• Important points in setting up AWARD BIOS. Setting up the BIOS on your computer

    BIOS is system program, sewn into a special chip located on the motherboard of any computer. Setting up bios allows you to slightly adjust some parameters of your PC and increase its performance.

    There is a misconception that the bios setting will fail if there is no voltage. To prevent this from happening, a lithium battery or a special battery is installed on the motherboard that supports the default BIOS settings on the computer. This program is an intermediary and ensures the interaction of devices with the OS. How to enable bios?

    Default BIOS settings on your computer

    After connecting your personal friend (computer) to the network, the main OS starts loading, then the hard drive is connected, from which Windows or another OS is loaded. BIOS settings are not automatically enabled on a personal device.

    To enter this settings mode, you must wait for one moment after turning on the computer. beep or the beginning of the loading message, and then press the “F2” or “DEL (Delete)” button several times (depending on the motherboard). The correct option is displayed at the bottom of the screen.

    After this, the BIOS settings on the computer are enabled by default. The number and names of the main menu items located at the top of the bios settings table may vary. We will look at the main sections and subsections of one of the options for such a menu, which consists of the following items:

    1. Main - select date, time, hard drives and connected drives.
    2. Advanced - selecting this item will allow you to select and change modes:
    • processor (for example, overclock it);
    • memory;
    • ports (inputs and outputs) of the computer.
    1. Power—change the power configuration.
    2. Boot—change boot parameters.
    3. Boot Setting Configuration (Boot) - select parameters that affect the speed of loading the OS and the detection of the mouse and keyboard.
    4. Tools - specialized settings. For example, updating from a flash drive.
    5. Exit - Exit. You can save the changes and exit bios or leave everything as it was (default).

    Video guide on how to properly configure your computer's BIOS

    How to set up BIOS - main sections

    MAIN - section for:

    If you want to rebuild the hard drive modes, then after pressing the “Enter” button you will be taken to its default menu. For normal operation, you need to set the “arrows” and the “Enter” button in the following points:

    • LBA Large Mode - Auto;
    • Block (Multi-Sector Transfer) - Auto;
    • PIO Mode - Auto;
    • DMA Mode - Auto;
    • 32 Bit Transfer - Enabled;
    • Hard Disk Write Protect - Disabled;
    • Storage Configuration - it is advisable not to change;
    • SATA Detect Time out - it is not advisable to change it.
    • Configure SATA as - set to AHCI.
    • System Information - system data that can be read.

    ADVANCED - section for direct settings of the main components of the computer. Figure 2. It consists of subsections:

    1. JumperFree Configuration - from it (by pressing the “Enter” button) we get to the Configure System Frequency/Voltage menu, which allows you to configure memory modules and the processor. It consists of points:
    • AI Overclocking (Auto and Manual modes) is used to overclock the processor manually or automatically;
    • DRAM Frequency - changes the frequency (clock) of the memory module bus;
    • Memory Voltage - manual change of voltage on memory modules;
    • NB Voltage - manually change the voltage on the chipset.
    1. CPU Configuration - Pressing the Enter button opens a menu where you can view and change some processor data.
    2. Chipset - changing is not recommended.
    3. Onboard Devices Configuration - changing the settings of some ports and controllers:
    • Serial Portl Address—change the COM port address;
    • Parallel Port Address—change the LPT port address;
    • Parallel Port Mode - change the modes of the parallel (LPT) port and the addresses of some other ports.

    POWER - change power settings. For normal operation, you need to set the “arrows” and the “Enter” button in the following points:

    1. Suspend Mode - Auto.
    2. ACPI 2.0 Support - Disabled.
    3. ACPI APIC Support - Enabled.
    4. APM Configuration - it is not advisable to change it.
    5. Hardware Monitor - adjustment of general power supply, cooler speed and temperature.

    BIOS setup - other sections

    BOOT—manage direct boot parameters. Consists of:

    1. Boot Device Priority - selecting a priority drive (hard drive, floppy drive, flash drive, etc.) when working or installing any OS.
    2. Hard Disk Drivers - setting the priority hard drive if there are several of them.
    3. Boot Setting Configuration - select the system and computer configuration at boot. When you press the Enter button, a menu opens:

    1. Security Setting
    • Supervisor Password - ;
    • User Password is the same for ordinary individuals.

    TOOLS - used to update the BIOS.

    EXIT - exit the BIOS. Has 4 modes:


    Almost every user knows how to correctly configure bios in default images. But if you are a novice user, go online. There are many resources on the Internet that have “setup” pages bios systems in pictures."

    In itself, BIOS is a miniature set of programs located on the motherboard chip and controls the primary settings of the PC. It contains many functions, each of which may deserve a separate article, but below we will talk about the most important and most frequently used features.

    How to set up BIOS on a computer - login

    This issue is a stumbling block for many users, since various manufacturers prescribe separate buttons to enter the menu. The standard options are to click DEL, F2 or F3 when the test screen appears. It should also display a prompt that says “Press XX to enter Setup.” In place of XX there will be a key or a combination of keys leading to the BIOS. Owners of Windows 8 and 10 can choose to enter the BIOS from system settings, indicating after reboot the desired option. The specific login method should be looked for in accordance with the brand of motherboard or version of the installed operating system.

    How to configure BIOS on a computer - setting default values

    In the event of a PC failure or incorrect operation (as well as many other situations), it is useful to know how to restore the BIOS to factory settings. If there are no special requirements, they are the most correct and will ensure uninterrupted operation of the hardware. The same method will allow you to reset the BIOS password (if one was set). Physically, you can perform a reset by temporarily removing the BIOS battery on the motherboard, followed by its return, as well as special switch(located next to the battery, can be labeled as Clear CMOS, CCMOS, Clear RTC, CRTC and the like). Software method done like this:

    • go to BIOS;
    • We are looking for the required item, which may be called Load Defaults BIOS\Setup Defaults\Fail Defaults;
    • go into it by pressing “Enter”;
    • set the value to “Defaults” or something similar in meaning;
    • exit using Esc and save the changes.


    How to set up BIOS on a computer - selecting boot media

    The second most frequently used BIOS item is the menu for setting the priority of disk access. It is useful for launching from an installation or service disk for repairing/installing a new OS, so it is important to know where these settings are located:

    • go to the Boot tab (move using the arrows);
    • in the Boot Device Priority section, select a hard drive, flash drive, DVD-rom or other source of information, as well as the order in which you access them;
    • The Hard Disk Drivers item allows you to select only between hard drives (for example, if they have different operating systems installed).


    How to set up BIOS on a computer - pre-boot settings

    Some functions present in the BOOT BIOS section will make it possible to speed up the startup of the PC and indicate what should happen before starting the installed OS. Among them:

    • Quick Boot item – disables preliminary tests running “by default” (RAM, etc.);
    • Full Screen Logo – will display data about the characteristics of the PC in graphical form;
    • Bootup Num-Lock – determines the state of the button of the same name after booting the computer;
    • Supervisor Password – sets a password for accessing the BIOS;
    • User Password – respectively responsible for passwords for users without administrator rights.


    Some may be interested in improving PC performance by overclocking. In this case, you will need to refer to two BIOS menu items – “System Voltage Control” (includes the ability to adjust the voltage on the base modules) and “Voltage Control” (here we directly indicate the voltage for the RAM).

    Selecting a boot disk

    In BIOS it is better not to set the disk drive as the first boot device. Instead of a disk drive, specify a hard drive.

    Most PCs default to priority boot device expose the disk drive. This option will slow down the PC boot for a couple of seconds as it will check to see if there is a boot floppy in the drive. There is also no need to do this because there is a danger of becoming infected with a boot virus from a “dirty” floppy disk. And how often do you boot from a floppy disk? And why do you need this disgusting sound of accessing an empty drive? It is better to set the hard drive as the first boot device.

    In BIOS Setup, it is possible to specify the devices from which booting is possible, as well as the order in which they are checked. Let's look at how to remove the disk drive from the first boot device. To do this, select Advanced BIOS Features, Boot Sequence, then select 1st Boot Device and change its value from Floppy to Hard Disk. In principle, a hard drive can also be called HDD-O. As a result, the computer will boot directly from the hard drive, bypassing the floppy disk. Of course, if necessary, the boot order can always be restored by returning to BIOS Setup.

    But now, even if the computer does not try to boot from the floppy disk, it will still check the disk drive when booting, wasting time. To avoid checking the drive, set the Boot Up Floppy Seek option to Disabled.

    Speed ​​up PC boot using BIOS

    As you understand, to speed up loading it is important that the PC does not check unnecessary devices, but boots immediately from the hard drive. In addition, it is better to disable the search for new hard drives and other devices. If you do not often change the set of hard drives in the system, then set the search time to zero. To do this, in the Main menu, set the Timeout value to 0.

    How to enable USB 2.0 support in BIOS

    USB: If you installed Windows XP with Service Pack 2, you should enable the USB 2.0 Controller option.

    On many motherboards, the USB Controllers option is set to USB mode 1.1. This is due to the fact that Windows XP without Service Packs (and special patches) does not support USB 2.0. This is why USB 2.0 support usually has to be enabled manually.

    To enable USB 2.0 in BIOS Setup, set the option to Enabled (as shown in the illustration above) or to V1.1+V2.0. But remember that to use the USB 2.0 interface, you must install at least Service Pack 1 for Windows XP.

    How to solve problems with USB devices using BIOS

    Some flash drives, MP3 players, and USB flash drives are powered by a USB port. If there is not enough power, the device will not work. This is why you should make sure that the USB port provides enough power for such devices.

    Check if your BIOS has an option called USB 2.0 HS Reference Voltage. If there is, then change the value from Low or Medium to High or Maximum.

    How can I change the PC's response to a power outage in the BIOS?

    In the Power Management section of BIOS Setup, you can specify how the computer will react when the power is turned off. The AC Power Loss Restart or Restore on AC Power Loss options in the BIOS are responsible for the behavior of the computer after a power outage and subsequent power restoration. Set this option to On or Enabled if you want the computer to boot automatically. Either Off or Disabled otherwise.

    How to check PC temperature and status via BIOS

    BIOS provides information about the operating parameters of your PC. You can track the status of your vitals in real time system components, including CPU, fans, power supply and hard drives. For example, you can include in BIOS feed alarms if the processor exceeds a certain temperature, or even implement an emergency shutdown. As a result, your system will not overheat.

    Various items in the Health or H/W Control sections allow you to monitor changes in voltages, as well as temperature sensors. In the majority BIOS output Values ​​are shown for the temperature of the processor and case, and in some versions also other temperatures, say, of the hard drive or motherboard chipset. In addition, in the BIOS you can find out the fan rotation speed (in rpm).

    How to fix problems with coolers using BIOS

    If your PC won't boot, it could be because the cooler is spinning too low or stopping altogether. This situation occurs especially often with high-end coolers, whose rotation speed depends on temperature. They may spin very slowly (or stop altogether) at low temperatures, causing the BIOS to think the fan has failed. In such cases, correct BIOS settings help.

    Exhibit in BIOS value CPU Fan Failure Warning options to Disabled. When you disable this option, the computer will boot even if the fan is spinning at low speed. Of course, there is another problem: you may not be able to enter the BIOS at all, since the computer may refuse to boot for the reason mentioned above (in many BIOSes this option is set to Enabled by default). In this case, you will have to temporarily connect any cheap cooler to the motherboard, which always rotates at maximum speed. And after disabling the setting, you can connect a high-end model.

    How to avoid system crash

    Modern hard drives can detect symptoms or problems that precede drive failure and alert the BIOS. This feature is called Self Monitoring And Reporting Technology (SMART). Enabling HDD SMART Capability allows the BIOS to send warnings to programs like Norton System Works or the well-known freeware SpeedFan utility. As a result, the user receives information about the status of the drives. This opportunity allows you to take the necessary measures as soon as the first symptoms of an impending failure begin to appear.

    Connecting old printers and scanners (LPT)

    Parallel port: most fast mode is ESR + ERR.

    A computer's parallel port (LPT) typically only works in one direction. This setting is suitable for almost all devices, although the transfer speed is limited to 100 kbps. You can switch the LPT port to a more modern mode, which gives speeds of up to 1 Mbit/s.

    To do this, you need to enable the ECP (Extended Capability Port) or EPP (Enhanced Parallel Port) mode. In fact, you can enable both modes at once by setting the ECP/EPR or ECP + EPP option.

    Warning: if you have several devices connected to one port, problems may arise with speed modes. In such situations, we can recommend purchasing an additional card PCI extensions, which will allow you to add a second LPT port. Or buy a USB-LPT adapter. Or, of course, upgrade to a more modern scanner or printer.

    This part of the section is addressed to demanding users who want to speed up boot times as much as possible, optimize system parameters, and fully utilize the computing resources of the PC, the capabilities of the motherboard chipset and memory.

    How to enable BIOS to display POST test results during boot

    When booting a PC, many computers display multi-colored manufacturer logos instead of POST (Power-on Self-Test) lines. But, it seems to us, it will be much more useful to see which element of the computer is being tested, and with what results.

    In the Advanced BIOS Features section, find the Full Screen LOGO Display item and set it to Disabled. You will then be able to observe the results of all PC tests during boot.

    How to configure the BIOS to make your PC boot even faster

    At BIOS help You can further reduce your PC boot time by reducing the first test time. Of course, we recommend doing this only if all PC components are working stably. For example, you can enable it in the BIOS one-time check available memory instead of three times. To do this, go to the Advanced or Advanced BIOS Features section, find the Quick Power On Self Test or Quick Boot option and set it to Enabled.

    How to enable another video card in BIOS

    If your computer has multiple interfaces that can accommodate a graphics card (integrated graphics, AGP, PCI Express, PCI), then the BIOS will try to determine which of them the working card is located in when booting. But this is not necessary, because all necessary information you know!

    Select an option in BIOS Setup called Init Display First, which may also be called Primary VGA BIOS or VGA Boot From depending on BIOS version. Specify AGP if you are using an AGP graphics card. On systems with PCI Express, this option is usually called PEG Port/Graphic Adapter Priority. In this case, set it to PEG if you are using a PCI Express card.

    How to enable or disable processor cache in BIOS

    Enabling any level of processor cache (1,2 or 3) provides a significant performance boost.

    The CPU runs significantly faster than other components on the motherboard and often has to wait for data to arrive. The processor cache, which is a high-speed memory located between the CPU and the computer's RAM, allows you to speed up data exchange.

    The first level cache (L1) is very small, but it is located on the processor core, close to the compute units, providing quickly accessible storage for temporary data. The second level cache (L2) is significantly larger in size and can store some entire program elements or pieces of data. When the processor requests data, it first checks its presence in the cache. If the required data is there, then the computer's performance increases significantly, because memory cannot respond at the same speed as the cache. Some processors, usually professional grade, also have an L3 cache. As you understand, the cache should always be enabled.

    How to enable API C in BIOS

    The motherboard chipset most often consists of two chips, called the north and south bridges. They are responsible for transferring data between the processor, RAM, expansion cards and peripheral devices. Inclusion in BIOS mode APIC (advanced programmable interrupt controller) allows you to improve the work with devices. The number of interrupts increases from 16 to 24, and managing them using APIC is much simpler and more convenient.

    All you need to do is go to the Advanced BIOS Features menu and set the APIC Mode option to Enabled.

    How to enable Burst Mode in BIOS

    Burst Mode allows you to speed up many things: working with hard drives, PCI cards and RAM. Batch mode allows you to transfer multiple pieces of data in one transmission instead of processing all the pieces individually.

    Warning: Many PCI cards may not function properly if the PCI Dynamic Bursting option is set to Enabled.

    How to turn off built-in sound in BIOS

    Often the motherboard's built-in sound controller is not used. For example, if you have installed a powerful PCI sound card or generally use a computer without speakers. Then it makes sense to turn off the sound on the motherboard. In some cases, this can improve overall system performance and stability.

    In the Integrated Peripherals menu, set the AC97 Audio Select item to Disabled (as shown in the illustration above).

    How to disable the game port in the BIOS

    The game port is only useful to owners of old joysticks or those users who use it as a MIDI interface. Then it makes sense to allocate two I/O ports and an interrupt to the game port. (By the way, if you have a joystick, it most likely uses USB connection.) For all other users, it is better to disable the game port.

    In the Integrated Peripherals menu, set the Game Port item to Disabled.

    How to disable the network port in the BIOS

    Some motherboards have two network interfaces, but generally most users only need one. It is better to disable interfaces that are not working. In some cases, this improves system performance and stability.

    In the Integrated Peripherals menu, set the Onboard Intel LAN item to Disabled.

    How to disable unnecessary ports in the BIOS

    Today, only old PDAs and modems need serial ports COM1 and COM2.

    Disabling ports saves two IRQ interrupts, reducing the number of interrupts the processor must check. And hardly anyone needs a parallel LPT interface today. Moreover, modern printers and scanners are connected to a USB port.

    From the Integrated Peripherals menu, disable the COM1 and COM2 interfaces (option Y Devices, Com-Port, but can also be called Serial Port 1/2). Disable the LPT port by setting the Parallel Port item to Disabled.

    How to disable FireWire (IEEE1394) in BIOS

    The FireWire interface is only needed if you need to download video from a video camera or connect FireWire peripherals. In all other situations, it is better to turn off the interface.

    In the Integrated Peripherals menu, set the Onboard 1394 device item to Disabled.

    If you were looking for BIOS settings in pictures, you came to correct address.

    The changes made will be protected by a lithium battery built into the motherboard and maintaining the required parameters in the event of a loss of voltage.

    Thanks to the program, it is possible to establish stable interaction between the operating system (OS) and PC devices.

    Attention! The present Boot network configuration section allows you to adjust parameters regarding system boot speed and keyboard and mouse settings.

    After completing the work or familiarizing yourself with Bios menu Setup Utility, you need to press the burning Exit key, which automatically saves the changes made.

    Section Main - Main Menu

    Let's start working with the MAIN section, which is used to modify settings and adjust timing indicators.

    Here you can independently configure the time and date of your computer, as well as configure the connected hard drives and other storage devices.

    To reformat the operating mode of the hard drive, you need to select the hard drive (for example: “SATA 1”, as shown in the figure).

    • Type - this paragraph indicates the type connected hard disk;
    • LBA Large Mode- is responsible for supporting drives with a capacity of more than 504 MB. So the recommended value here is AUTO.
    • Block (Multi-Sector Transfer) - For more fast work here we recommend choosing AUTO mode;
    • PIO Mode - Enables the hard drive to operate in legacy data exchange mode. It would also be best to select AUTO here;
    • DMA Mode - gives direct memory access. To get more high speed reading or writing, select AUTO;
    • Smart monitoring - this technology, based on an analysis of the drive’s operation, can warn of a possible disk failure in the near future;
    • 32 bit Data Transfer - The option determines whether the 32-bit data exchange mode will be used by the standard IDE/SATA controller of the chipset.

    Everywhere, using the “ENTER” key and arrows, the Auto mode is set. The exception is the 32 Bit Transfer subsection, which requires the Enabled setting to be fixed.

    Important! It is required to refrain from changing the “Storage Configuration” option, which is located in the “System information” section and not to allow correction “SATADetectTimeout".

    Advanced section - Additional settings

    Now let's start setting up the basic PC components in the ADVANCED section, which consists of several sub-items.

    Initially, you will need to set the necessary processor and memory parameters in the system configuration menu Jumper Free Configuration.

    By selecting Jumper Free Configuration, you will be taken to the Configure System Frequency/Voltage subsection, where you can perform the following operations:

    • automatic or manual overclocking of the hard drive - AI Overclocking;
    • change clock frequency memory modules - ;
    • Memory Voltage;
    • manual mode for setting chipset voltage - NB Voltage
    • changing port addresses (COM,LPT) - Serial and Parallel Port;
    • setting controller settings - Onboard Devices configuration.

    Power Section - PC Power

    The POWER item is responsible for powering the PC and contains several subsections that require following settings:

    • Suspended Mode- we exhibit automatic mode;
    • ACPI APIC- set Enabled;
    • ACPI 2.0- fix the Disabled mode.

    BOOT section - boot management

    Here you can determine the priority drive, choosing between a flash card, disk drive or hard drive.

    If there are several hard drives, then in the Hard Disk sub-item the priority hard drive is selected.

    The boot configuration of the PC is set in the Boot Setting subsection, which contains a menu consisting of several items:

    Selecting a hard drive

    The PC boot configuration is set in the Boot Setting subsection,

    • Quick Boot– acceleration of OS loading;
    • Logo Full Screen– disabling the screen saver and activating the information window containing information about the download process;
    • Add On ROM- setting the priority for information screen modules connected to the motherboard (MT) via slots;
    • Wait For 'F1' If Error- activation of the function of forced pressing “F1” at the moment the system identifies an error.

    Main task Boot section consists of identifying boot devices and setting the required priorities.

    Attention! If you want to restrict access to your PC, set a password inBIOS in subsectionSupervisorPassword.

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