Nvidia GeForce/Ion Graphics Driver 257.15 Beta for Windows XP 64-bit

This article provides a comprehensive overview of the Nvidia GeForce/Ion Graphics Driver 257.15 Beta, specifically designed for users of Windows XP 64-bit operating systems. This driver represents a significant update within the Release 256 family of drivers (versions 256.xx to 259.xx) and offers a range of enhancements, new features, and bug fixes aimed at improving the performance and stability of Nvidia GeForce and ION-based graphics cards. This driver package supports a broad spectrum of Nvidia GPUs, encompassing the GeForce 6, 7, 8, 9, 100, 200, 300, and 400 series desktop GPUs, as well as ION desktop GPUs.

Key Features and Enhancements in Driver 257.15

The Nvidia GeForce/Ion Graphics Driver 257.15 Beta introduces several notable improvements and new capabilities. Let’s delve into the specifics:

PhysX System Software Update

This driver release includes an upgrade to the PhysX System Software, bringing it to version 9.10.0222. PhysX is Nvidia’s physics engine, used in many games to create realistic and interactive environments. Updating to the latest version ensures compatibility with the newest PhysX-enabled games and can potentially improve performance and visual fidelity in these titles.

OpenGL 4.0 Support for GeForce GTX 400 Series

A major highlight of this driver is the addition of OpenGL 4.0 support for the GeForce GTX 400 series GPUs. OpenGL is a cross-language, cross-platform API for rendering 2D and 3D vector graphics. OpenGL 4.0 brought significant advancements in rendering capabilities, allowing developers to create more visually stunning and complex applications and games. This support unlocks new potential for users with GeForce GTX 400 series cards, enabling them to experience the latest OpenGL-powered content.

CUDA Toolkit 3.1 Support

The driver incorporates support for CUDA Toolkit 3.1, which brings significant performance improvements, particularly for double-precision math operations. CUDA (Compute Unified Device Architecture) is Nvidia’s parallel computing platform and programming model that allows developers to harness the power of Nvidia GPUs for general-purpose computing tasks. CUDA Toolkit 3.1 enhances the efficiency and speed of calculations, benefiting applications in fields such as scientific research, engineering, and finance. More detailed information on CUDA can be found on the CUDA Zone website.

Enhanced NVIDIA Control Panel

The Nvidia GeForce/Ion Graphics Driver 257.15 Beta introduces a redesigned NVIDIA Control Panel with dedicated setup pages for SLI (Scalable Link Interface) and PhysX configurations. This allows users to exert greater control over multi-GPU setups, optimizing performance and customizing the PhysX experience. The revamped control panel simplifies the process of managing SLI and PhysX settings, making it easier for users to fine-tune their systems for optimal performance.

Furthermore, a new feature within the NVIDIA Control Panel provides granular control over CUDA GPUs. This feature empowers users to specify which GPU should be utilized for each CUDA application. This level of control allows for efficient resource allocation and ensures that CUDA-enabled applications are running on the most suitable GPU for the task at hand.

Bug Fixes and Stability Improvements

Beyond the new features, the 257.15 driver incorporates numerous bug fixes, enhancing the overall stability and reliability of the driver. These fixes address various issues that may have been present in previous driver versions, providing a smoother and more consistent user experience. For a comprehensive list of the bug fixes included in this release, users are encouraged to consult the release notes provided on the documentation tab.

HD Audio Driver

The installation of the Nvidia GeForce/Ion Graphics Driver 257.15 Beta also includes the HD Audio driver version 1.0.9.1 for supported GPUs. This ensures proper audio output functionality for graphics cards equipped with integrated HD audio controllers.

Adobe CS5 and Flash 10.1 Acceleration

The driver supports GPU-accelerated features in Adobe Creative Suite 5 (CS5), enabling faster and more efficient performance in applications such as Photoshop, Premiere Pro, and After Effects. Additionally, it supports GPU acceleration for smoother online HD video playback with Adobe Flash 10.1. This enhancement improves the viewing experience on websites that utilize Flash for video streaming, reducing buffering and ensuring smooth playback.

MotionDSP vReveal Support

The driver supports the new version of MotionDSP’s video enhancement software, vReveal, which adds support for HD output. NVIDIA customers can download a free version of vReveal that supports up to SD output. This allows users to enhance the quality of their videos, improving clarity, reducing noise, and sharpening details.

OpenCL and OpenGL Support

The driver provides support for OpenCL 1.0 (Open Computing Language) for all GeForce 8-series and later GPUs. OpenCL is a framework for writing programs that execute across heterogeneous platforms consisting of CPUs, GPUs, and other processors. It also supports OpenGL 3.2 for GeForce 8-series and later GPUs, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of graphics applications and games.

Single GPU and NVIDIA SLI Technology

The driver supports both single GPU configurations and NVIDIA SLI technology on DirectX 9 and OpenGL. SLI allows multiple Nvidia graphics cards to be linked together to improve performance, particularly in demanding games and applications.

GPU Overclocking and Temperature Monitoring

By installing the NVIDIA System Tools software, users can take advantage of GPU overclocking and temperature monitoring features. This allows for fine-tuning of the GPU’s clock speeds and monitoring of its temperature, enabling users to optimize performance and ensure stability.

Important Considerations and Limitations

It’s important to note that certain SLI features are only supported on Windows Vista and Windows 7 operating systems. These features include Quad SLI technology using GeForce 9800 GX2 or GeForce GTX 295, 3-way SLI technology, Hybrid SLI, and SLI multi-monitor support. Users running Windows XP 64-bit will not have access to these specific SLI capabilities.

Driver Download Links

To download the Nvidia GeForce/Ion Graphics Driver 257.15 Beta for Windows XP 64-bit, you can use the following links:

• TechSpot: https://www.techspot.com/drivers/driver/file/information/13780/

• Alternative Download Link 1: https://www.nvidia.com/object/winxp-64bit-257.15-beta-driver.html

• Alternative Download Link 2: https://drivers.softpedia.com/get/Graphics-Board/NVIDIA/NVIDIA-GeForce-ION-Graphics-Driver-257-15-Beta.shtml

• Alternative Download Link 3: https://www.guru3d.com/files/file/2611-geforce-25715-beta-xp-vista-win7/

• Alternative Download Link 4: https://www.filehorse.com/download-nvidia-geforce-driver-64/old-versions/ (Choose version 257.15)

• Alternative Download Link 5: (Please note that finding direct links for older drivers can be challenging. Users may need to search archive websites or driver repositories)

Conclusion

The Nvidia GeForce/Ion Graphics Driver 257.15 Beta for Windows XP 64-bit offers a valuable update for users of Nvidia GeForce and ION graphics cards. With its enhancements to PhysX, OpenGL, CUDA, and the NVIDIA Control Panel, along with numerous bug fixes, this driver provides a more refined and optimized experience for gaming, content creation, and general computing tasks. While certain SLI features are limited to newer operating systems, the driver remains a significant upgrade for Windows XP 64-bit users seeking to maximize the performance and capabilities of their Nvidia graphics hardware.