Nvidia GeForce Ion Graphics Driver with OpenGL 4.0 197.44 for Windows Vista / 7 64-bit

This article provides information regarding the Nvidia GeForce Ion Graphics Driver version 197.44, a WHQL-certified driver for Windows Vista and Windows 7 64-bit operating systems. This driver release is significant due to its comprehensive support for the OpenGL graphics API, specifically versions 4.0 and 3.3, along with their corresponding shading languages, GLSL 4.00 and GLSL 3.30.

Understanding OpenGL and its Significance

OpenGL (Open Graphics Library) is a cross-language, cross-platform API for rendering 2D and 3D vector graphics. It’s a fundamental technology used in a vast array of applications, including video games, CAD software, scientific visualization tools, and many more. The OpenGL API allows software developers to interact directly with the graphics processing unit (GPU) to achieve high-performance rendering.

The release of the Nvidia GeForce Ion Graphics Driver 197.44 with OpenGL 4.0 support marked an important step in the evolution of graphics technology. OpenGL 4.0 introduced a range of new features and capabilities, enabling developers to create more visually stunning and complex applications.

Key Features and Enhancements in Driver Version 197.44

The primary highlight of this driver release is its full support for OpenGL 4.0 and GLSL 4.00, alongside continued support for OpenGL 3.3 and GLSL 3.30. This means that applications designed to utilize these versions of OpenGL can leverage the full power of compatible Nvidia graphics cards.

Hardware Compatibility

It’s crucial to understand which Nvidia GPUs are compatible with the OpenGL versions supported by this driver. Here’s a breakdown:

• OpenGL 4.0 and GLSL 4.00: To access these features, you need a Fermi-based GPU. Fermi was a microarchitecture developed by Nvidia, known for its improved performance and features compared to previous generations.

• OpenGL 3.3 and GLSL 3.30: A wider range of Nvidia GPUs are compatible with OpenGL 3.3. These include:

  • Desktop: Quadro FX 370, 570, 1700, 3700, 4600, 4700×2, 4800, 5600, 5800, Quadro VX200, Quadro CX, GeForce 8000 series or higher (including Geforce G100, GT120, 130, 220, GTS 150, GTS 250, GT310, 320, 330, 340, GeForce GTX 260 and higher), and any ION-based products. The inclusion of ION-based products makes this Nvidia GeForce Ion Graphics Driver particularly relevant for users with those systems.

  • Notebook: Quadro FX 360M, 370M, 570M, 770M, 1600M, 1700M, 2700M, 2800M, 3600M, 3700M, 3800M, and GeForce 8000 series or higher.

OpenGL Extensions

This driver also introduces new extensions to OpenGL, further expanding its capabilities. These extensions are categorized based on the OpenGL version they target:

• OpenGL 2 Capable Hardware:

  • ARB_texture_swizzle (also in core OpenGL 3.3)
  • ARB_sampler_objects (also in core OpenGL 3.3)
  • ARB_occlusion_query2 (also in core OpenGL 3.3)
  • ARB_timer_query (also in core OpenGL 3.3)
  • ARB_explicit_attrib_location (also in core OpenGL 3.3)

• OpenGL 4 Capable Hardware:

  • ARB_texture_compression_bptc
  • EXT_shader_image_load_store
  • EXT_vertex_attrib_64bit
  • NV_gpu_shader5
  • NV_gpu_program5
  • NV_tessellation_program5
  • NV_vertex_attrib_integer_64bit
  • NV_shader_buffer_store

For OpenGL 3 capable hardware, ARB extensions are provided for all features in OpenGL 3.3. For OpenGL 4 capable hardware, ARB extensions are provided for all features in OpenGL 3.3 and 4.0.

Deprecation and Compatibility

OpenGL has evolved significantly over time, and some older features have been marked for deprecation. Deprecation means that a feature is marked for removal from a future version of the OpenGL spec.

To address this, the OpenGL ARB (Architecture Review Board) introduced the "Compatibility" profile alongside the "Core" profile, starting with OpenGL 3.2. The "Core" profile focuses on newer, more efficient features, while the "Compatibility" profile includes deprecated features for backwards compatibility.

Nvidia recommends that developers create a Compatibility profile context to ensure that existing OpenGL code continues to function correctly. This Nvidia GeForce Ion Graphics Driver supports both Core and Compatibility profiles in OpenGL 4.0.

OpenGL 4 on NVIDIA Hardware: A Developer’s Perspective

The release information includes a FAQ section directly addressing common questions from developers regarding OpenGL 4 on Nvidia hardware. Here are some key takeaways:

• Using OpenGL 4 in Code: To utilize OpenGL 3.0 and later, applications must "opt in" using the CreateContextAttribsARB function (defined in the WGL/GLX_ARB_create_context extensions) to request a context supporting OpenGL 3 or 4. For OpenGL 3.2 and later, including 4.0, you must also specify whether you want the "Core" or "Compatibility" profile.

• Context Creation API: While the older WGL/GLXCreateContext API can still be used, it is recommended to use the newer CreateContextAttribsARB API for new code. The old API will create an OpenGL 4.0 Compatibility profile.

• Nvidia’s Commitment to Compatibility: Nvidia has stated that it has no plans to remove any features from OpenGL that its customers rely on. They fully support the ARB_compatibility extension and Compatibility profile, ensuring that existing applications continue to work on their hardware.

Download Information

You can download the Nvidia GeForce Ion Graphics Driver version 197.44 for Windows Vista / 7 64-bit from the following link:

Driver Download Link

Alternative Download Links:

Here are some alternative download links for the driver from other websites:

1. Softpedia: https://drivers.softpedia.com/get/GRAPHICS-BOARD/NVIDIA/NVIDIA-GeForce-ION-Graphics-Driver-197-44-for-Windows-Vista-7-64-bit.shtml
2. Guru3D: (check their driver archive, direct link might be outdated) https://www.guru3d.com/
3. DriverGuide: (requires account, use with caution) https://www.driverguide.com/
4. FileHorse: (check their driver archive, direct link might be outdated) https://www.filehorse.com/
5. MajorGeeks: (check their driver archive, direct link might be outdated) https://www.majorgeeks.com/

Conclusion

The Nvidia GeForce Ion Graphics Driver 197.44 represents a significant update for users of compatible Nvidia graphics cards, particularly those using OpenGL for graphics development. Its support for OpenGL 4.0 and 3.3, along with the inclusion of new extensions and a focus on backwards compatibility, makes it a valuable release for both developers and end-users. Remember to check the hardware compatibility list to ensure that your GPU is supported before installing the driver.