Question about Intel Chipset Device Software  

zbook said:

In most cases the most up to date drivers are the best drivers.

After a clean install Windows will install all Windows and some non-Windows drivers.

Running Dell, HP, and Lenovo software will find additional drivers that are then installed.

These can be followed by Windows updates.

Over time despite Windows updates the computer manufacturer's software will find drivers that were not updated by Windows.

For chipset drivers I've not seen any performance comparisons using different driver versions.
So this may just be end user comparisons.

I was wondering if the Intel Chipset Drivers that Windows 10 installs after a clean installation are sufficient or whether they are only basic/generic. That's why I was asking if you guys still install the Intel Chipset Device Software after a clean installation?
The order that I have followed in the past is as follows :-
1. At the Welcome Screen after a clean installation I leave the PC to sit idle for an hour to give it time to finish off any background updating activity.
2. Then, I restart the PC and check for Windows Updates to bring the system right up to date.
3. Then, I go to the Dell website, install Dell Support Assist and allow it to update any drivers that it recommends.

The Dell Support Assist software can sometimes be a bit flaky. Sometimes it shows the Intel Chipset Device Software as a recommended update and sometimes its missing from the list of recommended drivers to update. That's another reason that causes me to ask about whether the Intel Chipset Device Software should be updated after a clean installation or not. A Dell technician has told me in the past that if Dell Support Assist doesn't list the Intel Chipset Device Software as a recommended update that I should manually install it instead which has given me the impression that it is always necessary to update the Intel Chipset Device software after a clean installation

I install the Intel chipset drivers, On an older Dell (OptiPlex 3010/7010 etc) Windows 10 (in Device Manager) will recognize the SATA controller as a generic device. After installing the chipset drivers it will know that it is an Intel ICH something or other SATA controller. Which I suspect.is better - at least I prefer it that way. There are probably other devices that are better identified.

The following screenshot was taken before I installed Chipset Software Installation Utility.



The following screenshot was taken after I installed Chipset Software Installation Utility.



I found no difference in performance, though.

It's simple to find the drivers from the Dell support site by entering the PC's tag number. I don't install Dell's bloatware including Support Assist so just remember to peruse the support site every few months.

I have not installed any drivers offered by Windows Updates and my motherboard's manufacturer.
I downloaded drivers and software from Intel's site: Drivers & Software