This article provides an informative overview of the Nvidia GeForce Graphics Driver 197.41, a WHQL (Windows Hardware Quality Labs) certified driver update specifically designed for the GeForce GTX 480 and GeForce GTX 470 graphics cards running on Windows Vista and Windows 7 operating systems. WHQL certification signifies that the driver has undergone rigorous testing by Microsoft and meets their standards for stability and compatibility, ensuring a reliable user experience. This driver package includes several key components and features aimed at enhancing the performance and functionality of these GPUs.
Key Features and Components
The Nvidia GeForce Graphics Driver 197.41 comes bundled with several essential components and offers support for various technologies, making it a comprehensive update for users of the GTX 470 and GTX 480. Let’s delve into the details of each component:
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PhysX System Software Version 9.10.0129: PhysX is a powerful physics engine developed by Nvidia that allows for realistic and immersive in-game physics effects. This driver update includes PhysX system software version 9.10.0129, which ensures compatibility with games that utilize PhysX technology, delivering enhanced visual fidelity and realism. Games featuring advanced physics simulations will benefit from this updated software.
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HD Audio Driver Version 1.0.9.1: This driver update incorporates the HD Audio driver version 1.0.9.1, which enables high-definition audio output through the graphics card’s HDMI port. This is crucial for users who connect their PCs to TVs or audio receivers via HDMI for both video and audio transmission. The updated driver ensures optimal audio performance and compatibility.
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3D Vision Driver: For users interested in stereoscopic 3D gaming and viewing, a dedicated 3D Vision driver is available for download. While not directly included in the 197.41 package, it’s essential for enabling 3D Vision functionality on GeForce GTX 400 Series cards. This driver, when installed with compatible hardware (3D Vision glasses and a 3D-ready monitor), allows for an immersive 3D experience in supported games and applications.
GTX 400 Series Demos
To showcase the capabilities of the GeForce GTX 400 series, Nvidia provided two demo applications:
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Supersonic Sled: This demo likely highlights the graphical power of the GTX 470 and GTX 480 by simulating a high-speed vehicle or object, demonstrating the card’s ability to handle complex visual effects and rendering at high frame rates.
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Design Garage: The Design Garage demo was likely intended to showcase the cards’ ability to render complex 3D models and environments, potentially in a design or automotive context. This would highlight the cards’ suitability for professional applications like CAD and 3D modeling.
Technology and API Support
The Nvidia GeForce Graphics Driver 197.41 provides extensive support for various technologies and APIs, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of applications and games:
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CUDA Toolkit 3.0: CUDA (Compute Unified Device Architecture) is Nvidia’s parallel computing platform and programming model that allows developers to utilize the GPU for general-purpose computing tasks. Support for CUDA Toolkit 3.0 enables developers to leverage the GTX 470 and GTX 480 for tasks such as video encoding, scientific simulations, and image processing. More information can be found on the CUDA Zone.
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DirectCompute with Windows 7: DirectCompute is a Microsoft API that allows developers to use the GPU for general-purpose computing tasks within the DirectX framework. Support for DirectCompute on Windows 7 allows developers to harness the power of the GTX 470 and GTX 480 for computationally intensive tasks within games and applications.
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OpenCL 1.0 (Open Computing Language): OpenCL is an open standard for parallel programming of heterogeneous systems, including GPUs. Support for OpenCL 1.0 allows developers to write code that can run on a variety of GPUs, including the GTX 470 and GTX 480, for tasks such as image processing, video editing, and scientific computing.
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OpenGL 3.2: OpenGL is a cross-language, cross-platform API for rendering 2D and 3D vector graphics. Support for OpenGL 3.2 ensures compatibility with games and applications that utilize this API.
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Single GPU and NVIDIA SLI Technology: The driver supports both single GPU configurations and NVIDIA SLI (Scalable Link Interface) technology. SLI allows users to combine the processing power of multiple Nvidia graphics cards for increased performance in games and applications. This driver supports SLI on DirectX 9, 10, 11 and OpenGL, providing a performance boost for users with multiple GTX 470 or GTX 480 cards.
Supported Products
The Nvidia GeForce Graphics Driver 197.41 is specifically designed for the following graphics cards:
- GeForce GTX 470
- GeForce GTX 480
Downloading and Installing the Driver
The Nvidia GeForce Graphics Driver 197.41 for Windows Vista / 7 can be downloaded from the following link:
https://www.techspot.com/drivers/driver/file/information/13512/
Alternative Download Links:
Here are five alternative download links for the Nvidia GeForce Graphics Driver 197.41 from other reputable sources:
- Softpedia: (Search "Nvidia GeForce Graphics Driver 197.41 Softpedia" on Google, as direct linking can be unreliable).
- Guru3D: (Search "Nvidia GeForce Graphics Driver 197.41 Guru3D" on Google, as direct linking can be unreliable).
- FileHippo: (Search "Nvidia GeForce Graphics Driver 197.41 FileHippo" on Google, as direct linking can be unreliable).
- MajorGeeks: (Search "Nvidia GeForce Graphics Driver 197.41 MajorGeeks" on Google, as direct linking can be unreliable).
- DriverGuide: (Search "Nvidia GeForce Graphics Driver 197.41 DriverGuide" on Google, as direct linking can be unreliable).
Note: Always exercise caution when downloading files from the internet and ensure that you are downloading from a reputable source. Scan the downloaded file with an antivirus program before installation.
Installation Instructions:
- Download the driver package from the provided link or one of the alternatives.
- Locate the downloaded file and double-click to initiate the installation process.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
- It is recommended to restart your computer after the installation is complete to ensure that the driver is properly loaded.
Conclusion
The Nvidia GeForce Graphics Driver 197.41 represents a WHQL-certified update focused on delivering stability and performance enhancements for users of the GeForce GTX 470 and GTX 480 graphics cards on Windows Vista and Windows 7. The inclusion of updated PhysX and HD Audio drivers, along with support for CUDA, DirectCompute, OpenCL, and OpenGL, makes this driver a comprehensive solution for both gaming and professional applications. By providing support for various technologies and APIs, the Nvidia GeForce Graphics Driver 197.41 ensures that users can take full advantage of the capabilities of their GTX 470 and GTX 480 graphics cards. Make sure to download the appropriate 3D vision driver to have access to all of the features of the card. This Nvidia GeForce Graphics Driver 197.41 is a recommended update for users still utilizing these cards on older operating systems.