This article provides comprehensive information about the nVIDIA ForceWare WHQL Drivers 163.71, specifically designed for 64-bit versions of Windows XP and Server 2003. These drivers are a crucial software component that enables your NVIDIA GeForce graphics card to communicate effectively with your operating system, ensuring optimal performance and stability in various applications, including games and multimedia software. Installing the correct driver is essential for unlocking the full potential of your NVIDIA GPU.
Key Features and Improvements
The nVIDIA ForceWare WHQL Drivers 163.71 release focused on enhancing the user experience across a range of applications and games. Here’s a breakdown of the key highlights:
-
WHQL Certification: These drivers are WHQL (Windows Hardware Quality Labs) certified, meaning they have undergone rigorous testing by Microsoft to ensure compatibility and stability with the Windows operating system. This certification provides users with confidence that the drivers will function reliably and minimize the risk of system crashes or conflicts.
-
Broad GPU Support: The nVIDIA ForceWare WHQL Drivers 163.71 offer support for a wide range of NVIDIA GeForce graphics cards, spanning from the GeForce FX series to the GeForce 8 series. This extensive compatibility ensures that users with older and newer NVIDIA GPUs can benefit from the driver’s improvements and optimizations. A comprehensive list of supported cards is provided below.
-
Enhanced SLI Performance: A significant focus of this release was improving the performance and compatibility of NVIDIA’s SLI (Scalable Link Interface) technology. SLI allows users to combine multiple NVIDIA graphics cards to increase rendering power and improve frame rates in games and other graphically demanding applications. The 163.71 drivers optimize SLI performance for both Microsoft DirectX 9.0c and OpenGL 2.1 applications, delivering a smoother and more responsive gaming experience.
-
Game Compatibility Enhancements: The nVIDIA ForceWare WHQL Drivers 163.71 include specific compatibility fixes and optimizations for several popular game titles of the time, including:
- BioShock: Enhanced performance and stability for this critically acclaimed first-person shooter.
- Crysis: Improved frame rates and reduced graphical glitches in this visually stunning game.
- Enemy Territory: Quake Wars: Addressed compatibility issues and enhanced performance in this team-based multiplayer shooter.
- Hellgate: London: Resolved graphical errors and improved overall stability in this action RPG.
- Team Fortress 2: Optimized performance and addressed compatibility issues in this popular multiplayer game.
- World in Conflict: Improved frame rates and stability in this real-time strategy game.
These game-specific improvements ensure that users can enjoy these titles with the best possible visual quality and performance.
-
PureVideo HD Acceleration: The 163.71 drivers introduce PureVideo HD decode acceleration for GeForce 8600, 8500, and 8400 series GPUs. PureVideo HD is NVIDIA’s hardware-based video decoding technology, which offloads the processing of high-definition video content from the CPU to the GPU. This results in smoother playback, reduced CPU utilization, and improved overall system responsiveness when watching HD movies or videos.
-
General Bug Fixes and Improvements: In addition to the major features listed above, the nVIDIA ForceWare WHQL Drivers 163.71 also include numerous bug fixes and compatibility improvements for various applications and games. These fixes address a wide range of issues, from minor graphical glitches to more serious stability problems. The release notes provide a detailed list of all the fixes and improvements included in this driver release.
Supported Products
The following NVIDIA GeForce graphics cards are supported by the nVIDIA ForceWare WHQL Drivers 163.71:
- 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 and Installing the Drivers
It’s highly recommended that users with compatible NVIDIA graphics cards running Windows XP 64-bit or Server 2003 64-bit upgrade to the nVIDIA ForceWare WHQL Drivers 163.71. The download link for the driver is:
Download nVIDIA ForceWare WHQL Drivers 163.71
Here are some alternative download links:
- Softpedia: (Search for "NVIDIA ForceWare 163.71" on Softpedia’s website)
- Guru3D: (Check Guru3D’s driver section for archived drivers)
- DriverGuide: (Find the driver using DriverGuide’s search function)
- NVIDIA Legacy Drivers Archive: (Explore NVIDIA’s official archive, though availability may vary)
- FileHippo: (Search for "NVIDIA ForceWare 163.71" on FileHippo)
Before installing the new drivers, it’s crucial to completely remove any previous NVIDIA drivers from your system. This can be done through the Windows Control Panel’s "Add or Remove Programs" (or "Programs and Features" in newer Windows versions) section. After uninstalling the old drivers, restart your computer.
Once your system has restarted, run the downloaded driver installation file and follow the on-screen instructions. The installation process is typically straightforward and requires minimal user input. After the installation is complete, restart your computer again to ensure that the new drivers are properly loaded.
Conclusion
The nVIDIA ForceWare WHQL Drivers 163.71 represent a significant update for users of NVIDIA GeForce graphics cards running Windows XP 64-bit or Server 2003 64-bit. With its WHQL certification, broad GPU support, enhanced SLI performance, game compatibility improvements, and PureVideo HD acceleration, this driver release provides a noticeable boost in performance, stability, and overall user experience. By upgrading to these drivers, users can ensure that they are getting the most out of their NVIDIA graphics cards and enjoying their favorite games and applications with the best possible visual quality and performance. Remember to consult the release notes for a complete list of changes and known issues.