amd-bc250-docs/docs/getting-started/quick-start.md

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 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
2. Format USB stick as FAT32
3. Rename BIOS file to robin5.00
4. Copy to USB root directory
5. Use included flashing utility
6. CRITICAL: Clear CMOS after flashing (remove battery 30 seconds)

Difficulty: Easy

Full BIOS guide →

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

VRAM configuration guide →

Step 3: Install Linux

!!!tip "Recommended: Fedora or Bazzite" Fedora 42/43 and Bazzite have the best out-of-box support. Other distros work but need more manual setup.

Fedora Installation:

1. Download Fedora 42 or 43 Workstation
2. Boot installer in "Basic Graphics Mode" (enables nomodeset automatically)
3. Complete installation normally
4. Reboot

Difficulty: Easy

Distribution comparison →

Step 4: Install Drivers & Governor

Run the automated setup script:

# For Fedora 42/43
# Mesa 25.1+ is included in Fedora 43 repos - no additional setup needed
sudo dnf update

# Install governor from COPR
sudo dnf copr enable @exotic-soc/oberon-governor
sudo dnf install oberon-governor
sudo systemctl enable --now oberon-governor.service

# For Bazzite
curl -s https://raw.githubusercontent.com/vietsman/bc250-documentation/refs/heads/main/oberon-setup.sh | sudo sh

This installs:

• Mesa 25.1+ drivers (already in Fedora 43+ / Bazzite)
• Oberon GPU governor (required for performance)
• Sensor drivers (lm-sensors package)
• System optimizations

Difficulty: Easy

Step 5: Remove nomodeset

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

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

Step 6: Verify Installation

Check that everything works:

# 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
systemctl status oberon-governor
# 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

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):

RADV_DEBUG=nohiz %command%

This fixes graphical glitches in some games.

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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 6.15.7-6.17.7 or 6.12-6.14 LTS, NOT 6.15.0-6.15.6 or 6.17.8+)
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 oberon-governor
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 →

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Performance Targets

You should achieve:

• Idle: 40-60°C, 50-80W power draw
• Gaming: 70-85°C, 150-200W power draw
• FPS: 60+ in most games at 1080p medium-high settings

Next Steps

Now that your BC-250 is running:

1. Optimize cooling: Cooling guide
2. Tune performance: GPU governor configuration
3. Test games: Game compatibility list
4. Join community: Discord link in GitHub repositories