Asus P4P800 Deluxe Socket 478 Motherboard with Pentium4 3.0 GHz 800MHz Processor

Know Your BIOS!

But What Is BIOS?
Most electronic devices, from computers to MP3 players have software embedded in their hardware. These are programs that tell the device how it will function - from basic to advanced functions - so that it knows how to start, and perform the most simple and complex tasks it was designed for. We call this software the BIOS (sometimes also called Firmware). In computer jargon, BIOS stands for "Basic Input/Output System", but in reality, there is very little "basic" about it. In your computer's motherboard for example, it tells your computer how to: start up; communicate with hardware components, such as hard drives and video; how to move data in and out of memory; and even talk to your USB connected devices. Without your BIOS, your device is JOOL (just out of luck!).

Keep in mind that changing a PC's BIOS settings incorrectly can cause the PC to malfunction. If this happens, a BIOS reset is usually available, and will need to be performed to return the BIOS to the default "factory settings." This is usually activated by a jumper on the motherboard.  [Warning: always read your motherboard or system manual thoroughly, before upgrading your BIOS, or making BIOS setting changes!]  Though normally, most incorrect settings should have no negative affect on your PC, but please follow each step explicitly since some can.

Remember: It is recommended that you reboot after each individual BIOS setting change to ensure that your system functions normally. If you make numerous changes before rebooting, and your system will no longer boot, you won't know which change is responsible for the failure.

Updating Your BIOS
Before you consider updating your BIOS, be sure you need to - not every update will be needed or even benefit you.  Also be sure you are up to the technical challenges you will face.  Changing the version of BIOS stored in your computer or motherboard is not the kind of activity recommended for novice users.  To perform this successfully, you need to be comfortable and familiar with your BIOS settings, and be able to download and apply the BIOS Update without issue.  For this reason, it is best to let professional computer technicians do this work for you, if or when it is needed.  However, if you know what you are doing, it is a fairly easy task.

Before Updating BIOS, consider the following:

• The reasons for updating your BIOS - frequently, updating is unnecessary
• Identifying your BIOS chip - if replacing is the approach required
• Replacing your BIOS chip - this requires significant care, and can void your warranty
• Locating your latest BIOS version - required for any update
• Flashing your BIOS - make sure you have a UPS!
• Live update - great for minor or quick updates - again a UPS is vital - a partial update can make your system inoperative
• Configuring your new BIOS settings - read the manual! twice for good measure!

For more information about BIOS: 

• Example Desktop Motherboard BIOS Setting Glossary

Heat Sink Shapes Change!
Many products come with a Heat Sink, and some with a combination Heat Sink and Fan.  Keep in mind though, that manufacturers are constantly improving the design of their cooling components, thus the shape and design of the heat sink or heat sink & fan can change on any product at any time.

PLEASE NOTE:  Cooling Components Can Change At Any Time, And Do Not Affect The Performance Or Specifications Of The Product.

How Do Heat Sinks Work?
Heat sinks function by transferring high temperature thermal energy (heat) from one object (such as a CPU chip) to a second object (such as the Heat Sink), which has a lower temperature, with a much greater heat capacity. This rapid transfer of heat quickly balances the temperature of both devices, lowering the temperature of the first.  This is what makes a heat sink a cooling device. Since room temperature is usually cooler than the hot device, the Heat Sink helps cool the device, lowering its temp to closer to room temperature.

The most common design of a heat sink is a metal device with many fins or vanes. The high thermal conductivity of the metal combined with the large surface area of the fins does the work to rapidly transfer heat to the surrounding, cooler, air. This cools the heat sink and whatever it is in contact with.  Some Heat Sinks use the metal alone for cooling, some use fluids (just like you car radiator) and a thermal interface material (such as thermal gel) to ensure maximum heat transfer to the heat sink. Adding a fan dramatically improves air flow, and improves the heat transfer even more.

Need A Heat Sink or Cooling Product?  Click Here »

Remember The Thermal Paste!
Remember that when you are adding a Heat Sink, you MUST USE thermally conductive Gel or Paste, to form a good thermal contact between the Heat Sink and the Device.  Failing to use this will result in reduced cooling, and possible failure and damage to the device! 

For Our Selection Of Thermal Paste Click Here »

For More Information About Cooling Click Here »

But always remember, that the amount of memory that your system reports, is not always the amount of actual installed memory. For example, if you have 4GB installed, 32 bit versions of Windows will typically report 3.2GB due to a limitation of Windows itself.  Also note that different Windows programs report available and maximum memory differently, which can be confusing. If you find that you need more memory, we suggest expanding your system memory, since this is the most effective performance increase, and the one that is easiest to perform .

Click Here for our Memory Upgrade Options »

Advanced PC Build-It-Yourself Guide
Not too long ago one had to be eligible for the Genius IQ Club (Mensa) in order to build a computer. That is no longer the case. Today’s computer manufacturers have made it much easier for the enterprising do-it-yourselfer to create a great system.
Click Here To Learn More »

Having Issues With Your PC?
Here Are Some Common Problems And Solutions!
Of course, there a thousand little things can go wrong with an average PC. But many problems are common, and have common solutions.   Click Here to Learn More »