[Tweak League] PC build: My Checklist & tips

Par

July 22, 2024

When we set up our PC, or have to troubleshoot a friend’s, we all have our routine, our checklist. Here’s a simple version I use to make sure I haven’t forgotten anything. Feel free to add to it in the comments, and we’ll add to it.

RAM

All RAM modules are identical.
The RAM modules are in the right slots, for 2 modules it’s often the 2nd and 4th slots, counting from the processor. Check with your motherboard manual.

GPU

The GPU is located in the PCIe slot closest to the processor. It’s the fastest.
Ideally, you shouldn’t have more than one graphics card. Except for very specific uses.

CPU

Do not screw the CPU cooler too tightly. Ideally, the springs should be able to do their job

Motherboard

Updating the BIOS. Each brand of motherboard will have a different procedure, check the manual, otherwise the explanations are always on the page where you can download BIOS updates. Avoid Beta versions.

BIOS

Enable XMP / DOCP / EXPO RAM profile
Enable resize bar / REBAR
INTEL: Disable c-state. C-state allows the processor to downclock to consume less energy.
AMD: Activate Precision Boost Overdrive (PBO)
Set fans and water pump to performance mode.
Activate: Secure Boot
Activate: TPM (Trusted platform Module)
Disable: If your motherboard has an Hdmi or Display Port output, you can disable it in the BIOS

More to disable depending on brand:

Disable: Asrock motherboard utility
Disable: ASUS armory crate
Disable: Gigabyte update utility
Disable: MSI driver utility
Disable: Other Auto Driver Installer

Minisforum offers an ITX motherboard with a soldered Ryzen 9 7945HX3D

Drivers

Download the latest motherboard drivers
Download the latest drivers for your graphics card

Screen

Make sure you’ve selected the maximum frequency. Be careful, apparently if you have 3 4K screens, you won’t be able to set them to more than 120Hz each.
Makesure your screenscaling is set to 100%