What to do when upgrading/building new computer.

Research:

Download the manuals for at least three motherboards (available as PDFs from most manufacturer websites) and read them cover to cover at least once each.
- Probably not all in the same sitting.
- Make sure one of those three is the Dell 09KPNV motherboard (obviously).

I strongly suggest doing this as you are assembling an Intel Xeon workstation/server hybrid system.

As for the PSU make sure that it supports both the EPS 12V and ATX standards, then triple check this against the motherboard and even the processor support list of the motherboard assuming the 'worst case' BIOS. (As you can't really flash the BIOS if you cannot boot the machine).
- Check that it can power at least TWO CPU sockets for that mobo.

You may also want to check some Tyan, SuperMicro, and maybe the 'business workstation/server' motherboards that Gigabyte offer (as they have an easy to navigate website & I know they all have comprehensive manuals available) for motherboards that are 'similar', with the same and different chipsets compared to the Dell one.

At least this way you will be far more mentally prepared and have information 'on hand' should something not go quite to plan.

Remember: Since it's a workstation/server board to triple check the RAM requirement, as it may need Registered and/or ECC and/or IBM ChipKill(tm) and/or 'specific memory feature or layout' for optimal performance (or even just to boot up).
- e.g. Many 'workstation/server' boards require 4Rx128 or 4Rx16 RAM for optimal performance, especially if the memory is ECC and the 'lame/weak' ECC detection/correction method is being used.
- Even if it does not REQUIRE 4Rx128 if all the modules on the officially supported memory list are 4Rx128 then it's kinda obvious what they're trying to say (it's better for the more advanced ECC scrubbing techniques, although I still lean towards IBM ChipKill(tm) technology personally...).


Brainstorm, and don't try to think it all in one sitting...
- Sleep on it at least twice, for at least 7 hours, and keep the motherboard screws -and your own personal screws- in check before, during & after.


I do not know the specific chipset, nor it's BIOS configuration, for that specific Dell motherboard off the top of my head.

Sorry, that should read "EVGA Classified SR-2" motherboard, not the Dell one.
- Of course I would still recommend reading the Dell one, as one of the two extras, so that you know exactly what sort of system that the CPU(s) came from, and what sort of chipset configuration, etc. you're dealing with.

Since you're dealing with a large motherboard (regardless) and two workstation processors I'd also suggest commiting the heatsink installation procedure to memory, as backplanes may be involved.
- Install them prior to installing the motherboard in the case (probably required, ensure good space and working environment, etc.).

Wait a sec, do you want them both on one motherboard?
- Some reports of the CPU not working on dual-proc boards with the requisite Intel 5500 series chipset