Win7 fresh install question

[steptaker]

When I complete my new build, and load my Win7 onto SSD for the first time, will it automatically recognize my hardware (Gigabyte MB, I3 cpu, samsung oem burner) and look for the most current drivers available via the internet? Or should I download them all to a thumbdrive to install?
I see there is a firmware update available for my Patriot Pyro 60GB SSD. Should the firmware be updated prior to loading my OS?
Sorry for the newbie questions, thanks in advance for the help!!
Dave

 

[Claudius-07]

For all your hardware, once you've installed Windows 7, you can do the "Windows Update' and if it can find the appropriate and new drivers, go for it. However, I always update my video drivers and audio drivers, especially and any firmware on my own as well since I am always looking for the latest and best. In other words for my Nvidia 580 GTX card I download the actual full driver package from Nvidia, I don't bother with using the ones that come with Windows is what I mean. I also recommend installing the newest Intel chipset drivers from them directly. You can actually go to the Intel website and run their auto utility that will scan and then provide you with a link to the drivers you need to get the latest. Here is the link and just run the thing at the top:
http://downloadcenter.intel.com/Default.aspx?lang=eng

In regards to your SSD drive and its firware, I am not familiar how your Patriot Pyro allows you to install the firmware update. Some driver or updates cannot be installed on an OS drive. At least that was the case a while back. I have all OCZ SSD drives and that was the case with their updates. Hence I had to first flash the drive or somehow plug it in to another computer as a secondary drive, flash and update it and then plug it back in as my main OS drive in my other computer once done. But honestly no problem whether you install the firmware update before or after you install the OS. I think now at least, with OCZ you can install right off the OS drive... but again not sure with your patriot.

 

[Matt1970]

I also recommend the video and chipset drivers from the manufacturer. I haven't seen it much lately but Windows Update used to have plenty of bad video drivers. Most of the ones I saw were for Intel. After you install, pull up device manager and look for any unknown or devices with a yellow ! next to them. Those will need attention.