This article provides information regarding the Nvidia GeForce Ion Graphics Driver 285.58 for Windows XP 64-bit. This driver package, a Release 285 family release, offers improvements and support for a wide range of Nvidia GPUs. It’s crucial to understand the features, supported products, and how this driver impacts your system.
Overview of the GeForce 285.58 Driver
The Nvidia GeForce Ion Graphics Driver 285.58 for Windows XP 64-bit is a significant release because it marks the first WHQL (Windows Hardware Quality Labs) certified driver within the Release 285 family. WHQL certification indicates that the driver has undergone rigorous testing by Microsoft and meets specific quality standards, ensuring stability and compatibility with the Windows XP 64-bit operating system. For a more comprehensive overview of the Release 285 driver family, refer to GeForce.com.
Supported Graphics Cards
This driver package is designed to support a broad spectrum of Nvidia desktop GPUs, spanning multiple generations. Specifically, it includes support for the following series:
- GeForce 6 Series
- GeForce 7 Series
- GeForce 8 Series
- GeForce 9 Series
- GeForce 100 Series
- GeForce 200 Series
- GeForce 300 Series
- GeForce 400 Series
- GeForce 500 Series
- ION Desktop GPUs
A detailed list of supported products is provided below:
GeForce 500 Series:
GeForce GTX 590, GeForce GTX 580, GeForce GTX 570, GeForce GTX 560 Ti, GeForce GTX 560, GeForce GTX 550 Ti, GeForce GT 545, GeForce GT 530, GeForce GT 520
GeForce 400 Series:
GeForce GTX 480, GeForce GTX 470, GeForce GTX 465, GeForce GTX 460 SE v2, GeForce GTX 460 SE, GeForce GTX 460, GeForce GTS 450, GeForce GT 440, GeForce GT 430, GeForce GT 420, GeForce 405
GeForce 300 Series:
GeForce GT 340, GeForce GT 330, GeForce GT 320, GeForce 315, GeForce 310
GeForce 200 Series:
GeForce GTX 295, GeForce GTX 285, GeForce GTX 280, GeForce GTX 275, GeForce GTX 260, GeForce GTS 250, GeForce GTS 240, GeForce GT 230, GeForce GT 240, GeForce GT 220, GeForce G210, GeForce 210, GeForce 205
GeForce 100 Series:
GeForce GT 140, GeForce GT 130, GeForce GT 120, GeForce G100
GeForce 9 Series:
GeForce 9800 GX2, GeForce 9800 GTX/GTX+, GeForce 9800 GT, GeForce 9600 GT, GeForce 9600 GSO, GeForce 9600 GSO 512, GeForce 9600 GS, GeForce 9500 GT, GeForce 9500 GS, GeForce 9400 GT, GeForce 9400, GeForce 9300 GS, GeForce 9300 GE, GeForce 9300 SE, GeForce 9300, GeForce 9200, GeForce 9100
GeForce 8 Series:
GeForce 8800 Ultra, GeForce 8800 GTX, GeForce 8800 GTS 512, GeForce 8800 GTS, GeForce 8800 GT, GeForce 8800 GS, GeForce 8600 GTS, GeForce 8600 GT, GeForce 8600 GS, GeForce 8500 GT, GeForce 8400 GS, GeForce 8400 SE, GeForce 8400, GeForce 8300 GS, GeForce 8300, GeForce 8200, GeForce 8200 /nForce 730a, GeForce 8100 /nForce 720a
GeForce 7 Series:
GeForce 7025 / NVIDIA nForce 630a, GeForce 7050 PV / NVIDIA nForce 630a, GeForce 7050 / NVIDIA nForce 610i, GeForce 7050 / NVIDIA nForce 630i, GeForce 7100 / NVIDIA nForce 630i, GeForce 7100 / NVIDIA nForce 620i, GeForce 7100 GS, GeForce 7150 / NVIDIA nForce 630i, GeForce 7300 SE / 7200 GS, GeForce 7300 LE, GeForce 7300 GS, GeForce 7300 GT, GeForce 7350 LE, GeForce 7500 LE, GeForce 7550 LE, GeForce 7600 LE, GeForce 7600 GS, GeForce 7600 GT, GeForce 7650 GS, GeForce 7800 GS, GeForce 7800 GTX, GeForce 7800 SLI, GeForce 7900 GS, GeForce 7900 GT/GTO, GeForce 7900 GTX, GeForce 7950 GT, GeForce 7950 GX2
GeForce 6 Series:
GeForce 6100, GeForce 6100 nForce 400, GeForce 6100 nForce 405, GeForce 6100 nForce 420, GeForce 6150, GeForce 6150 LE, GeForce 6150LE / Quadro NVS 210S, GeForce 6150SE nForce 430, GeForce 6200, GeForce 6200 A-LE, GeForce 6200 LE, GeForce 6200 TurboCache(TM), GeForce 6200SE TurboCache(TM), GeForce 6250, GeForce 6500, GeForce 6600, GeForce 6600 GT, GeForce 6600 LE, GeForce 6600 VE, GeForce 6610 XL, GeForce 6700 XL, GeForce 6800, GeForce 6800 GS, GeForce 6800 GS/XT, GeForce 6800 GT, GeForce 6800 LE, GeForce 6800 Ultra, GeForce 6800 XE, GeForce 6800 XT
Key Improvements in R285 Drivers
The R285 driver family brought several enhancements across different areas, notably performance, PhysX, SLI, HD Audio, and OpenGL. While the specific details of these improvements are not provided in the original article, it’s important to note the general categories where changes were made.
Performance:
The driver aimed to boost performance, particularly for GeForce 400 and 500-series GPUs, compared to the older v280.26 WHQL drivers. These performance gains were observed in various PC games on Windows 7. Actual results would vary depending on the specific GPU model and system configuration.
Nvidia PhysX:
Improvements and updates were made to the Nvidia PhysX engine, which handles realistic physics simulations in games.
Nvidia SLI:
The driver included enhancements related to Nvidia’s Scalable Link Interface (SLI) technology, which allows users to combine multiple Nvidia GPUs for increased graphics processing power.
HD Audio:
Updates and improvements were implemented for HD Audio functionality related to Nvidia GPUs.
OpenGL:
Enhancements were made to OpenGL support, benefiting applications and games that utilize this graphics API.
Downloading the Driver
You can download the Nvidia GeForce Ion Graphics Driver 285.58 for Windows XP 64-bit from the following link:
Alternative Download Links:
Due to the age of this driver, finding official download links can be challenging. Here are some alternative sources where you might find the driver:
- Softpedia: (Please search on Softpedia for the specific driver version, as direct links may change.)
- Guru3D: (Check Guru3D’s driver archive for older Nvidia drivers.)
- Nvidia Driver Archive: While not always comprehensive for older drivers, it’s worth checking Nvidia’s official driver archive on their website.
- DriverGuide: (DriverGuide can sometimes host older drivers, but exercise caution and scan any downloaded files.)
- Station-Drivers: (This site specializes in drivers, including older versions.)
Disclaimer: Always exercise caution when downloading drivers from third-party websites. Ensure that you scan any downloaded files with a reputable antivirus program before installation.
Installing the Driver
Before installing the Nvidia GeForce Ion Graphics Driver 285.58 for Windows XP 64-bit, it’s recommended to uninstall any previous Nvidia drivers. You can do this through the Windows Control Panel, under "Add or Remove Programs" (or "Programs and Features"). After uninstalling the old driver, restart your computer.
To install the new driver, run the downloaded executable file. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation process. A system restart may be required after installation.
Important Considerations
- Operating System: This driver is specifically designed for Windows XP 64-bit. Installing it on other operating systems may cause compatibility issues.
- System Requirements: Ensure that your system meets the minimum requirements for the driver and the supported graphics card.
- Backup: It’s always a good practice to create a system backup or restore point before installing new drivers. This allows you to revert to a previous state if any issues arise.
- WHQL Certification: As a WHQL-certified driver, the Nvidia GeForce Ion Graphics Driver 285.58 for Windows XP 64-bit is generally considered stable and reliable. However, issues can still occur, so it’s important to monitor your system after installation.
- Driver Updates: While this driver was current at the time of its release, newer drivers may be available for your graphics card. Consider checking the Nvidia website for more recent driver versions, especially if you are experiencing compatibility issues or performance problems.
The Nvidia GeForce Ion Graphics Driver 285.58 for Windows XP 64-bit is a significant release, providing WHQL-certified stability and improvements for a wide range of Nvidia GPUs. Understanding its features, supported products, and installation process will help you optimize your system’s graphics performance.