Otherwise often known as the BIOS or UEFI, the motherboard firmware controls numerous system variables. Getting into the firmware interface typically requires hitting a specific key—often Delete or F2—within a couple of seconds of pressing the ability button. The motherboard splash display that pops up on the monitor when the system is booted will indicate which key must be pressed to get into the firmware.

You’ll want to make sure that cool filtered air is being pulled in and heat air exhausted. I’ve written beforehand on the challenges we faced with this. What I advocate is, to the extent possible, a straight path between intake and exhaust.

The fantastic thing about building your individual PC is getting precisely what you need exactly the way you need it. Although our Asus firmware doesn’t have it, some motherboards characteristic a “fan type” setting designed to distinguish between DC and PWM models. If the fans connected to the motherboard have four-pin plugs, use the PWM setting. Fan controls are one space the place there’s lots of variety in motherboard firmware.

Then extra PCIe lanes combine Thunderbolt and additional energy provided to extend functionality. With up to 500 watts, the MPX Module has energy capability equivalent to that of the entire previous-generation Mac Pro. The overclocked machine ran Crysis three in 2,560 x 1,440 at high frame rates with each setting maxed.