The Nvidia GeForce 500 Series Graphics Drivers 262.99 WHQL for Windows Vista/7 64-bit represent a significant milestone in driver technology, providing optimized performance and stability for users of the then-new GeForce GTX 580 GPU and offering a range of features and improvements applicable to a wider range of Nvidia graphics cards. This particular driver package is WHQL (Windows Hardware Quality Labs) certified, meaning it has undergone rigorous testing by Microsoft to ensure compatibility and reliability within the Windows Vista and Windows 7 64-bit operating systems. This certification provides users with confidence that the driver will function correctly and avoid common issues like system crashes or instability.
This article delves into the specifics of the Nvidia GeForce 500 Series Graphics Drivers 262.99 WHQL for Windows Vista/7 64-bit, examining its key components, supported hardware, and the benefits it offered to users at the time of its release.
Key Features and Components
The 262.99 WHQL driver package is more than just a driver for the GTX 580; it’s a comprehensive suite of software designed to enhance the overall user experience. Let’s break down its key components:
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WHQL Certification: As mentioned, the WHQL certification is a crucial aspect, signifying that the driver has met Microsoft’s stringent quality standards. This ensures greater stability and reduces the likelihood of compatibility issues.
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HD Audio Driver (Version 1.1.9.0): This driver is responsible for handling audio output through the graphics card’s HDMI or DisplayPort connections. It ensures proper audio transmission and compatibility with various audio devices and formats.
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PhysX System Software (Version 9.10.0514): Nvidia’s PhysX technology provides realistic physics simulations in games and other applications. This version of the PhysX System Software enables hardware acceleration of PhysX effects on compatible Nvidia GPUs, resulting in more immersive and visually appealing experiences.
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DirectCompute Support: DirectCompute is a Microsoft API that allows GPUs to be used for general-purpose computing tasks, beyond just rendering graphics. The 262.99 driver provides DirectCompute support for Windows 7 and GeForce 8-series and later GPUs, enabling developers to leverage the parallel processing power of Nvidia GPUs for tasks such as video editing, image processing, and scientific simulations.
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OpenCL 1.0 Support: Similar to DirectCompute, OpenCL (Open Computing Language) is a cross-platform API that allows developers to utilize the computational capabilities of GPUs for a wide range of applications. This driver supports OpenCL 1.0 for all GeForce 8-series and later GPUs, providing developers with another tool for harnessing the power of Nvidia hardware.
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OpenGL 4.1 Support: OpenGL is a widely used API for rendering 2D and 3D graphics. OpenGL 4.1 brought several enhancements and new features to the OpenGL standard. The Nvidia GeForce 500 Series Graphics Drivers 262.99 WHQL for Windows Vista/7 64-bit driver provided OpenGL 4.1 support for GeForce 400 series and later GPUs, enabling developers to take advantage of the latest graphics capabilities.
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NVIDIA System Tools Software Support: This driver package supports the installation of NVIDIA System Tools software, which allows users to monitor GPU temperatures, adjust clock speeds, and perform other overclocking tweaks. This provides enthusiasts with the ability to fine-tune their graphics card’s performance and optimize it for specific applications or games.
Supported Products
This driver package primarily targeted the GeForce 500 series, with specific emphasis on the GeForce GTX 580. The GTX 580 was Nvidia’s flagship single-GPU card at the time, offering exceptional performance for gaming and other demanding tasks. However, the driver’s support for DirectCompute, OpenCL, and OpenGL extended its compatibility to a wider range of Nvidia GPUs, including the GeForce 8-series, 9-series, 100-series, 200-series, 300-series, and 400-series. This broad compatibility ensured that users with older Nvidia graphics cards could also benefit from the driver’s performance improvements and new features.
Specifically:
GeForce 500 Series:
- GTX 580
Benefits and Improvements
The Nvidia GeForce 500 Series Graphics Drivers 262.99 WHQL for Windows Vista/7 64-bit offered several benefits to users:
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Optimized Performance: The driver was specifically optimized for the GeForce GTX 580, ensuring that users could get the most out of their new graphics card. This included performance improvements in various games and applications.
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Enhanced Stability: The WHQL certification provided users with confidence that the driver was stable and reliable, reducing the risk of system crashes or other issues.
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New Features and Technologies: The driver introduced support for new features and technologies, such as DirectCompute, OpenCL, and OpenGL 4.1, which allowed developers to create more advanced and visually stunning applications.
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Improved Compatibility: The driver improved compatibility with various games and applications, ensuring that users could run their favorite software without encountering any issues.
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Overclocking Support: The driver allowed users to overclock their Nvidia GPUs using NVIDIA System Tools software, providing them with the ability to further enhance their graphics card’s performance.
Driver Download Links
For users who wish to download and install the Nvidia GeForce 500 Series Graphics Drivers 262.99 WHQL for Windows Vista/7 64-bit, the following download link is available:
This is a WHQL-certified driver for the new GeForce GTX 580 GPU.
Additional Information
* Installs HD Audio driver to version 1.1.9.0.
* Includes PhysX System Software to version 9.10.0514.
* Supports DirectCompute with Windows 7 and GeForce 8-series and later GPUs.
* Supports OpenCL 1.0 (Open Computing Language) for all GeForce 8-series and later GPUs.
* Supports OpenGL 4.1 for GeForce 400 series and later GPUs.
* Supports GPU overclocking and temperature monitoring by installing NVIDIA System Tools software.
* Users without US English operating systems can select their language and download the International driver here.
Supported Products:
GeForce 500 series:
GTX 580
https://www.techspot.com/drivers/driver/file/information/14635/
Alternative Download Link:
While direct links to older drivers can sometimes be unreliable, a good alternative source to check for archived NVIDIA drivers is Softpedia:
https://drivers.softpedia.com/get/Graphics-Board/NVIDIA/NVIDIA-GeForce-262-99-Driver.shtml
Note: Always exercise caution when downloading drivers from third-party sources. Ensure the website is reputable and the downloaded file is free of malware.
Conclusion
The Nvidia GeForce 500 Series Graphics Drivers 262.99 WHQL for Windows Vista/7 64-bit were a crucial release for users of the GeForce GTX 580 and other compatible Nvidia GPUs. With its WHQL certification, optimized performance, and support for new features and technologies, this driver package provided a significant upgrade for gamers and professionals alike. While the hardware and software landscape has evolved significantly since its release, the 262.99 driver remains a testament to Nvidia’s commitment to providing high-quality drivers that enhance the user experience. It ensured stability, improved performance, and unlocked new possibilities for leveraging the power of Nvidia graphics cards.