how necessary is it to install chipset drivers?

[Nvidiaguy07]

As long as I can find the file, i always install the chipset drivers, but i was wondering if its even necesary anymore.

I just fixed an old HP dc7600 and after installing windows xp pro sp3, I went to windows update and it found hardware drivers for video, sound, and network. When I go into device manager, everything is fine. Is it going to make any difference if i install the chipset driver from the hp website?

I've had similar situations with win vista and 7 installs. I'm thinking it might just have the drivers built in to windows.

 

[sandorski]

Older Chipsets should have the latest Drivers in newer Windows Versions. It wouldn't hurt to check for newer Drivers though.

 

[Nvidiaguy07]

but would it show up with an (!) in dev manager?

 

[sandorski]

but would it show up with an (!) in dev manager?

It shouldn't. If it does you'll need to Download the Drivers. Windows has its' own Generic Drivers that often seem to work fine, but for maximum Performance/Utility(sometimes there are exceptions) you'll want the Manufacturers Drivers.

 

[BoozeCompany]

If it isn't necersary why would they exist?

For maximum performance and compatibility it's usefull to install them.

 

[mb103051]

windows may have them but newer drivers may be available since the windows dvd was made..if newer ones are available install them..chipset drivers dont really change real often....lots of times it dosent change anything you;ll notice...if its running good you can leave it alone...like bios , no problems leave it alone....

 

[Anteaus]

If it isn't necersary why would they exist?

For maximum performance and compatibility it's usefull to install them.

This. More often than not, the included drivers with Windows are very basic and won't include optimizations and advanced features.

 

[VirtualLarry]

I always figured that most "Chipset" drivers, were just INF files that filled out the name of the device more accurately, rather than "PCI Bridge Controller" or somesuch.

That said, even with the updated name, they are still running the OS's built-in chipset drivers.

In other words, chipset drivers are much like monitor drivers - totally unnecessary.

 

[Loosley]

I always figured that most "Chipset" drivers, were just INF files that filled out the name of the device more accurately, rather than "PCI Bridge Controller" or somesuch.

That said, even with the updated name, they are still running the OS's built-in chipset drivers.

In other words, chipset drivers are much like monitor drivers - totally unnecessary.

I agree with VirtualLarry above. Even Intel describes chipset drivers as primarily just accurate labels for hardware in Device Manager:

http://downloadcenter.intel.com/Det...oductProduct=Intel®+6+Series+Chipset&lang=eng

 

[Nvidiaguy07]

I always figured that most "Chipset" drivers, were just INF files that filled out the name of the device more accurately, rather than "PCI Bridge Controller" or somesuch.

That said, even with the updated name, they are still running the OS's built-in chipset drivers.

In other words, chipset drivers are much like monitor drivers - totally unnecessary.

Thats what I was thinking. I used to wonder why you never had to install chipset drivers for linux. Now i know for sure theyre unnecessary.

 

[Anteaus]

I always figured that most "Chipset" drivers, were just INF files that filled out the name of the device more accurately, rather than "PCI Bridge Controller" or somesuch.

That said, even with the updated name, they are still running the OS's built-in chipset drivers.

In other words, chipset drivers are much like monitor drivers - totally unnecessary.

Until you get a chipset that was released after the Windows version your using and you're not getting proper support of that SATA or USB controller that your expecting. They are not superfluous. Some are redundant, but if your willing to take that chance then that's on you. I think it's silly not to take 30 sec to install chipset drivers whether you think they are useless or not. At worst nothing changes, at best you prevent some sort of future problem.