Nvidia GeForce Ion Notebook Graphics Drivers 260.89 WHQL for Windows XP 32-bit

This article provides information about the Nvidia GeForce Ion Notebook Graphics Drivers 260.89 WHQL, designed specifically for notebooks running the Windows XP 32-bit operating system. This driver package, part of the NVIDIA Verde Notebook Driver Program, offers performance enhancements and bug fixes for a range of NVIDIA notebook GPUs, including the Nvidia GeForce Ion Notebook Graphics Drivers.

Understanding the NVIDIA Verde Notebook Driver Program

The NVIDIA Verde Notebook Driver Program aims to provide users with updated drivers for their NVIDIA notebook GPUs. These drivers are reference drivers, meaning they are designed to work across a range of supported GPUs. However, it’s crucial to understand that your notebook’s original equipment manufacturer (OEM), such as Dell, HP, or Lenovo, typically provides customized and certified drivers tailored to your specific notebook model. NVIDIA strongly recommends checking your OEM’s website for the most appropriate and recommended software updates for your notebook. Using these reference drivers may not be supported by your OEM’s technical support team if issues arise.

Pre-Installation Checklist: Ensuring a Smooth Update

Before proceeding with the download and installation of the Nvidia GeForce Ion Notebook Graphics Drivers 260.89 WHQL, it’s essential to take a few precautionary steps:

1. GPU Compatibility: Verify that your notebook’s GPU is listed in the "Supported Products" section below. Installing this driver on an unsupported GPU can lead to instability or malfunction.

2. System Backup: Backing up your current system configuration is highly recommended. This allows you to revert to your previous settings if any issues occur during or after the driver installation. You can find instructions on how to back up your system configuration online.

3. Dell Software Update (Specific Models): If you own a Dell Inspiron 1420, Dell XPS M1330, Dell XPS M1530, or Dell Latitude D630/D630c, it is highly recommended to install a specific Dell software update before installing these NVIDIA drivers. This update addresses potential compatibility issues and ensures a smoother experience.

What’s New in Version 260.89: Key Improvements and Features

The 260.89 driver is a WHQL (Windows Hardware Quality Labs) certified release, indicating that it has undergone rigorous testing and meets Microsoft’s standards for stability and reliability. This release brings several notable improvements and new features:

• Driver Support: This driver package supports a wide range of NVIDIA notebook GPUs, including:

  • ION notebook GPUs (including Nvidia GeForce Ion Notebook Graphics Drivers).
  • GeForce 8M, 9M, 100M, 200M, 300M, and 400M series notebook GPUs.
  • Quadro 5000M.
  • Quadro NVS-series notebook GPUs (supporting DirectX 10 or higher).
  • Quadro FX-series notebook GPUs (supporting DirectX 10 or higher).

• Enhanced Installation Experience: The driver installer has been revamped with a more user-friendly interface and two installation options:

  • Express Installation: A one-click installation process for quick and easy driver updates.
  • Custom Installation: Provides granular control over the installation process, allowing users to:
    • Perform a clean installation, completely removing older drivers before installing the new ones. This can help resolve conflicts and improve performance.
    • Choose which driver components to install (e.g., PhysX or 3D Vision).
  • The installation time for multi-GPU PCs has been improved.

• Other Significant Improvements:

  • PhysX System Software has been upgraded to version 9.10.0514.
  • Improved compatibility for older PC games (DirectX 7 to DirectX 9) running on Windows 7. Examples include Gothic, Gothic II, Falcon 4.0: Allied Force, Links 2003, Independence War II – Edge of Chaos, and X2: Wolverine’s Revenge.
  • Drag-and-drop display arrangement support has been added to the "Set up multiple displays" page.
  • Numerous bug fixes have been implemented to enhance stability and performance. Refer to the release notes (usually found on the documentation tab of the download page) for a comprehensive list of bug fixes.

Additional Features and Capabilities

Beyond the core improvements, the Nvidia GeForce Ion Notebook Graphics Drivers 260.89 WHQL also offers the following functionalities:

• Adobe Photoshop CS5 Support: Supports the new GPU-accelerated features in Adobe Photoshop CS5, enabling faster and more efficient image editing.
• Adobe Flash 10.1 Acceleration: Provides GPU-acceleration for smoother online HD video playback with Adobe Flash 10.1.
• MotionDSP vReveal Support: Supports the new version of MotionDSP’s video enhancement software, vReveal, adding support for HD output. A free version of vReveal (supporting up to SD output) is available for NVIDIA customers.
• OpenCL 1.0 Support: Supports OpenCL 1.0 (Open Computing Language), enabling the GPU to be used for general-purpose computing tasks.
• OpenGL 3.3 Support: Supports OpenGL 3.3, a graphics API that provides access to advanced graphics features.
• SLI Technology Support: Supports single GPU and NVIDIA SLI technology on DirectX 9 and OpenGL, allowing for increased graphics performance by combining multiple GPUs.

Supported Products: Ensuring Compatibility

The Nvidia GeForce Ion Notebook Graphics Drivers 260.89 WHQL supports a wide array of NVIDIA notebook GPUs. Please review the following list to confirm compatibility with your notebook:

GeForce 400M Series:

• GeForce GTX 480M, GeForce GTX 460M, GeForce GT 445M, GeForce GT 435M, GeForce GT 425M, GeForce GT 420M, GeForce GT 415M

GeForce 300M Series:

• GTS 360M, GTS 350M, GTS 250M, GT 335M, GT 330M, GT 325M, 310M, 305M

GeForce 200M Series:

• GT 230M, GT 240M, G210M, GTX 285M, GTX 280M, GTX 260M, GT 220M

GeForce 100M Series:

• G 110M, GT 130M, GTS 160M, G 105M, G 103M, G 102M, GT 120M

GeForce 9M Series:

• 9400M G, 9650M GS, 9200M GS, 9500M GS, 9400M GS, 9800M GS, 9300M GS, 9800M GT, 9100M G, 9800M GTS, 9500M G, 9700M GT, 9600M GS, 9650M GT, 9400M, 9300M G, 9800M GTX, 9600M GT, 9700M GTS

GeForce 8M Series:

• 8800M GTS, 8600M GT, 8400M GT, 8200M G, 8800M GTX, 8800M GS, 8600M GS, 8400M G, 8700M GT, 8400M GS

Quadro FX Notebook Series:

• 5000M, FX 3800M, FX 3700M, FX 360M, FX 1600M, FX 380M, FX 370M, FX 3600M, FX 2800M, FX 2700M, FX 880M, FX 770M, FX 570M, FX 1800M, FX 1700M

Quadro NVS Notebook Series:

• NVS 2100M, NVS 5100M, NVS 3100M, NVS 150M, NVS 160M, NVS 140M, NVS 320M, NVS 130M, NVS 135M

ION Notebook Series:

• ION (Notebooks), ION LE (Notebooks)

Important Notes and Exclusions

Please note the following limitations:

1. Hybrid Power Technology: Notebooks supporting Hybrid Power technology with Intel chipsets are not supported by this release.

2. Sony VAIO Support: Sony has joined the Verde program, supporting the following VAIO notebooks: Sony F Series with NVIDIA GeForce 310M and Sony F Series with NVIDIA GeForce GT 330M. Other Sony VAIO notebooks are not supported at this time. Contact Sony for driver support for those models.

Download Links

Before downloading, remember to check compatibility and back up your system!

• TechSpot Download: https://www.techspot.com/drivers/driver/file/information/14542/
• Alternative Download Link: (Search "Nvidia GeForce Ion Notebook Graphics Drivers 260.89 WHQL Windows XP 32-bit download" on a reputable driver download site.) Example: Softpedia, DriverGuide.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure a safe and successful installation of the Nvidia GeForce Ion Notebook Graphics Drivers 260.89 WHQL for your Windows XP 32-bit notebook. Remember to always prioritize drivers recommended by your notebook’s OEM for optimal performance and stability.