This article provides information about the Nvidia GeForce Notebook Graphics Driver 295.73, a driver package released on February 21, 2012, designed for notebooks utilizing Nvidia GeForce GPUs and running the 64-bit versions of Windows Vista and Windows 7. This driver, designated as version 295.73, aimed to deliver performance enhancements and bug fixes, particularly for gamers enjoying popular titles of the time. This informative piece will delve into the key aspects of this driver release, including compatibility, features, and important considerations for users.
Understanding the Nvidia Verde Notebook Driver Program
The Nvidia GeForce Notebook Graphics Driver 295.73 was released under the Nvidia Verde Notebook Driver Program. This program provides reference drivers that are compatible with a wide range of Nvidia notebook GPUs. However, it’s crucial to understand that notebook manufacturers (OEMs) often customize drivers specifically for their individual laptop models. These OEM-provided drivers are typically found on the manufacturer’s website and are tailored to the unique hardware configurations and thermal designs of their notebooks.
Important Note: Nvidia strongly recommends that users first check with their notebook OEM for recommended software updates. Using a generic driver, like the 295.73, might not be optimal for all systems, and OEMs may not offer technical support for issues arising from its use.
Key Features and Improvements of the 295.73 Driver
The Nvidia GeForce Notebook Graphics Driver 295.73 was the first WHQL (Windows Hardware Quality Labs) certified driver from the R295 family. WHQL certification signifies that the driver has passed rigorous testing by Microsoft and is considered stable and reliable for use with the specified operating systems. This certification was particularly important for users seeking a dependable driver for their gaming and general computing needs.
This release was highly recommended for users playing popular games such as Battlefield 3, Diablo III, Mass Effect 3, and The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. The driver incorporated GeForce-exclusive performance and quality enhancements designed to optimize the gaming experience in these titles.
R295 Family Highlights
The R295 driver family, of which the 295.73 is a part, brought several new features and performance improvements compared to previous WHQL-certified drivers. Some of the key highlights included:
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Performance Enhancements: The driver aimed to improve overall gaming performance across various titles, leveraging Nvidia’s expertise in GPU optimization. Specific performance gains would vary depending on the game, GPU model, and system configuration.
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Ambient Occlusion: Ambient Occlusion is a rendering technique that adds depth and realism to scenes by simulating the way light interacts with surfaces. The R295 family of drivers included improvements and optimizations for Ambient Occlusion, enhancing the visual quality of supported games.
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NVIDIA SLI Technology: For notebooks equipped with multiple Nvidia GPUs in an SLI (Scalable Link Interface) configuration, the 295.73 driver offered enhanced support and performance. SLI allows two or more GPUs to work together to render a single image, resulting in higher frame rates and improved visual fidelity.
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NVIDIA 3D Vision: The driver included updates and enhancements for NVIDIA 3D Vision, a technology that allows users to experience games and other content in stereoscopic 3D when used with compatible displays and glasses.
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NVIDIA PhysX: PhysX is a physics engine developed by Nvidia that simulates realistic physical interactions in games. The 295.73 driver provided support and optimizations for PhysX, enabling more immersive and dynamic gaming experiences.
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HD Audio: The driver also included updates for HD Audio functionality, ensuring proper audio output and compatibility with various audio devices.
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Battlefield 3 Optimizations: Given its popularity at the time, Battlefield 3 received specific attention in this driver release, with targeted optimizations to improve performance and stability.
Supported Nvidia GeForce Notebook GPUs
The Nvidia GeForce Notebook Graphics Driver 295.73 supported a wide range of Nvidia GeForce notebook GPUs. Here’s a breakdown of the supported series and models:
- GeForce 500M Series: GeForce GTX 580M, GeForce GTX 570M, GeForce GTX 560M, GeForce GT 555M, GeForce GT 550M, GeForce GT 540M, GeForce GT 525M, GeForce GT 520M, GeForce GT 520MX
- GeForce 400M Series: GeForce GTX 485M, GeForce GTX 480M, GeForce GTX 470M, GeForce GTX 460M, GeForce GT 445M, GeForce GT 435M, GeForce GT 425M, GeForce GT 420M, GeForce GT 415M, GeForce 410M
- GeForce 300M Series: GeForce GTS 360M, GeForce GTS 350M, GeForce GT 335M, GeForce GT 330M, GeForce GT 325M, GeForce GT 320M, GeForce 320M, GeForce 315M, GeForce 310M, GeForce 305M
- GeForce 200M Series: GeForce GTX 285M, GeForce GTX 280M, GeForce GTX 260M, GeForce GTS 260M, GeForce GTS 250M, GeForce GT 240M, GeForce GT 230M, GeForce GT 220M, GeForce G210M
- GeForce 100M Series: GeForce GTS 160M, GeForce GT 130M, GeForce GT 120M, GeForce G 110M, GeForce G 105M, GeForce G 103M, GeForce G 102M
- GeForce 9M Series: GeForce 9800M GTX, GeForce 9800M GTS, GeForce 9800M GT, GeForce 9800M GS, GeForce 9700M GTS, GeForce 9700M GT, GeForce 9650M GT, GeForce 9650M GS, GeForce 9600M GT, GeForce 9600M GS, GeForce 9500M GS, GeForce 9500M G, GeForce 9400M G, GeForce 9400M, GeForce 9300M GS, GeForce 9300M G, GeForce 9200M GS, GeForce 9100M G
- GeForce 8M Series: GeForce 8800M GTX, GeForce 8800M GTS, GeForce 8800M GS, GeForce 8700M GT, GeForce 8600M GT, GeForce 8600M GS, GeForce 8400M GT, GeForce 8400M GS, GeForce 8400M G, GeForce 8200M G, GeForce 8200M
Downloading and Installing the Driver
While the Nvidia website might not directly host this older driver version, it can be found on driver repository websites. It is recommended to check for newer driver versions before installing this one.
Download Links:
- TechSpot: https://www.techspot.com/drivers/driver/file/information/15848/
- Alternative Download Link : https://drivers.softpedia.com/get/GRAPHICS-BOARD/NVIDIA/NVIDIA-GeForce-295-73-Notebook-Driver.shtml
The filename for the driver is 295.73-notebook-win7-winvista-64bit-international-whql.exe.
Installation Considerations:
- Backup: Before installing any new driver, it’s always a good practice to back up your system or create a system restore point. This allows you to easily revert to your previous configuration if any issues arise during or after the installation.
- Clean Installation (Optional): For a potentially smoother installation, consider performing a clean installation. This involves completely removing the existing Nvidia drivers from your system before installing the new ones. You can use a driver removal tool like Display Driver Uninstaller (DDU) to ensure a thorough removal.
- Follow On-Screen Instructions: Run the downloaded executable file and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation process.
- Restart: After the installation is complete, restart your computer to allow the changes to take effect.
Conclusion
The Nvidia GeForce Notebook Graphics Driver 295.73 represented a significant update for Nvidia notebook users in early 2012, particularly those seeking optimized performance for popular games. While newer drivers have since been released with further improvements and support for newer hardware, understanding the features and compatibility of this older driver can be helpful for users with older systems or specific software requirements. Remember to prioritize drivers recommended by your notebook OEM whenever possible. The 295.73 driver aimed to enhance the gaming experience and overall system stability for a wide range of Nvidia GeForce notebook GPUs running Windows 7 and Vista 64-bit.