Motherboard drivers, do I really need them?

[CyberJesus88]

So I've recently moved to windows 8 and haven't really bothered downloading motherboard drivers as of yet and I don't seem to be having any problems.

Correct me if I'm wrong but windows 8 will automatically download optimised drivers for my hardware along with its own updates?.....

The only thing that's stopping me just downloading the drivers from the website is all the bloatware I'd rather avoid if I have the option.

So could someone help me out, what are the advantages, disadvantages. And is it really nessercery?

If you insist that it is nessercery could you please link me to a guide of sorts on how to download gigabyte z77 drivers correctly because I have a feeling I did it wrong last time.

For reference I have a gigabyte ga-z77x-d3h motherboard.

[Hyydrah]

It depends on what drivers we're talking about.

 

Windows will not download the latest BIOS, etc. It should take just a few minutes to download the latest software, you may as well do it.  :P

[GoodBytes]

There is no guaranty that Windows 8 got drivers for your system. While generic drivers of Windows got super good compared to before, thanks to it's new (since Vista and improved upon in 7 and 8) driver architecture, and well defined standards in the industry for many computer hardware. Also, Windows doesn't install the extras a driver can offer. For example, Nvidia PhysX, and 3D surround won't be installed. Windows only installs the barebone driver.

To get maximum performance and maximum reliability, using the official drivers, over generic ones (assuming Windows didn't get the latest of near latest drivers for your hardware automatically), and enables additional features, and power saving features (if it's a laptop or tablet device).

Drivers and BIOS updates, for your motherboard, can be found here: http://www.gigabyte.com/products/product-page.aspx?pid=4144#dl

[Lyons]

The only drivers you need with Windows 8 are graphics drivers and software for other PCIe cards. That's all I use... Laptops sometimes need more for SD card readers and trackpads, etc., but that's about it.

[Hyydrah]

The only drivers you need with Windows 8 are graphics drivers and software for other PCIe cards. That's all I use... Laptops sometimes need more for SD card readers and trackpads, etc., but that's about it.

SATA controller drivers for third party controllers are also really helpful in getting the most out of your drives, but most people probably don't have them.

[LogicalDrm]

You don't necessary need all drivers. But lan and sata are those I'd at least install.