Question about ASRock motherboard driver installation

phositadc

Member
Mar 29, 2014
40
0
0
I'm doing a build this weekend with an ASRock Z87E-itx and i7-4770S (using integrated GPU, LAN, and Audio). The ASRock page has a long list of drivers: http://www.asrock.com/mb/Intel/Z87E-ITX/?cat=Download&os=Win8a64.

It's been several years since I've done a build so I have a few questions:

1) Is ASRock's page the best place to download driver updates? Or should I use Windows Update for driver updates? Or, for my initial install, should I use the drivers from the ASRock page, and then switch to Windows Update for subsequent updates?

2) I know I don't actually need to install all of those drivers listed on ASRock's webpage. I'm planning to install only

Audio
Bluetooth
INF
Rapid Start
LAN
Rapid Storage
VGA
Wireless

Which means I will NOT be installing

Management Engine
Smart Connect
AppCharger

Does that sound reasonable? Is there any reason I should be installing any of those 3?

I appreciate any advice. And if anybody has any tips/pointers/best practices on driver installation and maintenance, I would appreciate it! I have been using a Mac for several years but wanted to switch back to Windows for various reasons, so I'm a bit out of practice with driver maintenance.
 

Ketchup

Elite Member
Sep 1, 2002
14,558
248
106
I used to go to the website, but on my last couple builds I ran the installer off the CD. Can't say I really noticed a difference other than a good bit of time saved. If there is a substantially better driver on the site you can always download it later.