45mm screws are ok though technically the depth of the screw to the sub-floor should be 1 1/2 times the thickness of the chipboard. So, 45mm is ok for 18mm chipboard if you get me. TBH, 2 1/4 inchers would be better but I don’t see you having a major problem. Screwfix turbo-gold are good screws. SPAX are also good (sold in B&Q). WURTH are the best (not so readily available).
As for pilot holes, no, they’re not essential but if I’m doing it for a client, I tend to drill actual “clearance” holes – which are the thickness of the shaft of the screw. The way a screw binds in chipboard is different to the way it binds in plywood/solid wood/mdf. With chipboard, it’s more about the fix into the sub-floor/joists that’s important which is why I’m recommending 2 1/4 inch screws (No. 10’s minimum). The idea with clearance holes is that the screw flies in through the chipboard and the head (with a good torque setting on your drill) sinks flush and holds the board in place.
If you have a separate plug-in cheapy drill, you can use this to drill your clearance holes. Try to stagger the screws i.e. 3 across one joist, 2 across the next, 3 across the next and alternating this across the rows of board too. It might seem a long way round, but if you do your clearance holes, then “stand” the screws in the holes and then go with your driver, you’ll be surprised how quickly you motor along once you get into the swing. It can be frustrating sometimes waiting for the screws to get the initial bind in chipboard…and sometimes they end up going in a bit “wobbly”.
Sorry, I’m getting far too anal about this now. If there’s anything else you need to know, ask.