# Quick Start Guide

Get your BC-250 up and running with this fast-track checklist.

!!!warning "Requirements First"
    Before starting, ensure you have everything from the [Prerequisites](prerequisites.md) page.

## Setup Checklist

### Step 1: BIOS Flash (Critical)

!!!danger "Must Do First"
    The modded BIOS unlocks essential features like dynamic VRAM allocation and proper fan control. Skip this and you'll have a bad time.

1. Download modded BIOS from [bc250-bios repository](https://gitlab.com/TuxThePenguin0/bc250-bios/)
2. Format USB stick as FAT32
3. Rename BIOS file to `Robin5.00` (capital R)
4. Copy to USB root directory
5. Use included flashing utility
6. **CRITICAL:** Clear CMOS after flashing (remove battery 60 seconds)

**Difficulty:** Easy

[Full BIOS guide →](../bios/flashing.md)

### Step 2: BIOS Configuration

Boot into BIOS (Del key during startup) and configure:

- **VRAM Split:** 512MB (Dynamic)
- **Fan Control:** Full Speed (for testing) or Customize
- **IOMMU:** **Disabled** (MUST disable - IOMMU is broken)
- **Boot Mode:** UEFI

!!!info "Backplate Cooling Recommended"
    The VRAM chips on the backplate have no temperature sensor. Ensure airflow over the backplate for gaming workloads. If you see pixel artifacts, VRAM may be overheating — add a fan or improve case airflow.

[VRAM configuration guide →](../bios/vram.md)

### Step 3: Install Linux

!!!tip "Recommended: Fedora or Bazzite"
    Fedora 43 and Bazzite have the best out-of-box support. Other distros work but need more manual setup.

**Fedora Installation:**

1. Download Fedora 43 Workstation
2. Boot installer in "Basic Graphics Mode" (enables nomodeset automatically)
3. Complete installation normally
4. Reboot

**Difficulty:** Easy

[Distribution comparison →](../linux/distributions.md)

### Step 4: Install Drivers & Governor

Run the automated setup script:

```bash
# For Fedora 43 (Fedora 42 is EOL — upgrade if still on it)
# Mesa 25.x is included in Fedora 43 repos - no additional setup needed
sudo dnf update

# Install governor from COPR
sudo dnf copr enable filippor/bazzite
sudo dnf install cyan-skillfish-governor-smu
sudo systemctl enable --now cyan-skillfish-governor-smu.service
```

!!!info "TT Governor Alternative"
    The `cyan-skillfish-governor-tt` is also available from the same COPR. It requires the kernel frequency range patch (pre-included in Bazzite).

!!!success "ACPI Fix — Recommended"
    The [bc250-collective/bc250-acpi-fix](https://github.com/bc250-collective/bc250-acpi-fix) enables CPU C-States (idle power savings) and P-States (CPU frequency scaling 800-3200 MHz). Loaded via initrd override. See the [Governor page](../system/governor.md) for installation instructions.

!!!warning "Governor Device Targeting"
    **Known Issue:** Governor may target incorrect device (card0 vs card1). Verify correct device assignment in governor configuration.

**Difficulty:** Easy

### Step 5: Remove nomodeset

!!!warning "Critical Step"
    After drivers are installed, you MUST remove nomodeset or the GPU won't work properly.

**Fedora / Standard GRUB distributions:**
```bash
sudo nano /etc/default/grub

# Find this line:
GRUB_CMDLINE_LINUX_DEFAULT="quiet nomodeset"

# Change to:
GRUB_CMDLINE_LINUX_DEFAULT="quiet"

# Save and update GRUB
sudo grub2-mkconfig -o /boot/grub2/grub.cfg

# Reboot
sudo reboot
```

**Bazzite / Fedora Atomic (rpm-ostree):**

Bazzite does not use `/etc/default/grub` — editing it directly has no effect. Use `rpm-ostree kargs` instead:

```bash
# Remove nomodeset if it was added
rpm-ostree kargs --delete-if-present="nomodeset"

# Reboot
systemctl reboot
```

Alternatively, create or edit `/etc/default/grub.d/user.cfg` for persistent kernel parameter changes:

```bash
echo 'GRUB_CMDLINE_LINUX_DEFAULT="quiet"' | sudo tee /etc/default/grub.d/user.cfg
```

!!!info "Bazzite Usually Doesn't Need nomodeset"
    Bazzite typically boots correctly without nomodeset. If you didn't add it, you can skip this step.

### Step 6: Verify Installation

Check that everything works:

```bash
# Check Mesa version (should be 25.1+)
glxinfo | grep "OpenGL version"

# Check GPU detected
vulkaninfo | grep deviceName
# Should show: AMD Radeon Graphics (RADV GFX1013)

# Check governor running (use whichever you installed)
systemctl status cyan-skillfish-governor-smu
# Or: systemctl status cyan-skillfish-governor-tt
# Should show: active (running)

# Check GPU frequency
cat /sys/class/drm/card0/device/pp_dpm_sclk
# Should show multiple frequencies, one marked with *
```

### Step 7: Install Steam & Gaming Tools

```bash
sudo dnf install steam mangohud goverlay

# Enable Steam Proton for Windows games
# In Steam: Settings → Compatibility → Enable Proton for all titles
```

### Step 8: Test a Game!

Launch a game through Steam. Most games work out of the box with Proton.

For launch options in Steam (right-click game → Properties → Launch Options):

```bash
RADV_DEBUG=nohiz %command%
```

This fixes graphical glitches in some games.

---

## Quick Troubleshooting

### No Display

**Problem:** Black screen during/after installation
**Solution:** Boot with nomodeset parameter (added automatically in Fedora Basic Graphics Mode)

### GPU Not Detected

**Problem:** `vulkaninfo` shows llvmpipe instead of AMD GPU
**Solution:**

1. Verify Mesa 25.1+ installed: `dnf list mesa-*`
2. Check kernel version: `uname -r` (should be 6.18.18 LTS, 6.17.11+, or 6.12-6.14 LTS — NOT 6.15.0-6.15.6 or 6.17.8-6.17.10)
3. Verify nomodeset was removed from GRUB

### Poor Performance / Low FPS

**Problem:** Games running at 15-20 FPS
**Solution:**

1. Check governor is running: `systemctl status cyan-skillfish-governor-smu`
2. Check GPU frequency: `cat /sys/class/drm/card0/device/pp_dpm_sclk`
3. Should NOT be stuck at 1500MHz

### High Temperatures

**Problem:** GPU hitting 90°C+
**Solution:**

1. Verify fans are spinning at full speed
2. Straighten heatsink fins (they're often bent)
3. Replace thermal paste
4. Use high static pressure fans (Arctic P12 recommended)

[Full troubleshooting guide →](../troubleshooting/display.md)

---

## Next Steps

Now that your BC-250 is running:

1. **Optimize cooling:** [Cooling guide](../hardware/cooling.md)
2. **Tune performance:** [GPU governor configuration](../system/governor.md)
3. **Test games:** [Game compatibility list](../gaming/compatibility.md)
4. **Join community:** Discord link in GitHub repositories