[Mendax]

Ok, I'm going to be building a new computer next week, (or whenever my videocard arrives), and I need help deciding how I should install the drivers. Here are my specs, if needed:

-GIGABYTE GA-EP45-DS3L LGA 775 Intel P45 ATX Intel Motherboard
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813128345
-Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 Kentsfield 2.4GHz 2 x 4MB L2 Cache LGA 775 Quad-Core Processor
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819115017
-BFG Tech BFGR88640GTSOCE GeForce 8800 GTS 640MB 320-bit GDDR3 PCI Express x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814143081
-OCZ Gold 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820227124
-OCZ StealthXStream OCZ600SXS 600W ATX12V / EPS12V SLI Ready Active PFC Power Supply
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817341010
-Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 ST3250410AS 250GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822148262
-CD/DVD Drive
Liteon SOHW-1693S
-Antec Solo Black/Silver Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811129018

Ok, now that's out of the way, here's how I think I should install the drivers. First, I'm planning on downloading all the newest drivers on to a CD for easier access. The order should be BIOS, motherboard, onboard sound, then videocard, right? Is the BIOS update necessary? If you visit the Newegg link above it says "OC to DDR2-1333+ w/ latest BIOS update". So they're saying it will automatically overclock the RAM to 1333 with the latest BIOS update? Is that significant or should I not bother?

[zabusant]

Hi!

I wouldn't worry about the BIOS update (unless you're having problems). The motherboard and probably the onboard audio should be supported by windows (or if not should come with a cd with drivers). The only thing to install is the updated video drivers and your graphics card should also come with a cd containing drivers so you needn't worry about that either.

[Triple6]

You should the latest Service Pack for Windows before installing any drivers, you can burn that to CD too. I know the latest Geforce drivers do offer substantial gains and fixes over drivers that are several months old so the latest version of those is a good idea but you may indeed just grab all the updated drivers.

You should install the Chipset/Motherboard drivers first then do all the rest of the drivers after that.

As for the BIOS, I prefer to update the BIOS when I first get a board, that way any issues that have been addressed are fixed at that time and if the flash goes bad then its right when you are starting the build. But take a look at the list of fixes and decide for yourself if the BIOS update addresses anything of importance. I doubt the BIOS will overclock the RAM to 1333Mhz automatically, especially if the memory is NOT 1333Mhz as in your case where its 800Mhz.

[Mendax]

Well, here is the page that describes the BIOS updates. None of it really applies to me, though, because I don't have Vista and I don't plan on overclocking, (I have a question about that later). However, on the other hand, I've never done it before and it's probably something I should know.

My CMT teacher said that improperly flashing the BIOS or shutting off the computer before it can finish will permanently damage the system. Is this true? Personally, I would assume that resetting the BIOS by taking out the battery for a minute could fix it, but I don't know for sure.

As far as using the drivers on the CD or from Windows, I'd rather use the most recent versions from the manufacturers website.

Ok, back to overclocking, what, if any, warranties might it void?

[zabusant]

It's true, if there's a problem during the update you'll probably have to get a new motherboard. Resetting wont help in this case. But as long as you're careful, there should be no problems.

Though it's a good idea to have updated drivers since every update fixes a certain number of issues, the "newest" aren't always the best as they will frequently have new issues of their own. So, updating is recommended, but don't go overboard with it

I don't know about the overclocking, but I'm sure it's considered improper use (and in my opinion it's not worth it since the gain is minimal)

[Mendax]

Ok, I don't think I'm going to update the BIOS then, thanks.