So I know that Windows 7 doesn't come pre-loaded with USB 3.0 drivers. But there has to be some way to use Windows 7 64bit on this motherboard (LGA 1200, Z490). Anyone help?
Except that, there AREN'T any that I know of. There are ZERO drivers for 10th Gen chipsets, most onboard hardware or storage controllers, from any of the Z490 or other 10th gen chipsets, that I'm aware of, for Windows 7. And the ones that exist for Windows 10, aren't going to work in Windows 7 unless somebody has created something custom that upgrades the driver framework in Windows 7 to make them usable.You can put all the needed drivers needed to run win 7 on new hardware. I'm not home right now but when I get home I'll link the tool that does it for you. I've put 7 on all manner of new hardware with no prob.
You do need to be sure there are feature drivers though. Most exist for 7 but some may not be available
Well, that's good to know. It is an option then I guess, but to be honest, most "owners" wouldn't know that something isn't working correctly or as intended, or that some features or full performance are lacking anyhow, but we know. Seems weird that one system was able to find chipset drivers and the other wasn't. Were these different chipsets or same? Which chipset were these boards?one found the chipset driver from windows update and the other did not. so far the owner is happy and not complaining of issues with the missing controller.