When do you load the Mobo drivers on a new build?

[Caveman]

I've got an ASUS Z-87 Pro (edition V)

I guess I load the drivers immediately after Windows install?

DO I need to load every single driver that's posted to the link:

https://www.asus.com/us/Motherboards/Z87PRO/HelpDesk_Download/

 

[Kenmitch]

I just load windows with no internet connection.

Load chipset > reboot
Load MEI > reboot
LAN, etc.

If you disable any devices in bios such as non Intel SATA no need to load drivers.

 

[Caveman]

Thanks.

There just seemed to be a ridiculous amount of MoBo drivers... I want max functionality so I guess I will load them all...

Coincidentally you referenced something I was wondering about regarding SATA... My Mobo has 6 "Intel 87 Serial ATC 6.0 GB/s" ports It also has a single "ASMedia Serial ATA 6.oGb/s" port... I noticed there are drivers for each. What is the difference? I've got 2 SATA Crucial SSDs and 1 SATA Seagate Barracuda drive... I assume both will plug into the Intel Ports... Wondering what ASMedia is...

 

[Kenmitch]

Your welcome.

You want to use the Intel ports as they'll be more stable with better performance. The ASMedia ports are kind of worthless if you don't have more than 6 drives. They are a add on controller that allows more ports than the chipset will allow. You should be able to disable them in bios. No need to install the drivers for them.

 

[PhIlLy ChEeSe]

Install your Operating system> install LAN drivers> install updates for Windows(After that make a back if needed)>install all other drivers

 

[Deders]

I would install the Asmedia drivers myself, just because 9 times out of 10 they are better than the standard windows drivers and depending on your OS it can have an affect on the overall latency of your system, ie if the driver is bad it can add latency spikes.

Definitely install the Asmedia USB drivers as well as the Intel drivers as you might find some of your USB ports don't work or work at less than optimal speeds.

 

[khaakon]

... I want max functionality ...

It also has a single "ASMedia Serial ATA 6.oGb/s" port...

Wondering what ASMedia is...

I hardly believe they added an ASMedia chip for 1 port.

eSATA?

 

[LTC8K6]

ASMedia® ASM1061 controller : *6
2 x SATA 6Gb/s port(s), dark brown

*6: These SATA ports are for data hard drivers only. ATAPI devices are not supported.

 

[khaakon]

more on topic:

In my fresh installs (I tend to do them often, if I'm bored), I regularly download beforehand drivers from the MoBo's manufacturers site. I like Kenmitch recommendation further up here; chipset - MEI - LAN(or any other connectivity U may need) then Windows update for the rest, or any refreshes/corrections. *Or back to MoBo's manufacturers website for anything missing or exclamation marks in Device Manager. Beware that WinUpd can in rare instances install bad(wrong) drivers.

BTW, this for Win XP? Just curious, how's Windows update these days? Provides drivers, I hope?