As I approach this project, I'm curious about in which order some steps should be taken. First, according to the NewEgg video, I'll do an external build to ensure that the MOBO, processor, GPU, ram and power supply all work. Then I'll put together the system (and this is where I'm confused) First update the chipset from the Asus site, then go into the bios to make its set up properly (this according to NickN) and I suppose this means that the basic manufacturer recommended settings are correct. Then I install Windows 7 64, and the updated drivers for lan, video etc. add virus prtection, MS Office, email, etc. Or do I overclock before the installation of Windows, I doubt it, but do I overclock before the installation of FSX or after? After tweaking Nvidea Inspector? How would you guys approach this? Thanks. Dan

Well I probably should have tested mine before but i didn't. I trust my manufacturers. Usually its OS first then reboot, chipset, reboot, GPU, reboot and then everything else. You do OC after windows install cos that allows you to do stress tests. Don't worry, your not alone with OS and s/ware questions.

I installed the drivers first before windows (I think) using the manufacturers disk and then updated once I had windows installed. I think it would be better to download the drivers in advance and then install the up to date ones first. The Newegg videos are great, I followed them and had no issues. Here are my photos from the build and you can see my out of box test.....quite a relief when it started. http://forum.avsim.net/topic/300591-pictures-of-our-fsx-computers/page__view__findpost__p__2002936 Mark.

My bro did the drivers and OS (not my favorite part) but I think its what he did.

Overclocking is the very very last thing you do. After FSX is fully installed and everything is stable on standard clocks, then you can OC.

First, according to the NewEgg video, I'll do an external build to ensure that the MOBO, processor, GPU, ram and power supply all work.

I don't like this idea of doing an external build. The safest place for all your components is your case. You're much more likely to mess something up or short something out playing with the components on your desk.

you usually do an external build on the mobo box. I put the CPU and RAM in while it was on the box.

I don't like this idea of doing an external build. The safest place for all your components is your case. You're much more likely to mess something up or short something out playing with the components on your desk.

I agree. If you have a proper case, it is very easy to install all your components(where they are solid and grounded correctly). If something doesn't work, it is not hard to swap parts. Assembling a computer is not rocket science. You have to be careful, and know what you are doing. But no need to make it harder than it is. Bob