Updating Drivers

from Sins Forums

So, we're updating the Drivers on our computer, at least that's what we're presumably going to do. Someone (Won't say who) is a little bit paranoid about the safety of doing so, and insists we take it to a shop somewhere to get it thoroughly looked at first, get checked, yadda yadda yadda.

If anyone has any information on how Drivers affect the computer, particularly games, please post it here. We'd like as much information as possible before we go off to make a decision.

36,380 views 7 replies
Reply #1 from Demigod Forums Top

Up-to-date drivers can make huge differences in the performance of games, etc.  While you don't have to update everything, I'd recommend at least updating your video card drivers.  You can get the drivers at the website of the company that designed the chipset (read: it's safe), etc.  Either Nvidia or AMD (ati).  I'd really just start there and see if you see any performance boost, etc.

Reply #2 from GalCiv2 Forums Top

Tell someone that if they go into a shop and ask them anything about drivers and have them look at, know that when you walk away, they will be laughing at you. I don't mean that to be nasty, but there is no need to take the Pc to a shop or worry about the safety of updating.

I'm worried that you have perhaps never updated them before!!!

As Pacov said, Video Card drivers are perhaps your most important ones to ensure they are updated. The rest, well if your running Win7, then you probably already have the best drivers installed, unless you have some very specific devices attached.
Check your motherboard manufacturers website for downloads for your particular model. Most are just installers, no need for fancy work here.

Please though, don't be fooled into buying software that will scan your pc and find drivers and install them for you. they are not needed and many are closer to maleware than actual helpful apps.

PS - Up to date drivers, or better put, not up-to-date drivers can have a huge negative effect on your gaming. Always ensure your video card is running on the newest driver and only ever download it from the chipset manufacturer. (thats not gospel of course, but doesn't hurt)

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Reply #3 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Quoting Neilo, reply 2
Tell someone that if they go into a shop and ask them anything about drivers and have them look at, know that when you walk away, they will be laughing at you. I don't mean that to be nasty, but there is no need to take the Pc to a shop or worry about the safety of updating.
End of Neilo's quote

That is true, I'm afraid.

There's really a good article about this on HowToGeek.com: http://www.howtogeek.com/98465/htg-explains-when-do-you-need-to-update-your-drivers/

pacov is absolutely correct.... Also, if you don't know how to update your drivers, we can help. Don't be ashamed. We were all there once. No one is born knowing "how to" with computers.

Just pm pacov, or anyone you choose.... and just ask for help. Who would refuse that? One really important thing: Get your drivers at the computer maker's website.... not from a third party.

Reply #4 from GalCiv2 Forums Top

Quoting DrJBHL, reply 3
Get your drivers at the computer maker's website.... not from a third party.
End of DrJBHL's quote

This cannot be stressed enough!
If you post your needs in this thread, there are plenty of us here willing to help. It's not too steep of a learning curve, updating your drivers for the first time, but it's something you will be happy to become familiar with.
:)

Reply #5 from WinCustomize Forums Top

I can't help but think of the quote... "Who's "we", sucker?".....

Yet another psyche ruined by Hollywood....;)

Reply #6 from Sins Forums Top

Updating drivers is easy and you will only waste your money and get ripped off by taking it to a shop. pacov is absolutely right.

Reply #7 from Elemental Forums Top

Not to tout the infinite superiority of a certain Operating System over another, but when I update my drivers, I just do a yum update.    *cough*  *cough*