FAQ: The Optimal PC 2022

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We always get a lot of feedback from readers on our c’t building proposals. For a better overview, we’ve put together and answered the most frequently asked questions for you in one FAQ.

I assembled the versatile Ryzen to c’t specs and made the BIOS settings as recommended. However, when I turn on the computer, the power and SSD LEDs remain off.

You are right, we have optimized the settings for maximum energy savings. To turn on the status LEDs, all you need to do is open the Aura menu in the BIOS setup using F4 and change the setting from “Stealth Mode” to “Aura Off”. Save then exit BIOS setup with F10.

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I am unable to load the BIOS from the Asus motherboard into the versatile Ryzen via flashback. The LED is blinking, but the computer still does not start.

This could have several reasons. First you need to check if you have exactly the correct BIOS file for the card. The BIOS linked by us on the project page only works with the Asus “TUF Gaming B550-Plus (Wi-Fi)”. It is especially important that the part numbers match 90MB15D0-M0EAY0. You can find it on the carton packaging on the white sticker with the barcode.

If the update still doesn’t work, you should see if you installed the motherboard correctly. In some cases, readers have reported to us that the ATX cover was not positioned correctly and that the BIOS flashback button was pressed all the time. This can also happen if the card is secured with the wrong screws. Coarse thread and button head screws are correct.

If not, there may also be a problem with the USB drive. This must be in FAT32 format and the CAP file must be named TGB550PW.CAP. The Asus zip file contains the Windows BIOSRenamer tool, which changes the name of the CAP file with a single mouse click.

If the computer still does not start, you must reset the BIOS using CMOS-Clear. To do this, you need to turn off the Ryzen allrounder, unplug the power plug and open the case. Now use a screwdriver to short the two pins of the CLRTC connector on the bottom edge of the motherboard. Now the all-round Ryzen should boot with the current BIOS.


I would like to save some money because I only run simple office applications anyway, so I would like to install a quad-core processor. What doesn’t he recommend?

Unfortunately, we cannot give you any advice because AMD does not currently offer a processor in this price segment. Only major PC makers get the quad-core Ryzen 3 5300G with the latest Zen 3 architecture, which is why it is not available in retail outlets. The same goes for the predecessor Ryzen 3 4300G with Zen 2 technology. We do not recommend the obsolete Ryzen 3 3200G and Ryzen 5 3400G, which some dealers still have in stock because their Zen + technology does not work efficiently.

The versatile Ryzen cannot start without an ATX12V connector connected. Because it sits in the hardest to reach spot on the entire PC, this gap is often not noticeable after assembly.


The computer is now fully assembled in front of me. After switching on, the fans are running, but there is no picture.

You probably forgot to connect the eight-pin ATX12V plug from the power supply unit to the associated connection on the motherboard. Unfortunately, this is at the hardest to reach spot on the PC in the upper left corner of the board, where much of it is covered by the CPU cooler. If you have difficulty accessing it, you need to temporarily detach the board from the case to plug in the ATX12V cable.


With the versatile Ryzen’s built-in GPU, Divinity 2 RPG only gives me the lowest graphics quality to choose from. Is there a solution for this?

Some 3D games cannot handle the dynamic memory allocation of the integrated graphics units. By default, the Ryzen 5 5600G’s Radeon GPU takes up only 512MB of RAM. If a 3D game requires more graphics memory, it usually automatically runs out of more main memory. If this does not work, you can define the amount of RAM reserved exclusively for the GPU yourself in the BIOS setup under Advanced / NB Configuration / UMA Frame Buffer Size.

You have to try which value is enough for the 3D game to allow higher quality levels. There is a serious drawback to simply setting the value to a maximum of 8 GB. Because this memory is then permanently blocked for the operating system and applications, so that only half of the 16 GB of our construction proposal can be used as main memory. We therefore recommend that you start with 1 or 2 GB.

In addition, it may be advantageous for certain titles to activate Smart Access Memory. This technique improves the memory access of the GPU. To enable it, you must enable the “Above 4G Decoding” option in the BIOS setup under Advanced / PCI Subsystem Setting. Then “Resize BAR Support” appears as a new option, which you set to “Auto”.

The switch for UEFI Secure Boot is found in Asus’ BIOS setup in a somewhat cryptic way behind the operating system selection. If you want it to be active, you must select “Windows UEFI mode” even if you are installing a Linux distribution.


How to set the BIOS setup of the build suggestions so that the computers are compatible with Windows 11?

We recommend that you install the latest BIOS update for the Ryzen versatile device and the iDeskMini. Card makers Asus and Asrock have already made the correct default settings.

If you want to check this: On the AM4 motherboard of the Ryzen allrounder Asus TUF Gaming B550 Plus WiFi, “Enable Firmware TPM” of the Ryzen processor should be selected under Advanced / AMD fTPM configuration / TPM Device Selection. With the Asrock DeskMini H470, the option is Advanced / Trusted Computing / Security Device Support, which should be set to “Enable”.

Also, the default of Windows 11 is that the system boots in UEFI mode. Go to the Asus card in the BIOS Boot / CSM (Compatibility Support Module) setup menu item and verify that Launch CSM is set to “Disabled”. At Asrock, you will find the option under almost the same Boot / CSM (Compatibity Support Module) / CSM path, which should also have the status “Disabled”.

UEFI Secure Boot is not required for Windows 11; only the option for this should be available. If you want to enable it, you need to change the operating system type of the Ryzen allrounder under Boot / Secure Boot from “Other OS” to “Windows UEFI Mode”. Asrock activates Secure Boot by default on the iDeskMini. You can check this under Security / Secure Boot / Secure Boot “Enabled”.


Components are used up every year after our construction proposals are presented, as the demand for materials is still particularly high as Christmas approaches. In 2021, the delivery situation was even more tense due to the lack of chips that had lasted for years and supply chains disrupted by the pandemic.

This affects the Asus TUF Gaming B550-Plus (WiFi) motherboard of the all-rounder Ryzen and the ASRock DeskMini H470 barebone PC of the iDeskMini compact PC. We can only ask for your patience. Manufacturers have promised us more deliveries, but containerized freight doesn’t just move quickly from Asia to Europe, it takes four to eight weeks. Therefore, boards will likely not be better available again until early 2022.

The Asrock DeskMini H470 sold out just days after our build proposals were released.


In c’t 2/2022 we have concocted the c’t Emergency Windows 2022 for you. With the kit for the system running from the USB stick, you can find viruses, save data or reset passwords . We shed light on how the EU wants to use GDPR loopholes for content scanners, we tested high-end smartphones, mobile USB-C monitors, and server software for private media collection. You will find number 2/2022 from December 31st in the Heise boutique and at the well-stocked newsstand.


(chh)

Disclaimer: This article is generated from the feed and not edited by our team.


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