This article provides comprehensive information about the Nvidia GeForce Ion Graphics Drivers 260.99 WHQL release, specifically tailored for users running Windows Vista or Windows 7 64-bit operating systems. This driver package is a significant update within the Release 260 family, bringing with it performance enhancements, new features, and expanded compatibility for a wide range of Nvidia GPUs, including the Nvidia GeForce Ion Graphics Drivers.
Overview of Release 260 Drivers
The 260.99 WHQL (Windows Hardware Quality Labs) driver is the second WHQL-certified release in the 260 series. WHQL certification signifies that the driver has undergone rigorous testing by Microsoft and meets specific quality standards, ensuring stability and compatibility with the Windows operating system. As part of the broader Release 260 family, this driver builds upon previous improvements and introduces new functionalities designed to optimize the user experience across various applications and games. Users seeking a detailed understanding of the initial new features and performance enhancements introduced within the Release 260 family are encouraged to consult the information available here.
Supported GPUs
This driver package caters to a substantial range of Nvidia graphics cards, providing users with a unified driver solution. The supported GPUs include:
- GeForce 6 Series: 6800 GS/XT, 6800 LE, 6200SE TurboCache, 6610 XL, 6200 A-LE, 6800 GT, 6150SE nForce 430, 6100 nForce 400, 6200 LE, 6100 nForce 420, 6150, 6800, 6600, 6200, 6150LE / Quadro NVS 210S, 6800 GS, 6800 Ultra, 6800 XE, 6500, 6150 LE, 6600 LE, 6700 XL, 6800 XT, 6100 nForce 405, 6250, 6200 TurboCache, 6600 VE, 6600 GT, 6100
- GeForce 7 Series: 7100 / NVIDIA nForce 630i, 7025 / NVIDIA nForce 630a, 7550 LE, 7300 GT, 7800 GTX, 7900 GT/GTO, 7600 GS, 7600 GT, 7950 GT, 7350 LE, 7500 LE, 7300 GS, 7100 GS, 7300 LE, 7100 / NVIDIA nForce 620i, 7950 GX2, 7300 SE / 7200 GS, 7050 / NVIDIA nForce 630i, 7900 GTX, 7800 SLI, 7800 GS, 7900 GS, 7650 GS, 7150 / NVIDIA nForce 630i, 7050 PV / NVIDIA nForce 630a, 7600 LE, 7050 / NVIDIA nForce 610i
- GeForce 8 Series: 8300 GS, 8800 GS, 8600 GTS, 8800 GTX, 8200 / nForce 730a, 8600 GS, 8400 GS, 8500 GT, 8800 GTS, 8600 GT, 8200, 8800 Ultra, 8800 GTS 512, 8400, 8800 GT, 8300, 8100 / nForce 720a, 8400 SE
- GeForce 9 Series: 9300, 9400 GT, 9500 GS, 9600 GT, 9300 GE, 9400, 9800 GX2, 9600 GS, 9800 GT, 9500 GT, 9200, 9300 GS, 9800 GTX/GTX+, 9600 GSO, 9100
- GeForce 100 Series: GT 120, G 100, GT 140, GT 130
- GeForce 200 Series: GTS 250, GTX 260, G210, GT 220, GTX 295, GTX 275, 210, GT 240, GTS 240, 205, GTX 285, GTX 280, GT 230
- GeForce 300 Series: GT 320, GT 330, GT 340, 315, 310
- GeForce 400 Series: GTX 480, GTX 460, GT 430, GTX 470, GTX 465, GTS 450
- ION Series: ION, ION LE
This wide compatibility makes the 260.99 driver a valuable update for users with older Nvidia hardware, as well as those with more recent GPUs. The Nvidia GeForce Ion Graphics Drivers specifically target the ION series, bringing improvements to these integrated graphics solutions.
Key Improvements and New Features in 260.99
The 260.99 driver release introduces several notable enhancements and new features:
- Performance Enhancements: Significant performance improvements have been implemented compared to the previous v260.89 drivers in several popular PC games. These include:
- Civilization V (SLI configurations)
- Fallout 3
- Final Fantasy XIV
- Formula 1 Racing (DX11)
- SLI Profile Additions: New SLI (Scalable Link Interface) profiles have been added to optimize performance in the following games when using multiple Nvidia GPUs:
- Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit
- Star Wars: The Force Unleashed II
- Fallout: New Vegas
- Compatibility Improvements: Enhanced compatibility for Fallout: New Vegas, specifically addressing issues when antialiasing is enabled.
- Alt-Tab Compatibility: Improved Alt-Tab functionality for various PC games, resulting in a smoother user experience when switching between applications.
- 3D Vision Game Profiles: Added 3D Vision profiles for Call of Duty: Black Ops and Tom Clancy’s H.A.W.X. 2, enabling an immersive 3D gaming experience for users with compatible hardware. More information on 3D Vision game profiles can be found here.
- 3D Vision Installation Changes: The installation process for 3D Vision has been updated in the Release 260 drivers. Users are advised to consult this knowledgebase article for detailed information on the changes.
Additional Information
Beyond the specific improvements outlined above, the 260.99 driver package includes several additional components and features:
- HD Audio Driver: Installs HD Audio driver version 1.1.9.0.
- PhysX System Software: Includes PhysX System Software version 9.10.0514, enabling realistic physics simulations in supported games and applications. More information on PhysX can be found here.
- Adobe CS5 Support: Supports the new GPU-accelerated features in Adobe Creative Suite 5 (CS5), enhancing performance in applications like Photoshop and Premiere Pro.
- Adobe Flash 10.1 Acceleration: Enables GPU-acceleration for smoother online HD video playback with Adobe Flash 10.1. Further details can be found here.
- vReveal Support: Supports the latest version of MotionDSP’s vReveal video enhancement software, adding support for HD output. A free version of vReveal with SD output support is available for NVIDIA customers here.
- DirectCompute Support: Supports DirectCompute with Windows 7 and GeForce 8-series and later GPUs, enabling advanced parallel computing capabilities.
- OpenCL 1.0 Support: Supports OpenCL (Open Computing Language) 1.0 for all GeForce 8-series and later GPUs, facilitating cross-platform parallel programming.
- OpenGL Support: Supports OpenGL 3.3 for GeForce 8-series and later GPUs, and OpenGL 4.1 for GeForce 400 series GPUs, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of OpenGL applications.
- SLI Technology: Supports single GPU and NVIDIA SLI technology on DirectX 9, DirectX 10, DirectX 11, and OpenGL, including 3-way SLI, Quad SLI, and SLI support on SLI-certified Intel X58-based motherboards, allowing for significant performance gains with multiple GPUs.
- NVIDIA System Tools: Supports GPU overclocking and temperature monitoring by installing NVIDIA System Tools software.
- International Driver Availability: Users with non-US English operating systems can select their language and download the International driver here.
Downloading the Drivers
You can download the Nvidia GeForce Ion Graphics Drivers 260.99 WHQL for Windows Vista/7 64-bit from the following link: https://www.techspot.com/drivers/driver/file/information/14561/
For alternative download locations, consider these options:
- Softpedia: Search "Nvidia GeForce 260.99" on Softpedia.
- Guru3D: Search "Nvidia GeForce 260.99" on Guru3D.
- DriverEasy: Search "Nvidia GeForce 260.99" on DriverEasy.
- FileHorse: Search "Nvidia GeForce 260.99" on FileHorse.
- MajorGeeks: Search "Nvidia GeForce 260.99" on MajorGeeks.
These alternative links offer additional sources to obtain the driver package, ensuring availability even if the primary link is temporarily unavailable. Make sure to verify the file’s authenticity and scan it for malware before installation. Remember to choose the correct version for your operating system (Windows Vista or Windows 7) and architecture (64-bit).
Conclusion
The Nvidia GeForce Ion Graphics Drivers 260.99 WHQL release is a comprehensive update that provides performance improvements, new features, and enhanced compatibility for a wide range of Nvidia GPUs, including the Nvidia GeForce Ion Graphics Drivers. Users running Windows Vista or Windows 7 64-bit are encouraged to upgrade to this driver to experience the benefits it offers. By following the instructions and information outlined in this article, users can ensure a smooth and successful driver installation process.