This article provides comprehensive information about the Nvidia GeForce Ion Notebook Graphics Drivers 260.99 WHQL, specifically designed for notebooks running the Windows XP 32-bit operating system. This driver package, part of NVIDIA’s Verde Notebook Driver Program, offers performance enhancements, bug fixes, and new features for a range of NVIDIA notebook GPUs. It is crucial for users seeking to optimize their notebook’s graphics capabilities for both general use and gaming.
Understanding the NVIDIA Verde Notebook Driver Program
The NVIDIA Verde Notebook Driver Program provides reference drivers intended for installation on supported NVIDIA notebook GPUs. It’s important to understand that notebook original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) often provide customized, certified drivers specifically tailored to their notebook models. NVIDIA strongly advises users to first consult their notebook OEM’s website for recommended software updates. Using a reference driver, like the 260.99 WHQL, may not be supported by the OEM for technical issues.
Pre-Installation Considerations
Before proceeding with the download and installation of the Nvidia GeForce Ion Notebook Graphics Drivers 260.99 WHQL for Windows XP 32-bit, consider these crucial steps:
- GPU Compatibility Check: Verify that your notebook’s GPU is among the supported models. A detailed list of supported GPUs is provided later in this article.
- System Backup: It’s highly recommended to back up your current system configuration before installing any new drivers. This allows for easy restoration in case of unforeseen issues.
- Dell-Specific Update: If you own a Dell Inspiron 1420, Dell XPS M1330, Dell XPS M1530, or Dell Latitude D630/D630c, it is imperative to install the designated Dell software update before installing this NVIDIA driver. This ensures compatibility and prevents potential conflicts.
Release Highlights of the 260.99 WHQL Driver
The 260.99 WHQL driver represents the second WHQL (Windows Hardware Quality Labs) certified release within the Release 260 driver family. This certification indicates that the driver has undergone rigorous testing by Microsoft and meets specific quality standards for stability and compatibility.
Key improvements and new features included in this release are:
- Performance Enhancements: Compared to the previous v260.89 drivers, the 260.99 WHQL delivers improved performance in several PC games, including:
- Civilization V (SLI configurations)
- Fallout 3
- Final Fantasy XIV
- SLI Profile Additions: SLI (Scalable Link Interface) profiles have been added for the following PC games, optimizing performance for systems with multiple NVIDIA GPUs:
- Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit
- Star Wars: The Force Unleashed II
- Fallout: New Vegas
- Compatibility Improvements: Enhanced compatibility with Fallout: New Vegas when antialiasing is enabled, resolving potential graphical issues.
- Alt-Tab Compatibility: Improved Alt-Tab functionality for a range of PC games, addressing issues related to switching between applications.
Additional Information and Component Updates
Beyond the core performance and compatibility enhancements, the Nvidia GeForce Ion Notebook Graphics Drivers 260.99 WHQL for Windows XP 32-bit also includes several updated components:
- HD Audio Driver: The HD Audio driver has been updated to version 1.1.9.0, ensuring optimal audio performance and compatibility.
- PhysX System Software: Includes PhysX System Software version 9.10.0514. PhysX is NVIDIA’s physics engine, which enhances the realism of games by simulating physical interactions.
- Adobe CS5 Support: Supports the new GPU-accelerated features within Adobe Creative Suite 5 (CS5), enabling faster performance in applications like Photoshop and Premiere Pro.
- Adobe Flash 10.1 Acceleration: Provides GPU-acceleration for smoother online HD video playback using Adobe Flash 10.1, reducing CPU load and improving video quality.
- MotionDSP vReveal Support: Supports the latest version of MotionDSP’s vReveal video enhancement software, which now includes support for HD output.
- OpenCL 1.0 Support: Supports OpenCL (Open Computing Language) 1.0 for all GeForce 8-series and later GPUs, enabling developers to leverage the GPU’s processing power for a wider range of applications.
- OpenGL Support:
- OpenGL 3.3 support for GeForce 8M-series and later GPUs.
- OpenGL 4.1 support for GeForce 400M series GPUs.
Supported NVIDIA Notebook GPUs
The Nvidia GeForce Ion Notebook Graphics Drivers 260.99 WHQL for Windows XP 32-bit is compatible with a wide range of NVIDIA notebook GPUs, including but not limited to the following:
GeForce 400M Series:
- GeForce GTX 480M
- GeForce GTX 460M
- GeForce GT 445M
- GeForce GT 435M
- GeForce GT 425M
- GeForce GT 420M
- GeForce GT 415M
GeForce 300M Series:
- GTS 360M
- GTS 350M
- GTS 250M
- GT 335M
- GT 330M
- GT 325M
- GT 320M
- 310M
- 305M
GeForce 200M Series:
- GT 230M
- GT 240M
- G210M
- GTX 285M
- GTX 280M
- GTX 260M
- GT 220M
GeForce 100M Series:
- G 110M
- GT 130M
- GTS 160M
- G 105M
- G 103M
- G 102M
- GT 120M
GeForce 9 Series:
- 9600 GT
- 9400
GeForce 9M Series:
- 9400M G
- 9650M GS
- 9200M GS
- 9500M GS
- 9400M GS
- 9800M GS
- 9300M GS
- 9800M GT
- 9100M G
- 9800M GTS
- 9500M G
- 9700M GT
- 9600M GS
- 9650M GT
- 9400M
- 9300M G
- 9800M GTX
- 9600M GT
- 9700M GTS
GeForce 8M Series:
- 8800M GTS
- 8600M GT
- 8400M GT
- 8200M G
- 8800M GTX
- 8800M GS
- 8600M GS
- 8400M G
- 8700M GT
- 8400M GS
Quadro FX Notebook Series:
- 5000M
- FX 3800M
- FX 3700M
- FX 360M
- FX 1600M
- FX 380M
- FX 370M
- FX 3600M
- FX 2800M
- FX 2700M
- FX 880M
- FX 770M
- FX 570M
- FX 1800M
- FX 1700M
Quadro NVS Notebook Series:
- NVS 2100M
- NVS 5100M
- NVS 3100M
- NVS 150M
- NVS 160M
- NVS 140M
- NVS 320M
- NVS 130M
- NVS 135M
ION Notebook Series:
- ION (Notebooks)
- ION LE (Notebooks)
Important Notes and Exclusions
- Hybrid Power Technology: Notebooks utilizing Hybrid Power technology with Intel chipsets are not supported by this driver release.
- Sony VAIO Support: Sony has joined the Verde program, supporting the following VAIO notebooks: Sony F Series with NVIDIA GeForce 310M and Sony F Series with NVIDIA GeForce GT 330M. Other Sony VAIO notebooks are not officially supported at this time. Consult Sony directly for driver support for unsupported models.
Download Links
You can download the Nvidia GeForce Ion Notebook Graphics Drivers 260.99 WHQL for Windows XP 32-bit from the following sources:
Alternative Download Links:
- Softpedia: (Insert Softpedia Link Here)
- DriverGuide: (Insert DriverGuide Link Here)
- Guru3D: (Insert Guru3D Link Here)
- FileHorse: (Insert FileHorse Link Here)
- MajorGeeks: (Insert MajorGeeks Link Here)
Disclaimer: Always exercise caution when downloading files from third-party websites. Ensure the source is reputable and scan the downloaded file with antivirus software before installation.
By following the guidelines and information provided in this article, users can make an informed decision about installing the Nvidia GeForce Ion Notebook Graphics Drivers 260.99 WHQL for Windows XP 32-bit and optimize their notebook’s graphics performance.