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What to do AFTER building your PC

Sep 2022
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You have built your dream PC, but now what? Before you can start using your new PC, there are a few steps you need to complete to ensure that it is running properly and at its maximum performance. You are so close to the finish line, but first here is what you need to do before you enjoy your build.

Configure the BIOS settings

The very first thing to do after building your PC is to configure the BIOS (Basic Input/Output System). The BIOS is software stored on every motherboard, which instructs the computer on how to perform basic functions and helps to identify the hardware in a computer.

To access the BIOS, you need to hold down one of the function keys as the computer boots up. The exact key used to access the BIOS varies between motherboard manufacturers and can be checked in your motherboard documentation.

When you first open the BIOS, it might seem a little daunting, but luckily there are not many settings that you will need to change. Most importantly, you need to set the boot drive order, which will be used to launch the operating system. If you have installed your operating system onto a USB drive, then you will need to set that USB as the primary boot drive. Once you have changed the boot drive order, you will need to restart the computer. When your computer powers on, the BIOS will attempt to boot from the first device in the order you specified.

Another thing you can check when you enter the BIOS is that your RAM is running at the correct speed. If you paid money for fast RAM, you would want to make sure that you are getting the speeds you paid for. You should also enable XMP so that you can take advantage of the higher clock speeds that your RAM might have. This option might be buried in an advanced settings screen, but always look for it!

Install the operating system

FURY Beast DDR4 RGB in a desktop computer and a blurred configuration screen in the foreground

Installing the operating system is the most crucial step after building your PC, as without it you can’t do anything! The most common operating systems are Windows 10 and Windows 11, and the easiest way to install an operating system is to download it onto a USB drive. You can check Microsoft’s guide if you do not know how to install Windows from a USB drive.

Install and update drivers

A driver is a set of files that tells a PC component how to function by communicating with the operating system. Every computer has multiple drivers that control various components and software. Nowadays, a lot of your required drivers will be automatically installed through the operating system. However, there could be some PC components that require drivers, and you can install these through the motherboard or hardware manufacturer’s website. Make sure to keep your drivers updated, otherwise, you could end up with blurry graphics and slow load times. We suggest updating your operating system immediately after its installation to get the latest drivers and security updates.

Secure your computer

It is important to take the time to secure your machine before you expose it to potential threats on the internet. Downloading antivirus and antispyware is a smart idea to protect your PC and data. We suggest scheduling the software to scan your PC regularly to maintain the health of your system.

Install programs and games

Once your operating system is set up, you can now install all the programs and games that you will need. There are a few ways to download your favourite games: installing physical media, installing from the publisher, or downloading through a digital store like Steam. Watch out for your storage space, as some programs and games come with large file sizes. Try to install the games on a separate drive than the OS, this will give you more storage space for your current and future games and will also protect your game saves and progress if you ever need to reinstall the OS.

Back up!

Do not take the risk of losing all your important files and data. Always make sure you have a back-up. Whether you use an external SSD or the cloud, having a back-up is the best way to safeguard your data!

Personalise your PC

One of the most exciting parts of building a PC is being able to customise it to your personal preference. There are lots of simple ways to personalise your PC, such as changing your lock screen, creating shortcuts, and reordering your taskbar. Plus, there are the exciting ones like customising the RGB lights and effects of your hardware using a control software like Kingston FURY CTRL. As well as buying peripherals and desk accessories for your dream set-up.

Enjoy it…

Once your PC is set up and looking the way you want it, it is time to just enjoy it! A lot of hard work goes into building a PC, but the rewards can be amazing! The final result is a PC designed by you, built by you and personalised for you!

Now go and enjoy your PC!

#KingstonIsWithYou #KingstonFURY

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