BIOS Setup and OS Installation: Getting Your PC Ready to Run
Now that your PC is fully assembled, the next step is to configure your BIOS settings and install your operating system (OS). BIOS setup and OS installation are essential for getting your new custom-built computer ready to use. In this guide, we’ll walk you through BIOS configuration, OS installation (both Windows and Linux), and setting up initial system preferences. This step-by-step approach will ensure that your PC boots up efficiently and is optimized for performance.
Check it out: Building Your Own Desktop PC: The Complete Guide Series
1. Powering On and Accessing the BIOS
The first time you power on your custom-built PC, you’ll need to enter the BIOS to configure basic settings.
- Step 1: Connect your monitor, keyboard, and mouse, and power on the PC. Quickly press the BIOS access key (usually Delete, F2, or F12 depending on the motherboard) to enter the BIOS.
- Step 2: Once in the BIOS, familiarize yourself with the layout. Most modern BIOS interfaces are user-friendly, with menus for each setting.
Expert Tip: If you’re unsure about the BIOS access key, check your motherboard’s manual for instructions.
2. Configuring Essential BIOS Settings
Several essential BIOS settings optimize your PC’s performance and ensure compatibility with your components.
- Boot Order: Set your primary storage device (e.g., NVMe SSD or SATA SSD) as the first boot device, as this is where the OS will be installed.
- XMP (Extreme Memory Profile): Enable XMP if you’re using high-performance RAM to ensure it runs at the advertised speed.
- Fan Profiles: Set custom fan curves if your BIOS supports it, adjusting fan speeds for balanced cooling and noise levels.
- Secure Boot: This setting enhances security, particularly if installing Windows. Enable it unless you’re using an OS that requires it to be off, such as some versions of Linux.
Expert Tip: Avoid adjusting advanced settings like voltage or overclocking unless you have experience. Start with default settings and revisit them once your system is running smoothly.
3. Saving BIOS Settings and Exiting
After configuring your BIOS settings, you’ll need to save them.
- Step 1: Navigate to the Save & Exit menu.
- Step 2: Select Save and Exit to apply your changes. Your PC will restart, applying the new settings.
4. Installing the Operating System (OS)
With the BIOS configured, it’s time to install your operating system. We’ll cover Windows 11 and Linux, two popular choices.
A. Installing Windows 11
- Step 1: Create a bootable USB drive using the official Windows Media Creation Tool, available at https://www.microsoft.com/software-download/windows11.
- Step 2: Insert the USB drive into your PC, restart, and enter the BIOS to set the USB drive as the primary boot device.
- Step 3: Save and exit BIOS, which will restart your system and boot from the USB. Follow the on-screen prompts to begin Windows installation.
- Step 4: During installation, select the drive where you want to install Windows. Windows will partition the drive automatically.
- Step 5: Once installed, follow the setup wizard to configure language, Wi-Fi, and Microsoft account settings.
Affiliate Link: Shop quality, reliable USB drives for creating bootable OS installers.
B. Installing Linux (Ubuntu as Example)
- Step 1: Download the Ubuntu ISO file from https://ubuntu.com/download and create a bootable USB drive using software like Rufus.
- Step 2: Insert the USB drive, restart, and enter the BIOS to set it as the primary boot device.
- Step 3: Save and exit BIOS. Your PC will boot into the Ubuntu installer.
- Step 4: Follow the prompts to select your language, partition the drive, and begin installation.
- Step 5: Complete initial setup, including username and password creation.
Expert Tip: Linux is an excellent choice for open-source software and programming tasks. You can also set up a dual-boot system to switch between Windows and Linux.
5. Setting Up Initial System Preferences
After installing the OS, configure your system preferences to optimize performance and usability.
- Update Drivers: Ensure all drivers, including those for your GPU, motherboard, and peripherals, are up to date. Windows often handles this automatically, but visiting the manufacturer’s websites ensures the latest versions.
- Configure Display Settings: Adjust resolution and refresh rate based on your monitor’s specs. For example, if you’re using a 144Hz monitor, set the refresh rate in Display Settings.
- Power Settings: Configure power settings for optimal performance or balanced use, depending on your needs. On Windows, choose the “High Performance” plan for resource-heavy tasks.
- Set Up User Accounts and Security Settings: Add additional user accounts if needed, and set up security options such as PINs or facial recognition.
Affiliate Link: Shop high-quality display or peripherals to optimize you system further.
6. Testing System Stability
Before jumping into daily use, test your system’s stability to ensure everything runs smoothly.
- Run Stress Tests: Use software like Prime95 for CPU stress testing and FurMark for GPU stress testing. These tests help verify that your cooling is effective and that the system is stable under load.
- Monitor Temperatures: Tools like HWMonitor or Core Temp allow you to check CPU and GPU temperatures to ensure they remain within safe limits.
Expert Tip: If your system crashes during stress tests, it may indicate issues with cooling, connections, or component compatibility.
Conclusion
Setting up BIOS and installing your operating system are crucial steps in getting your custom PC ready to run. With your BIOS configured and your OS installed, your PC is now fully operational and ready for software installations, games, or creative work. In our next post, we’ll cover essential drivers, software, and initial testing to get your PC running at peak performance.
Here is next post for “Installing Drivers, Essential Software, and Initial Testing for Your PC” to take your PC from setup to optimized performance!