First 5 Steps for Your Core Ultra 5 Gaming PC Setup

So, you’ve got your hands on a brand-new PC powered by Intel's latest Core Ultra 5 CPU. The box is open, the new-tech smell is in the air… and the excitement is real. What now? Before you jump into Helldivers 2, a proper initial setup is crucial for peak performance and stability. Getting this right from the start saves you headaches later.

This guide covers the first five essential steps for your Core Ultra 5 gaming PC setup. Let's get it done. 🚀

RYZEN 5 8500G 5.0GHz with Vega Graphics DDR5 PC

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AMD RYZEN 7 5700 4.6GHz A1000 8GB Workstation PC

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Intel Core Ultra 7 265K 5.5GHz RTX 5070 Ti 16GB DDR5 Gaming PC

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[Pre Built] AMD RYZEN 7 9700X RTX 5070 Gaming PC

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Intel Core Ultra 7 265K 5.5GHz RX 9070 XT 16GB DDR5 Gaming PC

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[Pre Built] AMD RYZEN 9 9900X RX 9070 XT Gaming PC

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Step 1: Physical Setup & Cable Management

Before you even press the power button, let's get the physical basics right. It sounds simple, but a clean setup is the foundation for a happy PC.

First, give your new rig enough breathing room. Ensure there are at least a few centimetres of clear space around the back and top vents for optimal airflow. Then, plug in your essentials: monitor, keyboard, mouse, and finally, the power cable.

For a clean look, try to route your peripheral cables neatly behind your desk. It’s a small detail that makes a big difference. This initial care is what separates a chaotic station from a pro-level one, and it's a standard practice for all our pre-built PC deals.

Step 2: First Boot & Critical Updates

This is the moment of truth. Power on your PC and follow the on-screen Windows 11 setup prompts. Connect to your Wi-Fi, sign in with your Microsoft account (or create one), and let it finalise the installation.

Once you’re at the desktop, your first mission is simple: update everything.

1. Windows Update: Go to Settings > Windows Update and click "Check for updates." Install everything it finds, and restart your PC when prompted. Repeat this process until it says you’re completely up to date.
2. Graphics Drivers: This is the most important step for gaming. While Windows might install a basic driver, you need the latest official one for the best performance.

Step 3: Remove Bloatware for a Leaner System

Many new systems come with pre-installed software, often called "bloatware." These are trial apps and utilities you’ll probably never use, and they can consume valuable system resources. A clean Core Ultra 5 setup means getting rid of this digital clutter.

Go to Settings > Apps > Installed apps and scroll through the list. Uninstall any third-party software you don’t recognise or need. Be careful not to remove essential drivers or system software (if in doubt, a quick Google search helps). A lean OS is a fast OS, a principle we apply to even our most powerful PCs over R20,000.

Step 4: Install Your Gaming Essentials

Now for the fun part! It's time to install the platforms and apps you'll actually use. Start with your favourite web browser (like Chrome or Firefox), and then move on to the gaming clients:

• Steam
• Epic Games Store
• GOG Galaxy
• EA App / Ubisoft Connect

Don’t forget Discord for chatting with your mates and a hardware monitoring tool like HWMonitor or MSI Afterburner to keep an eye on your temperatures. Getting these basics installed early makes life easier, whether you're on a top-tier machine or one of our popular PCs under R20,000. This is where your PC starts to feel like yours. ✨

AMD RYZEN 9 9950X 5.7GHz Quadro RTX 5000 Ada 32GB DDR5 Workstation PC

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[Pre Built] AMD RYZEN 9 9900X RX 9070 XT Gaming PC

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AMD RYZEN 7 5700 RTX Pro 2000 Workstation PC

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RYZEN 7 9700X 5.5GHz RTX 5070 12GB DDR5 Gaming PC

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Intel Core Ultra 5 225F 4.9GHz RTX 3050 6GB DDR5 Gaming PC

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Ryzen 7 9700X 5.5GHz RTX 5060 Ti 16GB DDR5 Gaming PC

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Step 5: Benchmark & Stability Check

Your Core Ultra 5 gaming PC setup is almost complete. The final step is to ensure everything is running smoothly under pressure. A quick benchmark or stress test confirms system stability and checks that your cooling is working as it should.

Tools like 3DMark (which has a free demo on Steam) or Cinebench are great for this. Run a benchmark and compare your score to similar systems online. If your scores are in the right ballpark and temperatures remain stable, you’re good to go. This peace of mind is a key reason many gamers opt for professionally built budget gaming PCs, where this testing is done for you.

With these five steps complete, your PC is optimised, stable, and ready for any challenge. Now go on... your game library is waiting.