Intel RST Driver Update: Should I Follow HP Support Assistant or Website?

[Morash]

Hi,

I'm running latest Windows 10 v1809 with latest updates (OS build 17763.316). My HP Support Assistant (updated to latest version 8.7.50.3) is offering an update to Intel Rapid Storage Technology (RST) driver  v16.8.0.1000. However, according to HP Support Website this version is for Windows 10 v1803 not 1809, and shows another RST driver v16.7.0.1009 for Windows 10 v1809. I also checked the release notes of this driver and it mentions windows 10 v1803 only.

This usually should not be a major issue as you can always roll back driver if it is not working, but I believe this is a concern in my case because my notebook has Intel Optane Memory, and I have seen numerous reports of people unable to boot their PCs with irreparable OS corruption due to improper or even sometimes just normal handling of what seems to be a bleeding edge technology!

My notebook is almost new and I was happy it had the Support Assistant doing the updates, and I used to apply them as they became available without much of a review really. I only became aware of these drivers discrepancy by coincidence as I had looked up the RST drivers details recently for another issue. If the Support Assistant can offer wrong driver updates, and every time I need to verify them with the website this is going to be a real headache 

What should I do now? Follow HP Support site or Assistant, or not update at all? My notebook currently has RST v.16.5.5.1040 and everything seems to be working normally.

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Hi:

You know the old saying...if it ain't broke, don't fix it. 

If the PC is running fine, and if you don't feel comfortable updating the driver, don't do it.

16.8.0.1000 is the latest version as shown on the Intel website...it also lists the supported platforms.

https://downloadcenter.intel.com/download/28413/Intel-Rapid-Storage-Technology-Intel-RST-User-Interf...

[Morash]

@Paul_Tikkanen

Thank you very much for your reply. I thought to wait for few days to see if there will be other replies.

As per the link, Intel recommends utilizing drivers provided by manufacturers. Since HP's website shows specific driver versions for different Windows versions, I will follow your advice and put this update on hold for the time being.

Is there a way to bring this to HP's Support attention and get some clarification as why the Support Assistant is offering something different from the website, and which one should the end user follow?

[Paul_Tikkanen · Accepted solution]

You're very welcome.

The only suggestion I can offer would be to contact the HP executive team at the link below.

https://ssl.www8.hp.com/us/en/contact-hp/connect-with-hp.html

Hopefully, they will route your request to the correct department.