PC Hardware in a Nutshell, 3rd Edition

Completing the Installation

Once you have physically installed the processor and memory (as described in Chapter 5), installed the motherboard in the case, and connected all cables, you’re ready to test the system. Verify that everything is connected properly and that you haven’t left any tools in the patient. Connect a monitor, keyboard, and mouse to the system. With the case cover still off, apply power. Everything should spin up properly, including the processor fan if one is installed. If it doesn’t, immediately turn the power off and recheck your work.

Once the processor is functioning, restart the system, enter BIOS Setup, and set the processor speed if necessary. Setting processor speed is unnecessary with modern processors. In fact, it’s usually impossible to do so because the processor reports its speed to the motherboard, which automatically configures itself for that speed. Older processors may or may not require setting processor speed manually, depending on the particular processor and motherboard. Note that with some motherboards, you must move a jumper from “Normal” to “Configure” mode before you can change some settings, including processor speed. Once you have configured BIOS settings appropriately, save the changes and turn off the system.