Video summary

What to do AFTER you build your PC... Updated for 2023

Main summary

Key takeaways

Technology

Technological concepts / product features covered

  • “After building your PC” Windows 11 refresher (2023): walkthrough focused on getting a newly built system stable and properly configured, especially for newer platforms (AM5, 13th/12th gen Intel).
  • Pre-OS assumptions
    • Parts should be bench tested first (POST/boot works).
    • If the motherboard shows a DOS/BIOS prompt like CPU has changed / push F1, you should enter BIOS setup.

Step-by-step guide highlights (reviews/tutorial focus)

1) BIOS checks before installing anything

  • Update BIOS for compatibility, particularly with DDR5 RAM and QVL/QVL timing:
    • Newer RAM might be newer than the current BIOS, causing instability (crashes/weird behavior), especially once enabling XMP (Intel) or EXPO (AM5).
  • In BIOS, verify:
    • CPU temperature under load: watch for steadily rising temperatures (potential cooling/pump/seating issue).
    • RAM detection in BIOS:
      • Ensure both sticks (channel A/B) are recognized.
      • If only some sticks appear, suspect seating, bad RAM, or compatibility/QVL issues.
    • Keep XMP/EXPO disabled at first to avoid OS installation instability.

2) Update motherboard BIOS using manufacturer tools

  • Example shown on ASUS:
    • Use F7 advanced menu → Tools → ASUS EZ Flash 3 to flash BIOS from a downloaded .cap file.
  • Notes/observations:
    • BIOS update may warn to back up BitLocker recovery key and suspend BitLocker (even if you don’t use it).
    • Do not interrupt power during update (power strip / “cat/dog/power” warnings).
    • Mentions BIOS Flashback (some boards can flash without CPU/RAM installed).
    • After flashing, expect multiple restarts and memory retraining.
    • The system may again show prompts like Press F1 to enter setup.

3) Return BIOS to “stock” before OS install

  • In ASUS BIOS (example):
    • Disable AI Tweaker / enhanced auto-optimizations to prevent hidden auto-overclock/limits changes.
  • Save and boot into the Windows installer.

4) Windows 11 installation procedure (with a Microsoft-account workaround)

  • Install steps:
    • Choose language/time → Install → select Windows 11 Home.
    • Use Custom install and pick the correct drive.
    • Prefer installing to the NVMe SSD rather than booting/setting up from the USB for speed/safety.
  • USB removal after the reboot:
    • Remove install media to avoid bootloader/install-media behavior.
  • Setup workaround shown:
    • Use Shift+F10 → run:
      • oobe\bypassnro
    • This enables a limited setup path to avoid forcing the Microsoft account step during initial setup.

5) First Windows configuration: updates + privacy-ish setup

  • Run Windows Update immediately.
    • Notes that updates can cause failed installs and multiple restarts, but later retry/pass-through can resolve.
  • During “finish setting up device”:
    • Skip optional prompts (e.g., webcam/similar permissions/subscription nudges).
  • Mentions the system may temporarily re-assert some account/setup flow depending on updates.

6) GPU driver update and tuning defaults

  • Example GPU: NVIDIA RTX 4090
  • Download from nvidia.com and install the driver.
  • Driver management preference:
    • Avoid GeForce Experience (described as optional bloat).
  • Installation mode:
    • Use Express for new installs.
    • Use Custom → clean install when replacing an existing driver.

7) High refresh rate monitor configuration

  • For a 4K 144 Hz monitor:
    • Set refresh rate in NVIDIA/Windows display settings (aiming for 144Hz).
    • Warns that otherwise the system may default to 60 FPS.

8) Install component software (RGB/control)

  • Example stack:
    • ASUS motherboard uses Armoury Crate for ASUS Aura.
    • Corsair AIO uses Corsair iCUE / IQ integration (IQ + Armoury Crate usage mentioned).
  • Mentions to download software/utilities from the motherboard vendor’s support page (ASUS/MSI/Gigabyte/etc.).

9) Enable RAM advertised speeds after Windows is installed

  • After reboot, enter BIOS (Delete key) and enable XMP (example is Intel-based DDR5):
    • Switch XMP enabled to reach advertised speed (e.g., 4800 → 6000 MT/s).
  • Expect Q-code / LED color changes and memory retraining restarts.
  • Verify in BIOS:
    • RAM speed may appear confusing on main screens (e.g., main page vs advanced page).
    • Confirm the actual configured frequency in advanced BIOS view.

10) Revert BIOS limits behavior (performance without full overclock risk)

  • Example ASUS setting sequence:
    • Change AI Tweaker:
      • set Auto optimized / force limits back to “Auto” (instead of “disable enforce all limits”)
    • For Intel:
      • Intel Adaptive Boost Technology: set enabled (default enabled with good cooling).
  • Guidance: encourages avoiding risky tuning for beginners.

11) Final caution: don’t over-install advanced utilities

  • After core setup, it’s okay to install games.
  • Mentions platform-specific advanced software:
    • AMD tools like Global Watt Manager, Ryzen Master, Radeon/Adrenalin.
    • Intel: XTU (Extreme Tuning Utility).
  • Warns these are more advanced and can cause instability for new builders.

Named speakers / sources (from subtitles)

  • “iFixit” (sponsor interruption / product plug)
  • Main speaker: Jay (referred to as “Jay” and “Jay, how often should you upgrade…”) — the host/instructor in the video.

Original video