Do I need an optical drive for a new build?

axlrose

Distinguished
Jun 11, 2008
1,921
3
19,815
I have Windows on a thumb drive and am ready to start tear down and rebuild. Manual talks about needing an optical drive still to install motherboard drivers.

Thanks.
 

clutchc

Titan
Ambassador
No, you can install Win from the thumb drive. Then download the drivers from the board's website rather than using the ones on the disk. But you may need to first have the board's Ethernet driver available on the thumb drive in case Win doesn't recognize the LAN chip and install the driver automatically.

In reality, Win should find the necessary drivers eventually via its win update.

Optical drives are cheap if you want to add one. $15 -$20.
Another option is a USB portable optical drive.
 

axlrose

Distinguished
Jun 11, 2008
1,921
3
19,815
I wanted to start the build a week ago, so not interested in buying a new optical drive unless necessary. Haven't used one or had one installed in years. I think I have one lying around somewhere. I guess I'll install windows and see what happens from there...