This article provides a comprehensive overview of the nVIDIA ForceWare WHQL Drivers 163.71, a significant driver release tailored for 32-bit Windows XP and Windows 2000 operating systems. These drivers are designed to optimize the performance and compatibility of a wide range of NVIDIA GeForce GPUs, spanning from the GeForce FX series to the GeForce 8 series. Understanding the features, supported products, and improvements offered by this driver package is crucial for users seeking to maximize the potential of their NVIDIA graphics cards on older operating systems.
Key Highlights and Improvements
The nVIDIA ForceWare WHQL Drivers 163.71 release focuses on several key areas to enhance the user experience:
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WHQL Certification: These drivers have undergone rigorous testing and have received WHQL (Windows Hardware Quality Labs) certification from Microsoft. This certification assures users of the driver’s stability, reliability, and compatibility with the Windows XP and Windows 2000 operating systems.
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Broad GPU Support: The drivers offer support for a wide spectrum of NVIDIA GeForce GPUs, encompassing the FX, 6, 7, and 8 series. This extensive support ensures that users with various generations of NVIDIA cards can benefit from the optimizations and fixes included in this release. The support list is extensive and includes cards from the high-end GeForce 8800 Ultra to the more budget-friendly GeForce FX 5100. A complete list of supported cards is provided later in this article.
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Enhanced SLI Performance: For users employing NVIDIA’s Scalable Link Interface (SLI) technology, these drivers deliver improved compatibility and performance. SLI allows multiple NVIDIA GPUs to work in tandem, boosting graphics processing power. The 163.71 drivers optimize SLI performance specifically for Microsoft DirectX 9.0c and OpenGL 2.1 applications, leading to smoother frame rates and enhanced visual fidelity in compatible games and applications.
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Game Compatibility Enhancements: The nVIDIA ForceWare WHQL Drivers 163.71 include specific compatibility improvements for several popular game titles of the time. These titles include:
- BioShock
- Crysis
- Enemy Territory: Quake Wars
- Hellgate: London
- Team Fortress 2
- World in Conflict
By addressing compatibility issues and optimizing performance for these games, NVIDIA aims to provide a more seamless and enjoyable gaming experience for users.
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PureVideo HD Acceleration: A notable addition in this release is the inclusion of PureVideo HD decode acceleration for the GeForce 8600, 8500, and 8400 series GPUs. PureVideo HD technology offloads video decoding tasks from the CPU to the GPU, resulting in smoother playback of high-definition video content and reduced CPU utilization. This feature is particularly beneficial for users who frequently watch HD movies or other video content on their systems.
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Bug Fixes and Application Compatibility: Beyond the specific improvements mentioned above, the nVIDIA ForceWare WHQL Drivers 163.71 also incorporate numerous bug fixes and application compatibility tweaks. These fixes address various issues that may have been present in previous driver versions, further enhancing the overall stability and reliability of the drivers. Users are encouraged to consult the release notes accompanying the drivers for a comprehensive list of fixes and known compatibility issues.
Supported Products
The nVIDIA ForceWare WHQL Drivers 163.71 provide support for a wide range of NVIDIA GeForce graphics cards. Below is a comprehensive list of the supported products:
- GeForce 8800 Ultra
- GeForce 8800 GTX
- GeForce 8800 GTS
- GeForce 8600 GTS
- GeForce 8600 GT
- GeForce 8600 GS
- GeForce 8500 GT
- GeForce 8400 GS
- GeForce 8400 SE
- GeForce 8300 GS
- GeForce 7950 GX2
- GeForce 7950 GT
- GeForce 7900 GTX
- GeForce 7900 GT/GTO
- GeForce 7900 GS
- GeForce 7800 SLI
- GeForce 7800 GTX
- GeForce 7800 GT
- GeForce 7800 GS
- GeForce 7650 GS
- GeForce 7600 GT
- GeForce 7600 GS
- GeForce 7600 LE
- GeForce 7500 LE
- GeForce 7350 LE
- GeForce 7300 SE
- GeForce 7300 LE
- GeForce 7300 GT
- GeForce 7300 GS
- GeForce 7200 GS
- GeForce 7100 GS
- GeForce 7150 / NVIDIA nForce 630i
- GeForce 7100 / NVIDIA nForce 630i
- GeForce 7050 / NVIDIA nForce 620i
- GeForce 7050 / NVIDIA nForce 610i
- GeForce 7050 PV / NVIDIA nForce 630a
- GeForce 7025 / NVIDIA nForce 630a
- GeForce 6800 XT
- GeForce 6800 XE
- GeForce 6800 Ultra
- GeForce 6800 Series GPU
- GeForce 6800 LE
- GeForce 6800 GT
- GeForce 6800 GS/XT
- GeForce 6800 GS
- GeForce 6800
- GeForce 6700 XL
- GeForce 6610 XL
- GeForce 6600 VE
- GeForce 6600 LE
- GeForce 6600 GT
- GeForce 6600
- GeForce 6500
- GeForce 6250
- GeForce 6200SE TurboCache™
- GeForce 6200 TurboCache™
- GeForce 6200 LE
- GeForce 6200 A-LE
- GeForce 6200
- GeForce 6150SE nForce 430
- GeForce 6150 LE
- GeForce 6150
- GeForce 6100 nForce 420
- GeForce 6100 nForce 405
- GeForce 6100 nForce 400
- GeForce 6100
- GeForce PCX 5900
- GeForce PCX 5750
- GeForce PCX 5300
- GeForce FX 5950 Ultra
- GeForce FX 5900ZT
- GeForce FX 5900XT
- GeForce FX 5900 Ultra
- GeForce FX 5900
- GeForce FX 5800 Ultra
- GeForce FX 5800
- GeForce FX 5700VE
- GeForce FX 5700LE
- GeForce FX 5700 Ultra
- GeForce FX 5700
- GeForce FX 5600XT
- GeForce FX 5600SE
- GeForce FX 5600 Ultra
- GeForce FX 5600
- GeForce FX 5500
- GeForce FX 5200LE
- GeForce FX 5200 Ultra
- GeForce FX 5200
- GeForce FX 5100
Downloading the Drivers
You can download the nVIDIA ForceWare WHQL Drivers 163.71 from the following location:
Download nVIDIA ForceWare WHQL Drivers 163.71
Alternative Download Links:
While the above link is the primary source, here are some alternative download locations, though availability may vary:
- Softpedia: (Check their driver archive for NVIDIA drivers)
- Guru3D: (Often hosts older driver versions)
- FileHippo: (Another source for older software and drivers)
- DriverGuide: (Requires registration, but has a large driver database)
- NVIDIA Legacy Driver Website: Check NVIDIA’s official website for legacy driver support, though this specific version may not be directly listed.
Note: Always exercise caution when downloading drivers from third-party websites. Ensure the source is reputable and scan the downloaded files for viruses before installation.
Installation and Considerations
Before installing the nVIDIA ForceWare WHQL Drivers 163.71, it is highly recommended to uninstall any previous NVIDIA drivers from your system. This can be done through the Windows Control Panel, under "Add or Remove Programs" (or "Programs and Features" in later versions of Windows XP). After uninstalling the old drivers, restart your computer and proceed with the installation of the new drivers.
During the installation process, follow the on-screen instructions carefully. It is advisable to choose the "Clean Installation" option if available, as this will ensure that all previous driver files and settings are removed, providing a fresh start for the new drivers.
After the installation is complete, restart your computer again to allow the changes to take effect. Once your system has restarted, you can verify that the drivers have been installed correctly by checking the Device Manager.
Conclusion
The nVIDIA ForceWare WHQL Drivers 163.71 represent a significant driver release for users of older NVIDIA GeForce GPUs on Windows XP and Windows 2000 systems. With its WHQL certification, broad GPU support, enhanced SLI performance, game compatibility improvements, and PureVideo HD acceleration, these drivers offer a compelling upgrade for users seeking to optimize the performance and stability of their graphics cards. By following the installation guidelines and consulting the release notes, users can ensure a smooth and successful driver update, unlocking the full potential of their NVIDIA hardware.