S3 Chrome 500 Series Graphics Driver Beta 6.14.10.0337 for Windows XP 64-bit

This article provides information about the S3 Chrome 500 Series Graphics Driver Beta 6.14.10.0337, specifically designed for 64-bit versions of Windows XP. This driver update includes features, resolved issues, and known limitations that users should be aware of before installation. The target audience includes users of S3 Graphics Chrome 500 series cards who are using the Windows XP 64-bit operating system and seeking to update or troubleshoot their graphics drivers.

Overview of the S3 Chrome 500 Series

The S3 Graphics Chrome 500 series was a line of graphics processing units (GPUs) aimed at providing a balance of performance and features for mainstream computing. These cards were designed to support various multimedia and graphical applications. Key features of the S3 Chrome 500 series include:

• OpenGL 3.0 Support: Drivers dated December 1, 2008, or later include support for OpenGL 3.0 extensions, enabling compatibility with applications and games utilizing this graphics API. This allows the S3 Chrome 500 Series Graphics Driver Beta 6.14.10.0337 for Windows XP 64-bit to support a wider range of graphical applications.

• AcceleRAM LowFB Technology: This technology combines hardware and software to leverage system memory (DDR2 DIMMs) as part of the video memory. A portion of the system’s main memory, referred to as PCIe memory, is utilized alongside a small amount of dedicated local video memory. This architecture, known as AcceleRAM LowFB (Low Frame Buffer), aimed to optimize memory usage and enhance performance, particularly in systems with limited dedicated video memory.

Driver Details: Beta 6.14.10.0337

The Beta 6.14.10.0337 driver is a specific release targeted at Windows XP 64-bit users. It’s crucial to understand that this is a beta release, implying that it may contain unresolved issues and is intended for testing and evaluation purposes.

• Release Type: This driver is a Microsoft Certified WHQL (Windows Hardware Quality Labs) release. WHQL certification indicates that the driver has undergone testing by Microsoft and meets certain stability and compatibility standards. However, beta status suggests that issues might still exist despite the certification.

Resolved Issues

This driver update addresses the following issues:

• DVI Monitor Settings: Resolved an issue where the "Hide modes that this monitor cannot display" option was greyed out and unavailable when only a DVI monitor was connected. This issue (44617-0313) prevented users from properly configuring their display settings.

• OpenGL Version Reporting: Corrected a discrepancy in OpenGL version reporting. Previously, GPU Caps Viewer showed OpenGL version 2.1, while OGL Extensions Viewer showed 3.0.17. The driver now accurately reports the supported OpenGL version as 3.1. This ensures that applications can correctly identify and utilize the supported OpenGL features of the S3 Chrome 500 Series Graphics Driver Beta 6.14.10.0337 for Windows XP 64-bit.

Known Limitations

Despite the resolved issues, this beta driver release has several limitations that users should be aware of:

• Google Earth Corruption: When using Google Earth, moving the map with the mouse may result in black square artifacts appearing on the map. In some cases, this issue (48949) may lead to a Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) error with code 8e (S3ddx9_32.dll).

• CRT Size and Position Settings: The settings for CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) size and position are not saved after a mode change. This means that if you adjust the CRT display settings and then change the screen resolution, the settings will revert to their default values. This issue (56349) can be inconvenient for users who frequently switch between different screen resolutions.

• Roxio Creator Basic V9 Compatibility: Running Roxio Creator Basic V9 in full-screen mode may cause a BSOD error (0050) due to the S3DMINI_32.sys driver. This issue (56235) indicates a compatibility problem between the driver and the Roxio software.

Driver Download Link

The official download link for the S3 Chrome 500 Series Graphics Driver Beta 6.14.10.0337 for Windows XP 64-bit can be found at:

https://www.techspot.com/drivers/driver/file/information/13498/

Alternative Download Links

Since official driver downloads can sometimes be unreliable or unavailable, here are several alternative download links for the S3 Chrome 500 Series Graphics Driver Beta 6.14.10.0337 for Windows XP 64-bit from other sites:

1. DriverGuide (Search for "S3 Chrome 500 Series Windows XP 64-bit driver")
2. Softpedia (Search for "S3 Chrome 500 Series Windows XP 64-bit driver")
3. DriversCollection (Search for "S3 Chrome 500 Series Windows XP 64-bit driver")
4. Station-Drivers (Search for "S3 Chrome 500 Series Windows XP 64-bit driver")
5. DriverPack Solution (Use the software to automatically find and install the correct driver)

Disclaimer: Use these alternative download links at your own risk. Always scan downloaded files for viruses before installation.

Installation Instructions

1. Download the Driver: Download the driver package from the official link or one of the alternative links.
2. Extract the Files: Extract the contents of the downloaded ZIP or EXE file to a folder on your computer.
3. Open Device Manager: Open the Device Manager in Windows XP. You can do this by right-clicking on "My Computer," selecting "Properties," going to the "Hardware" tab, and clicking "Device Manager."
4. Locate the Graphics Card: Find your S3 Chrome 500 series graphics card in the list of devices, usually under "Display adapters."
5. Update Driver: Right-click on the graphics card and select "Update Driver."
6. Choose Installation Method: Select "No, not this time" when prompted to connect to Windows Update. Then, choose "Install from a list or specific location (Advanced)" and click "Next."
7. Specify Driver Location: Select "Search for the best driver in these locations" and browse to the folder where you extracted the driver files. Ensure that the "Include subfolders" option is checked. Click "Next."
8. Complete Installation: Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the driver installation.
9. Restart Computer: Restart your computer to apply the changes.

Considerations and Recommendations

• Backup Existing Drivers: Before installing this beta driver, it’s highly recommended to back up your existing graphics drivers. This allows you to revert to the previous drivers if you encounter any issues with the new beta driver.
• Read the Release Notes: Carefully read any accompanying release notes or documentation provided with the driver package. These documents may contain additional information about known issues, compatibility notes, and installation instructions.
• Monitor System Stability: After installing the beta driver, closely monitor your system for any signs of instability, such as crashes, freezes, or graphical glitches. If you encounter any significant issues, consider reverting to your previous drivers.
• Provide Feedback: If you are using this beta driver for testing purposes, consider providing feedback to S3 Graphics (if possible) or online forums about your experience. This feedback can help improve future driver releases.

This information should provide a comprehensive overview of the S3 Chrome 500 Series Graphics Driver Beta 6.14.10.0337 for Windows XP 64-bit, enabling users to make an informed decision about whether to install this driver update.