This article provides information about the Nvidia GeForce Ion Graphics Driver version 197.44, a WHQL-certified driver for Windows XP, offering support for OpenGL 4.0 and 3.3. This driver also includes Linux drivers version 195.36.07.04. It’s important to understand the features and hardware compatibility of this driver to ensure optimal performance and functionality.
OpenGL 4.0 and 3.3 Support: What’s New?
The Nvidia GeForce Ion Graphics Driver 197.44 brings significant updates to OpenGL support, specifically incorporating OpenGL 4.0 and 3.3 capabilities, along with their respective GLSL (OpenGL Shading Language) versions 4.00 and 3.30. OpenGL is a cross-language, cross-platform API (Application Programming Interface) for rendering 2D and 3D vector graphics. These updates introduce new features and extensions, enhancing the visual fidelity and performance of applications that utilize OpenGL.
Hardware Compatibility
It’s crucial to verify that your NVIDIA graphics card is compatible with the driver to unlock the full potential of OpenGL 4.0 and 3.3.
OpenGL 4.0 and GLSL 4.00:
- To access OpenGL 4.0 and GLSL 4.00 functionality, you need a GPU based on the Fermi architecture.
OpenGL 3.3 and GLSL 3.30:
The following graphics cards are compatible with OpenGL 3.3 and GLSL 3.30:
- Desktop:
- Quadro FX 370, 570, 1700, 3700, 4600, 4700×2, 4800, 5600, 5800, Quadro VX200, Quadro CX
- GeForce 8000 series or higher; GeForce G100, GT120, 130, 220, GTS 150, GTS 250, GT310, 320, 330, 340, GeForce GTX 260 and higher, any ION based products.
- Notebook:
- Quadro FX 360M, 370M, 570M, 770M, 1600M, 1700M, 2700M, 2800M, 3600M, 3700M, 3800M
- GeForce 8000 series or higher
New OpenGL Extensions
This driver introduces new extensions for different OpenGL versions, enhancing the functionality and capabilities of the graphics API.
OpenGL 2 Capable Hardware:
The following extensions are provided for 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:
The following extensions are provided for 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.
Understanding OpenGL Profiles: Core vs. Compatibility
With OpenGL 3.2 and later, the OpenGL ARB introduced the concept of profiles: "Core" and "Compatibility."
-
Core Profile: Builds on top of OpenGL 3.1 (without ARB_compatibility) and does not support any deprecated features.
-
Compatibility Profile: Builds on top of OpenGL 3.1 including ARB_compatibility and has full support for all features, including deprecated ones.
NVIDIA recommends that developers always create a Compatibility profile context to ensure full backwards compatibility of existing OpenGL code. The Nvidia GeForce Ion Graphics Driver supports both profiles in OpenGL 4.0.
Deprecation and Backwards Compatibility
The OpenGL ARB introduced a deprecation mechanism with OpenGL 3.0. Deprecation means a feature is marked for removal in a future version. While not removed in OpenGL 3.0, it signals potential future removal. OpenGL 3.1 removed features deprecated in OpenGL 3.0.
To address the need for both new functionality and support for removed features, the ARB_compatibility extension was created. This extension re-introduces all removed functionality back into core OpenGL 3.1. NVIDIA supports this extension across all its OpenGL 3 capable offerings, ensuring backwards compatibility. NVIDIA has no plans to drop support for any version of OpenGL on its existing and future hardware. As a result, all currently shipping applications will continue to work on NVIDIA’s existing and future hardware.
Context Creation
To use OpenGL 3.0 and later versions, applications should "opt in" using the CreateContextAttribsARB function (for WGL and GLX, defined in the WGL/GLX_ARB_create_context extensions). This allows requesting a context that supports OpenGL 3 or 4. For OpenGL 3.2 and later, including OpenGL 4.0, you must also specify the desired profile: "Core" or "Compatibility."
The older WGL/GLXCreateContext API still functions, creating an OpenGL 4.0 Compatibility profile.
OpenGL 4.0 and NVIDIA Hardware
The features in OpenGL 4 require a Fermi GPU. OpenGL 4 is not supported on NV3x, NV4x, G7x, G8x, nor GT2xx hardware. You need a Fermi-based NVIDIA graphics accelerator to use OpenGL 4. NVIDIA guarantees full performance and support for deprecated features, ensuring that the ARB_compatibility extension and Compatibility profile operate at maximum performance.
Driver Download
You can download the Nvidia GeForce Ion Graphics Driver version 197.44 for Windows XP from the following link:
Alternative Download Links
Here are five alternative download links for the Nvidia GeForce Ion Graphics Driver or similar driver versions that may be suitable for your system:
- Softpedia (Note: This link might not be the exact version but provides alternative NVIDIA drivers for Windows XP)
- Guru3D (Again, this provides alternative older NVIDIA drivers; always check compatibility)
- NVIDIA Official Archive (Search for legacy drivers compatible with your hardware; exact version may not be available)
- DriverGuide (Requires registration; provides a vast database of drivers, search with your card and OS.)
- MajorGeeks (Another source of older drivers; use with caution and verify compatibility.)
Disclaimer: Please exercise caution when downloading drivers from third-party websites. Always verify the file’s authenticity and scan it for viruses before installation. Ensure the driver is compatible with your specific NVIDIA graphics card and Windows XP operating system.