Should I install motherboard manufacturer's latest driver versions

Hi geeks.
Need some expert advise.

Most of the drivers currently installed are those on the included motherboard CD.
Several of those drivers now have later versions on the manufacture's web site download page.
ASRock H87M - Windows 7 64bit

I have already updated the Intel Rapid Storage driver, but I'm wondering if I should also install
the others that are available.

• Intel Management Engine Components
  (curr) 9.0.0.1323
  (new) 9.5.14.1724 ​
• Intel USB Driver
  (curr) 2.0.0.100
  (new) 2.5.0.19 ​
• Intel HD Graphics driver
  (curr) 9.18.10.3107
  (new) 9.18.10.3272 ​
• INF driver
  (curr) 9.4.0.1017
  (new) 9.4.0.1026 ​
• Atheros LAN driver
  (curr) 2.1.0.13
  (new) 2.1.0.21 ​
• Intel Rapid Storage driver
  (curr) 12.8.0.1016
  (new) 12.8.0.1016 ​

update:
Just found that when I use the motherboard CD and highlight a specific driver,
it shows the currently installed driver and the version To Be installed, which is the latest version. :cool

Don't know how it's able to do that so Fast, but my question remains the same.
Thanks.

 

Your drivers are just slightly out of date. There is no downside to updating the drivers you have indicated. I would go for it just to pick up any fixes that might be affecting my system without my knowledge.

 

There's only one important question to ask: "How much data can I lose?"

I'd update motherboard BIOS and chipset drivers just before video-drivers - IF I was going to update vid, and IF BIOS and MB chipset updates existed. Those aren't updated very often. BIOSes usually fix a connection issue or are addressing newly-released memory or CPUs. If there's a 'connection issue', then perhaps Video Updates might enjoy those.

SATA-RAID drivers are the same way. "How much can I lose?" That's the only important question in my mind. As long as I have all the Install disks or images, recent backups - "not much".

(I'm also about the last one on the block to update video drivers, by the way. "Bleeding Edge" has absolutely no attraction for me - it doesn't offer GreenStamps, I can't get a free coffee table or Tupperware.)

 

There can be a downside, and I have seen it first hand.


mjnc, unless the drivers add a needed or desired feature or fix a critical bug, the best approach is "if it ain't broke..."


Too many times have I seen driver updates have detrimental effects, so be careful.

That has never stopped me from updating, but I have been bitten by my reckless choices more than once.

 

I agree with Christine and Adrynaline. When it comes to drivers, if it ain't broke don't fix it.

 

I have heard that before, but I couldn't resist.
Well, your warnings turned out to be true.
I had already updated Intel Rapid Storage and Onboard VGA Driver.

There was a notice that the Windows Experience Index needed to be reassessed because "new hardware" was found.
When I ran the assessment, it aborted with an error message about not being able to run the graphics playback.

Not until I had replaced both of those AND the HD Audio driver, was the app able to run.
I think the error may have been due to a discrepancy between the new graphics and the audio driver.

Fortunately, I just put this together two months ago and there is very little software installed.
I have several system disk image backups and file backups of the new stuff.

Too much tinkering.