New build - i9-14900KF, ROG Maximus Z790 Dark Hero

[Snappy]

What key steps should I take to have as stable a build as possible. This will be using all new factory sealed components except for one or two supplemental storage hard drives. I wasn’t aware of stability issues with the i9-14900KF until after ordering the components for my build. This will be for intensive photo and 4K video editing. It has been 8 years since my last build but everything should come back to me.

I assume first step is to assure I have the latest ASUS bios before installing the OS. Is this the case even if it is the beta?

Thank you.

Intel Core i9-14900KF 3.2 GHz 24-Core LGA 1700 Processor

ASUS ROG MAXIMUS Z790 DARK HERO LGA 1700 ATX Gaming Motherboard

HX1200i Fully Modular Ultra-Low Noise Platinum ATX 1200 Watt PC Power Supply × 1

iCUE H170i ELITE CAPELLIX XT Liquid CPU Cooler × 1

ASUS GeForce RTX 4080 SUPER TUF Gaming OC Graphics Card

G.SKILL Trident Z5 Royal Series (Intel XMP 3.0) DDR5 RAM 96GB (2x48GB) 6400MT/s CL32-39-39-102

Samsung 4TB 990 PRO PCIe 4.0 x4 M.2 Internal SSD with Heatsink x 2

Samsung 4TB 990 PRO PCIe 4.0 x4 M.2 Internal SSD

Microsoft Windows 11 Pro (64-Bit, USB Flash Drive)

ASUS BW-16D1X-U External Blu-ray Drive

[dennys2009 · Accepted solution]

Hi!
1. Before installing the processor into the socket, make sure that the processor contacts are clean. It is not recommended to touch the processor pads. If there are traces of prints and you need to degrease with alcohol or eraser. After cleaning, make sure that there are no dust particles and debris.
2. I recommend installing a Thermalright LGA1700-BCF frame instead of the native processor clamp. The frame will ensure that the processor is evenly pressed against the pad, and the processor cover will not bend. Which will ensure good heat transfer to your cooling system.
3. Install RAM in slots A2 and B2. I also recommend degreasing the memory contacts and not touching them during installation.
4. SSD without a radiator designed for OS installation is best installed in the M2_2 slot.

5. SSD with radiator I don't know how you will install. You will have to remove the native radiator from the motherboard, which provides an aesthetic look at the same time. If you remove the heatsink from the SSD, you will lose the warranty. Which is also not desirable.
6. After building the computer and starting for the first time, immediately enter the BIOS and install the latest BIOS Version 1704. Set the profile to XMP I memory save and reboot. If the computer starts with XMP memory settings, then the main problems are over and you can start thinner settings in the BIOS or proceed to installing Windows.

[Snappy]

Thank you. I can exchange the two SSD's with heatsink for versions without if that is recommended for this board. I had read the 4TB 990's can run hot but seems the motherboard has its own.

I'm not sure how the GPU is going to fit in the Cooler Master Haf X case I plan on repurposing. I was planning on leaving the M2_1 slot empty since it shares bandwidth with PCIEX16(G5)_2 and I might end up needing that.

An Intel reply on another forum mentioned the Thermalright LGA1700-BCF frame might void Intel's warranty?

Could you explain what these thinner setting are or should be? A new Bios v 1801 is released and restores an option to disable C1E powerstate. Should this be disabled?

Thanks again. This is very helpful.

[dennys2009]

Hi!
1. Yes, it is better to replace SSDs with ones without radiator ones.
2. I agree that the M2_1 slot should be left empty. Therefore, I recommended installing one SSD in the M2_2, and where to install the second one is up to you.
3. Tell me, how does Intel know that there was a Thermalright LGA1700-BCF frame? When unscrewing the screws, no warranty stickers break. The native socket can be installed back. No one will know unless you tell it yourself.
4. Bios is such a thing that it is better not to go there if there is no knowledge and less listening to different advice. When you start your computer, use the default settings to understand how the system works. And then make adjustments depending on the situation.
5. I haven't tried BIOS 1801 yet, so I won't tell you. Intel previously insisted on including C1E. Why they changed their minds, you need to find out from Intel experts.

[Snappy]

After more research, I read conflicting information on the M.2_1 slot. I use extensive storage due to editing and archiving huge photo and video files. I would like to install at least four Samsung 4TB 990 PRO PCIe 4.0 x4 M.2 Internal SSD’s. I also back all files up on a NAS.

My plan was to install the M.2 SSD’s in slots 2 – 5. Now I’m wondering if I can use M.2_1.

I read M.2_1 slot would be the fastest of the 5 slots and could be a benefit if used for the OS.

I read the M.2_1 slot would only share bandwidth with PCIEX16(G5)_2 if the SSD was PCIe 5.0 x 4 mode. With a Samsung 990 Pro at 4.0 x4 mode, could I share with a GeForce RTX 4080 SUPER with both devices operating at full bandwidth?

M.2_1 shares bandwidth with PCIEX16(G5)_2. When M.2_1 is enabled, PCIEX16(G5)_2 will be disabled and PCIEX16(G5)_1 will run x8 only. 

Thank you.

[dennys2009]

If it were as you say.
Once you install the ssd in the connector M2_1 the graphics card will run in 8X mode. It doesn't matter 5.0 or even 3.0. The same applies to the PCIEX16 (G5) _2 port. stick a sound card there, the entire video card goes into 8X mode. Everything depends on the number of lines, not the 5.0 or 4.0 operating mode.

[Snappy]

Question of M.2 SSD installation. I have 3 Samsung 990 Pro's to install. Normally I would install just one, install the OS, power down and then install the other drives.

I was planning on using M.2 Slots 2, 3 and 4. With the heat-sing tape and cover, the GPU covering the slots, is it recommended to go ahead and install all three before loading the OS? It's been 8 years but shouldn't be a problem if I only initialize the SSD in slot 2.

Or should I install one, leave the heat-sink cover off while loading the OS, remove the GPU, add the other two SSD's, take the tape off the sink pads and replace the cover and GPU.

M.2 slot 4 and 5 don't have the bottom pad, just the top. Do i need to add anything on the bottom of the SSD in those slots?

Thank you.

[dennys2009]

Normally I would install just one, install the OS, power down and then install the other drives. A reasonable approach, it will be more difficult to make a mistake when installing the OS in choosing the desired SSD, because they are the same.
M.2 slot 4 and 5 don't have the bottom pad, just the top. Do i need to add anything on the bottom of the SSD in those slots? You do not need to add anything, because as a rule you need to cool the controller, and it is on top. If the SSDs are one-sided, then do not forget to glue the gasket that comes with the motherboard to the rubber stop, this will prevent the SSD from bending after installing the motherboard radiator cover.

[Snappy]

Sorry to keep asking the same question and expecting different answers but;

Can I install multiple M.2 SSDs, update the BIOS, disable in BIOS all the M.2 SSDs except the one in M.2_2, install the OS, go to BIOS and enable the additional SSDs and save me the step of  installing/re-installing the GPU and M.2 cover?

Thank you.

[dennys2009]

There has never been such a function in Bios and now there is none. Neither Sata nor M.2 can be disabled in Bios. You can only choose the default boot disk and that's it.