BIOS Question - Need some general guidance [ASUS motherboard]

[steffeeh]

You'll see my build in my signature, however the BIOS version in the sig is only the Asus BIOS version, otherwise inside BIOS it says American Megatrends 2.16.1242.

Anyway, I have with the help from a friend built my own PC, as I'm not that experienced in PC building etc, and I'm still learning this stuff to be able to handle it myself.
Now, I have already had some look inside BIOS just to see its interface and construction, as well as I've had a support inquiry - but not until now I've had a full look on BIOS to get a better grip on what alternatives are there and create a good habit of being able to manuever inside BIOS.

However, this greater look has raised some questions for me... I know it's not popular to post broad subjects but otherwise I'd have to post multiple threads (I post on several forums so that would've taken an eternity).

1. Under the Tool-tab in Advanced Mode, it says my GPU is installed in PCIe x16 slot number 2, and not number 1, and that it's recommended to install it in slot 1 for best performance - how much difference does this make?

2. I know I've previously de-activated Fastboot as it caused issues in my case, though this was before I updated the BIOS. Now I see a "Fastboot" option activated in the Boot tab in Advanced Mode - however I'm unsure if this setting has been reset or I'm confusing it with another option?

3.Under the Main-tab in Advanced Mode where you can see system specs, as well as in EZ Mode, as well as when I check the system properties in Windows - it says that I have 12 GB of RAM installed (1x 8B + 1x 4 GB)... but I have 2x 8GB = 16 GB of RAM installed?! Does it show wrong, or is there an issue with one of the RAM sticks, or have I received one stick with the wrong memory size in the box?

4. Under the AI Tweaker-tab in Advanced Mode, I see alternatives like "Extreme Overvoltage" and "Fully Manual Mode" - and it says something about a switch on the motherboard I have to switch on? I've intended to overvolt my CPU in the near future, does this mean I have to enable the switch on the mobo in order for the voltage settings to start?

5. Under the Monitor-tab in Advanced Mode, what is "Fan Speed Lower Limit"? Is it the minimal rotation speed the fans can spin according to BIOS?
Also, what is the difference between DC Mode and PWM Mode? Which one should I use?


Some questions may be about potential issues, but som are quite basic - just to ensure that I know what these seemingly basic settings really are so I don't do anything wrong

 

[Shaun o]

In answer to your questions and order you numbered.

1. The reason why a graphics card is prefered, or should be fitted to the first Pci-e card slot of the motherboard is.
Because it can effect how fast the card can transfer data.

The first Pci-e card slot will run at the highest speed capable, We call it Pci-e express lanes so X16 lanes of data sent to it from each lane provided.


Just like a road or a motorway, the more lanes you have the more amount of cars can run on the same road, at the same time.

So the quicker everyone in a car, gets to and from there desired destination.

Data when transferring it on a computer works the same way between two hardware devices used or interfaces.

If you place for example a graphics card in the first Pci-e X 16 lane card slot, but then add a second graphics card to the second Pci-e slot at the same time then the result is the Data or amount of cars on each road is reduced in lanes to use or drive on to X 8 mode.

The amount of data you can move due to the free lanes.

Is what we term as Bandwidth, the speed a device can work at transferring Data.

And how fast it can do it, in a set amount of given time.

For example more cars would move from one point to another, if the road was 16 lanes wide over being just 8 lanes wide.
So over a set amount of time more cars pass in less time on a 16 lane road.


I hope it helps explain it in a sense you can practically relate to anyway, on how things work with computers.

I would be here all day, if i tried to relate to it in non technical terms.

But at least you have the answer to one of your questions, in a way it can be understood metaphorically, a more practical explanation to be able to understand.

 

[steffeeh]

Thanks for the answer, that shines some light on this thing!
What about the RAM-thing? THe other questions are pretty much solved.

By the way, I forgot another question, you'll see it both here and in the OP:

6. Ever since I updated the BIOS, some components have become significantly warmer (GPU, CPU, PCH, VRM). Is there any setting that I need to take a look at in order to try to reset the temperatures I used to have?