What Is a Chipset Driver?

The term chipset driver usually refers to a small computer file that is required for a computer operating system (OS) to recognize the motherboard inside a computer and work with it. Basic chipset drivers are typically included as part of operating system install, although motherboard manufacturers also include specific drivers to allow the most effective functionality from the motherboard. The term is also sometimes used to describe other types of drivers used for other internal components, such as audio and video cards, though this is often seen as an inaccurate usage of the phrase. The driver can usually be found on a compact disc (CD) or other media that accompanies a motherboard, or it may be downloaded from the board's manufacturer.

Drivers are types of software specifically created to help an OS operate with a device or component that is a part of a computer or connected to it. A chipset driver refers to a type of driver that is created to help an OS better operate with the motherboard. The motherboard functions as the central hub to which all other devices are connected in some way. These can be physically installed directly onto the board, as the processor, random access memory (RAM), and video card usually are, or connected through a universal serial bus (USB) port or similar connector.

In order for the OS installed onto a computer’s hard drive to properly recognize and function with all of these installed devices, it must be able to first recognize and work with the motherboard. Installed drivers allow this, and they indicate how the OS can identify and function with the motherboard. Most operating systems will have a basic chipset driver for just about any major motherboard on the market. This is done to ensure that a newly installed OS will work on a computer when it is first started up and has not been updated.

While an OS may have some drivers built-in, a CD or other form of media that comes with a motherboard will usually have a more specific one that can be installed. An updated driver can also usually be downloaded from the manufacturer of the motherboard to more effectively take advantage of the device. This can usually help solve hardware issues, such as installed devices not always being recognized properly, or RAM and video cards not functioning as they should.

Whether the task is simple emailing or intense gaming, personal computers require a hardware link between the central processing unit and the motherboard devices that make the magic happen. PC chipsets make that essential connection. Motherboard chipsets range from single chips to as many as four processors. Manufacturers customize these sets for a family of CPUs, and new chipsets roll out with each new generation of processors.

Naturally, a computer operating system must manage the communications between the CPU, the chipset and the motherboard devices. With Linux distributions and Apple’s macOS, this code resides in the OS’s kernel. Microsoft Windows, the OS used by the majority of the world’s PCs, takes a different approach. From the operating system’s launch in 1985 to the introduction of Windows 11, customized chipset driver files have served as the motherboard traffic cops. To fix bugs and to keep up with the expanding capabilities of new devices, chipmakers release new driver versions.

In Windows, you can find your chipset driver version with these steps:

With your chipset version noted, you are ready to learn about the two chipmakers' driver files and their differing update approaches.

Beginning with its 8088 chip architecture in the 1980s, Intel helped usher in the PC revolution. Since Microsoft launched Windows in 1985, Intel chipset drivers have been part of the package. Drivers are collections of files, with more sophisticated motherboards needing more files to take full advantage of their capabilities. The Intel Management Engine lies at the heart of the chipmaker's current driver package. This software engine allows Intel-equipped motherboards to perform numerous tasks while the primary system remains in deep sleep mode, thereby conserving laptop battery life.

For much of the personal computing era, Advanced Micro Devices acted as the scrappy underdog nipping at Intel's heels. That tide has turned, and AMD now competes toe-to-toe against Intel in nearly every CPU market segment. As with Intel, AMD’s chipset driver includes sophisticated power management features in the form of the Ryzen Power Plan. AMD releases chipset driver updates more frequently than Intel, and in some cases, the Windows Update utility may fall behind the chipmaker’s aggressive schedule.

With the overwhelming number of users, allowing Windows to manage chipset driver updates is the best practice. By default, Windows performs operating system updates automatically in the overnight hours. When necessary, these updates include chipset drivers. Laptop owners frequently disable automatic updates, and these users should run Windows Update weekly. Automatic or manual, heed Microsoft's warning and do not disconnect the power cord during an update.

A small number of demanding computer users may benefit from manually updating chipset drivers. Video editors working against deadlines need to squeeze every drop of efficiency out of their computers. Dedicated gamers, many of whom build their computers, form another cadre of power users. AMD’s Ryzen chips have won favor among these users, and the chipmaker responded by providing a streamlined chipset download utility on its website.

Here are the steps to update the chipset for AMD Ryzen family motherboards: