Gear is clearly misinformed.
1. all chipsets require drivers
2. let's NOT confuse patches with drivers
3. the latest SIS chipsets are rock solid in stability and perform admirably (better than intel DDR chipsets)
4. good luck finding an Ali P4 board (even better luck finding a non-Iwill one)
the AGP and IDE drivers for SIS chipsets (i.e. 735, 745, 740, 645, 650) are NOT necessary...enthusiasts just like installing them for peace of mind...it's some fetish with always wanting to have the latest drivers on your system....in fact, checking SIS' webpage shows no drivers for IDE or AGP whatsoever for WinXP...that's because they're not required.
gear needs to loosen up his collar....