Question Newbie Builder

[AnimalisticDisskord]

I have never built my own PC entirely by myself. I feel pretty confident installing the parts, but when it comes to getting the system to boot I’m a little shaky. I know I have to download the most current BIOS to a flash drive, but I’m sketchy on what to do after that. Do I flash the MB to the most recent BIOS and then Download windows onto a flash drive and boot to that drive again to install windows? Your help is greatly appreciated. I have an Asus MB with EZ flash.

 

[Lutfij]

Perhaps list the specs to your build and maybe we can verify if you actually need to update the BIOS tin order to get POST. Please list your specs like so:
CPU:
Motherboard:
Ram:
SSD/HDD:
GPU:
PSU:
Chassis:
OS:
Monitor:

Side note, download the latest drivers for your motherboard off of the motherboard's support site, using a donor system and a pen drive. On another pen drive, fabricate your bootable USB installer using Windows Media Creation Tools, assuming you're going to with Microsoft's Windows OS.

 

[ManOfArc]

Unless you need it for some reason, forget the latest BIOS for now. Just assemble the PC (preferably piecemeal on the bench first to be sure it all works), install Win and then updates.

The latest drivers can come last if at all. Updating the BIOS can sometimes be done automatically while you're in the BIOS. If not, just download the BIOS to the flash drive, boot to BIOS, and use the option therein to update it.

 

[geofelt]

Perhaps this will help:
MY build process:

Before anything, while waiting for your parts to be delivered, download
and read, cover to cover your case and motherboard manual.
Buy a long #2 magnetic tip philips screwdriver.
A small led flashlight is also useful.

I find it handy to buy a power switch like this for testing.
https://www.newegg.com/p/N82E168121..._switch-_-12-119-009-_-Product&quicklink=true
1. I assemble the critical parts outside of the case.
That lets me test them for functionality easily.
A wood table or cardboard is fine.
2. Plug in only the necessary parts at first. Ram, cpu, cooler, psu.
Do not force anything. Parts fit only one way.
Attach a monitor to the integrated motherboard adapter if you have one, otherwise to the graphics card.

1. If your motherboard does not have a PWR button, momentarily touch the two pwr front panel pins with a flat blade screwdriver.
2. Repeatedly hit F2 or DEL, and that should get you into the bios display.
3. Boot from a cd or usb stick with memtest86 on it. memtest will exercise your ram and cpu functionality.

They boot from a usb stick and do not use windows.
You can download them here:

MemTest86 - Official Site of the x86 Memory Testing Tool

MemTest86 is the original self booting memory testing software for x86 and ARM computers. Supporting both BIOS and UEFI, with options to boot from USB.

www.memtest86.com

Memtest86+ | The Open-Source Memory Testing Tool

Memtest86+ is an advanced, free, open-source, stand-alone memory tester for 32- and 64-bit computers (UEFI & BIOS supported)

www.memtest.org

If you can run a full pass with NO errors, your ram should be ok.

Running several more passes will sometimes uncover an issue, but it takes more time.


Probably not worth it unless you really suspect a ram issue.
Normally, one does not update a bios unless there is a fix for something that is impacting you. I violate this rule on a new build and will update to currency up front.
If there is a severe problem, the impact is small.

1. Install windows.
2. Install the motherboard cd drivers. Particularly the lan drivers so you can access the internet.

Do not select the easy install option, or you will get a bunch of utilities and trialware that you don't want. Drivers only.

1. Connect to the internet and install an antivirus program. Microsoft defender is free, easy, and unobtrusive.
2. Install your graphics card and driver if you tested with integrated graphics.

You will need to remove the graphics card later to install your motherboard in the case.
As a tip when screwing the motherboard into the posts, give the screw a small counterclockwise turn until you feel a click.
That lets you know that the screw will engage properly.
Make a note of how the graphics card latches into the pcie slot.
The mechanism will be hidden under the card and may be difficult to work if you have not previously checked how.

1. Update windows to currency.
2. Only now do I take apart what I need to and install it in the case.
3. Now is the time to reinstall your graphics card.
4. Opinions vary on updating the bios. On a new build, I will update to currency right away. My thought is that I have no big loss if

I encounter a problem. Use the usb option, not the windows option.