If it's a new display turn it on and test it before doing anything.
Definitely only mount your tv by grabbing studs... At least one stud plus anchors! Two stud minimum for articulating.
It's worth it to buy a nice mount (Chief) if you going articulating. I personally would only buy Chief regardless of type. Keep in mind articulating mounts fold up thicker and your display will stand off the wall more.
Run a hard wired network connection (Cat6) to the TV and any external streaming sources (AppleTV for example) if possible. Add two spare Cat6 for future use. I'd run a optical digital (Toslink) cable while I'm at it... Audio Return Channel is finicky.
Make sure you're running an 18gbps-capable HDMI cable. You're going to need more than one HDMI if your TV is going to be tasked with switching sources.
Companies make "bridge kits" that let you relocate power and stay within code. This is an example from Datacomm....
https://datacommelectronics.com/prod...t-blade-inlet/