@alzen Well when you run sysprep it kind of resets the computer back to a neutralized condition. You can preset some values using an unattend.xml file you reference when you run sysprep. If you have ever installed windows directly from the dvd drive you know it asks a bunch of question before windows is setup. The unattend.xml file can be used to answer those questions ahead of time so it skips asking the installer the questions. This asking questions bit is part of OOBE (Out Of Box Experience) that is managed by WINdows SETUP. When you run sysprep it cleans out the system of drivers and settings that are important for that specific model of computer and reset its back to a discover new hardware mode.
In my case I have 1 golden image for 15 models of hardware. I use a FOG feature to copy the correct drivers over to the target computer during imaging then when winsetup is running it finds the drivers and adds them to the windows configuration. WinSetup will only run when you reset the computer using sysprep.