Need help for my Asus M5A97 R2.0 Motherboard

[Aaz09]

Hi I am building a gaming computer and I have bought all of the parts I need. This is my first build and I think I have already made a few mistakes. I have all the parts installed except for the processor.

What I am wondering is if the Corsair Vengeance 8gb (1x8gb) compatible with my motherboard?

Also, I think I may have damaged my motherboard because i touched it without grounding myself when I was installing it. Do you guys know if they are static protected?

My setup is:
Case: Antec 1100
Motherboard: Asus M5A97 R2.0
Processor: AMD Fx-8350 Black
Graphics Card: Nvidia Gtx 660
Power Supply: Kentek 1000w
Ram: Corsair Vengeance 8gb (1x8gb)
Hard Drive: 1 Tb WD
Operating System: Windows 7 Ultimate 64/32 bit

 

[alexoiu]

Hi, Some thoughts:
Corsair doesn't list compatible kits for the board so you'll know after starting it if the module works or not.
Then the CPU requires a BIOS update, so you might need using the Flashback (read carefully the manual for how to).
Don't worry about static discharges, if the board wasn't connected to the power supply.
I would firstly test the board outside the case (on its box), or have you installed it already in the case?
Some good tutorials: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lPIXAtNGGCw

 

[Aaz09]

Thank you for the reply and the tutorial. I'm picking up my processor tomorrow so I'll be able to test my motherboard. I installed the board in the case, I was afraid of static discharge before I installed. Not every part is installed except for the processor.

When I was looking at the reviews for my Ram stick I noticed people saying something about changing the ram speed to 1600 MHz in the Bios. Apparently the ram stick starts at 1333 MHz, wondering how to do that .Manual doesn't mention it.

Wondering if I should wear rubber gloves when installing my processor, should I try to ground myself while installing?

Thank you for the tutorial!

 

[empty213]

Most Corsair Vengeance 1600Mhz dual channel kit or in your case just one stick runs at 1333Mhz first, the title just states that it can run at 1600Mhz usually at same timings. Just go to BIOS, then find DRAM-Frequency and change it to 1600Mhz, in my experience with Corsair Vengeance kits, no need to change timings unless you want to explore.
Unless the your system is plugged in an outlet while placing the CPU then you're good to go without any gloves or such. Also you can just touch your PSU before doing anything.

 

[alexoiu]

You're welcome. I would take the board outside the case and check the board's BIOS version (a barcode sticker on the motherboard, the last 4 digits stand for the BIOS version). If older than 1006 http://www.asus.com/Motherboards/AMD_AM3Plus/M5A97_R20/#CPUS , downloading the latest BIOS file from ASUS http://www.asus.com/Motherboards/AMD_AM3Plus/M5A97_R20/#download and using flashback (read the manual - if unsure how to, post back) - shortly, download, unzip, rename, save on a FAT formatted USB stick, plug in the designated port (not any USB port can be used), connect the power cables, turn the power supply on and press the flashback button for 3 seconds http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ADcdnwMjd_I or http://event.asus.com/2012/mb/USB_BIOS_Flashback_GUIDE/ or similar. But read the manual first.
Then with the board outside the case and the power supply disconnected, install the CPU, the CPU fan, one RAM stick, graphics card, DVD drive, keyboard and mouse. It's much more easier outside than inside the case. Use the board's box as support. Start the board and test if all's fine.
If OK, power off, disconnect the PSU cables, uninstall the graphics card, RAM module, DVD drive, keyboard, mouse and install the board inside. Take care that the standoffs exacty match the board's screw holes (an extra standoff can short the board).
If you feel more comfortable, wear rubber gloves. When manipulating the CPU, use its sides, not the faces. Before installing, check it for bent pins.
When installing or uninstalling components, make sure that the power supply cables are disconnected or the PSU is off or unplugged.

 

[Aaz09]

Hi just installed the processor, everything is fine except that at the beginning of a start up it says something about a CPU Fan failed. But when I press F1 to go to setup it shows the fan spinning at 3000rpm or something like that. Is this something to do with an update? I just got everything installed except for the firmware update. Going to do it now.

 

[Aaz09]

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