ASrock x99 extreme4 drivers download?

[123fakest]

Hello, recently I have just recently completed my first computer build and it powered on correctly and I was able to access the bios to ensure that my components are properly connected/working. I still must install windows, however I would like to know which drivers should I download and install from the asrock website (will transfer via usb 2 flash drive)? Are all drivers needed, or are some unecessary ( I know I need certain drivers like audio and Lan) and what about the Asrock utilities?
for the graphics card would I only need to install the latest drivers or all previous driver (gtx 970)?

Simple questions I know, but like I said I have never built and installed software on a pc before, previously I had an m17xr3 gaming laptop with all drivers already installed and installing video card drivers was a different procedure.

Also is it preferable to install windows 7 over 8.1, such as for backwards compatibility for gaming (my primary use). Thanks for any feedback, especially from people with an asrock x99 chipset board.


Components:
Asrock x99 extreme4, msi gtx 970 4g, 16 gb (4x4) crucial ballistic ram 2400, i7-5820k, samsung 850 evo 250gb, wd black 1tb, coolermaster evo d92 (cpu cooler). pioneer bdr-2209 blu ray player.

 

[matt1-0-1]

1. You can get all your CPU, and motherboard on the Asrock website here: http://www.asrock.com/mb/Intel/X99%20Extreme4/?cat=Download&os=Win8a64
2. I would recommend windows 8.1 - games generally tend to run better on it, and you have guaranteed support for directx12 when it comes out.
3. To download nvidia drivers, you can download geforce experience here (http://www.geforce.co.uk/geforce-experience) which will automatically download drivers.

 

[mamasan2000]

A small difference between win 7 and 8.1, if there is any at all. Which you should install should depend more on if your hardware has drivers for that OS. Or programs you like to use, do those work in win 8.1? Because theres no guarantees.

I prefer win 7 for the above two reasons. Sure, the process scheduler might be 2% better in win 8.1 but I don't care since my fave programs don't work and/or some of my hardware.

Newest isn't always best. Same goes in Linux. Basically, you are a betatester.

 

[123fakest]

A small difference between win 7 and 8.1, if there is any at all. Which you should install should depend more on if your hardware has drivers for that OS. Or programs you like to use, do those work in win 8.1? Because theres no guarantees.

I prefer win 7 for the above two reasons. Sure, the process scheduler might be 2% better in win 8.1 but I don't care since my fave programs don't work and/or some of my hardware.

Newest isn't always best. Same goes in Linux. Basically, you are a betatester.

Well I really wont be using too many programs, primarily microsoft office (which has to work) and perhaps statistical programs like STATA and SAS and in the future perhaps photoshop and video editors. I guess what I am worried about is being able to play older and even some newer games and the backwards compatibility feature

even on the windows compatibility center games which are said to be compatible are given poor community ratings (like black ops II for example is ranked compatible but only 105 people of 300 voted it compatible). And even other older games from maybe early 2000s like half life 2 are ranked incompatible. Was really hoping 8 would be more optimized by now it has been out for almost 2 years...

but thanks for the advice I might just get windows 7 professional 64bit OEM (since that supports up to 192 gb ram and security updates will continue until 2020) and possibly hold out for another year or 2 and get windows 10, hopefully that will be more promising.