This article provides information about the Nvidia GeForce Graphics Driver v 296.10 specifically designed for the Windows XP 64-bit operating system. Released as the second WHQL-certified driver within the R295 family (versions 295.xx to 299.xx), this driver aimed to deliver enhanced performance and stability for GeForce graphics card users, particularly gamers enjoying popular titles of the time.
Driver Overview
The Nvidia GeForce Graphics Driver v 296.10 was released on March 13, 2012, and was intended as a recommended upgrade for all GeForce users running Windows XP 64-bit. Its primary goal was to provide optimized performance and visual fidelity for a range of games and applications. This WHQL (Windows Hardware Quality Labs) certification indicates that the driver has undergone rigorous testing by Microsoft and meets their standards for stability and compatibility, assuring users of a reliable experience.
Target Audience and Key Benefits
This driver was particularly beneficial for gamers actively playing titles such as:
- Blacklight: Retribution
- Diablo III
- Mass Effect 3
- The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
The Nvidia GeForce Graphics Driver v 296.10 promised to deliver GeForce-exclusive enhancements that improved both performance and visual quality within these and other compatible games. By upgrading to this driver, users could potentially experience smoother frame rates, improved graphical details, and a more immersive gaming experience overall.
R295 Driver Family Highlights
The R295 family of drivers, to which the Nvidia GeForce Graphics Driver v 296.10 belongs, focused on delivering improvements and new features compared to the previous R285 WHQL-certified driver. While specific details about the new features and improvements implemented are unavailable from the source, the emphasis was on enhancing performance and adding new capabilities to the GeForce graphics cards.
Supported Products
While a comprehensive list of supported products is unavailable from the original source, it can be assumed that the Nvidia GeForce Graphics Driver v 296.10 supported a wide range of GeForce graphics cards available at the time of its release. This would likely include cards from the GeForce 8 series, 9 series, 100 series, 200 series, 300 series, 400 series, and 500 series, among others. To ensure compatibility, users should always refer to the driver’s release notes or the Nvidia website for a complete list of supported graphics cards.
SLI Technology Considerations
It is important to note that certain SLI (Scalable Link Interface) features were limited to Windows Vista and Windows 7 operating systems. These features included:
- Quad SLI technology
- 3-way SLI technology
- Hybrid SLI
- SLI multi-monitor support
Users running Windows XP 64-bit would not have been able to take advantage of these specific SLI configurations with the Nvidia GeForce Graphics Driver v 296.10.
Downloading and Installing the Driver
To download the Nvidia GeForce Graphics Driver v 296.10 for Windows XP 64-bit, users could use the following link:
The filename for the driver is: 296.10-desktop-winxp-64bit-english-whql.exe
Alternative Download Links:
Because software can disappear from the internet, it is always good to have alternative download links. Here are five additional sources for the Nvidia GeForce Graphics Driver v 296.10 for Windows XP 64-bit, though availability cannot be guaranteed:
- archive.org (Wayback Machine): Search the Wayback Machine for the file name "296.10-desktop-winxp-64bit-english-whql.exe". This archive may contain a copy of the driver.
- Softpedia: Check Softpedia’s driver archive for the specified driver version.
- DriverGuide: Search DriverGuide for the Nvidia GeForce Graphics Driver v 296.10.
- Guru3D: Check Guru3D’s driver section, as they often archive older driver versions.
- Nvidia Legacy Drivers: While Nvidia may not directly host this specific version, it’s worth checking their legacy driver section.
Installation Instructions:
- Download the executable file (296.10-desktop-winxp-64bit-english-whql.exe) from the provided link or one of the alternatives.
- Double-click the downloaded file to begin the installation process.
- Follow the on-screen prompts to extract the driver files to a location on your hard drive.
- Once the files are extracted, the installation wizard will automatically launch.
- Follow the wizard’s instructions to complete the driver installation.
- It is recommended to restart your computer after the installation is complete to ensure that the changes take effect.
Disclaimer:
Please note that drivers are provided "as is" and users should exercise caution when installing them. Always back up your system before installing new drivers and ensure that the driver is compatible with your specific hardware and operating system. While WHQL certification offers a degree of assurance, it is still possible for issues to arise. Always consult the release notes and other relevant documentation before proceeding with the installation.
Conclusion:
The Nvidia GeForce Graphics Driver v 296.10 represented a significant update for GeForce users running Windows XP 64-bit in 2012. As a WHQL-certified driver, it aimed to deliver improved performance and stability, particularly for gamers enjoying popular titles of the time. By providing access to the driver download and relevant information, this article serves as a resource for users who may still be using this older operating system and require this specific driver version. Remember to always verify compatibility and exercise caution when installing any driver.