BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) and UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) are the firmware programs that initialise hardware when you power on your PC, before Windows loads. UEFI is the modern replacement for legacy BIOS - it supports larger drives, faster boot, Secure Boot, and graphical interfaces. Every modern motherboard ships with UEFI firmware, though most people still call it "BIOS" out of habit.
🔧 What the firmware actually does
When you press the power button, UEFI firmware checks CPU, RAM, storage, and peripherals, then loads Windows from your primary SSD. It also exposes the tuning menu for memory speed, PCIe config, boot order, and fan profiles. Every motherboard we sell has UEFI, with vendor-specific branding (ASUS AI, MSI Click BIOS, GIGABYTE Q-Flash).
🆚 Legacy BIOS vs UEFI differences
Legacy BIOS: text-only, max 2.2 TB boot drives, MBR partitioning, 16-bit real mode, slower boot. UEFI: graphical with mouse, supports 9+ TB drives, GPT partitioning, 32/64-bit protected mode, faster boot (2-4 sec POST), Secure Boot, network boot, mouse and keyboard support in firmware.
💾 Common UEFI tasks
Enable EXPO or XMP for memory speed. Enable Secure Boot for Windows 11 requirements. Set boot order to prioritise your NVMe SSD. Update firmware for new CPU support. Tune fan curves for quieter cooling under SA summer heat.
Always take a quick phone photo of your BIOS settings before major changes. If an overclock fails and requires a CMOS reset, you will need to re-enter all your values. A photo saves 10-15 minutes of re-tuning memory timings and fan curves.{{/TipBox}}
🔒 Secure Boot and Windows 11
Windows 11 requires Secure Boot enabled and TPM 2.0. Most pre-built gaming PCs from Evetech ship with both enabled. If you built your own and Windows 11 upgrade refuses to install, enter BIOS, enable Secure Boot and fTPM/PTT, and retry.
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