This article provides comprehensive information about the Nvidia GeForce Ion Notebook Graphics Drivers 260.89 WHQL, specifically designed for systems running Windows Vista and Windows 7 (32-bit). This driver package is part of NVIDIA’s Verde Notebook Driver Program, offering a reference driver solution for a range of NVIDIA notebook GPUs. However, it is crucial to understand the implications of using reference drivers versus those provided by your notebook’s Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM).
Understanding the NVIDIA Verde Notebook Driver Program
The NVIDIA Verde Notebook Driver Program aims to provide users with access to the latest driver technology for their NVIDIA notebook GPUs. These drivers often include performance enhancements, bug fixes, and support for new features. The 260.89 WHQL driver is a product of this program.
Important Considerations Before Installation:
- OEM Recommendation: NVIDIA strongly advises users to first consult their notebook OEM’s website for certified drivers tailored to their specific notebook model. OEMs often customize drivers to optimize performance and stability for their hardware configurations. Using a reference driver like the 260.89 WHQL might lead to compatibility issues or reduced performance compared to an OEM-provided driver.
- OEM Support: Be aware that your notebook OEM might not offer technical support for issues arising from the use of NVIDIA reference drivers.
- Supported GPUs: Verify that your notebook GPU is listed in the "Products Supported" section below. Installing the driver on an unsupported GPU could lead to system instability.
- System Backup: Before proceeding with the installation, it is highly recommended that you create a backup of your current system configuration. This allows you to easily revert to your previous settings if any issues occur during or after the driver installation.
- Dell Users: If you own a Dell Inspiron 1420, Dell XPS M1330, Dell XPS M1530, or Dell Latitude D630/D630c, NVIDIA strongly recommends installing a specific Dell software update before installing the 260.89 driver. This ensures compatibility and prevents potential problems.
What’s New in the 260.89 WHQL Driver?
The Nvidia GeForce Ion Notebook Graphics Drivers 260.89 WHQL is a certified (WHQL) release from the Release 260 family of drivers. This means it has passed Microsoft’s Windows Hardware Quality Labs testing, signifying a certain level of stability and compatibility.
GPU Support:
This driver supports a wide array of NVIDIA notebook GPUs, including:
- ION notebook GPUs (including ION and ION LE variants).
- GeForce 8M, 9M, 100M, 200M, 300M, and 400M series notebook GPUs.
- Quadro 5000M.
- Quadro NVS-series notebook GPUs (those supporting DirectX 10 or higher).
- Quadro FX-series notebook GPUs (those supporting DirectX 10 or higher).
Installation Enhancements:
Version 260.89 introduces a revamped driver installer with a more user-friendly interface. Key improvements include:
- Express Installation: A streamlined, one-click installation process for users who prefer a quick and simple setup.
- Custom Installation: Allows users to customize the installation process by selecting specific driver components to install (e.g., PhysX, 3D Vision).
- Clean Installation: A new option to completely remove older NVIDIA drivers from your system before installing the new driver. This can help prevent conflicts and improve performance.
- Improved Installation Time: Reduced installation time, particularly on multi-GPU PCs.
Other Key Improvements and Features:
- PhysX System Software Upgrade: Upgrades the PhysX System Software to version 9.10.0514, providing enhanced physics processing capabilities in supported games and applications.
- Improved Compatibility for Older Games: Enhances compatibility for older PC games (DirectX 7 to DirectX 9) running on Windows 7. Examples include Gothic, Gothic II, Falcon 4.0: Allied Force, Links 2003, Independence War II – Edge of Chaos, and X2: Wolverine’s Revenge. This addresses common compatibility issues that can arise when running older titles on newer operating systems.
- Drag and Drop Display Arrangement: Adds drag and drop functionality to the "Set up multiple displays" page, making it easier to configure and arrange multiple monitors.
- Bug Fixes: Includes a variety of bug fixes, addressing various issues reported in previous driver versions. Refer to the release notes (usually available on the NVIDIA website) for a detailed list of bug fixes.
Additional Features Supported by the Nvidia GeForce Ion Notebook Graphics Drivers 260.89 WHQL:
- Adobe Photoshop CS5 Support: Supports the new GPU-accelerated features in Adobe Photoshop CS5, enabling faster and more efficient image editing.
- Adobe Flash 10.1 Acceleration: Supports GPU-acceleration for smoother online HD video playback with Adobe Flash 10.1.
- MotionDSP vReveal Support: Supports the new version of MotionDSP’s vReveal video enhancement software, which adds support for HD output. NVIDIA customers can often download a free version of vReveal with SD output support.
- OpenCL 1.0 Support: Supports OpenCL 1.0 (Open Computing Language), enabling GPU acceleration for a wider range of applications.
- OpenGL 3.3 Support: Supports OpenGL 3.3, providing access to the latest OpenGL features and capabilities.
- Single GPU and SLI Support: Supports single GPU and NVIDIA SLI technology on DirectX 9 and OpenGL, allowing for increased performance in games and applications.
Supported Products (GPUs):
The Nvidia GeForce Ion Notebook Graphics Drivers 260.89 WHQL supports the following NVIDIA GeForce and Quadro notebook GPUs:
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, 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 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 Limitations:
- Hybrid Power Technology: Notebooks supporting Hybrid Power technology with Intel chipsets are not supported by this 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 supported at this time; contact Sony for driver support.
Download Links:
Before downloading, please review the warnings and recommendations mentioned earlier in this article.
- TechSpot: https://www.techspot.com/drivers/driver/file/information/14544/
- Alternative Download Link: (e.g., Softpedia, DriverGuide, etc. – provide 5 different links from other websites. Ensure the links are safe and point to the correct driver file). Note: I am unable to provide external links due to my limitations as an AI. Please search for "Nvidia GeForce Ion Notebook Graphics Drivers 260.89 WHQL download" on trusted driver download sites.
Disclaimer: Use these drivers at your own risk. Always back up your system before installing new drivers. Refer to your notebook OEM for the most compatible and supported drivers for your specific hardware configuration.