This article provides an overview of the Nvidia GeForce Ion Graphics Drivers 260.63 Beta, specifically designed for 32-bit versions of Windows XP. This driver release, part of the Release 260 family, offers a range of enhancements and new features for a broad spectrum of Nvidia GPUs, including both GeForce and ION series. Understanding the capabilities and improvements offered by this driver is crucial for users looking to optimize their system’s performance and take advantage of the latest technologies.
Overview of Release 260.63 Beta
The Nvidia GeForce Ion Graphics Drivers 260.63 Beta represent a significant update aimed at improving the user experience for owners of older Nvidia graphics cards. Being a beta release, users should be aware that it might contain some instability compared to WHQL (Windows Hardware Quality Labs) certified drivers. However, beta drivers often provide access to the newest features and performance improvements ahead of their official stable releases.
This driver package supports a wide range of Nvidia desktop GPUs, spanning from the GeForce 6 series to the 400 series, and also includes support for ION desktop GPUs. This extensive compatibility makes it a valuable update for users with older systems who want to ensure their hardware is running with the latest available software optimizations.
Supported GPU Families:
- GeForce 6 Series
- GeForce 7 Series
- GeForce 8 Series
- GeForce 9 Series
- GeForce 100 Series
- GeForce 200 Series
- GeForce 300 Series
- GeForce 400 Series
- ION Desktop GPUs
Key Features and Improvements
The Nvidia GeForce Ion Graphics Drivers 260.63 Beta introduces several noteworthy features and improvements, including new GPU support, performance enhancements, and updated multimedia capabilities.
New GPU Support
The most prominent addition is the support for the newly released GeForce GTS 450 GPU. This inclusion allows users who recently upgraded to this card to immediately benefit from optimized drivers, ensuring compatibility and optimal performance.
Performance Enhancements
A key focus of this release is improving performance, particularly for GeForce GTX 400 series GPUs. Compared to the v258.96 WHQL drivers, the 260.63 Beta offers noticeable performance gains in several popular PC games. It’s important to note that the specific improvements will vary depending on the GPU model and the overall system configuration.
Performance Gains Examples (Windows 7):
- GeForce GTX 480:
- Up to 10% in StarCraft II (2560×1600 4xAA/16xAF Ultra)
- Up to 14% in S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Call of Pripyat (1920×1200 4xAA/16xAF)
- Up to 16% in S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Call of Pripyat (SLI – 2560×1600 4xAA/16xAF)
- Up to 6% in Aliens vs. Predator (SLI – 1920×1200 noAA – Tessellation on)
- GeForce GTX 460:
- Up to 19% in StarCraft II (SLI – 1920×1200 4xAA/16xAF Ultra)
- Up to 15% in Battlefield Bad Company 2 (SLI – 2560×1600 4xAA/16xAF)
- Up to 12% in S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Call of Pripyat (2560×1600 noAA)
- Up to 9% in Aliens vs. Predator (1680×1050 4xAA/16xAF – Tessellation on)
- Up to 7% in Metro 2033 (1680×1050 noAA – Tessellation on)
- Up to 11% in Dirt 2 (SLI – 2560×1600 4xAA/16xAF)
- Up to 12% in Crysis:Warhead (SLI – 1920×1200 4xAA/16xAF Gamer)
- Up to 13% in Far Cry 2 (2560×1600 4xAA/16xAF)
- Up to 12% in H.A.W.X (SLI – 1920×1200 4xAA/16xAF SSAO Very High)
- Up to 5% in Just Cause 2 (1920×1200 4xAA/16xAF)
- Up to 22% in Riddick: Assault on Dark Athena (1920×1200 noAA)
- Up to 5% in 3DMark Vantage (Extreme Preset)
These performance improvements are significant for gamers, potentially translating to smoother gameplay, higher frame rates, and improved visual fidelity.
Blu-ray 3D Support
The driver adds support for playing back Blu-ray 3D discs when connecting your GPU to an HDMI 1.4 3D TV. However, playback requires compatible software applications from CyberLink, ArcSoft, Roxio, or Corel. Users should consult the NVIDIA Blu-ray 3D website for more information on compatibility.
HD Audio Enhancements
This release brings several enhancements to HD audio capabilities:
- Lossless DTS-HD Master Audio and Dolby TrueHD audio bitstreaming support for compatible Blu-ray movies with GeForce GTX 460 GPUs.
- High-definition 24-bit, 96 and 192 KHz multi-channel audio sampling rate support for compatible Blu-ray movies with GeForce GTX 400 Series, GT 240, GT 220, and 210 GPUs.
- Upgrade to HD Audio driver version 1.1.9.0.
Note: A Blu-ray movie player update may be required to enable these new features; check with your movie players software manufacturers for more details. These features are only supported on Windows 7.
Installation Process
The driver installer features an enhanced user interface with new Express and Custom installation options:
- Express: A fast and easy one-click installation.
- Custom: Allows for customized installation with options to:
- Perform a clean installation (completely removes older drivers).
- Choose which driver components (e.g., PhysX or 3D Vision) to install.
- Improved installation time for multi-GPU PCs.
NVIDIA Surround Updates
The NVIDIA Surround setup wizard has been updated with several improvements:
- The wizard allows users to jump to any setup step after the initial setup.
- Improved display connection diagrams and tooltips.
- Improved UI for setup and arrangement of displays.
- Improved bezel correction setup experience.
- A help page highlights which in-game resolution to select (e.g., how to pick bezel-corrected resolutions).
- Option to dedicate an extra GPU to PhysX or to drive an additional display.
- Allows for portrait or landscape setup directly from the setup wizard.
NVIDIA 3D Vision Updates
The installation process for 3D Vision has been changed with the Release 260 drivers. Refer to the knowledge base article for more information. New features include:
- NVIDIA 3D Vision streaming support for Firefox 4 and Google Chrome web browsers.
- Support for Sony’s 3D Sweep Panorama picture format in NVIDIA 3D Photo Viewer.
- Support for new 3D Vision Desktop LCD monitors: BenQ X2410 and NEC F23W2A.
- Support for new 3D Vision projectors: Sanyo PDG-DWL2500 and ViewSonic PJD6251.
- Added and updated 3D Vision game profiles for numerous titles.
Other Improvements
Additional enhancements include:
- Upgrades PhysX System Software to version 9.10.0514.
- Improves compatibility for older PC games (DirectX 7 to DirectX 9) running on Windows 7.
- Adds drag and drop display arrangement support to the "Set up multiple displays" page.
- Includes numerous bug fixes (refer to the release notes for details).
Additional Information
The Nvidia GeForce Ion Graphics Drivers 260.63 Beta also offers:
- Support for GPU-accelerated features in Adobe CS5.
- GPU-acceleration for smoother online HD videos with Adobe Flash 10.1.
- Support for the new version of MotionDSP’s video enhancement software, vReveal.
- Support for DirectCompute with Windows 7 and GeForce 8-series and later GPUs.
- Support for OpenCL 1.0 for all GeForce 8-series and later GPUs.
- Support for OpenGL 3.3 for GeForce 8-series and later GPUs.
- Support for single GPU and NVIDIA SLI technology on DirectX 9, DirectX 10, DirectX 11, and OpenGL.
- Support for GPU overclocking and temperature monitoring by installing NVIDIA System Tools software.
Downloading the Drivers
You can download the Nvidia GeForce Ion Graphics Drivers 260.63 Beta for Windows XP 32-bit from the following link:
Alternative Download Links:
While the primary download link provides a direct source for obtaining the drivers, it’s always prudent to have alternative options available. Here are five additional sources where you might find the Nvidia GeForce Ion Graphics Drivers 260.63 Beta:
- Softpedia: https://drivers.softpedia.com/get/Graphics-Board/Nvidia/Nvidia-GeForce-ION-Graphics-Driver-260-63-Beta.shtml
- Guru3D: https://www.guru3d.com/files-details/nvidia-geforce-260-63-beta-driver-download.html
- DriverGuide: (Requires membership, proceed with caution) – Search for "Nvidia GeForce Ion Graphics Drivers 260.63 Beta"
- FileHorse: (Check for availability) – Search for "Nvidia GeForce Ion Graphics Drivers 260.63 Beta"
- MajorGeeks: (Check for availability) – Search for "Nvidia GeForce Ion Graphics Drivers 260.63 Beta"
Disclaimer: Always exercise caution when downloading files from third-party websites. Ensure the source is reputable and scan the downloaded file with an antivirus program before installation.
Conclusion
The Nvidia GeForce Ion Graphics Drivers 260.63 Beta for Windows XP 32-bit offers a comprehensive update for a wide range of Nvidia graphics cards. With its performance enhancements, new features, and improved installation process, it’s a worthwhile upgrade for users seeking to optimize their system’s performance and take advantage of the latest technologies. Remember to back up your existing drivers before installing beta versions to ensure a smooth transition.