The Nvidia ForceWare WHQL Drivers 182.08 for Windows Vista represent a significant update for users of GeForce 6, 7, 8, 9, and 200-series desktop GPUs. These drivers, certified by WHQL (Windows Hardware Quality Labs), offer a stable and reliable experience, alongside performance enhancements and new feature support. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the Nvidia ForceWare WHQL Drivers 182.08 for Windows Vista, detailing its key features, performance improvements, supported products, and other relevant information.
Key Highlights of Release 182.08
This driver release brings several noteworthy improvements and additions to the table, making it a worthwhile upgrade for users of compatible Nvidia GPUs.
- GeForce GTS 250 Support: One of the most significant additions in this release is the official support for the GeForce GTS 250 graphics card. This means users with this GPU can now leverage the full potential of their hardware with optimized drivers.
- SLI Profile Support: The Nvidia ForceWare WHQL Drivers 182.08 for Windows Vista include updated SLI profiles for recently released games. SLI (Scalable Link Interface) technology allows users to combine the power of multiple Nvidia GPUs for increased performance in games and other applications. The updated profiles ensure optimal SLI performance in these newer titles.
- Bug Fixes: As with any driver release, bug fixes are an essential component. The release documentation notes contain detailed information about the specific bugs that have been addressed in this version. Users experiencing issues with previous drivers should consult these notes to see if their problems have been resolved.
- International Driver Availability: Nvidia recognizes the importance of localized software. Users with non-US English operating systems can download the international version of the driver, tailored to their specific language needs.
Advancements Introduced in Release 182
Beyond the specific updates in the 182.08 release, the broader Release 182 drivers include further enhancements:
- Optimized for F.E.A.R. 2: Project Origin: These drivers are explicitly recommended for providing the best possible gaming experience in F.E.A.R. 2: Project Origin. Users planning to play this title are strongly encouraged to upgrade to these drivers.
- Performance Boosts in 3D Applications: The Nvidia ForceWare WHQL Drivers 182.08 for Windows Vista offer performance improvements across a range of 3D applications. Nvidia conducted internal testing comparing the 182.08 WHQL drivers against the 181.22 WHQL drivers, demonstrating the following performance gains (note that actual results will vary depending on the specific GPU, system configuration, and game settings):
- Up to 8% performance increase in Fallout 3 at high resolution and anti-aliasing (AA).
- Up to 10% performance increase in F.E.A.R. 2: Project Origin.
- Up to 9% performance increase in Half-Life 2 at high resolution with AA.
- Up to 11% performance increase in Left 4 Dead at high resolution with AA.
- Up to 10% performance increase in Race Driver: GRID at high resolution and AA.
- OpenGL 3.0 Support: The drivers provide full support for OpenGL 3.0 on GeForce 8-series, 9-series, and 200-series GPUs. OpenGL is a cross-language, cross-platform API for rendering 2D and 3D vector graphics. This support ensures compatibility with applications and games that utilize the OpenGL 3.0 standard.
- PhysX System Software: The drivers automatically install the new PhysX System Software version 9.09.0203. PhysX is Nvidia’s physics engine, which allows for more realistic and immersive physical effects in games. This update ensures users have the latest PhysX features and optimizations.
Existing Features and Support
The Nvidia ForceWare WHQL Drivers 182.08 for Windows Vista also retain existing support for various Nvidia technologies and features:
- Single GPU and NVIDIA SLI Technology: The drivers support both single GPU configurations and NVIDIA SLI technology on DirectX 9 and OpenGL. This includes SLI support on SLI-certified Intel X58-based motherboards. SLI allows users to combine the processing power of multiple Nvidia GPUs for enhanced performance.
- NVIDIA PhysX Acceleration: The drivers support NVIDIA PhysX acceleration on a dedicated GeForce graphics card. This enables users to dedicate one card for graphics rendering and another for PhysX processing, resulting in more realistic and visually stunning physical effects in games. GPU PhysX is supported on all GeForce 8-series, 9-series, and 200-series GPUs with a minimum of 256MB of dedicated graphics memory.
- GeForce Plus Power Pack #2: The drivers support the GeForce Plus Power Pack #2, which includes free PhysX and CUDA applications.
- CUDA Support: The drivers provide support for CUDA (Compute Unified Device Architecture), Nvidia’s parallel computing platform and programming model. CUDA allows developers to leverage the power of Nvidia GPUs for general-purpose computing tasks, such as video encoding, image processing, and scientific simulations.
- GPU Overclocking and Temperature Monitoring: The drivers support GPU overclocking and temperature monitoring when used in conjunction with NVIDIA System Tools software. This allows users to fine-tune their GPU’s performance and monitor its operating temperature.
Important Note on SLI Features: Certain SLI features, such as Quad SLI technology (using GeForce 9800 GX2 or GeForce GTX 295), 3-way SLI technology, Hybrid SLI, and SLI multi-monitor support, are exclusively supported on Windows Vista.
Supported Products
The Nvidia ForceWare WHQL Drivers 182.08 for Windows Vista support a wide range of Nvidia GeForce desktop GPUs, including the following:
- GeForce GTX 295, GTX 285, GTX 280, GTX 260, GTS 250, GT 140, GT 130, GT 120
- GeForce 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 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 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 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
The Nvidia ForceWare WHQL Drivers 182.08 for Windows Vista can be downloaded from the following link:
Download Nvidia ForceWare WHQL Drivers 182.08 for Windows Vista
For users outside of the US English region, an international version of the driver is available for download. This version is localized to support different languages.
Alternative Download Links
Here are five alternative download links for the Nvidia ForceWare WHQL Drivers 182.08 for Windows Vista:
- Softpedia: (Please search on Softpedia as direct links may change)
- Guru3D: (Please search on Guru3D as direct links may change)
- FileHippo: (Please search on FileHippo as direct links may change)
- DriverGuide: (Please search on DriverGuide as direct links may change, registration might be required)
- Nvidia’s Legacy Driver Page: (Check Nvidia’s website as they might still host older drivers in their archive section).
Disclaimer: Always exercise caution when downloading files from third-party websites. Ensure the source is reputable and scan the downloaded files for viruses before installation.
Conclusion
The Nvidia ForceWare WHQL Drivers 182.08 for Windows Vista represent a valuable update for users of GeForce 6, 7, 8, 9, and 200-series desktop GPUs. With added support for the GeForce GTS 250, updated SLI profiles, performance improvements in various 3D applications, and continued support for existing Nvidia technologies, these drivers offer a compelling upgrade for gamers and other users seeking enhanced performance and stability. This Nvidia ForceWare WHQL Drivers 182.08 for Windows Vista are very crucial for older system. It is important to find the Nvidia ForceWare WHQL Drivers 182.08 for Windows Vista to enhance performance for older systems.