Be sure to enter the BIOS upon initial startup and select the right processor. Check ALL BIOS settings. Then use your HDD's software to enable/disable UDMA-66 according to the IDE you're on.
There are 4 IDE slots on this motherboard for plugging in the HDD's, CD's, etc... most boards have 2. If this is your 1st effort stay away from IDE's 3 & 4 as they are under the control of the HPT UDMA66 controller and can cause trouble. You can always switch later.
Also stay away from PCI card slots 3 & 5 since they don't play nice with
other hardware. The worst is 5.
Be sure and read all the instructions in the manual. It explains which HDD
cable to use (80 or 40 lead depending on if you're using IDE 3 or 1 for the
HDD).
You might want to start with just the vid card, RAM, proc, floppy, and CD.
Less to worry about during the initial setup. Add the other PCI cards later.
The most important thing with this motherboard are the BIOS settings. If the
HDD is on IDE 1 disable the Ultra DMA-66 Controller (HPT controller) in
"Integrated Peripherals". If on IDE 3 have it enabled and change the "Second
Boot Device" (in Advanced BIOS Features) to UDMA66. The boot sequence should
be something like floppy/UDMA66/(anything but HDD 0, another "floppy" or "CD" will
do. My third boot device is a non-existant LS/Zip and it works with no problems). If you are on IDE 1 the stock boot sequence should be fine, but check anyway.
Your HDD should have come with software to enable/disable it's UDMA-66
capability. That is of course if it's capable of UDMA-66. Make sure it
matches the IDE/cable selection you chose. Do this first during initial
startup (after making the initial BIOS settings).
During the Win98 install it might ask you for "Mass Storage Device" drivers.
If on IDE 3 (HPT controlled) give it the latest HPT drivers that you had
thoughtfully placed on a floppy beforehand. :) Otherwise if on IDE 1 ignore the driver
install and recheck the BIOS setting for the HPT controller.
If you decide to try the HPT controlled IDE 3 you might need to flash the
BIOS for best hardware compatability.
