Asus A8N-SLI prem. question

[dc10boy]

Hi All, I just recieved the parts for my new AMD dream rig. I have read multiple forum warnings NOT to install the Nvidia IDE drivers that come with the MB.I however see no reference to these drivers in the manual.Are they part of te chipset drivers? Which drivers should be installed and how is the best way to do it?Thanks muchStan

[jamiee]

The IDE drivers are indeed part of the chipset drivers package.You should download+install the latest (official) build v6.70http://www.nvidia.com/object/nforce_nf4_wi...2_amd_6.70.html (WinXP/2000).These should generally be installed soon after a fresh install of Windows and before you install any other device drivers...vid card, sound card etc... (of course if you're using the onboard sound, then you'll install the drivers provided in this package).When installing, it will ask you if you want to install the IDE Software drivers. Select "NO". The MS default drivers will be used instead and they work well.Also I suggest not installing the Nvidia firewall and Active Armour software. They have some bad bugs in them & have consistantly caused problems with peoples systems.You can install the onboard sound & network drivers (providing you are going to use them)without hesitation as they in general work well.After the package has been installed and your PC rebooted, you should download+install any important Windows Updates. After that you can go ahead & install any other outstanding device drivers that you need.Hope this helps you out :)

[dc10boy]

Jamiee, Thank you very much, I appreciate the advice.You don't happen to know if there is a minimum BIOS revision E.G. 1009?to use the 6.7 drivers do you? and will a new board come with an updated BIOS?Stan

[brucek]

Hi Stan,I just installed the standard A8N-SLI board and also skipped on the IDE drivers, as you have already heard and read from others. The IDE driver install option is clear once you are into the CD and installing chipset drivers. As I recall it may be on the Utililies tab, but either way you can't miss it :)Bruce.

[jamiee]

Stan,You should be able to use any BIOS without issue, but to play it safe I'd flash to the latest official build anyway.