What Is The BIOS And What Does It Do?

What Is The BIOS And What Does It Do?

This Pink Parsnip Computers guide gives a simple overview of the BIOS, what it is, what it controls, and what we set up before your PC leaves us.

Watch The Video Guide

Guide Time

Short overview

Difficulty

Information only

Best For

Understanding BIOS settings on your PC

Important Before You Start

We do not recommend customers go into the BIOS unless they are advanced users or have been advised to do so by Pink Parsnip Computers.

This guide is here to explain what the BIOS is and what it controls. It is not something you need to worry about for normal day to day use.

What This Guide Covers

  • What the BIOS is
  • Why the BIOS exists
  • What the BIOS controls behind the scenes
  • What Pink Parsnip Computers checks before dispatch
  • XMP and memory settings
  • Resizable BAR and Above 4G Decoding
  • TPM and Secure Boot
  • Basic fan curve information
  • Why customers should contact us before changing BIOS settings

What Is The BIOS?

The BIOS is low level software built into your motherboard. It starts before Windows loads and helps the PC check and initialise key hardware such as the processor, memory, storage drives, fans and graphics card.

You can think of it as the control area behind the scenes. It helps the motherboard understand what hardware is installed and how that hardware should behave before Windows takes over.

What Pink Parsnip Computers Sets Up

Before any PC leaves Pink Parsnip Computers, we check and configure the important BIOS settings that are relevant to that build. The exact options can vary depending on the motherboard, processor, graphics card and memory used.

This helps make sure your PC is ready to use, properly configured and tested before dispatch.

Key BIOS Settings Explained

XMP Or EXPO

XMP and EXPO are memory profiles that allow compatible RAM to run at its rated speed. Without this enabled, some memory may run at a lower default speed.

We enable the correct memory profile where supported and appropriate for the build.

Resizable BAR

Resizable BAR is a feature that can allow the processor and graphics card to communicate more efficiently in supported systems and supported games.

Where the hardware supports it, we check this as part of the setup process.

Above 4G Decoding

Above 4G Decoding is often required for features such as Resizable BAR. It helps the system handle address space for modern graphics cards and other hardware.

This is one of the settings we may check depending on the parts fitted in the PC.

TPM

TPM stands for Trusted Platform Module. It is used by Windows 11 and some games or anti cheat systems as part of their security requirements.

Pink Parsnip Computers checks TPM settings before dispatch so your PC is ready for Windows 11 and supported software that requires it.

Secure Boot

Secure Boot is a security feature that helps the PC start using trusted software during the boot process. Some games and anti cheat systems may require Secure Boot to be enabled.

We check Secure Boot as part of the setup process where supported by the system.

Fan Curves

Fan curves control how fast your fans spin as temperatures change. The goal is to keep the PC cool without making it louder than needed.

Depending on the build, fan control may be handled in the BIOS, through motherboard software, or through dedicated fan control software.

Do You Need To Change Anything?

In most cases, no. Your PC has already been fully set up, tested and checked before dispatch. The BIOS is not something you need to open or change for normal gaming, streaming or everyday use.

Changing the wrong BIOS setting can stop the PC booting correctly, reduce performance, cause instability or make troubleshooting harder.

Please Contact Us First

If you think you need to change anything in the BIOS, please contact Pink Parsnip Computers first.

We will be happy to advise before you make changes, especially if the issue relates to TPM, Secure Boot, fan curves, memory settings, crashes or game compatibility.

Need Help?

If you bought your PC from Pink Parsnip Computers and you are unsure about a BIOS setting, please contact us before making changes.

Contact Pink Parsnip Support