Setup Guide (detailed) for Windows 2003 64bit

Question

I am thinking of writing a comprehensive guide to installing and running Windows Server2003 for AMD64bit. I have been running this setup for three days now and have done exhaustive testing. I have it running like a workstation and have full directx9 hadware acceleration on the ATI9800Pro, promise SATA Raid 0 is sweet and now have the Audio and network drivers installed and working without issue.
It is a rather complex procedure but it is well worth it to experience 64bit windows.
As a tatster  Sandra File Benchmarks on my Raid 0 are 127500 a new record, PCMark2002 drive score 4333 another record, PIfast bench (Hexus Uk) 53 seconds another record, 3DMark2003 6350 with the microsoft drivers no overclocking of card.
If there is sufficient interest I will do this.
The beta version is downloadable from Microsoft for free.
I would require hosting for screenies and driver download links...so any help appreciated.
Please register your interest and I will get to it if there is enough to justify the time.

Answer 1

WINDOWS SERVER 2003 SET UP GUIDEBefore you begin I STRONGLY suggest backing up all data, and installing to a separate partition or drive, you will be sorry later if you havent believe me.
This is my Set Up for clarification.
Athlon64 3200 at 225 fsb Prime stable.
1 gig of Kingston HyperX 3500 BH5 chips
Timings are 2 3 2 8
2 x Maxtor SATA 160gig 8mb Cache in Raid 0 on the Promise(less prone to errors)
HIS Excalibur 9800pro
Sony DRU500A
Sony CRX 220E1
NEC DVD ROM
Onboard Sound
Belkin wireless adsl modem/router
Enermax 651P PSU
Voltages as follows
Vcore 1.525
Dimm 2.80
AGP 1.60
Turbo selected in bios
Cool & Quiet enabled
DOT Off
FSB 225
Bios 1.20 complete with bugs.....!!!
I have found a superb guide that shows you how to change Windows Server2003 into a Workstation. So as I do not approve of plagiarism I will link you all to it, it is an excellent guide and I wish id seen it before my adventure. This guide was written for the 32bit edition, most of it is correct but you ignore the refernce to installing Direct X as it is already included, also ignore the section covering Themes.
LINK http://www.msfn.org/win2k3/
Here is a Link to the Windows 2003 Server 64bit  download
LINK  http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2003/64bit/extended/trial/default.mspx
Some specific things you will need on the K8T Neo
If you install with cool & quiet support enabled in bios it must remain enabled otherwise you will fail to boot to the desktop.
There is no need to install the AMD cool & quiet driver.
There are drivers for the Network card and the Audio Codec, if someone will host them for me i will mail them to them, the Audio driver is already listed here in the forum. I would appreciate a mod linking to it in here.
Do not try and install any drivers that only support 32bit windows xp, they will interfere with your 64 bit driver installation.
The best way to install your drivers is by using the Have Disk method.
For best results use an Ethernet based modem or a router, as there is limited support for USB based DSL modems. Also there is no Integrated Firewall in thsi edition, so if you do not have one try using Zone Alarm.
The promise raid drivers are available directly from Promise here is a link
Promise 64bit Raid drivers  
LINK http://www.promise.com/support/download/download2_eng.asp?productId=107&category=driver&os=0
You can use these with just one drive installed, just set up a single drive raid in the Promise Bios. You must use the F6 floppy install during set up.
My preferred order of things, is to follow the guide first, then install your new drivers.
One thing to note is the increased memory efficiency, the os will use up as much as it can. Also multitasking is smoother. All in all for a Beta it is very stable.
Anything else I can think of I will add later..
Here is a PCMark2002 Screenshot http://www.satanslaw.co.uk/amd64/PCMark2002%20Win64.JPG
Link to the Lan Driver here http://www.satanslaw.co.uk/amd64/RTL69A64(105).zip
Link to the Audio Driver Here http://www.satanslaw.co.uk/amd64/Rtlaudio[1].A64.zip
Thanks to Paul for the hosting
HAVE FUN