Congrats, you’ve put your PC together! Now, let’s make sure it’s ready to roll.
Fire it up and hop into the BIOS to set the boot order. Install your operating system, update all your drivers, and load up your essential software. Finally, run a stress test to make sure everything’s stable and ready to go.
That’s too much information, right? Let’s take things slow:
Initial Setup
Once your PC is all setup, here’s what you need to keep in mind:
Check all connections
Before hitting that power button, double-check every connection.
Make sure your power supply cables are securely connected to the motherboard and GPU. (Don’t forget the 24-pin for the motherboard and the 8-pin or 6-pin connectors for your GPU—these are crucial.)
For your drives, ensure the SATA cables are properly plugged in for data, and that the SATA power cables are connected to the power supply.
Power On and Enter the BIOS
Once you’ve double-checked all your connections, it’s time to power on your PC.
To enter the BIOS on a new build, press Delete, F2, or whatever key your motherboard brand requires during boot-up. Note that timing is everything here—hit that key before your system moves on to loading the OS.
In the BIOS/UEFI, set your boot priority so your USB drive or installation media is first in line. This ensures you can get your operating system installed right away.
While you’re in there, set the system date and time to avoid any future headaches.
Update BIOS
Updating your BIOS can boost hardware compatibility and performance. Head to your motherboard manufacturer’s website, download the latest BIOS version, and follow their instructions for updating. It’s a straightforward process—but don’t rush it.
Pro-tip: Make sure your PC is connected to a reliable power supply during the update. A power outage mid-update can brick your motherboard—turning your build excitement into a tech nightmare.
Install OS
Now comes the big daddy of PC setup, OS installation:
Here are the OS-specific things to keep in mind:
- Windows: Your go-to for gaming and general use. It’s got wide compatibility for games, software, and drivers.
- Linux: Perfect for programming, development, and server use. It offers great flexibility and is open-source.
- macOS: For those venturing into Hackintosh territory, this is your option. It’s for users who prefer the macOS experience but be ready for legal and compatibility challenges.
Let us dive deeper into the installation process:
Create Installation Media
- Download the OS: Head to the official website and grab the OS installation file.
- Make it bootable: Use tools like Rufus (for Windows) or Etcher (for Linux) to create a bootable USB drive.
Insert USB to boot
- Plug it in: Insert the bootable USB drive into your PC.
- Restart and enter BIOS: Reboot your PC and dive into the BIOS. (You know the drill—hit Delete, F2, or whatever key gets you there.)
- Set USB as the first boot device: Make sure your PC knows to boot from the USB drive first. Save your changes and exit the BIOS.
Start Installation
- Follow the prompts: Once your PC boots from the USB, follow the on-screen instructions to start the OS installation. (It’s pretty straightforward—just keep clicking through.)
- Choose your preferences: Pick your language, keyboard layout, and any other settings you need.
Format Drives
- Select the drive: Choose where you want to install the OS.
- Format if needed: Format the drive and set up partitions if you want to. This step makes sure your new OS has a clean slate to work with.
Install
- Proceed with the installation: Let the OS do its thing—it might take a few minutes.
- Your PC will restart a few times: Don’t panic, it’s normal.
Create User Account
- Set up your account: Choose a username and password.
- Configure basic settings: Like time zone and network preferences.
Secure Boot Settings
- Enable Secure Boot: Ensure secure boot is turned on in the BIOS for added security.
- Temporarily disable if needed: Some OS installations may require you to disable secure boot—just don’t forget to re-enable it after the installation
By following these steps, you’ll have your operating system installed and ready to go in no time.
Driver Installation
Now that your OS is up and running, it’s time to tackle the drivers. Here’s how to get started:
- Open Device Manager: Right-click on the Start menu and select Device Manager. (This is your control center for making sure everything’s working right.)
- Check for yellow exclamation marks: Look for any devices flagged with a yellow exclamation mark—these are the ones that need drivers. (These marks are your red flags—don’t ignore them.)
- Focus on key drivers: Start with the essentials: chipset, GPU, network adapters, and audio devices. (These are the backbone of your system’s performance.)
Be clear on whether you’re installing GPU drivers, chipset drivers, or both. The thing is different drivers have different priorities—so know what you’re dealing with.
Downloading and installing drivers have the following steps:
- Check the manufacturer’s site: Head to the manufacturer’s website for the latest driver versions. Don’t rely on Windows to find the best ones—go straight to the source.
- Install in the correct order: Start with the chipset drivers, then move on to GPU drivers. This order keeps everything in sync.
- Finish with peripheral drivers: Once your core drivers are set, install any peripheral drivers last. Keyboards, mice, and other extras come after the big guns are in place.
Windows Update and Software Security
After you’ve set up your drivers, it’s crucial to keep your OS—Windows, in this case—up to date and secure. Here’s what you need to do:
Set active hours
- Open Windows Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
- Set active hours to define when you usually use your PC. This helps avoid disruptions during updates.
- Navigate to “Change active hours” and set the time frame that suits your schedule.
Choose update settings
- In Windows Update settings, select “Advanced options.”
- Choose how updates are installed—either automatically or manually.
- Opt for “Download updates over metered connections” if you’re on a limited internet data.
Install Security Solutions
Once your updates are sorted, it’s time to think about security. Windows Defender comes pre-installed, but you might want something more robust.
Here are some solid options:
- Bitdefender: Offers strong protection with minimal impact on system performance.
- Norton: Comprehensive security features, though it can be a bit resource-heavy.
- Kaspersky: Balances strong security with good system performance.
Post selection, here are the steps to follow:
- Configure firewalls. Go to Control Panel > System and Security > Windows Defender Firewall.
Hardware Benchmarking and Stress Testing
Benchmarking and stress testing your hardware is essential to make sure your new PC is running at its full potential. These tests validate system stability and establish a performance baseline, helping you catch any issues early, like overheating or component failures.
Tools to Use
You’ve got plenty of options for benchmarking and stress testing:
- Cinebench: Great for testing CPU performance.
- FurMark: Pushes your GPU to its limits.
- CrystalDiskMark: Measures the speed of your storage drives.
Still unsure as to how that works! Here are the results you can expect to see:
Normal Range Scores and Temps
- CPU Temps: Idle CPU temps should hover around 30-40°C, and under load, they should stay below 85°C.
- GPU Temps: Idle temps should be around 30-40°C, and under load, they should stay below 80°C.
- Benchmark Scores: Compare your scores with similar setups online to see if your system is performing as expected. (This will help you figure out if your PC is running as it should or if something’s off.)
Here are the inferences:
- Overheating: If your CPU or GPU temps are too high, check your cooling setup. Make sure fans and heatsinks are properly seated and free of dust.
- Throttling: If your components are throttling—slowing down under load—it’s likely due to high temps. Improve your cooling or check for better airflow in your case to fix this.
Setting up the Workspace
With your drivers, OS, and security all sorted, it’s time to get your workspace set up properly. Here’s how to do it right:
- Adjust Monitor Height: Position your monitor so the top is at or slightly below eye level. (This helps reduce neck strain, keeping you comfortable during long sessions.)
- Optimize Chair Position: Adjust your chair so your feet are flat on the ground and your knees are at a 90-degree angle. (Ergonomics are key to staying comfortable, especially if you’re at your desk for hours.)
- Use Soft, Indirect Lighting: Set up lighting that reduces screen glare without straining your eyes. (This keeps your setup easy on the eyes, literally.)
For cable management and airflow optimization, keep the following steps in mind:
- Use cable ties or clips to bundle and route cables neatly.
- Use intake fans at the front and bottom of your case and exhaust fans at the top and rear to create a flow-through ventilation system.
Backup and Recovery Solutions
Imagine spending hours on a project only to lose everything because of a system crash or accidental deletion.
Heartbreaking, right?
Regular backups are your safety net—they ensure you can recover your data quickly and without the stress.
Here is a quick table to help you choose the right solution:
| Backup Solution | Features | Benefits |
| Windows Backup | Integrated into Windows, allows system image creation and helps schedule regular backups | Easy to use, doesn’t need additional software, and restores the entire system |
| Time Machine (macOS) | Built into macOS, automatic process with hourly, daily, and weekly windows and easy file restoration. | Seamless integration with macOS, simple and intuitive interface, and great for Mac users |
| Google Drive | Cloud-based, supports file syncs across devices, and offers 15GB of free storage | Access files anywhere, share files easily and it also protects against local hardware failure |
| Dropbox | Cloud-based, offers 2GB of free storage, and offers a file version history | Easy file sharing, syncs across multiple devices, and restores previous file versions |
What Next?
Now that you’re getting more comfortable with your new PC, it’s time to consider diving into some advanced topics to push your system even further.
Here’s where you can start:
- Overclocking: Boost your CPU and GPU performance beyond the factory settings for faster processing and better gaming experiences. Just remember to keep an eye on temperatures to avoid overheating.
- Custom Cooling Solutions: Upgrade from stock coolers to liquid cooling systems or custom loop setups to maintain optimal temperatures and enhance your PC’s aesthetic.
Building and setting up a PC is a continued journey. There is always more to learn, tweak and tinker with.