Nvidia Quadro Graphics Driver 259.81 for Windows XP 32-bit

This article provides information about the Nvidia Quadro Graphics Driver 259.81, specifically designed for the 32-bit version of Windows XP. This driver package offers essential updates and enhancements for users of Nvidia Quadro professional graphics cards, improving performance and stability across a range of workstation applications. This comprehensive overview details the key features, supported products, and how to obtain the driver.

What’s New in Driver 259.81?

The Nvidia Quadro Graphics Driver 259.81 for Windows XP 32-bit brings a host of new features and improvements, catering to the evolving needs of professional users. Key highlights include:

• Support for New Quadro GPUs: This driver introduces compatibility for the newly released Quadro 6000, Quadro 5000, Quadro 4000, Quadro 2000, and Quadro 600 series graphics cards. This ensures users can leverage the latest Nvidia hardware on their Windows XP systems.

• CUDA 3.1 Support: The driver incorporates support for CUDA (Compute Unified Device Architecture) 3.1. CUDA is Nvidia’s parallel computing platform and programming model that enables significant performance gains in GPU-accelerated applications. This update benefits users working with applications that utilize GPU computing for tasks such as video editing, scientific simulations, and data analysis. More information on CUDA can be found at www.nvidia.com/cuda.

• OpenGL 4.0 Support: The inclusion of OpenGL 4.0 support expands the capabilities for developers and users working with OpenGL-based applications. OpenGL is a cross-language, cross-platform API for rendering 2D and 3D vector graphics. The updated version brings new features and optimizations for improved graphics rendering.

• DirectX 11 Support: While Windows XP is not fully DirectX 11 compatible at the operating system level, this driver update may provide some DirectX 11 support for applications that utilize specific DirectX 11 features compatible with the underlying hardware. This can lead to enhanced visual fidelity and performance in supported applications.

• ECC (Error Correction Code) State Management: A new feature allows users with ECC-enabled Quadro GPUs to manage the ECC state directly from the Nvidia control panel. This provides:

  • The ability to change the ECC state (enable or disable) for the GPU.
  • Detailed information about the GPU memory, allowing users to monitor memory health and performance.

• EDID (Extended Display Identification Data) Management: This feature, accessible through the View System Topology page, offers comprehensive control over display identification. Users can:

  • View connector information for connected displays.
  • Retrieve the EDID from a connected display and save it as a file.
  • Force a specific EDID on a connector.
  • Remove a forced EDID from a connector.

  EDID management is crucial for ensuring proper display compatibility and resolution settings.

• SDI (Serial Digital Interface) Capture Support: The SDI Capture page is now available for Windows XP users (previously limited to Vista and 7). This feature is relevant for professionals working with broadcast and video production, enabling direct capture of SDI video feeds.

• Workstation Application Compatibility Fixes: The driver includes various fixes to improve compatibility with workstation applications. Users are encouraged to review the release notes for detailed information on product support, feature limitations, driver fixes, and known compatibility issues.

Existing Support

In addition to the new features, the Nvidia Quadro Graphics Driver 259.81 maintains support for existing technologies, including:

• OpenCL 1.0: Support for OpenCL (Open Computing Language) 1.0 is available for Quadro FX Series x700 and newer, as well as the FX4600 and FX5600. OpenCL is a framework for writing programs that execute across heterogeneous platforms, including CPUs and GPUs.

• NVIDIA SLI Technology: The driver supports NVIDIA SLI (Scalable Link Interface) technology (two-way SLI) for DirectX 9, DirectX 10, and OpenGL on SLI-certified Intel X58-based motherboard systems from select OEMs. SLI allows users to combine the processing power of multiple Nvidia graphics cards for increased performance.

• DDC-Ci/MCCS Support: Support for DDC-Ci/MCCS (Display Data Channel Command Interface/Monitor Control Command Set) over the DisplayPort AUX channel enables communication and control between the graphics card and connected displays.

• 10-bits per color (10bpc) DisplayPort Support: The driver offers 10bpc DisplayPort support for full-screen applications on supported products, enabling a wider color gamut and improved color accuracy.

• International Driver Availability: Users with non-US English operating systems can select their preferred language and download the appropriate international driver version.

Supported Products

The Nvidia Quadro Graphics Driver 259.81 for Windows XP 32-bit supports a wide range of Nvidia Quadro professional graphics cards. A comprehensive list is provided below:

Quadro Series:

• 5000, 2000, 6000, 4000, 600

Quadro FX Series:

• FX 1400, FX 5600, FX 4500, FX 3450, FX 4500 X2, FX 5800, FX 4000, FX 4800, FX 350, FX 560, FX 1500, FX 4600, FX 3800, FX 370, FX 580, FX 5500, FX 3700, FX 570, FX 1800, FX 370 Low Profile, FX 1700, FX 540, FX 4700 X2, FX 3500, FX 380, FX 3400/4400, FX 550, CX, FX 380 Low Profile

Quadro NVS Series:

• NVS 440, NVS 285, NVS 450, NVS 295, NVS 420, NVS 290

Quadro Blade/Embedded Graphics Board Series:

• Quadro NVS 120M, Quadro FX 1600M, Quadro FX 560M, Quadro FX 370M, Quadro FX 770M, Quadro FX 880M, Quadro FX 3600M, Quadro FX 2800M

Downloading the Driver

The Nvidia Quadro Graphics Driver 259.81 for Windows XP 32-bit can be downloaded from the following link:

Driver Download Link

This driver is essential for users seeking to optimize the performance and stability of their Nvidia Quadro graphics cards on Windows XP.

Alternative Download Links for Nvidia Quadro Graphics Driver 259.81 for Windows XP 32-bit:

Finding alternative download sources for older drivers can be beneficial in case the primary link is unavailable or slow. Always exercise caution when downloading files from unofficial sources. Make sure to scan the downloaded file with antivirus software before installation. Here are some alternative sources:

1. Softpedia: Softpedia often hosts older driver versions. Search for "Nvidia Quadro Graphics Driver 259.81 Windows XP 32-bit Softpedia" on Google to find the specific page.

2. DriverGuide: DriverGuide is a repository for various drivers. Look for "Nvidia Quadro Graphics Driver 259.81 Windows XP 32-bit DriverGuide" to locate the driver. Requires registration.

3. Archive.org (Wayback Machine): Check Archive.org to see if older versions of Nvidia’s driver download pages were archived. You might find a link to the 259.81 driver.

4. Station-Drivers: This site sometimes mirrors older driver releases. Search for "Nvidia Quadro Graphics Driver 259.81 Windows XP 32-bit Station-Drivers."

5. Guru3D Driver Section: This is a popular site for GPU enthusiasts and often has archived drivers available. Search for "Nvidia Quadro Graphics Driver 259.81 Windows XP 32-bit Guru3D."
   Ensure you download the correct version for Windows XP 32-bit to avoid compatibility issues. Regularly updating your graphics driver is vital for maintaining optimal performance and resolving potential problems. This article provides information about the Nvidia Quadro Graphics Driver 259.81 for Windows XP 32-bit.