Nvidia GeForce Ion Graphics Drivers 260.99 WHQL for Windows XP 32-bit

This article provides information about the Nvidia GeForce Ion Graphics Drivers 260.99 WHQL, specifically designed for the Windows XP 32-bit operating system. These drivers are crucial for ensuring optimal performance and compatibility of your Nvidia GeForce or ION graphics card with your system. This release, the second WHQL (Windows Hardware Quality Labs) certified driver from the Release 260 family, brings a host of improvements, bug fixes, and new features designed to enhance the user experience.

Understanding WHQL Certification

WHQL certification is a crucial aspect of driver releases. It signifies that the drivers have undergone rigorous testing by Microsoft to ensure stability, compatibility, and reliability with the Windows operating system. WHQL-certified drivers minimize the risk of system crashes, conflicts with other hardware or software, and other performance-related issues. Installing WHQL-certified drivers like the Nvidia GeForce Ion Graphics Drivers 260.99 WHQL is always recommended for a smooth and stable computing experience.

Key Features and Improvements in Release 260.99

The Nvidia GeForce Ion Graphics Drivers 260.99 WHQL for Windows XP 32-bit offers several notable enhancements over previous versions. These improvements span across various aspects, including gaming performance, compatibility, and support for new technologies.

Performance Enhancements

One of the primary focuses of this driver release is to boost gaming performance. Specifically, the 260.99 drivers offer performance increases compared to the v260.89 drivers in the following PC games:

• Civilization V (SLI): Users with SLI (Scalable Link Interface) configurations will experience improved performance in this strategy game.
• Fallout 3: Enjoy smoother gameplay and potentially higher frame rates in this post-apocalyptic RPG.
• Final Fantasy XIV: Experience enhanced performance in this popular MMORPG.
• Formula 1 Racing (DX11): Gamers running this racing simulation with DirectX 11 enabled will see performance gains.

SLI Profile Additions

For gamers utilizing Nvidia’s SLI technology, the 260.99 drivers introduce new SLI profiles for the following PC games:

• Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit: Get the most out of your dual-GPU setup in this high-octane racing game.
• Star Wars: The Force Unleashed II: Enhance performance and visual fidelity in this action-adventure title.
• Fallout: New Vegas: Ensure optimal SLI performance in this popular RPG.

These SLI profiles are pre-configured settings that optimize how multiple Nvidia GPUs work together to render graphics, resulting in improved frame rates and smoother gameplay.

Compatibility Improvements

The Nvidia GeForce Ion Graphics Drivers 260.99 WHQL also addresses compatibility issues in certain games. Notably, it improves compatibility for Fallout 3: New Vegas when antialiasing is enabled. This ensures that gamers can enjoy enhanced visual quality without encountering graphical glitches or performance drops.

Furthermore, the drivers improve Alt-Tab compatibility for several PC games. This means that users can switch between games and other applications more seamlessly without experiencing crashes or other issues.

3D Vision Support

For users with Nvidia 3D Vision hardware, the 260.99 drivers add 3D Vision game profiles for the following titles:

• Call of Duty: Black Ops: Experience this first-person shooter in immersive 3D.
• Tom Clancy’s H.A.W.X. 2: Take to the skies in this aerial combat game with enhanced 3D visuals.

It’s important to note that the installation process for 3D Vision has changed with the Release 260 drivers. Users are advised to consult the Nvidia knowledgebase article (https://nvidia.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/nvidia.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=2765) for detailed information on the changes.

Additional Information

Beyond the core gaming-related improvements, the 260.99 drivers include several other notable updates:

• HD Audio Driver: Installs the HD Audio driver to version 1.1.9.0.
• PhysX System Software: Includes PhysX System Software version 9.10.0514, which provides realistic physics effects in supported games.
• Adobe CS5 Support: Supports the new GPU-accelerated features in Adobe CS5, enhancing performance in creative applications.
• Adobe Flash 10.1 Support: Supports GPU-acceleration for smoother online HD videos with Adobe Flash 10.1.
• vReveal Support: Supports the new version of MotionDSP’s video enhancement software, vReveal, which adds support for HD output.
• DirectCompute Support: Supports DirectCompute with Windows 7 and GeForce 8-series and later GPUs.
• OpenCL 1.0 Support: Supports OpenCL 1.0 (Open Computing Language) for all GeForce 8-series and later GPUs.
• OpenGL Support: Supports OpenGL 3.3 for GeForce 8-series and later GPUs and OpenGL 4.1 for GeForce 400 series GPUs.
• SLI Support: Supports single GPU and NVIDIA SLI technology on DirectX 9, DirectX 10, DirectX 11, and OpenGL, including 3-way SLI, Quad SLI, and SLI support on SLI-certified Intel X58-based motherboards.
• Overclocking and Monitoring: Supports GPU overclocking and temperature monitoring by installing NVIDIA System Tools software.

Supported Products

The Nvidia GeForce Ion Graphics Drivers 260.99 WHQL are compatible with a wide range of Nvidia GPUs, including:

• GeForce 400 Series: GTX 480, GTX 460, GT 430, GTX 470, GTX 465, GTS 450
• GeForce 300 Series: GT 320, GT 330, GT 340, 315, 310
• GeForce 200 Series: GTS 250, GTX 260, G210, GT 220, GTX 295, GTX 275, 210, GT 240, GTS 240, 205, GTX 285, GTX 280, GT 230
• GeForce 100 Series: GT 120, G 100, GT 140, GT 130
• GeForce 9 Series: 9300, 9400 GT, 9500 GS, 9600 GT, 9300 GE, 9400, 9800 GX2, 9600 GS, 9800 GT, 9500 GT, 9200, 9300 GS, 9800 GTX/GTX+, 9600 GSO, 9100
• GeForce 8 Series: 8300 GS, 8800 GS, 8600 GTS, 8800 GTX, 8200 / nForce 730a, 8600 GS, 8400 GS, 8500 GT, 8800 GTS, 8600 GT, 8200, 8800 Ultra, 8800 GTS 512, 8400, 8800 GT, 8300, 8100 / nForce 720a, 8400 SE
• GeForce 7 Series: 7100 / NVIDIA nForce 630i, 7025 / NVIDIA nForce 630a, 7550 LE, 7300 GT, 7800 GTX, 7900 GT/GTO, 7600 GS, 7600 GT, 7950 GT, 7350 LE, 7500 LE, 7300 GS, 7100 GS, 7300 LE, 7100 / NVIDIA nForce 620i, 7950 GX2, 7300 SE / 7200 GS, 7050 / NVIDIA nForce 630i, 7900 GTX, 7800 SLI, 7800 GS, 7900 GS, 7650 GS, 7150 / NVIDIA nForce 630i, 7050 PV / NVIDIA nForce 630a, 7600 LE, 7050 / NVIDIA nForce 610i
• GeForce 6 Series: 6800 GS/XT, 6800 LE, 6200SE TurboCache, 6610 XL, 6200 A-LE, 6800 GT, 6150SE nForce 430, 6100 nForce 400, 6200 LE, 6100 nForce 420, 6150, 6800, 6600, 6200, 6150LE / Quadro NVS 210S, 6800 GS, 6800 Ultra, 6800 XE, 6500, 6150 LE, 6600 LE, 6700 XL, 6800 XT, 6100 nForce 405, 6250, 6200 TurboCache, 6600 VE, 6600 GT, 6100
• ION Series: ION, ION LE

Downloading and Installing the Drivers

To download the Nvidia GeForce Ion Graphics Drivers 260.99 WHQL for Windows XP 32-bit, you can use the following links:

• TechSpot: https://www.techspot.com/drivers/driver/file/information/14563/

• Alternative Download Link (Softpedia): https://drivers.softpedia.com/get/Graphics-Board/NVIDIA/NVIDIA-GeForce-ION-Graphics-Driver-260-99-for-Windows-XP-32-bit.shtml

Once you have downloaded the drivers, follow these steps to install them:

1. Double-click the downloaded executable file to begin the installation process.
2. Follow the on-screen instructions to extract the driver files.
3. Accept the license agreement.
4. Choose the installation type (Express or Custom). Express installation is recommended for most users.
5. Wait for the installation to complete.
6. Restart your computer when prompted.

After restarting your computer, the new drivers will be active, and you should experience the improvements and bug fixes mentioned earlier.

Conclusion

The Nvidia GeForce Ion Graphics Drivers 260.99 WHQL for Windows XP 32-bit is a significant update that provides performance enhancements, compatibility improvements, and support for new technologies. By installing these drivers, users can ensure that their Nvidia GeForce or ION graphics card is running at its best, providing a smoother and more enjoyable computing experience. Remember to always download drivers from trusted sources and follow the installation instructions carefully. The Nvidia GeForce Ion Graphics Drivers 260.99 WHQL provide a worthwhile upgrade for supported systems.