CMOS setup and editing made easy

Here's a list of what I do when I a CMOS setup. Follow this step by step, if you would like to view a larger image, simply click on it to take you to the full size picture. The general idea when doing a CMOS setup is to get the motherboard talking correctly to the RAM, CPU, and other hardware like hard drives and CD Roms.

Generally speaking, you load the default settings of the CMOS, this will most likely get the right settings by automatically detecting the settings for you. You'll then set the date and time, if you like, you can also do this step from Windows to make it even easier. If you follow this page as a guideline along with your motherboard manual it really is something anyone can do.

If something happens where your computer fails to start, simply clear the CMOS by removing the battery from the motherboard for 30 seconds and disconnecting the power supply, then replacing and restarting the computer so you can start over.

Setup the CMOS

A word of warning, this guide is general as it covers only one CMOS setup, there are many different models out there. Use this guide with the documentation that came with your motherboard to be successful.

Step 1 - The default to get in on most is by pressing the delete key right at the start of boot up.

Step 2 - Load setup defaults.

Step 3 - Enter the current Date and Time.

Step 4 - Change the boot sequence. This is simply the order the computer will look for an operating system to boot. I usually go CDRom, then floppy, if I have one installed, then the Hard Drive.

Step 5 - Check your CPU settings. The default ones should be correct, if they are not adjust the CPU to manufacturers specifications.

Step 6 - Check the settings of your RAM. Often the settings are actually on your RAM, if not check the manufacturers website. Even some RAM voltages are different these days so this step is important.

Step 7 - Adjust your plug and play settings, just change plug and play O/S to yes.

Step 8 - Enable the controller if you plan on using any USB devices, enable 2.0 support and legacy support to make sure all your USB devices work at their maximum.

Step 9 - If you are planning on using a Raid, make sure you enable to option for those drives.

Step 10 - If your motherboard supports it, and you would like your computer to be as silent as possible, enable quiet fans. This will slow down your computer fans when the cooling is not needed.