Device Manager questions


  1. Posts : 125
    Ten
       #1

    Device Manager questions


    I have a couple of questions about updates to certain areas of the device manager. System is

    Windows 10 Pro 64-bit
    Mobo - Asus Maximus Hero Viii
    GTX 980Ti
    Core i7-6700
    8GB memory

    My question is that I see a couple of items that I am not sure if I need to update or not and if I do, is it better to get it from the manufacturer instead of using the Windows download version. I use the Windows Update MiniTool.

    Q1. System Firmware - I see this listed and not sure what it is. It is not listed for updating (at least in the mini it does state the name at all, but then again...).

    Q2. Under System devices - all my chipset items are up to date. But wondering in the mini it shows a couple of items.
    * Intel Watchdog Timer Driver - I do not see this anywhere in the device manager so not sure if this one and if it needs to be updated. I read at various places that it is good and bad so not sure. Then, where do I get it? Went to Intel and cannot find it at all. Is this just a special from Microsoft?

    Q3. As I mentioned earlier my chipset is updated to 10.1.1.18 4-4-2016, but the mini still says I am out of date on Intel 100 series/C230 series chipset family PMC-A121. I looked at the Microsoft catalog and I see a list there of this one, but they show version 10.1.1.14 1-26-2016 so not sure why this is doing what it is

    Q4. Same this here for Intel 100 series/C230 series chipset family SMBus-A123

    Q5. I also see this, Huawei Technologies-other hardware-Huawei system firmware 1.0. Could this be tied to the System Firmware mentioned above?

    I apologize if this is in the wrong area here and for the length of this thread. Just making sure what is needed and some enlightenment. Thanks
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 505
    Windows 10 Pro (Mix of Builds) / Linux Mint
       #2

    My personal opinion is that although the mini tool is going a little deeper than necessary, most of the items in system get covered by the chipset and manufacturer drivers for a board.

    For Q3, the tool may indeed indicate you are out of date if it's comparing the manufacturer supplied chipset driver to Intel's - that really doesn't mean that you need to update it though, manufacturers take and modify chipsets for their particular hardware loadout. If you are up to date with Asus on the chipset, I say you're good to go there.
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 1,366
    Windows 10 Pro x64
       #3

    I see no reason to trust any third-party application to do something so vital and core to the OS. I wouldn't ever trust a replacement for Windows Update or a Driver Update program.

    My suggestion is to look for yourself. See what Windows Update brings down. Then, if you feel you have an issue with a piece of hardware, look to the vendor for an update.
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 3,502
    Win_8.1-Pro, Win_10.1607-Pro, Mint_17.3
       #4

    Is the device flagged in Device Manager?
    No - leave it alone.

    Are you experiencing issues with the Driver?
    No - leave it alone.

    If Yes for either, then try Windows Update to see what it offers.
    If it doesn't have an update for the Driver of the Driver provided by WU doesn't solve the issue, then visit the OEM and download only a Driver that fixes the issue.

    The same rule applies to BIOS - no problems - don't update .
    Most firmware is only updated every few years when Basic Input / Output HW changes.

    Newer is not always better !
      My Computer


 

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