Asus Rampage 3: Dimms, BIOS settings...er...help!

Hello Guys,

I need some help with my setup. Intel 980x, Rampage Extreme 3, Sapphire 4970 4GB, 2x CMT6GX3M3A2000C8 (12GB total via 6 dimms), Enermax 1.25Kw PSU, Crucial C300 256GB SSD, KillerNIC 2100 Pro PCIe. Cooling is via aquaduct 720xt with Aquacomputer cuplex kryos HF. I had to RMA my PSU due to the fan making a clicking sound. Before sending the PSU back I had a few issues that I want to research / need advice and help on:

BIOS was an early one.

1. Initially I could only get the PC to post by using one dimm. What can I do to work through this issue? I have 6 dimms in total and did not upgrade BIOS at all. Wanted to RMA the PSU, get it all working properly before doing anything.
2. BIOS update. Should I use the BIOS option to do the update? What is the most reliable method. Its a new PC and want to use the safest method using as few resources as possible.
3. There are 2 BIOS chips. How do I update both chips? Restart using each one?
4. This is the most important question / info I need. My CPU, mobo and RAM and quite popular. Can someone please post up default manual BIOS settings I can use? My experience with 'auto' options is BIOS has not been good. I dont want OCed settings. Just stock settings I can write down and compare to when things go wrong. I read the re3 thread from beginning to end and even posted there...no one responded. My previous mobos were EVGA SLI-DR, Abit MAX3, DFI...I just need a set of standard settings to get the PC 100% solid stable. I can then do the OCing (fun part) when I am ready to kill my temp windows install.

My PC is currently down...so want to get the background research out of the way ready for when I have a PSU.

I really appreciate your advice and help - thank u:confused:

JenBell (p.s...please be as detailed as possible to avoid misunderstandings...from myside...know my tech...just not the speak:ROTF:...sry..sad joke)