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robinhood42
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February 16th, 2005 14:00
Should I install Dell Hardware/software updates?
I have a Dell 8400. I went to the Dell Downloads section and noticed that they had new downloads-or updates-for the Chipset, modem, monitor, Flash bios, and video card.
What I am asking is if I should install these hardware updates, and if so, how hard are they to install? There was one update for the monitor. I didn't think monitors needed drivers? Maybe I'm wrong.
robinhood42
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Posted February 16th, 2005 15:00
That is just what I needed to know. Right now everything is running ok, so I will leave things the way they are. If I have problems in the future, I will check the release notes first.
I have a Radeon x300 video card, and I know there is an update on the www.ati.com website, but like you said, if I'm not having problems, I'll leave it alone. Thanks again.
- it is better to install the latest graph drivers. Always from the website of the creator of the gfx (video card). In your case www.ati.com, newer drivers try to get the maximum out of your video card. So if it's not broken, don't fix it... ok true, but if you're willing to improve the output of your video card, try installing the newest drivers. (On the net enough articles about how to install new video drivers)
Jason98036
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Posted February 16th, 2005 17:00
Joz,
To a certain degree, I agree with you. The majority of the graphics card driver updates are game-specific tweaks; so graphics card driver updates can be good after purchasing a new game to ensure the driver contains the tweaks specific to that game. Otherwise, be sure to check the release notes and sites that review video card driver updates before installing them; some have been known to be less stable or to provide such small improvements in performance that it's not always worth the time/effort to uninstall the old and to install the new.
robinhood42
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Posted February 16th, 2005 18:00
Jason98036,As for the graphics card, I don't use my computer for gaming. I use it mostly as a word processor. And of course, email. Would it even be worth my time to update the video card? I'm not even sure how to install an update for a graphics driver. Would it even be worth the effort?Robin- no, upgrade your drivers if you want to play games, upgrade your drivers. If it's for normal work where your video card doesn't have to work hard, don't upgrade them.as a gamer i can tell you this: upgrading drivers are very usefull if you want to play various games and want to have more beautifull interface of windows xp. You can tell the diffirence if you know where to look.
Jason98036
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Posted February 16th, 2005 18:00
robinhood42,
If your PC isn't used for gaming, and you're not experiencing any problems, then it's not worth upgrading the graphics drivers either. I would estimate that 99% of graphic card driver updates are for gamers only. In your case, I would say the same rule as above applies: if it ain't broke, don't fix it.
Jason98036
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Posted February 16th, 2005 14:00
For chipset / BIOS / driver updates, I use the general rule: If it ain't broke, don't fix it.
If you're experiencing any type of performance problem, then look at the release notes on the updates to see if they apply. If the release notes address a problem you're having, then it can be worth the time of installing it. In many cases, the updates address infrequently experienced issues which wouldn't apply to general users.