Check your
work.
Now is a good time to make
sure all of your cards are seated properly in their respective slots. Also,
check to make sure your RAM chips are seated properly.
Software
Configuration
Software configuration for
motherboards usually just involves adjusting the BIOS to recognize the new
processor. In "Jumper-less"
motherboards, a BIOS will usually be equipped with a "Soft Menu" type
BIOS which will be able to auto-detect the processor the first time you boot
your PC. Just make sure you double-check
that it detected the processor correctly.
If your motherboard is not self-configuring, after you set your jumpers
and/or DIP-switches you will need to adjust the BIOS settings to accommodate the
CPU. In addition to configuring the CPU,
you will want to make sure the motherboard recognizes all of your hard drives
and expansion cards. Most modern
motherboards can auto-detect all types of hard drives and offer plug-and-play
functionality to auto-configure you expansion cards. Most boards also have an "Optimum"
or "Default" setting somewhere in the BIOS. This is usually the safest and best configuration
and unless you run into problems, you should leave this setting alone. You will need to consult your motherboard's
manual for more information on setting up the BIOS.
Important Tips
If your motherboard is not
jumperless, make sure you set your jumpers and DIP-switches properly or you can
damage both the motherboard and your CPU.
If you encounter problems with your motherboard recognizing your
processor or any of your expansion cards, check the manufacturer of your
motherboard's website for possible BIOS updates that will correct the
problem.
