Nvidia Forceware WHQL Driver 196.21 for Windows 2003/XP 64-bit

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Nvidia Forceware WHQL Driver 196.21 for Windows 2003/XP 64-bit

This article provides a comprehensive overview of the Nvidia Forceware WHQL Driver 196.21, designed specifically for 64-bit versions of Windows 2003 and XP. This driver package is a WHQL (Windows Hardware Quality Labs) certified release, indicating it has passed rigorous testing by Microsoft and is deemed stable and reliable for use with compatible Nvidia graphics processing units (GPUs). The target audience for this driver includes users of older systems running these operating systems who seek improved performance, bug fixes, and compatibility with newer applications and games.

Targeted GPUs and Operating Systems

The Nvidia Forceware WHQL Driver 196.21 supports a wide range of Nvidia desktop GPUs, spanning several generations. Specifically, it is compatible with the following series:

  • GeForce 6 Series
  • GeForce 7 Series
  • GeForce 8 Series
  • GeForce 9 Series
  • GeForce 100 Series
  • GeForce 200 Series
  • ION Desktop GPUs

It’s important to note that this driver is intended for use with the 64-bit versions of Windows 2003 and Windows XP operating systems. Attempting to install it on other operating systems or 32-bit versions of these operating systems may result in installation errors or system instability.

Key Updates and Enhancements

The Nvidia Forceware WHQL Driver 196.21 introduces several key updates and enhancements aimed at improving the user experience and overall system performance. These include:

  • Enhanced SLI and Multi-GPU Support: One of the primary improvements is the addition of SLI (Scalable Link Interface) and multi-GPU support for a variety of popular gaming titles. This means that users with multiple compatible Nvidia GPUs can experience significant performance gains in these games, resulting in smoother frame rates and improved visual fidelity. The supported titles include:

    • Avatar Demo
    • Battlefield: Bad Company 2
    • City Bus Simulator
    • Dirt 2
    • Ferrari Virtual Race
    • GREED: Black Border
    • Mass Effect 2
    • Mortal Online
    • Ninja Blade
    • Operation Flashpoint: Dragon Rising Demo
    • Planet 51
    • RUSE
    • Serious Sam HD
    • Wings of Prey

  • PhysX System Software Upgrade: The driver package includes an upgrade to PhysX System Software, specifically to version 9.09.1112. PhysX is a physics engine developed by Nvidia that enables realistic and interactive physical effects in games and other applications. This update likely incorporates bug fixes, performance improvements, and new features for PhysX-enabled content.

  • Bug Fixes: As with any driver release, the Nvidia Forceware WHQL Driver 196.21 incorporates numerous bug fixes addressing various issues reported by users. While the specific details of these fixes are available in the release notes accompanying the driver, they generally contribute to increased system stability and improved performance.

Existing Support and Technologies

In addition to the new features and enhancements, the Nvidia Forceware WHQL Driver 196.21 retains support for a range of existing Nvidia technologies and features:

  • GPU-Accelerated Adobe Flash 10.1 Beta: The driver supports GPU acceleration for smoother online high-definition video playback when using the Adobe Flash 10.1 beta. This offloads video decoding tasks from the CPU to the GPU, resulting in reduced CPU utilization and improved video playback performance.

  • OpenCL 1.0 Support: OpenCL (Open Computing Language) is a cross-platform parallel programming framework that allows developers to harness the processing power of GPUs for a wide range of applications, including scientific computing, image processing, and video editing. The driver provides OpenCL 1.0 support for all GeForce 8-series and later GPUs.

  • OpenGL 3.2 Support: OpenGL (Open Graphics Library) is a widely used API for rendering 2D and 3D graphics. The driver supports OpenGL 3.2 for GeForce 8-series and later GPUs, enabling developers to utilize the latest graphics features and capabilities.

  • CUDA Toolkit 3.0 Support: CUDA (Compute Unified Device Architecture) is Nvidia’s parallel computing architecture that allows developers to use GPUs for general-purpose computing tasks. The driver supports CUDA Toolkit 3.0 features and performance enhancements.

  • Single GPU and NVIDIA SLI Technology: The driver supports both single GPU configurations and NVIDIA SLI technology on DirectX 9 and OpenGL. SLI allows users to combine the processing power of multiple Nvidia GPUs for increased graphics performance. Note, however, that certain advanced SLI features, such as Quad SLI and 3-way SLI, are only supported on Windows Vista and Windows 7.

  • NVIDIA PhysX Acceleration: The driver supports NVIDIA PhysX acceleration on dedicated GeForce graphics cards. This allows users to dedicate one card for graphics rendering and another for PhysX processing, resulting in more realistic and immersive physical effects in games.

  • NVIDIA System Tools Software: The driver supports GPU overclocking and temperature monitoring through the installation of NVIDIA System Tools software. This allows users to fine-tune their GPU settings for optimal performance and monitor the GPU’s temperature to prevent overheating.

Supported Products (Detailed List)

The Nvidia Forceware WHQL Driver 196.21 supports a vast array of Nvidia GPUs. Here’s a comprehensive list:

  • GeForce 200 Series: GTS 250, GTS 240, GTX 260, GTX 295, G210, 210, GTX 280, GT 230, GT 220, 205, GT 240, GTX 285, GTX 275
  • GeForce 100 Series: GT 120, GT 140, G 100, GT 130
  • GeForce 9 Series: 9400, 9500 GS, 9600 GSO, 9400 GT, 9600 GT, 9500 GT, 9200, 9300 GE, 9800 GTX/GTX+, 9800 GX2, 9600 GS, 9300, 9800 GT, 9300 GS
  • GeForce 8 Series: 8400 GS, 8800 GTS 512, 8800 GTX, 8600 GTS, 8400, 8600 GS, 8300 GS, 8200, 8300, 8800 GT, 8800 GS, 8800 GTS, 8600 GT, 8500 GT, 8800 Ultra, 8400 SE, 8100 / nForce 720a
  • GeForce 7 Series: 7025 / NVIDIA nForce 630a, 7650 GS, 7600 LE, 7100 / NVIDIA nForce 630i, 7300 GS, 7300 GT, 7050 / NVIDIA nForce 610i, 7550 LE, 7600 GS, 7050 PV / NVIDIA nForce 630a, 7350 LE, 7950 GX2, 7150 / NVIDIA nForce 630i, 7300 LE, 7950 GT, 7600 GT, 7800 SLI, 7100 GS, 7800 GTX, 7050 / NVIDIA nForce 630i, 7300 SE / 7200 GS, 7500 LE, 7800 GS, 7100 / NVIDIA nForce 620i, 7900 GT/GTO, 7900 GTX, 7900 GS
  • GeForce 6 Series: 6150 LE, 6200 TurboCache, 6800 XE, 6200 LE, 6200 A-LE, 6200SE TurboCache, 6600 LE, 6800, 6600, 6800 GS, 6500, 6150SE nForce 430, 6800 Ultra, 6610 XL, 6150, 6250, 6800 XT, 6600 VE, 6800 LE, 6100 nForce 405, 6800 GT, 6150LE / Quadro NVS 210S, 6100 nForce 400, 6100 nForce 420, 6100, 6600 GT, 6800 GS/XT, 6700 XL, 6200
  • ION Series: ION, ION LE

Driver Download Links

You can download the Nvidia Forceware WHQL Driver 196.21 from the following link:

Here are also some alternative download locations:

  1. Softpedia
  2. Guru3D
  3. DriverGuide
  4. Nvidia Official Website (Archive) (Search the driver manually, if available)
  5. FileHorse

Before installing the driver, it is highly recommended to create a system restore point. This allows you to easily revert to your previous driver configuration if any issues arise during or after the installation process.

In conclusion, the Nvidia Forceware WHQL Driver 196.21 provides a crucial update for users of older Nvidia GPUs running Windows 2003/XP 64-bit, delivering performance enhancements, bug fixes, and compatibility with newer games and applications.

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