New Driver = Better Performance?

Hi all,

I am just wondering, does really a simple update the driver software would really increase the performance? For an example, a WIFI, better range?

TIA

JC

 

I never update unless there is a good reason to.

I hear to many horror stories about ATI driver updates and BIOS updates.

If it ain't broke then don't fix it.


I guess better WIFI range would be a good reason to update your wifi card tho.

 

Unless the manufacturer has a big page up that says 'PLEASE UPDATE!!!!', includes the words 'faster' 'better' or 'reduces crashes', or has a very specific fix that applies to you- it's safer to stick with what ya got. Horror stories DO abound.

I usually stick with the drivers I already have...

 

I always upgrade drivers when they become available. Yes, there are horror stories, but they're about updating BIOS. (Which can be risky).

Drivers are safe enough, because there's nothing special about them. The BIOS (or firmware for other hardware) is uploaded directly to the hardware in question, so if it breaks something, you're screwed.

But drivers are just programs like any other, that are stored on the harddrive, and executed by the CPU. Which means that you can always uninstall them or overwrite them.

And yes, driver updates can provide better performanec, features, reliability or anything else. It's the program you use to communicate with the hardware, and if it does that job better, you will get better performance.

 

I avoid flashing a BIOS at all costs. There needs to be a serious benefit to doing that in order for me to actually do it.

As for drivers... if it ain't broke, why fix it? If you start noticing a problem with the performance of something, it might be time to check for an updated driver. Recently my Logitech wireless drivers would crash while my computer was idle for an extended period of time and upgrading the driver fixed that for me. Usually it takes something like this for me to think 'oh i should see if there's a new driver available for this'.

 

Hmmm, I had already updated the latest BIOS like 1/2 yr ago, and it went smootly.

Thanks guys for the info.

JC

 

Lot of times, even when a new BIOS becomes available and it doesn't fix a problem, it adds compatibility or some new feature/enhancement. It is probably always worth it to upgrade software, especially free software and drivers. Of course, if its Microsoft, wait it out a few months.

 

Blah...I dont like the way M$ handling the updates. Thats why I dont do the Windows Update or any updates from M$.

JC

 

You don't do Windows update? You like having a more-horribly-insecure-than-normal machine? Don't necessarily install driver updates from them, but you should ALWAYS apply the security updates.

As an aside, I update my BIOS fairly often, and have yet to run into a problem. Mostly because I take precautions, boot from a DOS environment, etc. I'm actually considering making a custom BIOS splash screen since Phoenix supplies a BIOS editing program. Figure I'll make my laptop mine inside and out

 

I do drivers update and have no horror stories to report. Anyway System restore is a good thing when upgrading. I usually read the readme.txt before installing.

Cheers,

Ivan

 

System Restore eats disk space for lunch. I have better things I can store in there

 

I am pretty advanced PC user, Pitabred. More horrible insecure??? My notebook is protected with ZoneAlarm Internet Security Suite. That is all the security that I needed. Besides...it not like I will remain this forever, I reformat my notebook for at least once a yr.

But thank you for your consern, Pitabred.

JC

 

Being an advanced user does not magically make Windows any more secure. I have to side with him and say yes, use Windows Update. Don't bother with their driver updates (which are messed up and most of the time seems to suggest installing old drivers), but Windows updates? Yessir.

 

Jalf, thanks but I know what I am doing here. You doing w/e on your computer and I am just doing my things on mine.

JC

 

Thread closed per request of the original poster.