How to Update Chipset Drivers on a Gaming PC

What chipset drivers do in a gaming PC

The chipset is the set of circuits on the motherboard that manages data flow between the processor, memory, storage, and expansion slots. Chipset drivers are the software that tells Windows how to talk to that hardware. Without the correct driver, the system may not recognize all ports, storage interfaces, or power management features.

On a gaming PC, chipset drivers also enable features like PCI Express lane configuration, USB controller performance, and SATA port operation. Keeping them current helps the motherboard work as the manufacturer intended. The Intel Driver and Support Assistant is one tool that automates this for Intel-based systems, scanning for outdated drivers and offering downloads directly from Intel. For a deeper look at how the chipset fits into your build, see what a chipset is and how to choose between AMD and Intel for gaming.

Checking your current chipset driver version

Before updating, you can see which chipset driver is installed. In Windows 11, open Device Manager from the Start menu. Expand the "System devices" category and look for entries that mention the chipset name, such as "AMD SMBus" or "Intel Chipset." Right-click and select Properties, then the Driver tab to see the version and date.

Another method is to use the System Information tool. Type "msinfo32" in the Start search, then look under "System Summary" for the motherboard model. Cross-reference that model with the chipset maker's support page. The Intel page on processor numbers and naming can help identify the chipset generation if you know the CPU model. If you are unsure which CPU you have, the Intel vs AMD CPU for gaming guide explains the differences.

Downloading chipset drivers from Intel

Intel provides chipset drivers through the Intel Driver and Support Assistant (Intel DSA). This utility scans the system and lists available updates for the chipset, graphics, and other Intel components. It is available from Intel's download center. After installing Intel DSA, run a scan and follow the prompts to download and install the latest chipset driver.

Alternatively, you can manually download the chipset driver package from Intel's website. Search for your motherboard chipset model, such as Intel Z790 or B760, and select the driver for your Windows version. Intel's processor naming guide lists the chipset families that pair with each processor generation, which can help you find the correct driver. For a list of Intel CPUs that work with these chipsets, see best Intel CPUs for gaming.

Downloading chipset drivers from AMD

AMD offers a unified chipset driver package on its support website. You select your motherboard chipset series, such as AMD B650 or X670, and download the installer for Windows 11. The package includes drivers for the chipset, USB, and SATA controllers. Run the installer and choose the default installation path.

After installation, restart the PC. AMD's chipset drivers also enable features like AMD Ryzen power plans and Smart Access Memory support when paired with a compatible GPU. The Windows 11 system requirements page notes that a compatible graphics card with DirectX 12 and WDDM 2.0 driver is needed, but chipset drivers are separate and handled by the motherboard vendor or AMD directly. For guidance on picking an AMD CPU, check best AMD CPUs for gaming.

Installing and verifying the update

Whether you use Intel DSA or an AMD installer, the process is similar. Close all open applications before running the installer. Follow the on-screen instructions, which typically include accepting the license and choosing an installation folder. The installer may prompt a restart. Save any work before allowing the restart.

After the PC restarts, open Device Manager again and check the driver version for the chipset entries. It should match the version you downloaded. You can also run Windows Update to ensure no other driver updates are pending. Microsoft's Windows 11 specifications page states that the system requires a compatible 64-bit processor and TPM 2.0, but chipset drivers are not part of those minimum requirements and must be maintained separately. If you are building a new system, the best gaming motherboards guide can help you choose a board with a current chipset.

When to update chipset drivers

Chipset drivers do not need frequent updates. A good practice is to check for updates when you install a new operating system, after a major Windows update, or when you add new hardware like a graphics card or NVMe SSD. The Intel Driver and Support Assistant can be set to notify you of new drivers automatically.

If you experience issues like USB ports not working, storage drives not detected, or random system instability, updating the chipset driver is a reasonable troubleshooting step. However, always download from the official chipset maker's site. The NVIDIA GeForce pages and Windows comparison pages are not sources for chipset drivers; those are for graphics and OS features respectively. For a full system check, see what to check before buying a prebuilt gaming PC.

What to pick for your play

Questions

How often should I update chipset drivers?

Chipset drivers do not need frequent updates. Check after a major Windows update, when installing new hardware, or if you encounter system instability. Using Intel Driver and Support Assistant can automate notifications.

Can I update chipset drivers through Windows Update?

Windows Update may deliver chipset drivers, but they are often older than the versions from the chipset maker. For best stability and performance, download directly from Intel or AMD.

Do chipset drivers affect gaming performance?

Chipset drivers enable proper communication between the CPU, GPU, and storage. Outdated drivers can cause bottlenecks or instability, but the largest gaming performance gains come from GPU and CPU drivers. Keeping chipset drivers current ensures the system runs as designed.

What is the Intel Driver and Support Assistant?

It is a free utility from Intel that scans your system for Intel drivers and offers updates. It supports chipset, graphics, and other Intel components. Download it from Intel's official site.

Where do I find AMD chipset drivers?

Visit AMD's support website, select your motherboard chipset series (e.g., B650, X670), and download the chipset driver package for your Windows version. The installer includes all necessary drivers.

Do I need to uninstall old chipset drivers before installing new ones?

No. The installer typically handles upgrades automatically. If you encounter issues, you can use Device Manager to uninstall the old driver and then install the new one, but this is rarely necessary.