This article provides comprehensive information regarding the EVGA 790i, 780i, 750i, and 680i chipset driver version 20.09, specifically designed for the Windows Vista 64-bit operating system. It aims to offer a detailed overview of the chipset, the purpose of the driver, compatibility information, installation procedures, and alternative download resources. This information is crucial for users seeking to optimize the performance and stability of their systems built around these legacy chipsets.
Understanding the EVGA Chipsets: 790i, 780i, 750i, and 680i
The EVGA 790i, 780i, 750i, and 680i represent a family of NVIDIA-based chipsets that were popular choices for performance-oriented desktop computers, particularly during the mid-to-late 2000s. These chipsets were designed to support Intel processors and offered a range of features aimed at enthusiasts and gamers, including:
- Support for Intel Processors: Primarily designed for Intel Core 2 Duo, Core 2 Quad, and some early Core i7 processors (depending on the specific chipset).
- Multi-GPU Support: NVIDIA SLI (Scalable Link Interface) technology, enabling the use of multiple NVIDIA graphics cards for enhanced gaming performance. The 790i was particularly known for its robust SLI capabilities.
- Overclocking Potential: Designed with overclocking in mind, these chipsets provided features and flexibility for users to push their hardware beyond stock speeds.
- Memory Support: Support for DDR2 or DDR3 memory, depending on the specific chipset model. The 790i, for example, supported DDR3, offering higher bandwidth.
- Peripheral Connectivity: Integrated support for various peripherals, including USB, SATA, and Ethernet.
While these chipsets are now considered legacy, they remain in use by some users who have maintained their older systems. Proper driver support is essential to ensure continued functionality and stability.
The Role of the Chipset Driver
A chipset driver is a crucial piece of software that enables the operating system (in this case, Windows Vista 64-bit) to communicate effectively with the motherboard’s chipset. The chipset acts as a central hub, managing communication between the processor, memory, graphics card, and other peripherals. Without the correct drivers, the operating system may not be able to fully utilize the chipset’s features, leading to reduced performance, instability, and potential hardware conflicts.
Specifically, the EVGA 790i / 780i / 750i / 680i Chipset Driver 20.09 for Windows Vista 64-bit performs the following key functions:
- Enables Proper Hardware Detection: Allows Windows Vista 64-bit to correctly identify and configure the various components connected to the chipset.
- Optimizes Data Transfer: Ensures efficient data transfer between the processor, memory, and peripherals, maximizing system performance.
- Provides Stability: Resolves potential conflicts and ensures stable operation of the system.
- Supports Advanced Features: Enables advanced features such as SLI, overclocking, and power management.
Compatibility Information
This specific driver package, version 20.09, is tailored for the following EVGA motherboards running the Windows Vista 64-bit operating system:
- EVGA 790i Ultra SLI
- EVGA 780i SLI
- EVGA 750i SLI
- EVGA 680i SLI
It is crucial to verify that your motherboard model and operating system match the compatibility requirements before installing the driver. Installing the driver on an incompatible system could lead to instability or hardware malfunction.
Installation Procedure
The installation process for the EVGA 790i / 780i / 750i / 680i Chipset Driver 20.09 typically involves the following steps:
- Download the Driver: Download the driver package from a reliable source.
- Extract the Files: Extract the contents of the downloaded archive (usually a ZIP or RAR file) to a folder on your hard drive.
- Run the Setup Program: Locate the setup.exe file within the extracted folder and run it. This will launch the driver installation wizard.
- Follow the On-Screen Instructions: Follow the on-screen instructions provided by the installation wizard. This typically involves accepting the license agreement, choosing an installation location, and confirming the installation.
- Restart Your Computer: After the installation is complete, restart your computer to allow the changes to take effect.
Important Considerations:
- Administrator Privileges: Ensure that you have administrator privileges on your Windows Vista 64-bit system before installing the driver.
- Close Other Applications: Close all other running applications before starting the installation process to avoid potential conflicts.
- Create a System Restore Point: It is always a good practice to create a system restore point before installing new drivers. This allows you to easily revert to a previous state if something goes wrong.
- Uninstall Previous Drivers: It is generally recommended to uninstall any previous versions of the chipset driver before installing the new version. This can help prevent conflicts and ensure a clean installation.
Driver Download Links
The primary download link for the EVGA 790i / 780i / 750i / 680i Chipset Driver 20.09 for Windows Vista 64-bit is:
In addition to the primary download link, here are five alternative sources where you may be able to find the same or similar drivers. Please note that the availability and reliability of these alternative links may vary:
- Softpedia: Softpedia is a well-known software download website that often hosts older drivers. Search for "EVGA 790i chipset driver Vista 64-bit" or similar.
- DriverGuide: DriverGuide is a database of drivers. You may need to create a free account to access the downloads. Search for the specific chipset and operating system.
- NVIDIA Legacy Drivers Archive: While these are EVGA branded drivers, you can find the original NVIDIA drivers that support the chipset from the NVIDIA website. Check the NVIDIA legacy driver archive.
- DriversCollection: DriversCollection.com may host legacy drivers. Use caution when downloading from this site and ensure you have adequate virus protection.
- Archive.org (Wayback Machine): Check if older versions of EVGA’s website are archived on archive.org. This might contain the original driver download pages.
Disclaimer: It is essential to exercise caution when downloading drivers from third-party websites. Ensure that the website is reputable and that the downloaded file is free from viruses or malware. Always scan downloaded files with an up-to-date antivirus program before installing them.
Troubleshooting
If you encounter problems during or after the installation of the EVGA 790i / 780i / 750i / 680i Chipset Driver 20.09, consider the following troubleshooting steps:
- Check Compatibility: Double-check that your motherboard model and operating system are compatible with the driver.
- Run the Installer as Administrator: Right-click on the setup.exe file and select "Run as administrator."
- Disable Antivirus Software: Temporarily disable your antivirus software during the installation process.
- Check Device Manager: Open Device Manager and look for any devices with yellow exclamation marks. This indicates a driver problem. Right-click on the device and select "Update Driver Software."
- Reinstall the Driver: Try uninstalling and reinstalling the driver.
- Restore from System Restore Point: If you created a system restore point before installing the driver, restore your system to that point.
- Consult EVGA’s Support Forums: EVGA’s support forums may contain helpful information and solutions to common problems.
Conclusion
The EVGA 790i / 780i / 750i / 680i chipset driver 20.09 is essential for maintaining the functionality and stability of systems built around these older chipsets running Windows Vista 64-bit. By understanding the purpose of the driver, ensuring compatibility, following the installation procedure carefully, and having access to alternative download resources, users can ensure that their systems continue to perform optimally. Remember to prioritize safety when downloading drivers from unofficial sources and to always back up your system before making significant changes. The proper installation of the EVGA 790i / 780i / 750i / 680i Chipset Driver 20.09 can significantly improve system performance and stability.