Nvidia Forceware WHQL Drivers 190.38 for Windows 7 64-bit

This article provides information regarding the Nvidia Forceware WHQL Drivers 190.38, specifically designed for 64-bit versions of Windows 7. These drivers are WHQL (Windows Hardware Quality Labs) certified, ensuring a certain level of stability and compatibility with the supported hardware. They cater to a range of older Nvidia GPUs, including the GeForce 6, 7, 8, 9, 100, and 200 series desktop graphics cards, as well as ION GPUs. This makes them a crucial update for users still running these legacy systems.

Key Features and Improvements in Version 190.38

The Nvidia Forceware WHQL Drivers 190.38 brought several notable enhancements and new features to the table. Understanding these improvements can help users determine if upgrading to this driver version is beneficial for their specific use case.

• OpenGL 3.1 Support: This driver update introduced support for OpenGL 3.1. OpenGL is a cross-language, cross-platform API for rendering 2D and 3D vector graphics. Upgrading OpenGL support allows applications and games that utilize this API to run more efficiently and potentially unlock new visual features.

• CUDA 2.3 Support: CUDA (Compute Unified Device Architecture) is Nvidia’s parallel computing platform and programming model. The 190.38 drivers incorporated CUDA 2.3, aimed at improving performance in GPU computing applications. This is particularly relevant for users who leverage their Nvidia GPUs for tasks like video encoding, scientific simulations, or other computationally intensive workloads. More detailed information about CUDA can be found on the CUDA Zone on the Nvidia website.

• User-Controlled Power Management: A significant addition was the introduction of a user-controlled power management setting. This feature, available for select GeForce 9-series and later graphics cards (specifically those supporting multiple power states), provided users with the ability to fine-tune the performance level of their GPU for individual DirectX or OpenGL applications. This allowed for optimizing the balance between performance and power consumption on a per-application basis.

• Control Panel Enhancements and Bug Fixes: The update included several new features within the Nvidia Control Panel, offering more customization options. It also addressed a range of bugs and issues, contributing to a more stable and reliable user experience. Detailed information regarding these changes could be found in the release documentation accompanying the driver.

Existing Support in the Nvidia Forceware WHQL Drivers 190.38

Beyond the new features, the Nvidia Forceware WHQL Drivers 190.38 also maintained support for existing technologies and APIs. These features were crucial for the functionality and performance of the supported GPUs.

• DirectX Compute API: The drivers supported Microsoft’s DirectX Compute API on Windows 7. This API allows developers to utilize the GPU for general-purpose computing tasks, expanding the capabilities of the graphics card beyond traditional rendering.

• Nvidia SLI Technology: The drivers supported single GPU and Nvidia SLI (Scalable Link Interface) technology across DirectX 9, DirectX 10, and OpenGL. SLI allows multiple Nvidia GPUs to work together to increase rendering performance. This included support for 3-way SLI, Quad SLI, and SLI configurations on SLI-certified Intel X58-based motherboards.

• PhysX System Software: The driver package included the installation of PhysX System Software version 9.09.0428. PhysX is Nvidia’s physics engine, used to simulate realistic physical effects in games.

• Dedicated PhysX Acceleration: The drivers supported Nvidia PhysX acceleration on dedicated GeForce graphics cards. This allowed users to dedicate one card for graphics rendering and a separate card solely for PhysX processing, resulting in enhanced visual effects in games that utilize PhysX.

• GeForce Plus Power Pack #3: The drivers supported GeForce Plus Power Pack #3, which offered a collection of free PhysX and CUDA applications.

• Nvidia System Tools Support: The drivers supported GPU overclocking and temperature monitoring through the installation of Nvidia System Tools software. This provided users with the ability to adjust the clock speeds of their GPU and monitor its temperature, enabling them to potentially increase performance while ensuring the card remains within safe operating limits.

Supported Products

The Nvidia Forceware WHQL Drivers 190.38 supported a wide array of Nvidia GPUs, spanning multiple generations. The complete list of supported products includes:

• ION Series: ION, ION LE
• GeForce 200 Series: GeForce GTX 295, GeForce GTX 285, GeForce GTX 280, GeForce GTX 275, GeForce GTX 260, GeForce GTS 250, GeForce GT 140, GeForce GT 130, GeForce GT 120, GeForce G210
• GeForce 9000 Series: GeForce 9800 GX2, GeForce 9800 GTX+, GeForce 9800 GTX, GeForce 9800 GT, GeForce 9600 GT, GeForce 9600 GS, GeForce 9600 GSO, GeForce 9500 GT, GeForce 9500 GS, GeForce 9400 GT, GeForce 9400, GeForce 9300 GS, GeForce 9300 GE, GeForce 9300, GeForce 9200
• GeForce 8000 Series: GeForce 8800 Ultra, GeForce 8800 GTX, GeForce 8800 GTS 512, GeForce 8800 GTS, GeForce 8800 GT, GeForce 8800 GS, GeForce 8600 GTS, GeForce 8600 GT, GeForce 8600 GS, GeForce 8500 GT, GeForce 8400 SE, GeForce 8400 GS, GeForce 8400, GeForce 8300 GS, GeForce 8300, GeForce 8200, GeForce 8100 / nForce 720a
• GeForce 7000 Series: 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 7100 / NVIDIA nForce 620i, GeForce 7050 / NVIDIA nForce 630i, GeForce 7050 / NVIDIA nForce 610i, GeForce 7050 PV / NVIDIA nForce 630a, GeForce 7025 / NVIDIA nForce 630a
• GeForce 6000 Series: 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

Downloading the Drivers

The Nvidia Forceware WHQL Drivers 190.38 for Windows 7 64-bit can be downloaded from the following link:

• TechSpot: https://www.techspot.com/drivers/driver/file/information/12260/

Here are 5 alternative download links for the Nvidia Forceware WHQL Drivers 190.38 for Windows 7 64-bit:

1. Softpedia: (Please search on Softpedia as direct links to older drivers may change)
2. Guru3D: (Please search on Guru3D as direct links to older drivers may change)
3. DriverGuide: (Please search on DriverGuide as direct links to older drivers may change, registration may be required)
4. FileHippo: (Please search on FileHippo as direct links to older drivers may change)
5. Nvidia Official Archives: (Check Nvidia’s official website for driver archives, although availability may vary)

Important Considerations:

• Compatibility: Ensure that your graphics card is listed among the supported products before installing these drivers.
• Operating System: These drivers are specifically for 64-bit versions of Windows 7.
• WHQL Certification: WHQL certification indicates that the drivers have undergone testing by Microsoft and meet certain quality standards.
• Driver Installation: It is generally recommended to uninstall any previous Nvidia drivers before installing a new version. This can be done through the Windows Control Panel.
• Release Notes: Consult the release notes accompanying the drivers for detailed information about specific bug fixes and known issues.
• System Tools: If you intend to use the GPU overclocking and temperature monitoring features, make sure to install the Nvidia System Tools software.
• CUDA Zone: Visit the CUDA Zone on the Nvidia website for more information about CUDA and GPU computing.

By understanding the features, supported products, and installation considerations of the Nvidia Forceware WHQL Drivers 190.38, users can make an informed decision about whether to upgrade and optimize their systems for improved performance and stability.