Post-Purchase Setup Guide

Complete post-purchase setup guide for AI workstations. Configure BIOS, install OS and drivers, optimize system settings, and prepare your deep learning rig for training.

Welcome to Your New AI Workstation

Congratulations on your new deep learning rig! This guide will walk you through the essential setup steps to get your system running optimally for AI and machine learning workloads.

:::tip[Already have hardware?] If you haven’t selected your hardware yet, visit the TensorRigs main site to compare GPUs, CPUs, and complete systems. :::

Setup Overview

Setting up a deep learning workstation involves more than just plugging in components. This section covers:

1. Initial System Assembly - Physical setup and cable management
2. BIOS/UEFI Optimization - Settings for maximum performance
3. Operating System Installation - Choosing and installing the right OS
4. Driver Installation - NVIDIA drivers, CUDA, cuDNN
5. Software Environment - Python, frameworks, and tools
6. Initial Benchmarking - Verify everything works correctly

Why This Matters

A properly configured system can mean the difference between:

• Training completing in hours vs days
• Utilizing 95% GPU vs 60% GPU
• Stable 24/7 operation vs random crashes
• Efficient power usage vs excessive heat/noise

What You’ll Need

Before starting, gather:

• Your new hardware components
• USB drive (8GB+) for OS installation
• Internet connection
• Monitor, keyboard, and mouse
• About 2-3 hours of setup time

Quick Start Path

If you’re in a hurry, follow this minimal path:

1. BIOS Setup - 15 minutes
2. OS Installation - 30 minutes
3. Driver Installation - 20 minutes
4. Environment Setup (see Troubleshooting) - 30 minutes

For optimal results, go through all guides in order:

• Better long-term performance
• Fewer issues down the road
• Understanding of your system

Common Setup Scenarios

Scenario 1: Fresh Consumer Build

You bought individual components and assembled them yourself. → Start with BIOS Optimization

Scenario 2: Pre-Built System

You purchased a pre-configured workstation. → Skip to BIOS Optimization

Scenario 3: Existing System Upgrade

You upgraded GPU(s) in an existing machine. → Go to Driver Installation

Scenario 4: Multi-GPU System

You have 2+ GPUs for training. → Follow standard setup, then see Multi-GPU Configuration

After Setup

Once your system is running, explore:

• Training Optimization - Get the most from your hardware
• Workload-Specific Guides - Optimize for your use case
• Monitoring & Maintenance - Keep your system healthy

Ready to begin? Start with BIOS Optimization or jump to your specific scenario above.