Can someone confirm if this is ok..

[Daytrader]

I have the STRIX Z790-H and 13900K, and i am on bios 1303, that bios came with  intel ME version16.1.27.2176, i don't want to update to bios 1402 yet, so in my download section for my motherboard, can i still use the latest chipset drivers  V101196008418 for Windows 11 21H2 64-bit.(WHQL), and latest ME drivers Intel ME Consumer V2334.5.1.0 (SW 2335.5.26.0), or do i have to use old chipset and old ME drivers to match this bios and ME firmware ? and if i do have to use the old drivers, how do i know what drivers to use, thx

[JohnAb]

Just my opinion, but I think you'll be OK to update the chipset drivers and leave ME Firmware and BIOS where they are. In fact, you can update ME firmware as well (and run a newer version) before the BIOS, but if you are not going to update the BIOS, then probably not much to be gained by doing that.

However, I would recommend backing up your OS drive so that you can easily restore it if anything gives a problem. Something like Macrium Reflect (free) is good for doing that. 

[Daytrader]

Thx for your reply, i use Macrium Reflect and its great, so i can use latest ME drivers also then ? thx

[JohnAb]

All I can say is that ME firmware can be updated before (it should be installed before the BIOS anyway) the BIOS. So yes, should be OK, I was just saying that if not planning on updating the BIOS, perhaps there is no advantage, but it should be fine to do so. 

[Daytrader]

Thx for reply again, i mean this ME drivers Intel ME Consumer V2334.5.1.0, not the ME firmware as thats done when i updated bios this time.

[JohnAb]

OK, if you're mot updating the ME firmware either, then probably not much point in updating the ME Consumer V2334.5.1.0 drivers, but should do no harm. 

[Daytrader]

Ok, thx for your reply and help again, cheers