Question about AHCI preinstall driver for GB Z68 mobo

[Charlie98]

I'm fixing to clean install W7 64-bit on my main desktop with a Gigabyte Z68MA-D2H-B3 mobo (DESK in sig. ) I've already flashed the newest BIOS (F10, not U1C) and I'm piling up the drivers.

I have a question about the 'Intel SATA preinstall driver' (about half way down the page.) Simply put, do I need to install this driver and, if so, how exactly do I go about doing it? One of the main reasons I'm reloading the OS is my SATA performance is poor (due to a borked USB3 add-on chipset driver) and I want to make sure I get this right the first time.

I'm also not planning on installing the Intel Management Engine driver unless someone can give me a good reason to do so.

Thanks!

 

[vailr]

Should be able to use a USB thumb drive to supply any pre-install Windows 7 drivers. However, first attempt installing Windows without supplying any added drivers. If not, re-try again with those drivers added. After Windows is installed, install the Intel chipset drivers, reboot, then any further device drivers.
Note: the linked motherboard support site is quite outdated, as far as driver versions. A more up to date source for those would be:
http://www.station-drivers.com/

 

[waqas850]

These drivers should be update to use in the system.

 

[Charlie98]

Should be able to use a USB thumb drive to supply any pre-install Windows 7 drivers. However, first attempt installing Windows without supplying any added drivers. If not, re-try again with those drivers added. After Windows is installed, install the Intel chipset drivers, reboot, then any further device drivers.
Note: the linked motherboard support site is quite outdated, as far as driver versions. A more up to date source for those would be:
http://www.station-drivers.com/

That is the Gigabyte driver page... Unfortunately, your linked page is in French(?)

I'm sure Windows will install without the preinstall driver... that driver wasn't available until recently.

 

[Mir96TA]

You don't have to have it at the installation.
However in standard install Window will ask for (F6) the format the HDD etc
at that point you can insert the provided drivers or go with install and do it later on.