   
>> 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.
>>
>>     
>
> i know what you mean. it starts to feel like home here ;)
>   
Do you think my inquiry for help in installation was appropriate?  I 
don't want anyone to associate my name with being a rule breaker or 
insensitive to the objective of the forum.
>   
>> 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.
>>     
>
> you're not a gamer? lol, this crap you're buying is a lot of gamers'
> dream system, at least mine :P
>   
I am a fine artist and have a minor interest in movie production.  I am 
older and haven't had the interest in games.  There is not enough time 
in the day to expand my interests without giving up something I love to 
do.  And mostly this started with my purchase of memory with a retail 
value at the time of $4800 for $100.  When I got the winning bid on 12gb 
of ECC memory, it sold for just under $800 for a 2gb stick.  It's a lot 
cheaper now, but when I bought it, it motivated me to make a computer 
that could use it, providing I could get the components at an affordable 
price.  I was looking for an additional GB of memory and saw the 12gb 
offer with no bids and 7 minutes left.  I no more than made the minimum 
bid offer than I got an accepted offer reply.  I paid about $100 for the 
TB of HDD's, another pretty good last minute bid.  I paid about $100 for 
the Quad core, and I got the Motherboard for right at $200 which even 
included shipping.  The Motherboard was the toughest purchase.  I made a 
lot of last minute bids on reasonably inactive offerings and got a lot 
of bang for my buck.
>   
>> 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 don't have a 64-bit system, but i read some of the 64-bit issues
> discussed on the list, though not in great detail. one of the issues is
> flash in browsers, but i remember it was solved. your best approach for
> anything is to rely on the official repositories, and avoid getting too
> much software from outside, as these are likely to not work. at least
> that all i manages to learn from 64-bit discussions
>   
Do you mean those in Adept Package Manager?  And would you install Hardy 
or Intrepid?
>   
>> 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.
>>     
It appeared that SLI technology required Vista?  Has that kind of 
situation been worked out in Kubuntu?
>
> that's marketing ;) hard drives work everywhere, there is no such thing
> as "built specifically for Windows", anything that works for windows,
> works for linux, the opposite is not always true. if you're sure you
> don't want to deal with Windows at all, wipe the HD clean as soon as you
> build your PC.
>
>   
>> 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.
>>     
>
> i've built 40+ PCs in the last 3 years, but those are all 32-bit Intel
> systems. Intel board, Intel processor, nVidia Cards, and some random
> accessories. one of my most common mistakes that isn't dangerous but
> might give you a heart attack, is improper wiring care. make sure all
> wires are tied together properly, and non of them touch and fan,
> specially after you close the case.
> be careful with the CPU, make sure you're hands are firm and it might
> not slip from them.
> i usually bring a case with the power supply already in it. i start with
> mother board, then CPU, then RAMs. i start working with the small wires
> and pins. afterwards, i go for HDs and CD drives. connect the to the
> board. connect them to power supply, connect the board with the power
> supply. and then any extensions, VGA, sound card or something else.
> you need to be careful with CPU cooling. make sure that the heatsink is
> touching the CPU firmly. usually the clay-like substance beween them
> ensures that they are connected with each other. or else, the heatsink
> won't be able to suck the temperature from the CPU effectively! so be
> careful here.
>   
This is the kind of advice I wanted.  Thanks.
>   
>> Cordially,
>>
>> Steven                                                                 
>> P.S.:  Can you think of anything needed that I am missing, other than
>>                                                                          
>>             the Arctic Silver?
>>
>>     
>
> an ATI VGA? it's far less trouble than nVidia nowadays, specially if
> you're planning to use KDE4
>   
Will the on board Video be OK for a while?  I would like to get the 
system up and running.
>
>
>