10 BIOS Settings that Need to be Changed after Assembling Your Gaming PC

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10 BIOS Settings to Change After Building Your Gaming PC: A Comprehensive Guide

After assembling your brand new gaming PC, the excitement is palpable. However, booting directly into your operating system installation isn’t the finish line. A crucial step often overlooked is configuring your BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) or UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) settings. These adjustments can significantly impact your system’s performance, stability, and security. Let’s delve into ten essential BIOS settings you should consider changing:

1. Boot Order Priority:

This setting dictates the order in which your computer attempts to boot from different storage devices. By default, some motherboards might prioritize older standards or even network booting. To ensure your system boots quickly from your primary drive (usually your SSD with the operating system), adjust the boot order.

• Example: Navigate to the “Boot” section in your BIOS. You’ll likely see a list of devices like “Hard Drive,” “SSD,” “USB Drive,” and “CD/DVD-ROM Drive.” Move your SSD to the top of the list. Save the changes on exit, usually by pressing F10.

2. Enable XMP (Extreme Memory Profile):

RAM (Random Access Memory) often operates at a default speed lower than its rated speed. XMP is an Intel technology (and an analogous AMD version exists) that allows you to automatically enable your RAM’s advertised timings and frequency. This can drastically improve gaming performance.

• Example: Look for options like “XMP,” “DOCP” (Direct Over Clock Profile, AMD), or “Memory Profile” in your BIOS, typically within the “Overclocking” or “Advanced Memory Settings” section. Select “Profile 1” or the available XMP profile that matches your RAM’s specifications (consult your RAM’s packaging or manufacturer’s website).

3. Fan Control:

Proper fan control is vital for maintaining optimal temperatures and preventing overheating, especially with a high-performance gaming rig. The BIOS allows you to customize fan speeds based on CPU and system temperatures.

• Example: Locate the “Hardware Monitor,” “Fan Control,” or a similarly named section. Many BIOSes offer fan curves, where you can define specific fan speeds for different temperature ranges. For example, you might set the CPU fan to 30% speed until 50°C, then gradually increase it to 100% by 80°C. You can choose between PWM and voltage (DC) mode depending on the fan. Check if your motherboard supports automatic fan control for optimal performance.

4. Secure Boot:

Secure Boot is a security feature that helps prevent malicious software from loading during the boot process. It verifies the digital signature of the operating system and drivers before allowing them to load.

• Example: Find the “Secure Boot” option, usually under the “Boot” or “Security” section. Enable Secure Boot and ensure the “Boot Mode” is set to “UEFI” rather than “Legacy.” You might need to disable “CSM” (Compatibility Support Module) for Secure Boot to function correctly. Be aware that Secure Boot can sometimes interfere with Linux distributions and may require additional configuration.

5. Enable Virtualization (VT-x/AMD-V):

If you plan on using virtualization software like VMware or VirtualBox, you need to enable hardware virtualization in the BIOS. This setting allows your CPU to efficiently run multiple operating systems simultaneously.

• Example: Search for options like “VT-x,” “Intel Virtualization Technology,” or “AMD-V” (AMD Virtualization) typically under the “CPU Configuration” or “Advanced” section. Enable this setting to improve virtualization performance.

6. Disable CSM (Compatibility Support Module):

CSM allows older operating systems and devices that don’t support UEFI to boot properly. However, it can sometimes hinder performance and security. If you’re running a modern 64-bit operating system, it’s generally recommended to disable CSM.

• Example: Look for “CSM,” “Compatibility Support Module,” or “Legacy Boot” in the “Boot” section. Disable it if you are running a modern OS like Windows 10/11 from a GPT partitioned drive.

7. Enable A Resizable BAR:

Resizable Base-Address Register (Res Bar), and its AMD equivalent Smart Access Memory (SAM), is a performance-enhancing feature that allows your CPU to access the entire VRAM of your GPU, potentially boosting frame rates in supported games. You will need both your CPU, GPU and Motherboard to all support this feature for it to function.

• Example: You will need to ensure that ‘Above 4G Decoding’ is turned on, and then enable Resizable BAR. These settings can sometimes be together, or located in separate pages in your BIOS.

8. Set Date and Time:

This seemingly basic setting is often overlooked. Correctly setting the date and time ensures proper operation of many system functions, including software updates and certificate validation.

• Example: Locate the “Date & Time” or “System Time” section, usually on the main BIOS screen or under the “Advanced” section. Set the correct date, time, and time zone.

9. Power Management Settings (ErP/EuP Ready):

These settings control the system’s power consumption in standby mode. Enabling ErP/EuP Ready can reduce power usage, but it may also disable certain features like waking the computer via USB devices.

• Example: Search for “ErP Ready,” “EuP Ready,” or “Energy Star” in the “Power Management” or “Advanced” section. Evaluate the trade-offs between power savings and feature availability before enabling this option.

10. Monitoring Temperatures and Voltages:

Before exiting the BIOS, it’s wise to check the system’s initial temperatures and voltages. This can help identify potential problems with cooling or power delivery.

• Example: The “Hardware Monitor” section often displays CPU and motherboard temperatures, as well as voltages for various components. Ensure that these readings are within acceptable ranges. If you observe unusually high temperatures or voltages, investigate further before proceeding.

Important Considerations:

• BIOS Updates: Ensure your motherboard’s BIOS is up to date. This can improve compatibility, stability, and performance. Check the motherboard manufacturer’s website for the latest BIOS version and flashing instructions.
• Manufacturer Documentation: Refer to your motherboard’s manual for detailed information on specific BIOS settings and their effects.
• Caution: Incorrect BIOS settings can cause system instability or even damage. If you’re unsure about a particular setting, leave it at its default value or consult online resources.
• Save Changes: When you finish, make sure to save the changes. Usually find this option on the exit menu, and may be labelled ‘Save Changes and Reset’.

By carefully configuring these BIOS settings, you can optimize your gaming PC for performance and stability, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable gaming experience.