Windows 11 23H2 update – install it using the Installation Assistant

In yesterday’s Windows 11 23H2 update – Dell laptop got it already post, I mentioned that the standard Windows Settings > Windows Update method had “popped up saying that the 23H2 update was ready,” and that the update went very fast.

That update method uses ‘servicing technology (like that used for the monthly update process), providing a fast installation experience.’ The Installation Assistant method I used this morning was much much slower—taking about 45 minutes.

Your internet connection may make it quicker or slower than my 45 minutes, but still doubtful that the Installation Assistant can do it in a few minutes like the ‘servicing technology’ of the standard update delivery method, IMHO.

Also, Windows OEM PC built computers may be in line to get the 23H2 update sooner than someone like me who builds their own desktop computers—Here. Dell may be the first OEM in line for the update, e.g., my Dell XPS 13 got it on the first day.

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ASUS Prime Z790M-PLUS D4 mATX MoBo – BIOS & Drivers

I have found that finding the right ASUS Z790M PLUS D4 drivers can be frustrating for this one. Since 2005/2006 I have purchased $60-$90 motherboards for my builds, but decided to ‘splurge’ on the ASUS Prime Z790M-PLUS D4 mATX MoBo – $171.89 + $12.03 Tax = $183.92.

Requirements were – Micro ATX, Intel Z790, LGA 1700, and 1Gb LAN motherboard. Have moved away from the big ATX & small ITX boards, and prefer the mATX boards and cases now—fact is, I was going to be removing (intact) an older board from my favorite case, a APEVIA X-QPACK3 mATX case, and building a new Intel® Core™ i9-13900K system in it.

I didn’t find a huge mATX selection, and PCPartPicker only had TWO listed, and I went w/ the ASUS Prime Z790M-PLUS D4.

(*1/31/2024 UPDATE: new info in ASUS Prime Z790M-PLUS D4 mATX MoBo: Restore an Image and/or do a Clean Install post*)

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Builds & Upgrades — Part 5 (FINAL – Before & After)

Finished up new Build yesterday ‘n have it setup in my primary desktop spot – posting this from it right now. 👌👍🙌😁

Here are: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, and Part 4.

Before’ as in the intact MoBo I moved out of the Apevia X-Qpack3 case, and ‘After’ as in this new Build inside it now. I name most of my computers after the cases I use to build them, and I’ll update the new components in ‘Apevia’ soon.

Here is a closer look at the new benchmark results – from UserBenchmark:

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Builds & Upgrades — Part 4 (“Delivered Today” – *NOT*!)

OK, ‘Thangs have slowed to a crawl – fortunately I am in no rush ‘n just keep spending more money whilst I wait. 😁👍 However, instead of four Parts there will be a Part 5: here are the links to Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3.

Let’s get started…

Delivered Today

I knew that “$50 drop in the price of an Intel® Core™ i9-13900K CPU” mentioned in Part 3 looked unusual for the 2ndFastest average effective speed CPU‘ right now:

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