mirror of
https://github.com/elektricM/amd-bc250-docs.git
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aa4ac3a335
The BC-250 enumerates as /sys/class/drm/card0 on a typical install (no
secondary GPU). Verified live on Fedora 43, kernel 7.0.9, PCI 1002:13fe.
Many doc snippets hardcoded card1, so copy-paste failed on a stock single-
GPU board.
Replaced /sys/class/drm/card1/ with /sys/class/drm/card0/ across:
bios/overclocking.md, bios/vram.md, drivers/radv.md,
getting-started/quick-start.md, linux/{arch,bazzite,cachyos,debian,fedora}.md,
reference/quick-reference.md, system/{governor,sensors}.md,
troubleshooting/{boot,display,performance,stability}.md.
Existing card0-vs-card1 disclaimers preserved at governor.md L166/L503,
quick-start.md L78, bazzite.md L104, kernel.md L222 (and quick-reference.md
intro rewritten to lead with card0 + note the iGPU edge case).
217 lines
6.3 KiB
Markdown
217 lines
6.3 KiB
Markdown
# Quick Start Guide
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Get your BC-250 up and running with this fast-track checklist.
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!!!warning "Requirements First"
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Before starting, ensure you have everything from the [Prerequisites](prerequisites.md) page.
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## Setup Checklist
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### Step 1: BIOS Flash (Critical)
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!!!danger "Must Do First"
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The modded BIOS unlocks essential features like dynamic VRAM allocation and proper fan control. Skip this and you'll have a bad time.
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1. Download modded BIOS from [bc250-bios repository](https://gitlab.com/TuxThePenguin0/bc250-bios/)
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2. Format USB stick as FAT32
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3. Rename BIOS file to `Robin5.00` (capital R)
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4. Copy to USB root directory
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5. Use included flashing utility
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6. **CRITICAL:** Clear CMOS after flashing (remove battery 60 seconds)
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**Difficulty:** Easy
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[Full BIOS guide →](../bios/flashing.md)
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### Step 2: BIOS Configuration
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Boot into BIOS (Del key during startup) and configure:
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- **VRAM Split:** 512MB (Dynamic)
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- **Fan Control:** Full Speed (for testing) or Customize
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- **IOMMU:** **Disabled** (MUST disable - IOMMU is broken)
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- **Boot Mode:** UEFI
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!!!info "Backplate Cooling Recommended"
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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.
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[VRAM configuration guide →](../bios/vram.md)
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### Step 3: Install Linux
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!!!tip "Recommended: Fedora or Bazzite"
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Fedora 43 and Bazzite have the best out-of-box support. Other distros work but need more manual setup.
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**Fedora Installation:**
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1. Download Fedora 43 Workstation
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2. Boot installer in "Basic Graphics Mode" (enables nomodeset automatically)
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3. Complete installation normally
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4. Reboot
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**Difficulty:** Easy
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[Distribution comparison →](../linux/distributions.md)
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### Step 4: Install Drivers & Governor
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Run the automated setup script:
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```bash
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# For Fedora 43 (Fedora 42 is EOL — upgrade if still on it)
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# Mesa 25.x is included in Fedora 43 repos - no additional setup needed
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sudo dnf update
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# Install governor from COPR
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sudo dnf copr enable filippor/bazzite
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sudo dnf install cyan-skillfish-governor-smu
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sudo systemctl enable --now cyan-skillfish-governor-smu.service
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```
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!!!info "TT Governor Alternative"
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The `cyan-skillfish-governor-tt` is also available from the same COPR. It requires the kernel frequency range patch (pre-included in Bazzite).
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!!!success "ACPI Fix — Recommended"
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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.
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!!!warning "Governor Device Targeting"
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**Known Issue:** Governor may target incorrect device (card0 vs card1). Verify correct device assignment in governor configuration.
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**Difficulty:** Easy
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### Step 5: Remove nomodeset
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!!!warning "Critical Step"
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After drivers are installed, you MUST remove nomodeset or the GPU won't work properly.
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**Fedora / Standard GRUB distributions:**
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```bash
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sudo nano /etc/default/grub
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# Find this line:
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GRUB_CMDLINE_LINUX_DEFAULT="quiet nomodeset"
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# Change to:
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GRUB_CMDLINE_LINUX_DEFAULT="quiet"
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# Save and update GRUB
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sudo grub2-mkconfig -o /boot/grub2/grub.cfg
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# Reboot
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sudo reboot
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```
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**Bazzite / Fedora Atomic (rpm-ostree):**
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Bazzite does not use `/etc/default/grub` — editing it directly has no effect. Use `rpm-ostree kargs` instead:
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```bash
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# Remove nomodeset if it was added
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rpm-ostree kargs --delete-if-present="nomodeset"
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# Reboot
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systemctl reboot
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```
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Alternatively, create or edit `/etc/default/grub.d/user.cfg` for persistent kernel parameter changes:
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```bash
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echo 'GRUB_CMDLINE_LINUX_DEFAULT="quiet"' | sudo tee /etc/default/grub.d/user.cfg
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```
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!!!info "Bazzite Usually Doesn't Need nomodeset"
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Bazzite typically boots correctly without nomodeset. If you didn't add it, you can skip this step.
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### Step 6: Verify Installation
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Check that everything works:
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```bash
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# Check Mesa version (should be 25.1+)
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glxinfo | grep "OpenGL version"
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# Check GPU detected
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vulkaninfo | grep deviceName
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# Should show: AMD Radeon Graphics (RADV GFX1013)
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# Check governor running (use whichever you installed)
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systemctl status cyan-skillfish-governor-smu
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# Or: systemctl status cyan-skillfish-governor-tt
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# Should show: active (running)
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# Check GPU frequency
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cat /sys/class/drm/card0/device/pp_dpm_sclk
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# Should show multiple frequencies, one marked with *
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```
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### Step 7: Install Steam & Gaming Tools
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```bash
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sudo dnf install steam mangohud goverlay
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# Enable Steam Proton for Windows games
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# In Steam: Settings → Compatibility → Enable Proton for all titles
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```
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### Step 8: Test a Game!
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Launch a game through Steam. Most games work out of the box with Proton.
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For launch options in Steam (right-click game → Properties → Launch Options):
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```bash
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RADV_DEBUG=nohiz %command%
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```
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This fixes graphical glitches in some games.
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---
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## Quick Troubleshooting
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### No Display
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**Problem:** Black screen during/after installation
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**Solution:** Boot with nomodeset parameter (added automatically in Fedora Basic Graphics Mode)
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### GPU Not Detected
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**Problem:** `vulkaninfo` shows llvmpipe instead of AMD GPU
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**Solution:**
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1. Verify Mesa 25.1+ installed: `dnf list mesa-*`
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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)
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3. Verify nomodeset was removed from GRUB
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### Poor Performance / Low FPS
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**Problem:** Games running at 15-20 FPS
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**Solution:**
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1. Check governor is running: `systemctl status cyan-skillfish-governor-smu`
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2. Check GPU frequency: `cat /sys/class/drm/card0/device/pp_dpm_sclk`
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3. Should NOT be stuck at 1500MHz
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### High Temperatures
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**Problem:** GPU hitting 90°C+
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**Solution:**
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1. Verify fans are spinning at full speed
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2. Straighten heatsink fins (they're often bent)
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3. Replace thermal paste
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4. Use high static pressure fans (Arctic P12 recommended)
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[Full troubleshooting guide →](../troubleshooting/display.md)
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---
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## Next Steps
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Now that your BC-250 is running:
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1. **Optimize cooling:** [Cooling guide](../hardware/cooling.md)
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2. **Tune performance:** [GPU governor configuration](../system/governor.md)
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3. **Test games:** [Game compatibility list](../gaming/compatibility.md)
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4. **Join community:** Discord link in GitHub repositories
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