This is a little off topic but I don't know where else to ask.  I figured since you guys are all so SMART someone will be sure to know the answer. 

 

I have an HTPC with an I3-530 CPU and a Gigabyte H55M-USB3 MB.  I went to the Intel site and ran the Intel Drive Update Utility.  After running the utility it tells me there's an update for the Intel HD Graphics.  When I click the details for the update I get the following

 

This software driver package will install the Intel® HD Graphics driver for the Intel® Core™ i3 Processors, Intel® Core™ i5 Processors, Intel® Core™ i3 Mobile Processors, Intel® Core™ i5 Mobile Processors, and Intel Core™ i7 Mobile Processors and the Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator driver for the Intel® G41, G43, G45, Q43, Q45 Express Chipset and the Mobile Intel® 4 Series Express Chipset Family.  These drivers will not function with any other product.  View the README file for installation information and the RELEASE NOTES for driver version details. This driver package contains version 15.17.12.64.2226 (8.15.10.2226) for Windows 7* 64-bit and Windows Vista* 64-bit.

 

How do I know if it's safe to install this update?  I checked the Gigabyte site and don't see any updated drivers for the Intel HD Graphics.  Should I be only downloading driver updates from Gigabyte or can I download this driver?

Go ahead. Gigabyte has nothing to do with Intel's drivers. They will put the new Intel drivers on their site eventually, but that doesn't mean you can't get them yourself directly. It's different for drivers where each OEM may have slightly different hardware (e.g. Realtek LAN), but this should be universal for every Core i3 and i5, irrespective of the motherboard manufacturers.

Good to know, thanks!

FYI, the graphics is integrated into your processor die, not supplied as a chip on the motherboard (like previous graphics). So, using an Intel provided driver to go with the Intel processor is correct.

 

Peter

 

My concern is that the above states "...and the Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator driver for the Intel® G41, G43, G45, Q43, Q45 Express Chipset and the Mobile Intel® 4 Series Express Chipset Family. ".

 

My motherboard is the gigabyte H55M-USB3.  Hence why I'm a little nervous.  I'm assuming the update is for either the i3 or the chipsets above so I should be safe but just want to be sure.  I'd hate to screw up my system.

It doesn't matter. There is no chipset involved. Everything is right on the CPU die. Strangely, this doesn't seem to have impacted motherboard prices at all.  There's no traditional northbridge chipset with the Clarkdale CPUs. Memory, i/o, and video are all controlled directly from the CPU.

Applied the update and all is working fine.  It also fixed my problem of my HDMI connection reverting to 2 channel every time I reboot or switch inputs.