When building a PC, one of the most overlooked yet crucial steps is configuring the BIOS (Basic Input/Output System). The BIOS is a firmware interface that connects your hardware to the operating system, allowing you to configure key system settings before booting into Windows or Linux.
Understanding BIOS settings is essential for optimizing performance, ensuring stability, and enabling advanced features like overclocking and secure boot. In this guide, we’ll cover the most important BIOS settings every PC builder should know and how to configure them properly.
1. Accessing the BIOS
Before making any changes, you need to access the BIOS.
How to Enter BIOS
✔ Restart your PC and press the BIOS key during startup.
✔ Common BIOS keys: Delete (Del), F2, F10, Esc, or F12 (varies by motherboard brand).
✔ If you miss the timing, restart and try again.
BIOS vs. UEFI
- BIOS: Older firmware interface with a text-based UI.
- UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface): Modern BIOS replacement with a graphical UI, faster boot times, and better compatibility.
Most modern PCs use UEFI, but it still includes legacy BIOS settings.
2. Boot Order Configuration
The boot order determines which device the system uses to load the operating system.
How to Set Boot Priority
- Go to the Boot tab in BIOS.
- Set your primary boot device (SSD, HDD, or USB drive).
- If installing an OS, set USB drive as the first boot option.
- Save changes and restart.
Why Boot Order Matters
✔ Ensures faster boot times by prioritizing the correct drive.
✔ Allows booting from a USB drive for OS installation or recovery.
✔ Prevents boot errors if multiple drives are connected.
3. Enabling XMP for RAM Performance
By default, RAM runs at lower speeds than advertised. XMP (Extreme Memory Profile) allows you to enable higher speeds automatically.
How to Enable XMP
- Navigate to the Memory or DRAM settings in BIOS.
- Select XMP Profile 1 or Profile 2 (Intel) or DOCP (AMD).
- Save changes and restart.
Why Enable XMP?
✔ Ensures RAM runs at its full advertised speed.
✔ Boosts performance in gaming, rendering, and multitasking.
✔ Prevents manual overclocking errors.
4. Adjusting Fan Speeds for Better Cooling
BIOS allows you to control system and CPU fan speeds, ensuring proper cooling and noise levels.
How to Configure Fan Speeds
- Go to the Hardware Monitoring or Fan Control section.
- Adjust fan curves to balance cooling and noise levels.
- Set higher RPMs under load and lower RPMs for idle mode.
- Save settings and exit.
Why Configure Fan Speeds?
✔ Prevents overheating and thermal throttling.
✔ Reduces noise levels when the system is idle.
✔ Extends the lifespan of cooling components.
5. Enabling Secure Boot for System Protection
Secure Boot is a security feature that ensures your system loads only trusted software during startup.
How to Enable Secure Boot
- Navigate to the Boot or Security settings in BIOS.
- Find Secure Boot and set it to Enabled.
- Save and restart.
Why Enable Secure Boot?
✔ Protects against malware and unauthorized bootloaders.
✔ Ensures your OS is verified and secure.
✔ Required for Windows 11 compatibility.
6. Enabling or Disabling Virtualization
Virtualization allows your CPU to run virtual machines (VMs) efficiently.
How to Enable Virtualization
- Go to the Advanced or CPU Configuration tab.
- Look for Intel VT-x (Intel CPUs) or AMD-V (AMD CPUs).
- Set it to Enabled.
Why Enable Virtualization?
✔ Required for running virtual machines with software like VMware or VirtualBox.
✔ Needed for Android emulators and certain security applications.
✔ Some BIOS versions disable it by default, so manual activation is required.
7. Enabling Resizable BAR for GPU Performance
Resizable BAR (Base Address Register) is a PCIe feature that improves GPU performance in gaming and workloads.
How to Enable Resizable BAR
- Navigate to Advanced Settings in BIOS.
- Enable Above 4G Decoding.
- Enable Resizable BAR.
- Save and exit.
Why Enable Resizable BAR?
✔ Increases GPU memory access efficiency.
✔ Boosts frame rates in supported games.
✔ Compatible with NVIDIA RTX 30/40 series and AMD RX 6000/7000 series GPUs.
8. Configuring SATA Mode for Storage Performance
SATA mode determines how your motherboard communicates with HDDs and SSDs.
Best SATA Mode Settings
✔ AHCI (Advanced Host Controller Interface) – Best for modern SSDs and performance.
✔ RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) – Used for multiple drives in RAID configurations.
✔ IDE (Integrated Drive Electronics) – Legacy setting (avoid unless necessary).
To change SATA mode:
- Go to Storage Configuration in BIOS.
- Select AHCI for best SSD performance.
- Save and restart.
9. Adjusting CPU Overclocking and Power Settings
For advanced users, BIOS provides CPU overclocking options to increase clock speeds for better performance.
How to Overclock in BIOS
- Navigate to CPU Configuration or Overclocking Settings.
- Increase the CPU multiplier gradually.
- Adjust voltage settings carefully to maintain stability.
- Monitor temperatures and stability using stress tests.
Why Overclock the CPU?
✔ Boosts gaming and rendering performance.
✔ Maximizes your CPU’s potential.
✔ Allows customization of power settings for efficiency or performance.
10. Updating BIOS for New Features and Stability
Updating your BIOS can fix compatibility issues, improve performance, and add new features.
How to Update BIOS
- Check your motherboard manufacturer’s website for the latest BIOS version.
- Download the BIOS file and place it on a USB drive.
- Enter BIOS and select EZ Flash (ASUS), Q-Flash (Gigabyte), M-Flash (MSI), or similar tool.
- Follow on-screen instructions to update safely.
Why Update BIOS?
✔ Adds support for new CPUs and RAM modules.
✔ Fixes stability issues and security vulnerabilities.
✔ Improves hardware compatibility with newer components.
Final Thoughts
Understanding BIOS settings is essential for optimizing your PC build. Whether adjusting boot order, enabling XMP for RAM, configuring fan speeds, or overclocking your CPU, BIOS settings allow you to unlock the full potential of your hardware.
By taking the time to explore and configure the right options, you ensure better system performance, stability, and security.