Driver downloads for new PC build

[jamie8dc]

I'm trying to put all my drivers and stuff on a CD now so that when I assemble my build I can just load them all from the CD rather and running around gathering them post-build. I can't figure out what I want from Intel for my chipset. There are a lot of choices. Can anyone point me to the files I need for my Core 2 Duo E8400, or can you describe what I'm looking for in general to help me figure it out? When I just look under the Core 2 Duo drivers section at the Intel website all it's finding me is Intel® Processor Identification Utility - Windows* Version. Sounds useless? Just helps identify info about my processor. There's a section for Processors, which is where I found that, and then a section for chipsets, which I don't recognize any of the choices. What the heck is a chipset?? Don't laugh, I know my newb-idity can be overwhelming. 🙁

There's also a LOT of driver downloads available from Gigabyte for my mobo. Can you point out which of these I would need? I'm guessing the latest Lan and audio (since I'm just using onboard sound), but what does the Chipset one refer to? I thought I got the chipset driver from Intel? And SATA Raid doesn't apply to me, does it? I know my optical drive is SATA but isn't Raid something other than what I'm getting? (look below for my specific hard drive)
Gigabyte Driver Downloads for the GA-EP45-UD3R

Also, for my Western Digital Caviar Black SATA drive... what downloads do I need? Data Lifeguard Tools? Diagnostics? Why can't they just be like "Latest Driver - Click here to download." And how come it only lists 1TB and 750GB Cavier Black drives, but I bought a 640GB? I'm looking at the right page aren't I?
Western Digital Caviar Black Download Page


If you need to know anything else about my build let me know, I think I stated all the relevant parts. The parts are in the mail, I just want to be completely prepared before I go into my first build so I'm not running around frantically once I get to building. I've already got my nVidia graphics drivers and the latest BIOS for my mobo. Anything else that I haven't listed that I might need that you can think of?

This is my first Windows install, not to mention my first PC build, so I'm a bit anxious. Thanks in advance, sorry for being so ignorant about it all!

 

[TheStu]

Here is what you need drivers for.

Chipset (this is on the mobo, so not your processor) These should be on the motherboard disk that came with your motherboard. If you either have lost the disk, or those are outdated, then go to the manufacturer's website and hunt down the latest ones.
Based on the website you linked to, you want to get the 1st driver on the list for the Audio (unless you are putting Vista64 on there, in which case get the second from the bottom), the only thing under the Chipset heading, pick the first LAN driver if you are running XP or Vista32, and get the second one if you have Vista64.

Graphics Card: This will come on the driver disk with the card, or you can get it from either nVidia or ATi directly. They both have unified drivers so just get the most recent one. More fine tuning there can come later.

And that is about it as far as crucial ones go. The rest of the drivers will come with Windows, and Windows Update should help you get any that are missing.

You do not need a driver for your hard drive, or separate software for it.

 

[Marinski]

no offense but if you don't know how to install a driver, or even windows, you probably shouldn't be building a pc. Sounds like you're in over your head. I know before I built my first PC I would take apart old ones, put them back together, fix them up and reinstall the OS. There is also books (or websites) that have tutorials that guide you through the whole process, you should probably read one.

 

[mc866]

Originally posted by: Marinski
no offense but if you don't know how to install a driver, or even windows, you probably shouldn't be building a pc. Sounds like you're in over your head. I know before I built my first PC I would take apart old ones, put them back together, fix them up and reinstall the OS. There is also books (or websites) that have tutorials that guide you through the whole process, you should probably read one.

I disagree, no better time than now to learn. TheStu provides some good advice, just make sure you have the chipset driver which usually contains the NIC driver if this is your only PC connected to the internet because you will need this before you can connect more than likely. Once that's installed you can go out and download the other required drivers.

 

[Marinski]

Originally posted by: mc866

Originally posted by: Marinski
no offense but if you don't know how to install a driver, or even windows, you probably shouldn't be building a pc. Sounds like you're in over your head. I know before I built my first PC I would take apart old ones, put them back together, fix them up and reinstall the OS. There is also books (or websites) that have tutorials that guide you through the whole process, you should probably read one.

I disagree, no better time than now to learn. TheStu provides some good advice, just make sure you have the chipset driver which usually contains the NIC driver if this is your only PC connected to the internet because you will need this before you can connect more than likely. Once that's installed you can go out and download the other required drivers.

Best way to learn is from your mistakes i guess. It will surely be a learning experience, especially if she/he puts it all together, hits power, and nothing happens.

 

[jamie8dc]

Thanks TheStu, that was exactly what I wanted to know. I'm getting Vista64 so I'll use your advice. I really appreciate it!

Thanks for the concern Marinski. I know how to download drivers, I just couldn't figure out which ones I needed. I know that I'll have drivers for everything between the software that comes with the parts and the Windows install, I just wanted to know which ones I definitely needed to update. I've already watched several videos for installing an LGA 775 heatsink/CPU, which seems like the only potentially tricky part, and I've read three separate guides for building a PC. I've also swapped out a GPU, Ram, Sound Card, and a Mobo in the past, just never all at once, but I am familiar with the inside of a PC. I think I'll be okay. The hardware side of it seems a lot easier to me than the software side of it all. The BIOS particularly scares me. 😕

I'm excited about it all though, learning experience indeed! My parts get here on Monday says UPS, so I'll let you all know how it goes!

~Jamie

 

[abaez]

Honestly, vista comes with a ton of drivers already - I only had to download the newest nvidia drivers. I would just try to install and see what else you have left to install.

 

[TheStu]

Originally posted by: jamie8dc
Thanks TheStu, that was exactly what I wanted to know. I'm getting Vista64 so I'll use your advice. I really appreciate it!

Thanks for the concern Marinski. I know how to download drivers, I just couldn't figure out which ones I needed. I know that I'll have drivers for everything between the software that comes with the parts and the Windows install, I just wanted to know which ones I definitely needed to update. I've already watched several videos for installing an LGA 775 heatsink/CPU, which seems like the only potentially tricky part, and I've read three separate guides for building a PC. I've also swapped out a GPU, Ram, Sound Card, and a Mobo in the past, just never all at once, but I am familiar with the inside of a PC. I think I'll be okay. The hardware side of it seems a lot easier to me than the software side of it all. The BIOS particularly scares me. 😕

I'm excited about it all though, learning experience indeed! My parts get here on Monday says UPS, so I'll let you all know how it goes!

~Jamie

The important thing to remember is to take your time, and don't force things. The heatsink on the LGA775s is an exception, that you want to make sure is seated good and secure.

Everything else though can only go in one way. It is all keyed or color coded so you should be fine there. Messing with the BIOS shouldn't be a problem.