ok so i tried the RAM from my dad's computer and the one stick at time thing with my original m/b and no luck.

so DHL comes in with my "new" cpu and motherboard.

i install everything, do all the jumpers, bla bla bla

on the first power up i'm greeted with a constant beep with no video and no post.

so i'm already pissed. i try different RAM chips again, my old power supply, and some other issues.

an hour and a half later i bump the cpu heatsink and i hear it "clunk".

i turn on the power and voila, the thing boots up.

yay.