First build complete - whats the best recommended way to power up and run?

Toggle sidebar Toggle sidebar
saas1980

saas1980

Reputable
May 23, 2015
196
0
4,690
I have finally put together my first build, now just waiting for the keyboard, some decals, HUE+, etc. Need some advice, actually more like 'self-confidence' to power up and getting it up and running.

What are the most recommended steps to take before installing Windows. For eg, should I attempt to download the latest version of BIOS?, are there any additional drivers or codes which i need installed to assist any of the parts in my build? What else should I be focusing on to get the best out of my new machine?

Here's a silly one, but i have to ask: I have 3 storage devices. Should I only connect the primary, install the OS and then connect the other two? Or is it super safe to keep all 3 connected and pick the drive to allocate the OS on?

If it helps, I have added a list of all the parts in my build. https://uk.pcpartpicker.com/list/pJk9M8
 
Solution
USAFRet
1. Leave the BIOS as is

2. You can't install any drivers until you install the OS, so...

3. Leave ALL other drives disconnected. Have only the one you wish the OS to be on, until you get it up and running
Sort by date Sort by votes
K

Kasper Jorgensen

Estimable
Jun 10, 2017
3,081
1
3,960
I would always advice to update BIOS to newest version and go through BIOS settings and change if needed. Other than that, just fire it up.
Having all 3 drives connected shouldn't give any problems, but i have heard in some cases that a few people are having problem with that. If it won't work with all 3 drives just disconnect the 2 other and install, but shouldn't be necessary.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
USAFRet

USAFRet

Titan
Moderator
Mar 16, 2013
171,421
17,896
184,590
Having more than 1 drive connected during the OS install often results in the boot partition ending up on the second drive.
Remove that later, and no boot for you.

Leave them disconnected.
Takes 10 seconds to connect them after.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
saas1980

saas1980

Reputable
May 23, 2015
196
0
4,690


....and here's me thinking that was a ridiculous question lol.

According to the mobo manual i read: M.2 ssd takes up one of the SATA ports (SATA 1) and then provides no diagram labelling the ports as 1, 2, 3, and so on. So I thought maybe if I just installed the M.2 first and then run the OS, I could plug in the other 2 storage devices randomly in the SATA ports in the middle (assuming 3 or 4, out of the 6) - hence the question

Now I learn it's a positive move altogether...thanks!
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
saas1980

saas1980

Reputable
May 23, 2015
196
0
4,690
About the BIOS, I am getting mixed opinions elsewhere too. If I did opt for an update (assuming one is available from the manufacturer), is it risk free and as simple as downloading onto a USB drive and installing on the new machine?
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
USAFRet

USAFRet

Titan
Moderator
Mar 16, 2013
171,421
17,896
184,590


And especially with an m.2 drive that sucks up one of the regular SATA ports.
Connect those other drives later.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
saas1980

saas1980

Reputable
May 23, 2015
196
0
4,690


thanks!

Sorry I forgot to mention, the mobo came with an installation CD which reads 'M3456 Support DVD Intel Z270 Chipset'.

I am assuming the ASUS Z270E mobo has BIOS pre-installed out of the box, since I have no optical drives for my build, for the chipset drivers, is this something I can download after the OS is up and running?
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
USAFRet

USAFRet

Titan
Moderator
Mar 16, 2013
171,421
17,896
184,590


Yes.
In fact, it is preferable to get the latest ones from the manufacturer(s). Rather than the older stuff that is on that CD.
Download now, and save to a USB stick. Especially the LAN driver, just in case.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
saas1980

saas1980

Reputable
May 23, 2015
196
0
4,690


I looked up drivers and tools from the manufacturers website, making sure it's the correct model: ASUS Z270E

A list of download options were shown, as follows:

VGA
BIOS (as recommended, i decided to give this one a miss)
AUDIO
LAN
UTILITIES
WIRELESS
BIOS-UTILITIES
CHIPSET
SATA
BLUETOOTH

Usually when I re-install windows on my laptop, I tend to rely on windows updates alone to get the machine up and running. Only if problems are encountered, I would then check the manufacturers website for the driver required.

For a PC-Build, which is the better path, to download all mobo manufacturer drivers/tools or just the chipset and LAN. It's my first PC as well as my first PC BUILD hence applying extra caution.

Also I took on your advice and don't plan on updating BIOS unless problems arise. In the above list I noticed 'BIOS-utilities' - necessary?
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
USAFRet

USAFRet

Titan
Moderator
Mar 16, 2013
171,421
17,896
184,590
Generally, I download all and save to a USB stick, just in case it is needed.
Install as needed, only if there is some issue or recommendation from the manufacturer.

And don't forget your GPU/keyboard/mouse/printer/other stuff as needed.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
K

Kasper Jorgensen

Estimable
Jun 10, 2017
3,081
1
3,960
Always update BIOS, specially because it fixes the HT bug with these CPUs. Often I see people post with problems here that are fixed with a BIOS update, also no reason not to do it, there is a reason they make these updates. It's Like saying not update your Windows unless you have an issue.
Just stupid to advice not to update BIOS.

For the Win install. Often there is no issues with having more drives connected, you only see the few cases with issues because they post here. You never hear from the thousands who never have problems with that.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
USAFRet

USAFRet

Titan
Moderator
Mar 16, 2013
171,421
17,896
184,590


1. BIOS update.
Since there IS an issue with that CPU that a BIOS update apparently fixes, then yes, you would do it.
But even the motherboard manufacturers recommend not doing it on a whim.

2. Installed drives.
Windows often puts the boot info on the second drive. This is no problem, until next year when you want to take it out for use elsewhere.
or...Oops, I installed the OS on the wrong drive.
10 seconds of connecting the cable after the install prevents those issues.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
K

Kasper Jorgensen

Estimable
Jun 10, 2017
3,081
1
3,960


Obviously yes, removing the other drives make it idiot proof, not disagreeing with that. Just saying you don't have to if you know what you are doing.

For the BIOS, I will still always recommend to update to latest version to avoid problems including chipset features that cannot be installed correctly (Showing in hardware manager with the yellow !). At least go to manufacture website and read the what the updates will fix or improve and then decide.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
saas1980

saas1980

Reputable
May 23, 2015
196
0
4,690
Ok, worst comes to worst, I am assuming from what i'm reading above that BIOS is something that can be upgraded after installing OS?

Initially I was under the impression it's something to upgrade prior to OS installation. Thats not problem, once I have the OS installed all windows updates on the fly and should I encounter any problems (i will check device manager too), if these cannot be resolved I will definitely consider BIOS update. I don't even know what version I have at the moment so will compare manufacturer update notes when booting up for the first time.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
USAFRet

USAFRet

Titan
Moderator
Mar 16, 2013
171,421
17,896
184,590
Yes, the BIOS can be upgraded later.

Consider a new BIOS update that comes out next year, and addresses a specific issue.

The main consideration with a BIOS update is to do it exactly how the manufacturer says.
Not anything from utube...whatever the manufacturer says, no deviations.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
saas1980

saas1980

Reputable
May 23, 2015
196
0
4,690
I am currently downloading all drivers to save on USB pen. Should I extract all files per download from the Zip folder and then save them to USB? Or will these be executable remaining in the zip folder?
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
saas1980

saas1980

Reputable
May 23, 2015
196
0
4,690
This ones 100% the last question on this thread lol (well i hope so)

As soon as Windows is installed, should I download the chipset drivers first and then run the windows updates, or does that not matter?
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Latest posts

Moderators online

Share this page

COMPANY
RESOURCES
FOLLOW
Top Bottom