Is it weird

[Relentless81]

To want an AMD platform in this sense

I am upgrading my PC in two stages, the first stage was new CPU, Motherboard RAM, PSU and Processor and new case.
I went for an AMD 965 based system with a Gigabyte 870 chipset board, the second stage is new monitor and GPU for 1080P gaming.

I've never had an ATI card before, always had Nvidia, but am I right in saying that the Catalyst drivers from AMD's website will cater for my GPU, main board and processor so its one driver package for everything? This satisfy's my OCD if this is the case

I'm currently waiting on the 6000's and i'll have £500'ish to spend on the GPU and monitor, seeing as the monitors have dropped right down to £200 for a decent 24" that leaves me with £300'ish for the GPU

Any thoughts? Thanks

 

[cmndr_andi]

Catalyst is just for graphics, the CPU won't need drivers and the chipset drivers come on the included disk or can be downloaded from your board manufacturers website.

 

[Relentless81]

I'm really confused by chipset drivers for AMD, I used to have an Nforce board and Nvidia card, that was easy Nvidia's website provided both easily

The AMD 8 series chipset isnt even listed on AMD's site even its what, over 6 months old now? But the 7 series is and the chipset software that came with the board is called Catalyst and when you install it it searches for an ATI GPU

 

[cmndr_andi]

You will need to get the motherboard drivers from the website of the motherboard manufacturer (eg ASUS, Gigabyte etc.). Since the individual manufactures include different features/hardware on their boards that require different drivers.

In comparison, graphics cards are relatively simple and all contain the same base hardware - so AMD make and distribute the drivers for these.

 

[Relentless81]

I did, thats what I just said

They are a Catalyst package, they are actually called Catalyst and when I install them it says "searching for GPU" or something along those lines

Maybe its just searching for an onboard one but basically what you are saying is the Catalyst drivers for graphics cards and chipsets are seperate

 

[FireShadow]

the amd chipset drivers include a gpu driver
you should install the most up-to-date (non-beta) mobo bios first
then install the mobo chipset drivers
then reboot
then install the up-to-date amd gpu drivers

never *ever* use the disk that comes with the product - always get fresh from the internet

I had bad experiences mixing chipsets (amd + amd, nvidia + nvidia are ok but amd + nvidia = hell on earth)

 

[el Kuarlos]

never *ever* use the disk that comes with the product - always get fresh from the internet

Terrible advice. If you got unlucky once fair enough but that is plain not right.

Latest drivers are not always best and the ones on the supplied disk are the most likley to work...then you can look at the 'best' ones on the web.

 

[Biffa]

Personally I download direct the latest WHQL drivers for the card from the net when building/upgrading a rig or installing a new card. I don't see the point of installing old drivers and the reboots etc then 10 minutes later install newer drivers.

 

[Orcvader]

Personally I download direct the latest WHQL drivers for the card from the net when building/upgrading a rig or installing a new card. I don't see the point of installing old drivers and the reboots etc then 10 minutes later install newer drivers.

+1, after a new build I don't bother with the disks and go straight to the internet for the latest drivers.

 

[FoxEye]

[snip]...seeing as the monitors have dropped right down to £200 for a decent 24" that leaves me with £300'ish...

What? Haven't checked monitor prices for a while, but I'm pretty sure you won't be getting S-IPS or VA for £200. Personally I don't call TN panels "decent"

 

[FireShadow]

Terrible advice. If you got unlucky once fair enough but that is plain not right.

Latest drivers are not always best and the ones on the supplied disk are the most likley to work...then you can look at the 'best' ones on the web.

"Most like to work" are the ones with the most bug fixes

it is very rarely necessary to rollback a driver (I have only done it twice in 12 years)