BIOS question

[J-Man]

My question is... After someone has built a computer, is it true that you HAVE to go into BIOS and enter all the correct data? I was told that if you don't your computer won't run right.

[pbmaster]

Probably won't. I haven't ever tried it just to see, but there are certain things that need to be specified. Also, it helps just to check to make sure everything is recognized properly.

[erocker]

The answer to your question is yes.

[Namslas90]

Originally Posted by J-Man

My question is... After someone has built a computer, is it true that you HAVE to go into BIOS and enter all the correct data? I was told that if you don't your computer won't run right.

Sometimes yes and sometimes no. The settings should be checked to ensure that they are correct for your components. IE: sometimes the stock settings will match your Ram, but if they don't you will have to change the settings to ensure proper operation.

You should also update Motherboard Drivers and check for BIOS updates etc.

[J-Man]

I've just updated my BIOS.

[nora.e]

there are some pretty good articles @ www.hardwaresecrets.com just type BIOS on their in house search bar. Lots ta read to get you familiar with what's going on and why.

[J-Man]

Thanks for that.

[ex_reven]

Usually stuff works straight from the box.

Everything Namslas stated is true, and it only takes about 10-15 minutes to check, update and explore your bios for interesting features depending on your level of experience.

Its not difficult at all if you have the manual handy and all youve planned your system out well by ensuring that all hardware is properly compatible. Mostly you wont even require the manual, but its good to refer to just in case your not sure what something is. Then again, google is also your friend

[J-Man]

What's the common settings in the BIOS to change and/or modify?

[Namslas90]

Originally Posted by J-Man

What's the common settings in the BIOS to change and/or modify?

Always check your Ram voltage(V DIMM) and your timmings. Most Ram won't match the settings in BIOS, and the better ram will probably need an increase in VDIMM and the timmings adjusted for optimal performance. You may also need to select Dimm socket configurations depending on the Mobo, check the manual.

Other settings depend on the Motherboard etc.
For example many Mobo's can use several types of CPU's always check to ensure the VCore is correct.
If you are using/not using a Floppy Drive it may have to be enabled/disabled in Bios.
If you are using Raid, it is set up in BIOS.
If you are using a sound card, you may need to Diasable onboard sound in BIOS.
If the Mobo has both AGP and PCI-E, you may need to select the proper options in Bios.

The best thing to do is check the Manual, if you don't have one look it up on the I-net.
Every motherboard is different, therefore Bios options are going to be different.

I'm sure there are more, but just woke up-can't think.

[keakar]

some boards come with ide as the default interface so you may need to change that to sata or sata and ide both.

[J-Man]

My computer sometimes lags a bit opening a program like for an example like MSN, when I sign in, it like locks for a while then after about 7-8 seconds it just unlocks and works.

[nora.e]

Originally Posted by J-Man

What's the common settings in the BIOS to change and/or modify?

The BOIS that came on your boad to begin with are at a genec seting to get your system to fire up, if that worked the their job is done. If that version worked BACK IT UP to a bootable disk!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (you've already update to the latest that's cool back that one up instead) It's just a safe gaurd in case something gets realy hosed, you'll have a fall back. (save it with the rest of your system stuff)
Go to www.tomshardware.com click on advanced search and type 2005-9-22. It will take you to an article called "BIOS for beginners" Down load it, and read it, then sit down with it and the mobo manual at your screen figure out what all that crap is for on your in your bios. Some where along the way it all should click for you, and you'll be able to handle it on the board you've got now and any in the future. My biggest suggestion is, after any change you make, boot your OS, make sure it's still happy, if not you'll know what to change back.
Defenatly don't make any changes you're not sure of though. The BIOS can be hoplessly hose! Some companies will gladly part you with $20-$40 for a new chip, wile others will want you to just shell out for a new board.
Then instead of asking what to do, you'll be back with sluff like.... Got my Celeron 266 to run stable at 7.1325 Ghz last night by setting the knurled respirator value to 11. Has any one been able to get it to 11.25 with a mushroom cloud?