Wondering what to install on a Z70Va

Greetings everyone!

I've finally made my move and got myself an ASUS Z70Va! It should arrive shortly (most likely next week!).

I've been wandering around the forums, and saw some people talking about specific programs that they use on that type of notebook, most specifically: NHC, SpeedFan, everest...

While I did found out the basic function of the stated programs (something called undervolting for NHC, fan control for speedfan, etc.), I was wondering if I do need those? It was my understanding that ASUS provides a program to control some aspects of the notebook, so are those other programs necessary, or just needed to tweak even more?
Also, if someone can provide links to the websites of those programs(so that I can eventually download them), or to tutorials, if would be greatly appreciated.

Also, I asked for Window XP Pro with this laptop, and I was wondering, if I ever have to reformat and reinstall, are the notebook components (say, wireless card, LAN card, and bluetooth) automatically installed by windows, or do I need some (most likely provided) drivers CD? Lastly, does windows actually "knows" it's on a laptop and then provides laptop specific settings?

Thanks a lot, and sorry for the long post and the numerous questions
Math

Here are the specs, in case someone might be wondering:
Z70Va
Pentium M 2GHz
1G RAM
100G 5400rpm HHD
Bluetooth and wireless a/b/g
DVDRW

 

Windows finding drivers on it's own are a hit 'n miss situation.

Although I prefer people to not install SP2, it will install more generic drivers than SP1.

Make sure Windows does not use your generic drivers, regardless you should get on the internet and update your drivers. Even if you have a driver CD, I normally use it just to install the nic drivers then get on the web and install the rest from the mfg. websites.

The only thing you are looking for in Windows knowing whether you have a laptop or desktop is things like power settings, and I'd recommend you use Power4 Gear provided by ASUS.

 

i used the drivers from the included CD and updated them after i got everything settled. i use nhc instead of power4gear just cuz more people seemed to prefer using it so i cant really compare the two as i never tried power4gear. speedfan is something u can use if u want to have more controls over the fans. there's a tutorial on setting speedfan up for the z70va
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=31808&highlight=ultra+quiet

 

Why do you suggest not installing SP2 NauTiCa?

Math congrats on your purchase and welcome to the Asus family~!!!

As NauTiCa suggested, install some sort of power management utility like power4gear, and maybe after you've gotten more comfortable with your laptop usage, install a program like NHC(CHC) that will let you modify voltage settings of your CPU so you can get more out of your battery and run cooler.

Cheers,
Mike