Nvidia Forceware Beta Drivers 190.38 for Windows Vista 32-bit

Nvidia has released the Forceware Beta Drivers 190.38, a driver package designed to enhance the performance and capabilities of a wide range of Nvidia graphics cards running on the 32-bit version of Windows Vista. This beta release targets users with GeForce 6, 7, 8, 9, 100, and 200-series desktop GPUs, as well as those utilizing ION GPUs. As a beta driver, it offers early access to new features and improvements, but users should be aware that it may also contain unresolved issues.

This article provides a comprehensive overview of the Nvidia Forceware Beta Drivers 190.38, detailing its key features, supported products, and the benefits it brings to the Windows Vista 32-bit platform.

What’s New in Release 190.38?

The Nvidia Forceware Beta Drivers 190.38 introduces several significant enhancements and new functionalities, making it a worthwhile upgrade for users seeking to optimize their Nvidia graphics hardware. Here’s a breakdown of the key changes:

• OpenGL 3.1 Support: This driver update adds support for OpenGL 3.1, a crucial update for developers and users who rely on this API for graphics rendering. OpenGL 3.1 brings enhanced features and performance improvements, allowing for more complex and visually stunning applications.

• CUDA 2.3 Support: CUDA (Compute Unified Device Architecture) is Nvidia’s parallel computing platform and programming model. The 190.38 drivers introduce support for CUDA 2.3, which promises improved performance in GPU Computing applications. This is particularly beneficial for tasks like video encoding, scientific simulations, and other computationally intensive workloads. Users can find more detailed information on the CUDA Zone.

• User-Controlled Power Management: A notable addition is a new user-controlled power management setting specifically for GeForce 9-series and later graphics cards. This option empowers users to fine-tune the performance level for each DirectX or OpenGL application. This allows for optimized power consumption for less demanding tasks, and full power when required for gaming or graphically intensive applications.

• Control Panel Features and Bug Fixes: The update incorporates several new control panel features and addresses numerous bugs reported in previous versions. This leads to a more refined and stable user experience. The release documentation provides a comprehensive list of these changes.

• International Language Support: Users with non-US English operating systems now have the option to select their preferred language and download the corresponding international driver version. This improves accessibility and ensures a more localized experience.

Existing Support and Technologies

Beyond the new features, the Nvidia Forceware Beta Drivers 190.38 maintain support for existing Nvidia technologies and APIs, ensuring compatibility and continued functionality.

• DirectX Compute API on Windows 7: Although these drivers are specifically for Windows Vista 32-bit, they also support Microsoft’s DirectX Compute API on Windows 7. This ensures that users who may be considering upgrading to Windows 7 can still leverage the capabilities of these drivers.

• NVIDIA SLI Technology: The drivers fully support single GPU and NVIDIA SLI (Scalable Link Interface) technology across DirectX 9, DirectX 10, and OpenGL. This includes 3-way SLI, Quad SLI, and SLI support on SLI-certified Intel X58-based motherboards. SLI allows users to combine multiple Nvidia graphics cards to significantly boost graphics performance.

• PhysX System Software: The driver package installs PhysX System Software version 9.09.0428. PhysX is Nvidia’s physics engine, which allows for realistic and dynamic physical effects in games.

• Dedicated PhysX Acceleration: The drivers support NVIDIA PhysX acceleration on a dedicated GeForce graphics card. This allows users to dedicate one card for graphics rendering and another for PhysX processing, resulting in enhanced visual fidelity and more realistic physical interactions in games.

• GeForce Plus Power Pack #3: The drivers support GeForce Plus Power Pack #3, which includes free PhysX and CUDA applications designed to showcase the capabilities of Nvidia’s technologies.

• NVIDIA System Tools Software: The drivers support GPU overclocking and temperature monitoring through the installation of NVIDIA System Tools software. This allows users to fine-tune their graphics card’s performance and monitor its operating temperature to ensure stability.

Supported Products

The Nvidia Forceware Beta Drivers 190.38 support a wide range of Nvidia GPUs, spanning multiple generations. This broad compatibility makes it a valuable update for many users with older Nvidia hardware. Below is a comprehensive list of supported products:

• ION and ION LE
• GeForce GTX Series: GTX 295, GTX 285, GTX 280, GTX 275, GTX 260
• GeForce GTS Series: GTS 250
• GeForce GT Series: GT 140, GT 130, GT 120
• GeForce G Series: G210
• GeForce 9 Series: 9800 GX2, 9800 GTX+, 9800 GTX, 9800 GT, 9600 GT, 9600 GS, 9600 GSO, 9500 GT, 9500 GS, 9400 GT, 9400, 9300 GS, 9300 GE, 9300, 9200
• GeForce 8 Series: 8800 Ultra, 8800 GTX, 8800 GTS 512, 8800 GTS, 8800 GT, 8800 GS, 8600 GTS, 8600 GT, 8600 GS, 8500 GT, 8400 SE, 8400 GS, 8400, 8300 GS, 8300, 8200, 8100 / nForce 720a
• GeForce 7 Series: 7950 GX2, 7950 GT, 7900 GTX, 7900 GT/GTO, 7900 GS, 7800 SLI, 7800 GTX, 7800 GT, 7800 GS, 7650 GS, 7600 GT, 7600 GS, 7600 LE, 7500 LE, 7350 LE, 7300 SE, 7300 LE, 7300 GT, 7300 GS, 7200 GS, 7100 GS, 7150 / NVIDIA nForce 630i, 7100 / NVIDIA nForce 630i, 7100 / NVIDIA nForce 620i, 7050 / NVIDIA nForce 630i, 7050 / NVIDIA nForce 610i, 7050 PV / NVIDIA nForce 630a, 7025 / NVIDIA nForce 630a
• GeForce 6 Series: 6800 XT, 6800 XE, 6800 Ultra, 6800 Series GPU, 6800 LE, 6800 GT, 6800 GS/XT, 6800 GS, 6800, 6700 XL, 6610 XL, 6600 VE, 6600 LE, 6600 GT, 6600, 6500, 6250, 6200SE TurboCache, 6200 TurboCache, 6200 LE, 6200 A-LE, 6200, 6150SE nForce 430, 6150 LE, 6150, 6100 nForce 420, 6100 nForce 405, 6100 nForce 400, 6100

Downloading the Drivers

You can download the Nvidia Forceware Beta Drivers 190.38 for Windows Vista 32-bit from the following link:

Download Nvidia Forceware Beta Drivers 190.38

Alternative Download Links:

Since the primary link may become unavailable over time, here are five alternative download sources for the Nvidia Forceware Beta Drivers 190.38:

1. archive.org (Wayback Machine) – Search for the driver on the Wayback Machine to find archived versions.
2. Softpedia – Search the Softpedia driver database.
3. DriverGuide – Search the DriverGuide driver database.
4. Guru3D – Check Guru3D’s driver archives.
5. Nvidia’s Legacy Driver Page – Although not directly linking to 190.38, check the legacy driver page on Nvidia’s website.

Important Considerations

• Beta Status: Keep in mind that these are beta drivers, which means they may contain bugs or stability issues. It is recommended to create a system restore point before installing them to easily revert to your previous driver version if necessary.

• Compatibility: While the drivers support a wide range of GPUs, it’s always a good idea to check the release notes for any known compatibility issues with specific games or applications.

• Operating System: These drivers are specifically designed for the 32-bit version of Windows Vista. Installing them on other operating systems may result in unexpected behavior.

Conclusion

The Nvidia Forceware Beta Drivers 190.38 for Windows Vista 32-bit offer a range of new features, improvements, and bug fixes for users of older Nvidia graphics cards. The addition of OpenGL 3.1 and CUDA 2.3 support, along with the user-controlled power management settings, make this a worthwhile update for those seeking to optimize their system’s performance. However, as with any beta software, users should proceed with caution and be prepared to revert to their previous drivers if necessary. By understanding the features, supported products, and potential considerations, users can make an informed decision about whether to install these drivers and take advantage of the enhancements they offer.