This article provides information about the Nvidia GeForce Graphics Driver 197.57 Beta, designed for 64-bit versions of Windows Vista and Windows 7. It outlines the key update included in this release, the range of Nvidia GeForce and ION graphics cards supported, and offers a download link for users seeking this specific driver version. This beta driver offers a potential update for your older system.
Overview of the Nvidia GeForce Graphics Driver 197.57 Beta
The Nvidia GeForce Graphics Driver 197.57 Beta represents a specific iteration in Nvidia’s driver release cycle, primarily targeted at users of older GeForce and ION graphics cards running 64-bit versions of Windows Vista and Windows 7. It’s important to note that this is a beta driver, meaning it’s a pre-release version intended for testing and feedback. Beta drivers may contain bugs or stability issues that are not present in WHQL (Windows Hardware Quality Labs) certified drivers.
Key Update: APB Beta Support
The primary reason for the existence of the Nvidia GeForce Graphics Driver 197.57 Beta is to provide a recommended update for the beta version of the PC game APB (All Points Bulletin). This suggests that the driver includes optimizations or bug fixes specifically addressing issues encountered while playing the APB beta on compatible Nvidia hardware. Users participating in the APB beta program at the time likely found this driver essential for a smoother gaming experience.
Functionally Identical to WHQL 197.45
A crucial detail regarding the Nvidia GeForce Graphics Driver 197.57 Beta is that, other than the APB beta update, it is functionally identical to the 197.45 WHQL driver. This means that if you were already running the 197.45 WHQL driver and were not experiencing issues with APB, there was likely no compelling reason to upgrade to the beta version. The WHQL certification also means that the 197.45 driver was officially tested and approved by Microsoft, indicating a higher level of stability and compatibility.
Supported Products: A Comprehensive List
The Nvidia GeForce Graphics Driver 197.57 Beta supports a wide range of Nvidia GeForce and ION graphics cards, primarily from the 6, 7, 8, 9, 100, 200, and 300 series. This broad compatibility makes it relevant to users with older systems who may not be able to use newer driver versions. Below is a detailed breakdown of the supported product lines:
- GeForce 300 Series: GT 330, GT 320, 315, GT 340, 310
- GeForce 200 Series: GTX 285, GT 230, 210, GT 240, 205, GT 220, GTX 295, GTX 280, GTX 275, GTS 250, GTX 260, GTS 240, G210
- GeForce 100 Series: GT 140, GT 120, GT 130, G 100
- GeForce 9 Series: 9500 GS, 9600 GSO, 9800 GX2, 9400 GT, 9300, 9800 GTX/GTX+, 9300 GS, 9200, 9800 GT, 9500 GT, 9400, 9100, 9300 GE, 9600 GS, 9600 GT
- GeForce 8 Series: 8500 GT, 8800 Ultra, 8400, 8200, 8800 GT, 8600 GS, 8600 GTS, 8800 GS, 8800 GTS, 8100 / nForce 720a, 8400 SE, 8300 GS, 8800 GTS 512, 8800 GTX, 8300, 8400 GS, 8600 GT
- GeForce 7 Series: 7300 GT, 7950 GT, 7300 GS, 7800 GS, 7100 / NVIDIA nForce 630i, 7100 GS, 7950 GX2, 7600 GT, 7300 SE / 7200 GS, 7900 GT/GTO, 7025 / NVIDIA nForce 630a, 7300 LE, 7050 PV / NVIDIA nForce 630a, 7550 LE, 7650 GS, 7900 GS, 7900 GTX, 7050 / NVIDIA nForce 630i, 7800 SLI, 7600 LE, 7800 GTX, 7500 LE, 7150 / NVIDIA nForce 630i, 7050 / NVIDIA nForce 610i, 7100 / NVIDIA nForce 620i, 7350 LE, 7600 GS
- GeForce 6 Series: 6600 GT, 6800 LE, 6150LE / Quadro NVS 210S, 6150 LE, 6150SE nForce 430, 6100 nForce 420, 6500, 6200 TurboCache, 6800 GS, 6150, 6200 LE, 6800 Ultra, 6250, 6600 LE, 6100 nForce 405, 6700 XL, 6200SE TurboCache, 6610 XL, 6100 nForce 400, 6100, 6800 XT, 6600, 6200 A-LE, 6800, 6800 XE, 6600 VE, 6800 GS/XT, 6800 GT, 6200
- ION Series: ION, ION LE
Download Links
Here are several download links for the Nvidia GeForce Graphics Driver 197.57 Beta for Windows Vista/7 64-bit:
- TechSpot: https://www.techspot.com/drivers/driver/file/information/13634/
- Softpedia: (Please note that due to the age of this driver, a direct download link may no longer be available. However, you can search on Softpedia using the driver name and version to see if it is archived.)
- Guru3D: (Similar to Softpedia, Guru3D may have archived versions. Search their driver database.)
- Nvidia Official Website (Archive): While Nvidia may not directly host this specific beta driver on their main download page, you can sometimes find older drivers within their driver archive. Try searching their site.
- DriverGuide: DriverGuide is a database of drivers that often includes older or beta releases. Search for "Nvidia GeForce 197.57 Beta".
Important Considerations Before Installation:
- System Backup: Before installing any driver, especially a beta version, it is highly recommended to create a system backup or restore point. This allows you to easily revert to your previous configuration if you encounter issues with the new driver.
- Read Release Notes: If available, review the release notes associated with the driver. These notes often contain important information about known issues, compatibility notes, and any specific installation instructions.
- Clean Installation: Consider performing a clean installation of the driver. This involves uninstalling the previous driver and any associated Nvidia software before installing the new driver. This can help prevent conflicts and ensure a smoother installation process.
- Beta Driver Risks: Remember that beta drivers are not officially supported and may contain bugs. If you experience instability or other issues after installing the driver, consider reverting to a previous WHQL-certified driver.
Conclusion
The Nvidia GeForce Graphics Driver 197.57 Beta served a specific purpose: providing optimized support for the APB beta on older Nvidia graphics cards. For users not involved in the APB beta or who were already satisfied with the 197.45 WHQL driver, this beta release likely offered little benefit. However, for those needing the APB support, it was a crucial update. Always exercise caution when installing beta drivers and prioritize system stability.