This article provides information about the Nvidia GeForce Graphics Driver 295.73, specifically designed for users of the Windows XP 64-bit operating system. Released on February 21, 2012, this driver represents the first WHQL (Windows Hardware Quality Labs) certified release from the R295 driver family. It was highly recommended for GeForce users at the time, especially those engaging with popular PC games like Diablo III, Mass Effect 3, and The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. This driver aimed to deliver enhanced performance and improved visual quality, backed by Microsoft’s WHQL certification.
Key Highlights of the GeForce Graphics Driver 295.73
The GeForce Graphics Driver 295.73 brought several key improvements and features to enhance the gaming and overall user experience. As the first WHQL-certified driver in the R295 family, it signified a stable and reliable option for users seeking the best performance from their Nvidia GeForce graphics cards on Windows XP 64-bit.
R295 Driver Family Overview
The R295 family of drivers focused on delivering performance optimizations and new features for Nvidia GeForce graphics cards. The 295.73 release specifically targeted users playing the latest games, offering improvements tailored to those titles.
Performance Enhancements
This driver aimed to boost performance across various applications and games. While specific performance gains varied depending on the game and hardware configuration, the driver generally provided a more optimized experience compared to previous releases.
Nvidia SLI Technology
Nvidia SLI (Scalable Link Interface) technology allows users to combine multiple Nvidia graphics cards to increase rendering power. The 295.73 driver included updates and improvements for SLI configurations, further enhancing performance in supported games and applications. It’s important to note that advanced SLI features like Quad SLI, 3-way SLI, Hybrid SLI, and SLI multi-monitor support were not available on Windows XP 64-bit and were limited to Windows Vista and Windows 7.
Nvidia PhysX Support
Nvidia PhysX is a physics engine that adds realistic environmental interactions and effects to games. The 295.73 driver included updates to the PhysX engine, improving the visual fidelity and realism of games that utilize PhysX technology.
HD Audio Support
The driver also included updates for HD Audio, ensuring proper audio output and compatibility with various audio devices.
Other Details
The 295.73 driver likely included various bug fixes and minor improvements to enhance the overall user experience. However, specific details on these changes were not readily available in the original release notes.
Supported Products
While the original document did not explicitly list all supported products, it’s safe to assume that the GeForce Graphics Driver 295.73 supported a wide range of Nvidia GeForce graphics cards available at the time of its release. These likely included:
- GeForce 600 Series
- GeForce 500 Series
- GeForce 400 Series
- GeForce 300 Series
- GeForce 200 Series
- GeForce 100 Series
- GeForce 9 Series
- GeForce 8 Series
It is always recommended to consult the official Nvidia website or the driver’s release notes for a complete list of supported products.
Downloading the Nvidia GeForce Graphics Driver 295.73
The Nvidia GeForce Graphics Driver 295.73 for Windows XP 64-bit can be downloaded from the following link:
Alternative Download Links:
Due to the age of this driver, finding direct download links can be challenging. Here are some alternative sources where you might be able to locate the driver:
- Softpedia: Often archives older drivers. Search for "Nvidia GeForce Driver 295.73 Windows XP 64-bit" on their website.
- Guru3D: Another reputable source for graphics drivers. Similar search as above.
- Filehippo: May have older driver versions available for download.
- DriverGuide: Requires registration, but can be a repository for legacy drivers.
- Nvidia Legacy Driver Search: While Nvidia may not directly host it, their driver search page for legacy drivers might point you to a mirror.
Disclaimer: Always exercise caution when downloading files from third-party websites. Ensure the source is reputable and scan the downloaded file for viruses before installation.
Installation Instructions
- Download the driver: Download the "295.73-desktop-winxp-64bit-english-whql.exe" file from the provided link.
- Run the installer: Double-click the downloaded file to begin the installation process.
- Follow the on-screen instructions: The installer will guide you through the steps to install the driver.
- Restart your computer: Once the installation is complete, restart your computer to apply the changes.
Importance of WHQL Certification
WHQL certification is a process by which Microsoft tests and certifies that a driver meets certain quality standards. A WHQL-certified driver is considered to be more stable and reliable than an uncertified driver. The fact that the Nvidia GeForce Graphics Driver 295.73 was WHQL-certified provided users with confidence that the driver had been thoroughly tested and was less likely to cause problems.
Conclusion
The Nvidia GeForce Graphics Driver 295.73 for Windows XP 64-bit represented a significant update for GeForce users at the time of its release. As the first WHQL-certified driver from the R295 family, it offered enhanced performance, improved stability, and support for the latest games. While this driver is now quite old, it remains a valuable resource for users who are still running Windows XP 64-bit and want to get the most out of their Nvidia GeForce graphics cards. Remember to always download drivers from reputable sources and scan them for viruses before installation. The Nvidia GeForce Graphics Driver 295.73 was a step forward in optimizing the user experience on Windows XP 64-bit systems.