Not Sure Which Drivers to Install - Help

[heyimben]

I have an Apex Encore and there are so many updates available on the Asus support page. Would anyone be willing to guide me through which updates to install?

Under "Chipset" I have all of these options with no explanation

• Intel DTT 9.0.11401.39039(IPF driver V1.0.11401.39039)
• Intel ME V2336.5.2.0 (SW 2340.5.36.0)
• Intel ME Consumer V2334.5.1.0 (SW 2335.5.26.0)
• Intel Chipset driver V10.1.19600.8418
• Intel(R) Serial IO V30.100.2237.26
• Intel(R) GNA Scoring Accelerator module V3.0.0.1457
• Intel(R) Management Engine Interface V2334.5.1.0(Package V2335.5.26.0)
• Intel(R) Chipset Software Installation Utility V10.1.19557.8395

Under Software & Utility I have all of these available:

• ASUS AI Suite 3 V3.03.33 but I'm keeping ai off in bios, so I assume I don't need
• WinRAR V6.24.0 for Windows
• ROG True Voltician V1.0.3.0
• USB Wattage Watcher V1.2.2
• Intel Unison V1.0.5435.0

Under SATA:

• Intel(R) Rapid Storage Technology Driver V19.5.7.1058 sounds important, but no idea
• Intel(R) Rapid Storage Technology Driver V19.5.7.1058 for Windows 10/11 64-bit.(WHQL)
  Intel(R) RST RAID Driver for Windows 10/11 64-bit - same but different from above haha

Under Firmware:

• PD firmware Update Tool V104

Here's the link: ROG MAXIMUS Z790 APEX ENCORE | Gaming motherboards｜ROG - Republic of Gamers｜ROG Global (asus.com)

[JohnAb]

If you're not familar with driver requirements (which is understandable) then you have two options:

1. Install Armoury Crate, this will install all essential drivers for you (well, it gives the options under tools/drivers)  

2. Install all drivers manually in which case I can advise, but it's a bit time consuming.

Suggest you go with Armoury Crate for now. That should get you up and running with minimal effort. 

[heyimben]

I’m terrified of krate. I have an apex encore running stable at 8000xmp1 so I feel really lucky. I don’t want to install something like krate that introduces bloatware. I know some people think krate is fine, but there are hundreds, maybe thousands of posts warning against it. 

[JohnAb]

Fair enough, up to you. I'm aware of the opinions about it but always been 100% for me...

[heyimben]

Are there any of the drivers or updates that are essential? 

[JohnAb]

In terms of essential, then I'm going from your list:

• Intel ME V2336.5.2.0 (SW 2340.5.36.0)
• Intel Chipset driver V10.1.19600.8418 or use the installation utility
• Intel(R) Serial IO V30.100.2237.26
• Possibly Asus audio drivers - see how you get on without them, Windows does a good job anyway
• Intel(R) Rapid Storage Technology Driver V19.5.7.1058 for Windows 10/11 64-bit.(WHQL)
• You didn't list ethernet/LAN drivers or wi-fi and bluetooth drivers

Install those for starters. Don't think I've missed anything essential. Some of those in your list were older ones, Asus just keep adding to the list. If you want the very latest versions of drivers, check out MoKiChU's drivers threads here:

https://rog-forum.asus.com/t5/hardware-build-advice/index-all-my-drivers-firmware-software-threads/m...