This article provides information regarding the Nvidia GeForce/Ion Notebook Graphics Driver 258.69 Beta, designed for 64-bit versions of Windows Vista and Windows 7 operating systems. This driver, released as part of the NVIDIA Verde Notebook Driver Program, aims to enhance the performance and functionality of NVIDIA notebook GPUs. However, it’s crucial to understand the context of this driver and the potential implications of its installation.
Understanding the NVIDIA Verde Notebook Driver Program
The NVIDIA Verde Notebook Driver Program offers reference drivers intended for use with supported NVIDIA notebook GPUs. These drivers are designed to provide general compatibility and feature enhancements. However, a key point to remember is that notebook manufacturers (OEMs) often customize drivers specifically for their individual laptop models. These OEM-certified drivers are typically available on the manufacturer’s website and are tailored to optimize performance and stability for the specific hardware configuration of your notebook.
Important Considerations Before Installation:
NVIDIA strongly recommends checking with your notebook OEM for the most up-to-date and recommended software updates for your particular notebook model. Installing a reference driver, like the 258.69 Beta, might lead to unforeseen issues or incompatibilities that the OEM-certified drivers would address. Furthermore, OEMs might not provide technical support for problems arising from the use of reference drivers.
Before proceeding with the download and installation of the Nvidia GeForce/Ion Notebook Graphics Driver 258.69 Beta, consider the following crucial steps:
- Verify GPU Compatibility: Confirm that your notebook’s GPU is listed within the "Products Supported" tab or section (detailed later in this article). Installing the driver on an unsupported GPU could result in system instability or malfunction.
- System Backup: It is highly recommended to create a backup of your current system configuration before installing any new driver. This allows you to easily revert to a stable state if any issues arise during or after the driver installation. Instructions for backing up your system can be found here: https://www.nvidia.com/object/notebook_driver_instructions.html
- Dell Specific Update (If Applicable): If you own a Dell Inspiron 1420, Dell XPS M1330, Dell XPS M1530, or Dell Latitude D630/D630c, it’s strongly advised to first install the recommended Dell software update before installing the Nvidia GeForce/Ion Notebook Graphics Driver 258.69 Beta. This update may address specific compatibility issues with these Dell models. The Dell software update can be found here: https://www.nvidia.com/object/recommended_software_updates.html
Release Highlights of the 258.69 Beta Driver
The 258.69 Beta driver is part of the Release 256 family of drivers (versions 256.xx to 259.xx). This release includes several enhancements and new features. More information on the Release 256 drivers can be found at: https://blogs.nvidia.com/ntersect/2010/05/introducing-the-new-256-driver-release.html
GPU Support:
This driver officially supports the following NVIDIA notebook GPUs (with some exceptions, as noted in the "Products Supported" section):
- ION notebook GPUs
- GeForce 8M, 9M, 100M, 200M, 300M-series, and GTX 400M-series notebook GPUs
- Quadro NVS-series notebook GPUs (only those that support DirectX 10 or higher)
- Quadro FX-series notebook GPUs (only those that support DirectX 10 or higher)
Key Improvements in Version 258.69:
- GeForce GTX 400M Series Support: This driver adds official support for the GeForce GTX 400M-series notebook GPUs. This means users with these GPUs can now leverage the driver’s features and optimizations.
- Bug Fixes: The 258.69 Beta includes numerous bug fixes designed to improve stability and performance. The specific bug fixes are detailed in the release notes.
Key Features Introduced in Release 256 Drivers:
- NVIDIA Optimus Support: This release introduces support for NVIDIA Optimus notebooks. NVIDIA Optimus technology intelligently switches between the integrated graphics processor and the dedicated NVIDIA GPU to optimize battery life and performance.
- Blu-ray 3D with NVIDIA 3D Vision: The Nvidia GeForce/Ion Notebook Graphics Driver 258.69 Beta supports Blu-ray 3D playback when used in conjunction with NVIDIA 3D Vision technology.
- PhysX System Software Upgrade: The driver upgrades the PhysX System Software to version 9.10.0223, potentially improving the performance of games and applications that utilize PhysX.
- CUDA Toolkit 3.1 Support: This driver adds support for CUDA Toolkit 3.1, which offers significant performance improvements for double-precision math operations.
- Ambient Occlusion Quality Mode: A new "Quality" mode is added to NVIDIA’s Ambient Occlusion control panel feature, allowing for enhanced visual fidelity.
- SLI and PhysX Control Panel Page: A new NVIDIA Control Panel setup page is included for SLI and PhysX configurations, providing users with more control over multi-GPU setups.
Additional Information and Features
The Nvidia GeForce/Ion Notebook Graphics Driver 258.69 Beta also includes the following:
- HD Audio Driver: Installs HD Audio driver version 1.0.10.1 (for supported GPUs).
- Adobe Photoshop CS5 Support: Supports the new GPU-accelerated features in Adobe Photoshop CS5.
- Adobe Flash 10.1 Support: Supports GPU-acceleration for smoother online HD videos with Adobe Flash 10.1.
- MotionDSP 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.
- OpenCL 1.0 Support: Supports OpenCL 1.0 (Open Computing Language).
- OpenGL 3.3 Support: Supports OpenGL 3.3.
- SLI Technology Support: Supports single GPU and NVIDIA SLI technology on DirectX 9, DirectX 10, and OpenGL.
Supported Products
This driver is compatible with the following NVIDIA GPUs, with specific notebook exceptions (refer to your OEM’s website for definitive compatibility):
- GeForce 400M Series: GTX 480M
- 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: 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 5100M, NVS 3100M, NVS 150M, NVS 160M, NVS 140M, NVS 320M, NVS 130M, NVS 135M
- ION Series: ION LE, ION
Important Notes:
- Hybrid Power Technology: Hybrid Power technology with Intel chipsets is not supported in this release.
- Sony VAIO Notebooks: Sony VAIO notebooks are not supported. Sony VAIO Windows 7 users can find driver update support here: https://vcl.vaio.sony.co.jp/sonyoem/win7.html
Download Links
Primary Download Link:
Alternative Download Links:
While NVIDIA no longer officially hosts this older driver, here are some alternative sources where you might find it (use caution and verify the file’s authenticity before installing):
- Softpedia: (Search "Nvidia GeForce 258.69 Beta 64-bit")
- Guru3D: (Search "Nvidia GeForce 258.69 Beta 64-bit")
- DriverGuide: (Search "Nvidia GeForce 258.69 Beta 64-bit")
- MajorGeeks: (Search "Nvidia GeForce 258.69 Beta 64-bit")
- FileHippo: (Search "Nvidia GeForce 258.69 Beta 64-bit")
Disclaimer: These alternative links are provided as potential resources. We recommend exercising caution when downloading from third-party websites and ensuring the downloaded file is legitimate and free from malware. Always prioritize obtaining drivers from the official OEM website whenever possible. Before installing the Nvidia GeForce/Ion Notebook Graphics Driver 258.69 Beta, make sure you have all the information you need to avoid issues.