M4 128gb and which drivers should I install for an HIS 6950 and asrock ext3 gen3?

[Papa Hogan]

So I just put together a computer (nicest one I've ever built, let alone OWNED). The Antec 300 Illusion is packed with new goodies:

An Asrock z68 extreme3 gen3
i5 2500k (unlocked for later oc'ing:biggrin w/ 212+ evo to cool it off
8 gb g.skill ripjaws ddr3
HIS 6950 vid card
asus dvd burner
XFX 650w PSU
Crucial M4 128gb ssd
g500 mouse and a MS ergonomic keyboard that should be here Friday. Now I just need to put my desk together.

My 1st question is in the title. What should I do about updated drivers for the mobo and the 6950? Just install them from the disk or should I get new ones onto a dvd and load them that way? Are there any problems with new drivers and my card?

Question #2: Now I've already installed windows 7 home premium 64 bit onto it, but I remember reading there's some settings that need changed to load onto the sata3 ssd, maybe something to do with AHCI? Windows loaded super fast, but if I need to change a setting and reinstall, so be it, I'll do it all over in like 15 minutes. I've seen alot of people with rigs similar to mine and I would really appreciate your experience in this. Could someone help me with BIOS settings please?

TIA

 

[T_Yamamoto]

load them from the CD or go to the website and download and install it.

if you want to load from SSD, you go into bios and change boot from: to ssd

 

[mfenn]

Nice machine! You will want to change the SATA controller to AHCI mode, the setting should be in the BIOS.

As for drivers, I never load what's on the CD. Always grab the latest from the manufacturer's website. The only thing that is really required in your case is the Catalyst drivers for your Radeon and the USB 3.0 drivers. Everything else is optional.

 

[Papa Hogan]

Thanks for your replies, guys!

You, mfenn...I gotta thank you for your hard work putting that thread together where I got the ideas for most of my parts. Saved me a whole lot of work.:thumbsup: Great thread, that one!

 

[VirtualLarry]

If your board's NIC drivers aren't auto-installed along with Win7, then install them from the CD, then go online and download the other drivers.

 

[Papa Hogan]

Thanks, Larry! Any specific order I should load the drivers? Video first or mobo, or does it matter? I already installed all the drivers--mobo first--but it would be good to know the traditional method for future reference.:biggrin:

 

[mfenn]

Doesn't really matter what order you do it in anymore.

 

[mfenn]

Thanks for your replies, guys!

You, mfenn...I gotta thank you for your hard work putting that thread together where I got the ideas for most of my parts. Saved me a whole lot of work.:thumbsup: Great thread, that one!

Glad to be of help.