This article provides information about the Nvidia Forceware WHQL Drivers 190.38, a certified driver package designed for users of Windows XP and Windows Server 2003 64-bit operating systems. These drivers are specifically tailored for a range of Nvidia GeForce and ION GPUs, spanning from the 6 series to the 200 series. This comprehensive driver package offers a blend of new features, performance enhancements, and bug fixes, making it a valuable update for users seeking to optimize their graphics card performance and stability.
Key Features and Enhancements in Version 190.38
The Nvidia Forceware WHQL Drivers 190.38 introduce several notable improvements and additions, aimed at enhancing both gaming and GPU computing experiences:
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OpenGL 3.1 Support: This driver package adds support for OpenGL 3.1, a significant update to the OpenGL API. OpenGL 3.1 offers developers access to a wider range of features and capabilities, enabling more advanced and visually stunning graphics in applications and games. This support is crucial for users who require the latest OpenGL functionalities for their creative or professional workflows.
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CUDA 2.3 Support: The drivers incorporate support for CUDA 2.3, Nvidia’s parallel computing architecture. CUDA 2.3 brings performance improvements to GPU computing applications, allowing users to leverage the power of their Nvidia GPUs for tasks such as video encoding, scientific simulations, and data analysis. For more in-depth information on CUDA and its applications, users are encouraged to visit the CUDA Zone.
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User-Controlled Power Management: For select GeForce 9-series and later graphics cards that support multiple power states, this driver introduces a new user-controlled power management setting. This feature enables users to customize the performance level of their graphics card for each DirectX or OpenGL application. This allows for a balance between power consumption and performance, optimizing the experience based on the specific demands of the application being used.
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Control Panel Enhancements and Bug Fixes: The driver package includes several new control panel features, providing users with more granular control over their graphics card settings. Additionally, numerous bug fixes are implemented to address various issues and improve overall stability and performance. Detailed information on these changes can be found in the release documentation accompanying the drivers.
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International Language Support: For users with non-US English operating systems, Nvidia provides an international driver version. This allows users to download the drivers in their preferred language, ensuring a seamless and localized installation experience.
Existing Support and Technologies
Beyond the new features, the Nvidia Forceware WHQL Drivers 190.38 also maintain support for several existing Nvidia technologies:
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DirectX Compute API: The drivers support Microsoft’s DirectX Compute API on Windows 7. This API allows developers to utilize the GPU for general-purpose computing tasks, further expanding the capabilities of Nvidia graphics cards.
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SLI Technology: These drivers support single GPU and NVIDIA SLI technology across DirectX 9, DirectX 10, and OpenGL. This includes 3-way SLI, Quad SLI, and SLI support on SLI-certified Intel X58-based motherboards. SLI technology allows users to combine the power of multiple Nvidia graphics cards for increased performance in games and applications.
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PhysX System Software: The drivers install PhysX System Software version 9.09.0428. PhysX is Nvidia’s physics engine, which enables realistic and interactive physics effects in games.
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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 graphics card for rendering graphics and another for processing PhysX effects, resulting in improved performance and visual fidelity in PhysX-enabled games.
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GeForce Plus Power Pack #3: The drivers support GeForce Plus Power Pack #3, a collection of free PhysX and CUDA applications designed to showcase the capabilities of Nvidia GPUs.
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NVIDIA System Tools Software: The drivers support GPU overclocking and temperature monitoring through the installation of NVIDIA System Tools software, providing users with the ability to monitor and fine-tune their graphics card performance.
Supported Products
The Nvidia Forceware WHQL Drivers 190.38 support a wide range of Nvidia GeForce and ION GPUs, including but not limited to:
- ION and ION LE
- GeForce GTX 200 Series: GTX 295, GTX 285, GTX 280, GTX 275, GTX 260
- GeForce GTS 250
- GeForce GT 100 Series: GT 140, GT 130, GT 120
- GeForce G210
- GeForce 9000 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
- GeForce 8000 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
- GeForce 7000 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
- GeForce 6000 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
This extensive list ensures that a wide range of users can benefit from the improvements and features offered by these drivers.
Downloading the Drivers
Users can download the Nvidia Forceware WHQL Drivers 190.38 for Windows XP/2003 64-bit from the following link:
Alternative Download Links:
Because it can be helpful to have multiple sources in case one is unavailable, here are some alternative download locations for the Nvidia Forceware WHQL Drivers 190.38:
- Softpedia: (Search "Nvidia Forceware WHQL Drivers 190.38 Softpedia" on Google)
- Guru3D: (Search "Nvidia Forceware WHQL Drivers 190.38 Guru3D" on Google)
- DriverGuide: (Search "Nvidia Forceware WHQL Drivers 190.38 DriverGuide" on Google)
- FileHorse: (Search "Nvidia Forceware WHQL Drivers 190.38 FileHorse" on Google)
- MajorGeeks: (Search "Nvidia Forceware WHQL Drivers 190.38 MajorGeeks" on Google)
Note: Always exercise caution when downloading files from third-party websites. Ensure that the source is reputable and scan the downloaded files with an antivirus program before installation.
Conclusion
The Nvidia Forceware WHQL Drivers 190.38 represent a significant update for users of older Nvidia GeForce and ION GPUs running on Windows XP or Windows Server 2003 64-bit. With the addition of OpenGL 3.1 support, CUDA 2.3 enhancements, and user-controlled power management, these drivers offer improved performance, stability, and control. By providing support for a wide range of Nvidia technologies and products, the Nvidia Forceware WHQL Drivers 190.38 provide a valuable update for users seeking to optimize their graphics experience. Make sure to download the Nvidia Forceware WHQL Drivers 190.38 and experience the full potential of your Nvidia graphics card.