Which drivers and utilities do I really need?

[zaxer]

New build
Mobo - ASRock Z77 Extreme 4
CPU - Intel 3570k
Mem - G.Skill ripjaws X 8GB
Heatsink - CoolerMaster Hyper 212 Evo
PSU - Seasonic 520 Bronze modular
SSD - Intel 330 120GB
HD - WD Caviar Black 1TB 7200rpm
Optical - Sony Optiarc
Case - CoolerMaster HAF 922
OS - Win 7 Ultimate 64 bit

These are the driver and utility choices on the Mobo disk
I’m pretty sure I need these:

INF Driver
Onboard VGA Driver
HD Audio Driver and Application
LAN Driver
Intel USB3.0 Driver
ASMedia USB3.0 Driver
ASMedia SATA3 Driver
ASRock APP Charger

ASRock Extreme Tuning Utility
ASRock XFast USB
ASRock XFast LAN


What is this one?

ME Driver


Not so sure if these are necessary or useful:

Rapid Storage Technology Driver and utility
ASRock Instant Boot

I’m pretty sure I don’t need or want these:

Intel Smart Connect Software
Intel Smart Connect Utility
THX TruStudio
CyberLink MediaEspresso 6.5 trial version
SmartView

Thanks for any advice

 

[newtoIT]

Hi there,

I use this mobo all the time these are the things i remove or do not install,

THX TruStudio
CyberLink MediaEspresso 6.5 trial version
SmartView
Norton Trial

everything else i install, but i disable the following from startup

Xfast Lan
Xfast USB
Instant boot

Drivers you will need for the moment until you update them with the latest.
The software from AsRock, mainly the Xfast and Instant boot utilities, i usually install because they don't take much space but whether you use them or not is up to the individual.
For myself, i keep them there but disable them from running when i startup the computer

Xfast usb, becomes quite annoying because it pops up all the time when i plug somthing in
xfast lan does increase performance a bit, but you have to be careful with the settings
Instant boot - Im running SSD and boot once every couple of days so...not really useful in my circumstances.

As for replacements, I would get drivers from manually updating through windows,
graphics i usually go to nvidia that's if you use nvidia.

Antivirus and Antimalware
I use microsoft security essentials and malwarebytes

good luck

 

[clutchc]

You only 'need' these:

INF Driver (chipset)
Onboard VGA Driver (If you don't use a discrete card)
HD Audio Driver and Application (for onboard sound)
LAN Driver (for Ethernet internet)
Intel USB3.0 Driver
ASMedia USB3.0 Driver
ASMedia SATA3 Driver
ME Driver

Btw, here is a good site for installing your O/S on the SSD to avoid pitfalls: http://www.overclock.net/t/1156654/seans-windows-7-install-optimization-guide-for-ssds-hdds

 

[zaxer]

Hi newtoIT,

One of the reasons I built my own was to get away from bloatware and here it is right on the mobo disk.

I think I'll also leave Xfast Lan, Xfast USB, & Instant boot off for now.

I couldn't find any updates for this mobo on ASRock site did I miss them?

Thanks for reply.

 

[zaxer]

Hi clutchc,

Thanks for the info.
The overclock link is excellent.

Btw I'm old enough to remember Clutch and the talking lips.

 

[clutchc]

Hi clutchc,

Thanks for the info.
The overclock link is excellent.

Btw I'm old enough to remember Clutch and the talking lips.

(Shhh... you'll give away my age)

Check the Overclock article carefully. Most of the important stuff is in 'click to open' links. Hope you enjoy it. It saved me some headaches and gave me some imortant pointers with my first SSD install.

 

[Dark Lord of Tech]

Select best answer.....

 

[zaxer]

Best answer selected by zaxer.

 

[Mousemonkey]

This topic has been closed by Mousemonkey