This article provides a comprehensive overview of the Nvidia GeForce Beta Drivers 185.66, specifically designed for the Windows XP 64-bit operating system. These drivers offer enhanced performance, new features, and bug fixes for users of compatible GeForce graphics cards. This particular release focused on bringing improvements to the GeForce 9-series, 100-series, and 200-series desktop GPUs.
Key Highlights of Release 185.66
The Nvidia GeForce Beta Drivers 185.66 package introduces several significant enhancements, making it a worthwhile update for users of supported graphics cards. Let’s delve into the most important aspects of this driver release.
1. GeForce GTX 275 Support:
A primary feature of this release is the inclusion of support for the newly launched GeForce GTX 275 GPU. This ensures that users with the GTX 275 can leverage the full potential of their hardware, benefiting from optimized performance and stability. This support is crucial for gamers and professionals alike, as it enables the card to function seamlessly with the latest software and games.
2. Ambient Occlusion:
One of the most notable additions is the support for Ambient Occlusion, a new feature within the NVIDIA Control Panel. Ambient Occlusion enhances the realism of 3D games by adding more accurate and nuanced shadows. This technology is exclusive to GeForce GPUs and significantly improves the visual depth and immersion in compatible games. You can find more information about Ambient Occlusion on the NVIDIA website: https://www.nzone.com/object/nzone_ambientocclusion_home.html
3. CUDA 2.2 Support:
The drivers also integrate CUDA 2.2 support, which boosts performance in GPU Computing applications. CUDA (Compute Unified Device Architecture) is NVIDIA’s parallel computing platform and programming model that enables GPUs to accelerate computationally intensive tasks. This enhancement is particularly beneficial for users working with video editing, scientific simulations, and other applications that can leverage the power of GPU computing. More details on CUDA can be found at www.nvidia.com/cuda.
4. Performance Improvements in 3D Applications:
The Nvidia GeForce Beta Drivers 185.66 bring noticeable performance gains in various 3D applications. NVIDIA conducted tests comparing the 185 drivers against the older 182 drivers, revealing the following improvements (note that results may vary depending on the specific GPU, system configuration, and game settings):
- Call of Duty: World at War: Up to 11% performance increase
- Company of Heroes: Opposing Fronts: Up to 5% performance increase
- Crysis: Warhead (with antialiasing enabled): Up to 22% performance increase
- Fallout 3 (with antialiasing enabled): Up to 11% performance increase
- Far Cry 2: Up to 14% performance increase
- Mirror’s Edge (with antialiasing enabled): Up to 45% performance increase
These performance enhancements make a significant difference in gaming experiences, providing smoother frame rates and improved responsiveness, especially in graphically demanding titles.
5. GeForce Plus Power Pack #3:
The drivers support GeForce Plus Power Pack #3, which offers free PhysX and CUDA applications. These applications are designed to showcase the capabilities of NVIDIA’s technologies and provide users with additional tools to enhance their computing experience. The download link for the GeForce Plus Power Pack #3 is available at: https://www.nvidia.com/content/graphicsplus/us/download.asp
6. Bug Fixes:
Beyond the new features and performance improvements, the Nvidia GeForce Beta Drivers 185.66 include numerous bug fixes. These fixes address various issues and improve the overall stability and reliability of the drivers, ensuring a smoother and more consistent user experience. Users are encouraged to refer to the release documentation for a comprehensive list of resolved issues.
Existing Support and Features
In addition to the new features, the Nvidia GeForce Beta Drivers 185.66 maintain support for existing technologies and functionalities, including:
- SLI Technology: Supports single GPU and NVIDIA SLI technology on DirectX 9, DirectX 10, and OpenGL, including 3-way SLI, Quad SLI, and SLI support on SLI-certified Intel X58-based motherboards. SLI allows multiple graphics cards to work together to deliver increased performance.
- OpenGL 3.0: Includes full support for OpenGL 3.0, ensuring compatibility with applications and games that utilize this graphics API.
- SLI Multi-Monitor Support: Supports NVIDIA SLI Multi-monitor support, enabling users to use two monitors with their GeForce graphics cards in SLI mode. This feature enhances multitasking and provides a more immersive gaming experience.
- PhysX Acceleration: Supports NVIDIA PhysX acceleration on a dedicated GeForce graphics card. PhysX allows for more realistic and dynamic physical effects in games. A dedicated card can be used for PhysX processing while another handles graphics, improving overall performance. GPU PhysX is supported on all GeForce 8-series, 9-series, and 200-series GPUs with a minimum of 256MB dedicated graphics memory. The driver package automatically installs the new PhysX System Software version 9.09.0203.
- GPU Overclocking and Temperature Monitoring: Supports GPU overclocking and temperature monitoring by installing NVIDIA System Tools software. This allows users to fine-tune their graphics card settings for optimal performance and monitor the card’s temperature to prevent overheating.
Supported Products
The Nvidia GeForce Beta Drivers 185.66 are compatible with the following GeForce desktop GPUs:
- GeForce GTX 295
- GeForce GTX 285
- GeForce GTX 280
- GeForce GTX 275
- GeForce GTX 260
- GeForce GTS 250
- GeForce GT 140
- GeForce GT 130
- GeForce GT 120
- GeForce 9800 GX2
- GeForce 9800 GTX+
- GeForce 9800 GTX
- GeForce 9800 GT
- GeForce 9600 GT
- GeForce 9600 GS
- GeForce 9600 GSO
- GeForce 9500 GT
- GeForce 9500 GS
- GeForce 9400 GT
- GeForce 9400
- GeForce 9300 GS
- GeForce 9300 GE
- GeForce 9300
- GeForce 9200
Downloading the Drivers
The Nvidia GeForce Beta Drivers 185.66 for Windows XP 64-bit can be downloaded from the following link:
https://www.techspot.com/drivers/driver/file/information/11783/
For users with non-US English operating systems, international drivers can be found at the NVIDIA website: https://www.nvidia.com/Download/index.aspx
Alternative Download Links:
While the TechSpot link is the primary source, here are a few alternative locations where you might find the Nvidia GeForce Beta Drivers 185.66:
- Softpedia: (Please search on Softpedia, as direct links are subject to change)
- Guru3D: (Please search on Guru3D, as direct links are subject to change)
- DriverGuide: (Please search on DriverGuide, as direct links are subject to change)
- FileHippo: (Please search on FileHippo, as direct links are subject to change)
- MajorGeeks: (Please search on MajorGeeks, as direct links are subject to change)
Always exercise caution when downloading files from third-party websites and ensure the file integrity before installation. The Nvidia GeForce Beta Drivers 185.66 can provide a substantial benefit.
Conclusion
The Nvidia GeForce Beta Drivers 185.66 for Windows XP 64-bit offer a range of improvements and new features for users of supported GeForce graphics cards. From the addition of GeForce GTX 275 support to the enhanced realism of Ambient Occlusion and the performance boosts in various 3D applications, this driver release is a worthwhile update for gamers and professionals alike. The inclusion of CUDA 2.2 support further expands the capabilities of these drivers, making them a valuable asset for GPU computing tasks. Make sure to download and install the drivers to take advantage of the full potential of your Nvidia hardware. The Nvidia GeForce Beta Drivers 185.66 were a significant step forward at the time of their release.