Steam: Now with driver updates

Post by **Grimmie** » September 23rd, 2010, 21:41

Just started steam up, it told me that it can now automatically check for, download, and install ATI graphics cards updates.
And lo and behold, it just has. In less than a couple of minutes. With one click.

I think that's brilliant.

Stoat · Post by **Stoat** » September 23rd, 2010, 21:58

This is good. Windows 7 does a pretty good job of keeping on top of drivers, but this is a good thing too.
Just ATI by the look of it, but that's a sizeable portion.

buzzmong · Post by **buzzmong** » September 23rd, 2010, 23:28

I'm not struck on the idea.

Unlike game updates, graphic card drivers (and other drivers) have much more serious consequences and it's something that I want full control over.

Yes, there's rarely any issues with updates these days but they do happen.

Post by **Roman Totale** » September 24th, 2010, 0:12

I thought this had been in place for a while? Pain in the arse for me as baconz won't work with latest ATI drivers.

Post by **FatherJack** » September 24th, 2010, 0:34

I used to just patch manually as needed, but since Windows Update has been providing proper manufacturer-certified ones instead of (originally) their own crappy ones, I stick with those.

I think XFire and GameShadow have had this facility for a while, but it's all a question of trust. Do you update to the latest and (questionably) greatest right away, patch to resolve issues with a single game, or wait until something stable enough to make it onto the Windows Update radar turns up?

Post by **Grimmie** » September 24th, 2010, 6:28

It's okay, it doesn't just go. WHAM, HERE ARE YOUR NEW DRIVERS INSTALLED.
It does ask you first, and there's the option to manually kick the check for drivers off.

spoodie · Post by **spoodie** » September 24th, 2010, 7:35

Just takes me to the nvidia download page. I assume it does it do something differently with ATI hardware.

Post by **deject** » September 24th, 2010, 12:14

spoodie wrote:Just takes me to the nvidia download page. I assume it does it do something differently with ATI hardware.

Yep. They deliver ATIAMD drivers directly through Steam now. I'm guessing nvidia will follow suit shortly because it's stupid not to.

Post by **Grimmie** » September 24th, 2010, 12:33

I always get ATI and AMD mixed up. Choose a proper name, you acronym-loving-pricks! (ALPs)

Stoat · Post by **Stoat** » September 24th, 2010, 12:40

Grimmie wrote:I always get ATI and AMD mixed up. Choose a proper name, you acronym-loving-pricks! (ALPs)

I think they said it's going all AMD this coming generation.

Post by **HereComesPete** » September 24th, 2010, 12:49

But that doesn't work.

It means the gpu camps become green vs green.

Unless they change the ATI/AMD colour to red and then chip camps will be red vs blue.

Sarge is my favourite.

Post by **deject** » September 24th, 2010, 13:10

Stoat wrote:I think they said it's going all AMD this coming generation.

Yeah they're dropping the ATI name with the new 6000 series Radeons.

buzzmong · Post by **buzzmong** » September 24th, 2010, 13:13

Which is a silly idea imo.

ATi is a good distinct brand.

Post by **Roman Totale** » September 24th, 2010, 13:32

HereComesPete wrote:Sarge is my favourite.

I had you as more of a Donut fan.

Post by **Grimmie** » September 24th, 2010, 13:41

My favourite is.. Caboose!