Graphics drivers when branded drivers lag behind

[Comdrpopnfresh]

is it better to upgrade to the latest graphics driver release (say Intel, for integrated graphics on an Intel CPU), or stick with the slower-released gfx drivers (be they optimized) by manufacturer (ASUS)? I have z Z77 chipset board from ASUS, for which they have not released any support downloaded since 1/11/13, but windows is supplying a gfx update from intel over windows update (win8). Which is the route to go?

 

[BallaTheFeared]

Get the latest directly from Intel.

 

[Comdrpopnfresh]

so that will not only get me the most in terms of platform efficiency, but also what can be reaped from ASUS DRM/VRM, under EPU(which always reads CPU watts as 99W-so how much worse can it get?)?
I am really aiming for an envelope of most-efficient, as I over-built the system for the user to grow into.

 

[postmortemIA]

you are mistaken if you think that asus is doing some optimization. these all are intel drivers, branding is only thing that changes.