Configure Motherboard

The so-called motherboard is the main component of your system that controls all other components. You should configure it before actually installing it into your computer case as it is much easier to manipulate and see what you are doing without the case getting in the way. It's essential to consult your motherboard manual during this step; if you don't have the manual, download it from the manufacturer's website. Also, make sure to ground yourself before touching the motherboard (you can do this by touching a grounded metal object such as the tap on your kitchen sink or a plugged-in power supply) since discharged static electricity can cause damage to sensitive electronic components.

Jumper-Free Mode

Many of the newer motherboards available come with a jumper-free mode that allows the motherboard to be configured via the BIOS instead of using the jumpers. In this case we recommend using jumper-free mode; however, jumper-free mode is something of a contradiction since you will probably have to set a jumper to enable jumper-free mode; consult your motherboard's manual to find the appropriate jumper and determine the correct jumper setting. If you use jumper-free mode you may proceed to the next step, "Installing CPU" and then you will configure the motherboard using the BIOS after everything is installed and you turn your computer on for the first time. Your motherboard's manual should have a section on BIOS to tell you how to configure the motherboard from the BIOS.

Configure Voltage Settings

Your motherboard manual should tell you how to set the proper voltage for your CPU. Many newer motherboards are able to automatically detect the voltage, in which case your job will be easier and you can skip this step. Otherwise, determine the voltage of your CPU; you should find the words "core voltage" printed somewhere on the CPU or in the CPU manual; set the motherboard's core voltage and I/O voltage to that value by finding the appropriate jumpers and setting them as indicated in the manual. You can remove the jumper caps by using your fingernail on the edge or using a fine-tip pen to get underneath the wire along the top of the jumper cap. Be very careful to do things right during this step; if you set the voltage too high you can cause damage to the CPU.

Set Processor Speed

The processor speed is usually set using two separate jumpers: Bus speed and multiplier. The multiplier multiplied by the bus speed gives the speed of your processor (CPU). Once again, you must refer to your motherboard's manual to set the jumpers correctly.

Other Jumper Settings

Read the jumper settings section of your manual carefully to set any other jumpers appropriately. For example, there might be jumpers to configure audio settings, IDE channels, USB settings, hibernation or wake-up settings, etc. Generally these jumper settings aren't as important since it's unlikely anything will break if they aren't set correctly.

Once you are finished configuring your motherboard, it's a good idea to check everything over again to make sure it is configured correctly; it's not hard to misread your manual and set the jumpers in the wrong configuration. When you are certain that you have configured the motherboard properly, you're ready to install the CPU.