This article provides information about the Nvidia Forceware WHQL Drivers 190.38, a certified driver package designed for users running Windows Vista 64-bit operating systems and utilizing specific Nvidia graphics processing units (GPUs). This driver package supports a wide range of Nvidia desktop GPUs, spanning from the GeForce 6 series to the GeForce 200 series, as well as ION GPUs. Understanding the features, compatibility, and installation process of these drivers is crucial for maintaining optimal performance and stability of your graphics card.
What are WHQL Drivers?
Before delving into the specifics of the 190.38 release, it’s important to understand what WHQL certification signifies. WHQL stands for Windows Hardware Quality Labs. These drivers have undergone rigorous testing by Microsoft to ensure compatibility and stability within the Windows operating system. WHQL certification indicates that the drivers meet Microsoft’s standards for reliability and performance, minimizing the risk of system crashes or conflicts. Installing WHQL-certified drivers is generally recommended for a smoother and more stable user experience.
New Features and Improvements in Release 190.38
The Nvidia Forceware WHQL Drivers 190.38 introduce several key enhancements and new features:
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OpenGL 3.1 Support: This release adds support for OpenGL 3.1, a significant update to the OpenGL graphics API. OpenGL is a cross-language, cross-platform API for rendering 2D and 3D vector graphics. This update allows for improved performance and access to new features in applications and games that utilize OpenGL.
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CUDA 2.3 Support: The Nvidia Forceware WHQL Drivers 190.38 incorporates support for CUDA 2.3 (Compute Unified Device Architecture). CUDA is a parallel computing platform and programming model developed by Nvidia. CUDA allows the GPU to be used for general-purpose processing, significantly accelerating certain types of computationally intensive tasks. CUDA 2.3 brings performance improvements to GPU computing applications. For more details on CUDA, users can visit the CUDA Zone on Nvidia’s website.
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User-Controlled Power Management: A notable addition in this release is a new user-controlled power management setting. This feature, available for select GeForce 9-series and later graphics cards (specifically those that support multiple power states), provides users with greater control over the power consumption of their GPU. Users can now define a performance level for each individual DirectX or OpenGL application, allowing for optimized power usage based on the specific demands of the task. This feature can be particularly beneficial for users looking to conserve power or reduce heat output.
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Control Panel Enhancements and Bug Fixes: In addition to the major features mentioned above, the Nvidia Forceware WHQL Drivers 190.38 includes several new control panel features and numerous bug fixes. These improvements enhance the user experience and address potential issues that may have been present in previous driver versions. Refer to the release documentation for a comprehensive list of changes.
Existing Supported Features
Beyond the new additions, the 190.38 drivers continue to support a range of existing features:
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DirectX Compute API Support: Support for Microsoft’s DirectX Compute API on Windows 7 is included. This API enables the use of the GPU for general-purpose computing tasks within the DirectX framework.
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NVIDIA SLI Technology: The drivers support single GPU and NVIDIA SLI (Scalable Link Interface) technology across DirectX 9, DirectX 10, and OpenGL. SLI allows users to combine the processing power of multiple Nvidia GPUs for increased performance. Supported SLI configurations include 3-way SLI, Quad SLI, and SLI on SLI-certified Intel X58-based motherboards.
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PhysX System Software: The installation includes PhysX System Software version 9.09.0428. PhysX is a physics engine developed by Nvidia that allows for realistic in-game physics effects.
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Dedicated PhysX Acceleration: The drivers support NVIDIA PhysX acceleration on a dedicated GeForce graphics card. This allows users to dedicate one GPU solely for graphics rendering and another for PhysX processing, resulting in improved performance and more realistic physical effects in games that support PhysX.
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GeForce Plus Power Pack #3: Support for GeForce Plus Power Pack #3 is included, providing access to free PhysX and CUDA applications.
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GPU Overclocking and Temperature Monitoring: By installing the optional NVIDIA System Tools software, users can overclock their GPU and monitor its temperature. This provides advanced users with the ability to fine-tune their GPU’s performance and keep track of its thermal characteristics.
Supported Products
The Nvidia Forceware WHQL Drivers 190.38 are compatible with a wide array of Nvidia GPUs, including:
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ION and ION LE
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GeForce GTX Series: GTX 295, GTX 285, GTX 280, GTX 275, GTX 260
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GeForce GTS Series: GTS 250
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GeForce GT Series: GT 140, GT 130, GT 120
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GeForce G Series: G210
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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
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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
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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
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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 and Installing the Drivers
To download the Nvidia Forceware WHQL Drivers 190.38, you can use the following link:
Download Nvidia Forceware WHQL Drivers 190.38 for Windows Vista 64-bit
Alternative Download Links:
- Softpedia
- Guru3D
- FileHorse (Search for version 190.38)
- DriverGuide
- Archive.org (Search for version 190.38)
Before installing the drivers, it’s recommended to uninstall any previous Nvidia drivers. This can be done through the Windows Control Panel, under "Programs and Features." After uninstalling the old drivers, restart your computer.
Once the download is complete, double-click the downloaded file to begin the installation process. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation. It is highly recommended to perform a clean installation to avoid conflicts with previous driver versions.
Conclusion
The Nvidia Forceware WHQL Drivers 190.38 for Windows Vista 64-bit offer a range of improvements and new features for users of compatible Nvidia GPUs. The addition of OpenGL 3.1 and CUDA 2.3 support, along with the new user-controlled power management setting, makes this a worthwhile upgrade for users seeking improved performance, stability, and power efficiency. By following the instructions provided, users can easily download and install these drivers to ensure optimal performance from their Nvidia graphics cards. Remember to always back up your system before installing new drivers.