For Memory Speed, it is possible that you can increase it through the "Overclock" setting in BIOS. Not really sure if it also allows for increase in memory frequency, but it is possible that it's hidden there.
As for the "easier" part, as far as I can say, you had a normal build, mostly due to the time you took both to select the components, and to actually build it. Hope you do finally get the SLI to work as it should, and enjoy your computer as you deserve.

Now see, this is why I find it frustrating. I THOUGHT I was remembering this, and sure enough check under the DETAILS tab on this motherboard (this is the one I purchased). It lists the memory speeds supported.

1333 is NOT even one of them.

The lowest one it says it supports is 1600.

But BIOS insists it's running 1333.

So wrong. Just so wrong.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813135304&Tpk=ECS%20Golden%20board

OMG!!!!!!

*snoopy dance*

I've got SLI. I've got both hard drives. I've got updated drivers.

*snoopy dance*

I've got a brand new, super duper, computer that I BUILT (with everyone's help here).

*big time snoopy dance*

OMG OMG OMG. I fucking did it.

Never, EVER, would I have believed it.

Updating drivers fixed everything. Both cards are recognized. Both cards are functioning. SLI is running.

OMFG.

Now, if I can just turn that memory to the 1600 Mhz it's supposed to be, I'll have the dream computer I thought I had purchased!!!

OMG WHAT A FEELING!!!!

I BUILT THIS SUMBITCH!!!! DUMB ASS ME BUILT THIS.

And it LOOKS AWESOME. Gonna get some pics. Now remember, it's my first build, so you're not going to have a professional wirer here, I just did the best I could.

And now I'm off to play with my NEW SELF BUILT COMPUTER.

Awesome! Nice work, OFG! I'm pretty confident you'll get that memory sorted out too (likely it does have to do with some overclocking function). I'll see if I can find anything in that mobo manual.

Anyway, congrats and enjoy! :)

Congratulations! :D

Congrats, man. :)

Yep, I just did. lol. Now my memory is at 1600Mhz (just turned off, restarted, went into BIOS and checked).

ALL IS WELL in OLDFATGUYLAND!

This is so kewl!!! It feels awesome!! I never, ever thought I would do this. Even when I was doing it was full of doubt the whole time. This is a sweeeeeeet sweeeeeet feelling.

The best thing about the way it feels, to me, is every computer before this one, I was always afraid of touching anything. Gee what might that do, or what if that needs that, or something. I never really understand how each part played together.

But now, I go in there, rip shit out, move it around, and KNOW exactly what I'm changing.

I dunno, not explaining it well I'm sure, but it just FEELS completely different. I know everything about everything in this sucker cause I bought it, and I put in there. It's a level of.... security.. I think. Or something. I dunno. whatever it is it's AWESOME!

I'm glad it all ended up working out for you.

Glad to hear it worked out fine for you OFG.

In regards to your video card thing, it might just be that you didn't get the card seated all the way in at first. Or the connectors simply weren't lining up right.

Genuinely happy for you, congratulations! Let's hope it gives you no further trouble.

god man not even I could do that!

CONGRATS!!!

THANK YOU to all for the congrats!!

You know, I just figured out something else that is TOTALLY AWESOME about a self build, that was driving me crazy with computer I purchased.

I'm looking at my desktop right now, and you know what's on it???

The Recycle Bin.

That's IT.

That's ALL.

NOTHING ELSE.

I don't have to worry about what I guess some folks were calling 'bloatware" (although admit I'm not sure and might be misusing that term) but whatever you call it, it always drove me nuts.

The day you turned a new computer on it had a significant amount of desktop space and who knows how much hardware resources and I still think unnecessary behind the scense always running tasks, and it was and is old. This very laptop I'm typing this on is a prime example. Both new computers, both Windows 7 computers....

VASTLY DIFFERENT Desktops. lol

And you wanna know something else that is completely AWESOME tonight????

I am, right now, playing one of all time oldie but goodie favorite games (sorry, it's not a GOG game, although IMO it is a GREAT old game), Age of Empires. The first one. Before there were numbers. Still my all time favorite. I liked 3 a little, probably cause of the time period, but 2 I just didn't like, and have ALWAYS ALWAYS loved the original.

And I'm playing that right now on my brand new, self built, Windows 7, computer.

There used to be an old beer commercial (Old Milwaukee I think) that had the tag that i'm feeling right now. "It doesn't get any better than this.""


THANKS AGAIN SO MUCH to everyone. You may think I'm exaggerating but I'm not. I simply would NOT have done this, and succeeded at it, without your help. I dunno how I can ever properly thank you all.

I am forever in your debt.

Thank you, one and all.

Bloatware is the correct term. All those useless and space-consuming applications and trials that come preinstalled "for your convenience" on store-bought rigs.