Clean Install

[Larkina]

When performing a clean install of the operating system should I take the System's Driver Disc out of the cd-rom tray on every reboot? I'm currently using a Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3P ver. 1.6 mobo. Or should you leave the cd in the computer until it completes downloading all the drivers or programs to be used? And one other question please. Which Raid 0 program gives the best performance? The Intel or the Gigabyte?

[venganza]

When performing a clean install of the operating system should I take the System's Driver Disc out of the cd-rom tray on every reboot? I'm currently using a Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3P ver. 1.6 mobo. Or should you leave the cd in the computer until it completes downloading all the drivers or programs to be used? And one other question please. Which Raid 0 program gives the best performance? The Intel or the Gigabyte?

I install Windows, then when done I install mobo drivers.

Best to throw away the CD, and make sure you grab the latest versions from the net, they all quite happily install post windows installation.

[Larkina]

Okay, thanks that is what I figured also.

[Dark Mantis]

  And one other question please. Which Raid 0 program gives the best performance? The Intel or the Gigabyte?

I don't think there is much to choose between them. You certainly wouldn't notice the difference in a real world scenerio.

[absic]

Windows 7 is much better at handling driver installs than its predecessors,but I am still a little old school when it comes to installing drivers or software and I personally think it is better to load one driver at a time and re-boot after each one. Although it does take longer, from my experience it also seems to improve the way the OS handles the drivers and there is less risk of corruption during the install.

Another reason for loading drivers and other items of software, one at a time, is to help discover if there are any issues. It is easier to locate a problem if you are only installing one thing rather then sifting through 4 or 5 things if something goes wrong.

[Dark Mantis]

Another reason for loading drivers and other items of software, one at a time, is to help discover if there are any issues. It is easier to locate a problem if you are only installing one thing rather then sifting through 4 or 5 things if something goes wrong.

I totally agree. some drivers turn out ot be a pain in the *ss, and if you don't even know which one the problem is compounded. I always do the same, install one and then reboot.

[absic]

See, I'm not just a pretty face, I've got brains as well! 

[Dark Mantis]

As far as I'm concerned anyone who can UNDERSTAND music has brains! Computers - no problem, music - Dark Arts!

[Larkina]

So I guess installing drivers other than the chipset being the first driver always to be install wouldn't matter as for as performance goes. I totally agree that Gigabyte drivers aren't the best drivers but it does seem like when performing a clean install and then using the Xpress install for the mobo drivers it makes the system run much faster. To me it doesn't seem to have as much latency. I guess I'm saying that right and also using the BCU browser drivers seem to add a little kick.

[Dark Mantis]

I don't think there is any right or wrong way to do it in general. Sometimes one way works better with a certain make but then a different way works better next time. Still a lot of trial and error when playing with computers. 

[Larkina]

You are so right Dark Mantis. I play around installing the drivers with different configurations with the chipset always being first of course. Next I found it better to install the network drivers, video drivers and then the audio and it really does makes a difference. Your whole system seems to run smoother in that particular order. It does to me anyway. Thank you all for the input.

[yuriart10]

  And one other question please. Which Raid 0 program gives the best performance? The Intel or the Gigabyte?

I don't think there is much to choose between them. You certainly wouldn't notice the difference in a real world scenerio.

I also think so.

[Bennito]

When performing a clean install of the operating system should I take the System's Driver Disc out of the cd-rom tray on every reboot? I'm currently using a Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3P ver. 1.6 mobo. Or should you leave the cd in the computer until it completes downloading all the drivers or programs to be used? And one other question please. Which Raid 0 program gives the best performance? The Intel or the Gigabyte?

When installing it on Windows you should leave the CD in the computer and it will install the version from CD and update it to the latest version automatically.

[Greed4Speed]

I usually keep the windows cd in until I need to use the motherboard cd.  I've always had better luck with the Intel raid program.  What kind of raid setup are you running?  And I always find it's better to just have one stick of ram installed whilst installing any os.