S3 Chrome 500 Series Graphics Driver 8.16.12.0099 for Windows 7 64-bit

This article provides information regarding the S3 Chrome 500 Series Graphics Driver 8.16.12.0099, specifically designed for the Windows 7 64-bit operating system. This driver update focuses on bug fixes and aims to improve the overall stability and performance of systems utilizing the S3 Graphics Chrome 500 series of graphics cards.

The S3 Chrome 500 Series Graphics Driver 8.16.12.0099 release is a Microsoft Certified WHQL (Windows Hardware Quality Labs) driver, signifying that it has undergone rigorous testing by Microsoft and meets their standards for compatibility and reliability with Windows 7 64-bit. This certification provides users with confidence in the driver’s stability and minimizes the risk of system errors or conflicts.

S3 Graphics Chrome 500 Series Features:

Before delving into the specifics of the fixes included in this driver update, it’s essential to understand the key features supported by the S3 Graphics Chrome 500 series:

• Microsoft DirectX 10.1 Support: The Chrome 500 Series supports DirectX 10.1, a graphics API that enhances 3D rendering capabilities. This allows for more realistic visuals through improved anti-aliasing algorithms, refined image and texture processing, higher precision formats, and advanced programmable lighting effects. Ultimately, this translates to a more immersive and visually appealing experience in games and other 3D applications.

• ChromotionHD 2.0 Video: This technology provides high-definition video playback capabilities, supporting resolutions up to 1080p for Blu-ray content. It also supports a wide range of HD video standards, including H.264, MPEG-2, MPEG-4, VC-1, WMV-HD, and AVS. This ensures compatibility with various video formats and allows for smooth and high-quality video playback.

• OpenGL 3.0 Support: Drivers dated December 1, 2008, or later include support for OpenGL 3.0 extensions. OpenGL is another important graphics API widely used in various applications, including CAD software, scientific visualization tools, and games. Support for OpenGL 3.0 expands the compatibility of the S3 Chrome 500 Series with these applications.

What’s New in Version 8.16.12.0099:

This specific release of the S3 Chrome 500 Series Graphics Driver 8.16.12.0099 primarily focuses on addressing identified bugs. The following issues have been resolved:

• BioShock Corruption Fix (53160-0092): This fix addresses a specific issue encountered when running the game BioShock in DirectX 9 mode with certain graphics settings. The problem involved total corruption in the game scene when the resolution was set to 1440×900, with most available options enabled (excluding windowed mode), and Texture Detail and Actor Detail set to "High." This driver update resolves this corruption, allowing users to enjoy BioShock without visual artifacts under these specific conditions.

• HDMI Native Mode Restoration Issue (54413-0092): This fix resolves a problem related to custom display modes when using an HDMI connection. The issue occurred when connected via HDMI only and set to the native resolution of 1920×1080. Launching the S3 Utility, changing to a custom mode, applying the changes, and then attempting to restore the native mode would result in the inability to revert back to the original 1920×1080 resolution. This driver update corrects this behavior, ensuring that users can switch between custom and native display modes without issues.

• HDAO10.1 Sample Black Line Artifact (54245-0092): This fix addresses an artifact that appeared when running the HDAO10.1 sample from the SDK 2009 August. A black garbage line was observed when viewing the ground in the sample application. This update resolves this visual artifact, providing a clean and accurate display of the HDAO10.1 sample.

Limitations:

It is important to be aware of the known limitations associated with this driver version:

• 3EMark06 Corruption with 8GB Memory (53487): Under the 64-bit Windows 7 operating system, running the 3EMark06 demo test with 8GB of RAM may result in application corruption. This issue has been confirmed to be absent when running the same test with 2GB of RAM. Users with 8GB of RAM should be aware of this limitation when running 3EMark06.

• King’s Bounty: The Legend Screen Flicker (54315): The game King’s Bounty: The Legend may exhibit serious screen flickering after launching. This issue remains unresolved in this driver version. Users experiencing this flicker may need to seek alternative solutions or wait for a future driver update.

Conclusion:

The S3 Chrome 500 Series Graphics Driver 8.16.12.0099 for Windows 7 64-bit offers targeted bug fixes that address specific issues encountered in games and applications. While it also has limitations, this WHQL-certified driver can improve the stability and functionality of systems utilizing S3 Graphics Chrome 500 series cards. Users experiencing the resolved issues outlined above are encouraged to update to this driver version.

Driver Download Links:

Here’s the official download link:

• TechSpot

Here are some alternative download links for the S3 Chrome 500 Series Graphics Driver 8.16.12.0099 (or a suitable alternative if the exact version is unavailable):

1. Softpedia (Check version before downloading)
2. DriverGuide (Requires registration, search for "S3 Chrome 500 Series Windows 7 64-bit")
3. DriversCollection (Search for "S3 Chrome 500 Series Windows 7 64-bit")
4. DriverIdentifier (Requires scanning your system, but may find the driver)
5. Station-Drivers (Typically a good resource for older drivers; search for "S3 Chrome 500")