should I install all drivers of the Z170 MOBO

[tarantino]

Hello!

I bought a build ( http://de.pcpartpicker.com/list/Dgsr6X )
The last parts will arrive Wednesday ( 27-7) but I’m already searching how I have to build everything etc.

I’m downloading the drivers now, but for my MOBO there are 73 drivers!
https://www.asus.com/Motherboards/Z170-PRO-GAMING/HelpDesk_Download/
I’m not sure which I should download.

When there are different drivers of one component, I know I should install just the most recent one (if it fits my OS), but should I install all these components (I will install W7):
BIOS
BIOS-Utilities
Chipset (management engine interface + Intel Chipset Driver)
AUDIO
VGA
LAN
USB
SATA

Or isn’t this necessary?
My opinion is that my computer will work without installing everything because I need sata, cpu, bios, vga and usb to startup my windows when this is just installed. And I only will need these install’s to modify some things (overclock,…).
So when windows is installed and I have installed my GTX1070 (and maybe my WIFI-card) I would say everything will work smooth. I can evaluate the device manager to see I there isn’t some hardware that isn’t installed. If there isn’t any uninstalled hardware and, I don’t need anything?

I don’t want a bunch of programs installed which I don’t need!

Thanks in advance
Tarantino

 

[Snipergod87]

You will probably need to install all of them, as Windows 7 is an older OS and will not have the drivers necessary to support newer hardware.

Often the drivers you install and more optimized than the stock Windows drivers. Stock Windows drivers are more built on compatibility than performance.

 

[geofelt]

I would just install the drivers that come with your motherboard on a cd.
Be careful to do a selective install of drivers only.
If you select the easy "all" option, you will also install trialware, utilities that you may not want and who knows what.

You will not get the very latest drivers, but updates if necessary can come later.
Either by you or by windows update.

DO NOT install any BIOS updates. A failed bios update can brick your motherboard.
Later, if you find a bios update that fixes a problem you are having, then is the time to update bios.

You might want to buy a sata dvd burner for loading windows.
Windows 7 does not have usb support for the usb ports on a Z170 motherboard.
Catch 22 if you are planning on using a usb attached dvd to install windows.

 

[Rogue Leader]

Don't forget a lot of those are various versions of the drivers. Your best bet is to actually use the disc that comes with the motherboard. This will let you pick and choose what you want installed and do it in 1 shot. Then ASUS has a really nice updated program that will download any updated drivers for anything motherboard related for you that you installed.

No reason to make this more complicated than it needs to be.

Also on first boot if you have a network cable attached the BIOS gives you an option to download and update to the latest BIOS.

 

[tarantino]

I would just install the drivers that come with your motherboard on a cd.
Be careful to do a selective install of drivers only.
If you select the easy "all" option, you will also install trialware, utilities that you may not want and who knows what.

You will not get the very latest drivers, but updates if necessary can come later.
Either by you or by windows update.

DO NOT install any BIOS updates. A failed bios update can brick your motherboard.
Later, if you find a bios update that fixes a problem you are having, then is the time to update bios.

You might want to buy a sata dvd burner for loading windows.
Windows 7 does not have usb support for the usb ports on a Z170 motherboard.
Catch 22 if you are planning on using a usb attached dvd to install windows.

dammit, i pressed the wrong button, and give negative points.. Sorry!!

 

[tarantino]

Thanks for the answer guys!
Ok when there is a good update program the CD will by perfect to start then.

But there is something I still don't understand.
If I don’t install these drivers, what will not work then?
Because the MOBO will recognize the HD (SATA) without driver I think (or windows will not run the first time
Also the chipset just has to work because this is the heart of the PC?

Or am I wrong? Should I install something even before I'm installing windows?
Or are these installations to let windows recognize every part of the hardware?

Sorry for the stupid questions maybe, but it’s my first build from scratch.

 

[Rogue Leader]

Thanks for the answer guys!
Ok when there is a good update program the CD will by perfect to start then.

But there is something I still don't understand.
If I don’t install these drivers, what will not work then?
Because the MOBO will recognize the HD (SATA) without driver I think (or windows will not run the first time
Also the chipset just has to work because this is the heart of the PC?

Or am I wrong? Should I install something even before I'm installing windows?
Or are these installations to let windows recognize every part of the hardware?

Sorry for the stupid questions maybe, but it’s my first build from scratch.

Windows has built in generic drivers that will get you working. The hard drive and graphics will definitely work, many things will not (you may not even be able to get on the internet). Thats why its easier to use the CD, you install ti and everything will then work, then you do the updates.

 

[tarantino]

Ok! that's clear!
Thanks a lot!

one small question off topic.
I see you are a windows expert.
I will install a dual boot.
I'm a big fan of windows7, but i will (have too) try windows 10.
Which one do you prefer?
I think windows 7 is fast and is easy to modify (not like a table). but windows 10 has better updates and driverinstalls is think
I can use both, but i need to choose one to install most of it (office,...)

 

[Rogue Leader]

IMO Windows 10 is far better, its faster, everything works smoother, it generally works similar to Win 7, and of course you have DX 12 support which Win 7 lacks.

 

[tarantino]

Ok perfect!
I will get used to W10 too then

Thanks a lot!