Whether you build or buy, the first boot of your new PC is an exciting time. It's also the first time you find out whether it's all put together properly!
When you buy a pre-built PC you'd expect it's all been done properly and everything will work first time. But that's not always the case, as I recently found out with a new Lenovo gaming PC.
Turns out it was a simple fix involving the RAM. Here's what to look out for and how you solve it.
The issue
When you boot your new PC for the first time you'll either be booting into the BIOS of your motherboard or in the case of a pre-built PC, you'll boot into the Windows 10 setup process.
But sometimes you won't get either. In the case of my Lenovo PC, a series of beeps that meant nothing to me was all I got along with no video output of any kind from the GPU or the motherboards HDMI output. Nothing, absolutely nothing.
In Lenovo's case, those beeps do mean something, and once you get to the right support page you might be able to figure it out. There are plenty of parts in a PC to check, but given all the video outputs delivered nothing and there was no BIOS or anything showing to boot into, it becomes a problem seeded deeper.
So if this sounds like something you're experiencing, check your RAM is installed properly. It sounds simple and it's a simple fix, but if the RAM isn't seated in the slots properly, your PC won't do anything.
How to properly install your RAM
Whether you've ever touched the RAM in your PC or not before, checking it's installed properly is an easy task.
- Unclip the RAM locks on the motherboard module slots.
- Carefully remove each individual stick.
- To reinstall, match the RAM stick's notches to those found in the slots on the motherboard.
- Push the RAM stick in carefully, using light even force across the stick.
- The RAM stick is installed properly when the RAM locks click closed.
The next thing to do is to boot your PC. If your situation was exactly like mine, hopefully now you see something other than empty black displays, and your PC is booting up ready to go!
More: The ultimate guide to building a PC
Microsoft's new tool lets you create a free website within minutes
Microsoft just announced a free website creation service as part of its Digital Marketing Center. The tool lets you easily create a website from scratch or by importing content from a social media account or ad campaign.
RIP Anthem: Incredible potential that was never reached
BioWare has announced that Anthem Next, an overhaul that would have revamped many of Anthem's core gameplay systems, has been cancelled and that Anthem is effectively being left in the dust. Here's why I'm sad to see Anthem fade away.
Anthem Next has been canceled, BioWare confirms
Anthem Next has been canceled. This news comes directly from BioWare, as the studio also confirmed that its development efforts are completely pivoting to focus on the next Dragon Age and Mass Effect.
The best RTX 3070 GPUs you can't buy right now
NVIDIA launched the RTX 30-series of GPUs that bring with them incredible levels of performance. The GeForce RTX 3070 is simply brilliant for those looking for a good value graphics card. It has more performance than an RTX 2080 SUPER, but comes at a much more affordable price. Here are some killer aftermarket options.