rigvelaFirst boot of a new PC: a step-by-step checklist
Check the build in order: physical inspection, BIOS, operating-system startup and normal workloads. Record the original settings and change one thing at a time. Reaching BIOS does not establish stability under load.
Checklist as text
You can select and copy this text manually. The list does not mark any checks as completed.
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Inspect with power disconnected
Before mains connection, inspect installation against the component manuals. Remove loose screws and verify standoff positions. Check even RAM/GPU seating, secure fixings and clear fan blades. Do not remove parts unnecessarily.
Verify the main motherboard connection and required CPU and GPU power connections. Use modular cables compatible with the exact PSU model. Complete the cooling installation: remove the specified protective film and connect fans or the pump as instructed. Never open the PSU. Resolve visible damage, liquid or signs of overheating with qualified assistance before applying power.
Start with essential external devices
Connect the monitor, keyboard and essential devices. Start with the dedicated GPU output when installed; motherboard video requires suitable CPU graphics. Select the monitor input and find the BIOS key and diagnostic guidance in the manual.
The initial start may include hardware initialisation and memory training. Expected behaviour depends on the board, processor, RAM and BIOS; do not use a universal timer from someone else's video. Allow the documented process to finish. For smoke, a burning smell, sparks or unusual mechanical noise, switch off, unplug if safe and stop further startup attempts.
Verify detected hardware and cooling
In BIOS, verify the CPU, RAM capacity and storage devices. An empty SSD may have no boot entry. Record the BIOS version. Resolve missing hardware before installing the OS, applying profiles or running sustained loads.
Inspect temperature readings and available fan or pump speed information. No single safe temperature applies to every CPU and sensor; use the exact processor's specifications and cooler instructions. A rapidly continuing temperature rise, a required fan that is stopped or a suspected pump problem calls for shutdown and installation checks with power disconnected, rather than a stress test.
Preserve a baseline before firmware changes
Begin with supported stock settings, without manual overclocking, voltage increases or XMP/EXPO. Automatic performance enhancements also vary between boards; determine which limits the CPU manufacturer recommends. Do not change the memory profile, storage-controller mode and boot configuration together, because a subsequent problem will be difficult to attribute to a single change.
Update BIOS for a documented reason such as processor support, memory support or a relevant fix. Verify the precise board model and revision, procedure and power requirements. Before firmware, TPM, Secure Boot or boot-mode changes, secure data backups and a BitLocker recovery key accessible outside this PC if encryption is used. Follow administrator instructions on managed work devices.
Operating system, drivers and gradual checks
Obtain installation media from the operating-system developer's official website. Before selecting a destination, verify the physical drive and whether it holds needed files: installation and formatting can erase data. With an existing system, first establish that it boots normally. Obtain drivers through Windows Update and official hardware support pages rather than unofficial bundles promising to speed up everything.
Restart after updates and check ordinary tasks: repeated starts, storage, network, sound and sleep if needed. Progress to longer workloads while observing temperatures and errors. Short tests do not prove full stability; record failures and return to the last verified configuration.
Keep the build and outstanding checks
Save exact component models in RigVela. Record the BIOS version, settings and startup results separately; the site cannot read them or run hardware tests. Leave missing models unconfirmed.
Establish reliable operation at the starting settings first. Then check memory profiles and other changes individually. Matching specifications in the builder does not establish stability of the running PC.
Quick checklist
- Mounting, power and cooling checked before startup.
- Expected CPU, RAM capacity and storage visible in BIOS.
- Starting settings and BIOS version recorded.
- Data and recovery information protected before changes.
- Ordinary operation checked before tuning and sustained testing.
Keep a record of your build
Enter the exact models, then open the list in the builder to save it and copy a report with specifications and manual checks.
Documentation & sources
These are the documents used in this guide. Check your exact model’s specifications on its support page.