This article provides information about the Nvidia GeForce Ion Notebook Graphics Drivers 260.89 WHQL, specifically designed for systems running the Windows XP 64-bit operating system. This driver package, part of the NVIDIA Verde Notebook Driver Program, offers performance enhancements, bug fixes, and new features for a range of NVIDIA notebook GPUs. However, it’s crucial to understand the context of this driver within the broader ecosystem of notebook support.
Understanding the NVIDIA Verde Notebook Driver Program
The NVIDIA Verde Notebook Driver Program provides reference drivers intended for installation on supported NVIDIA notebook GPUs. It’s important to note that notebook Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), such as Dell, HP, Lenovo, etc., typically provide customized and certified drivers tailored to their specific notebook models. These OEM drivers often include customizations and optimizations designed to ensure optimal performance and stability for the specific hardware configuration of the notebook.
NVIDIA strongly recommends that users check with their notebook OEM for recommended software updates before installing reference drivers like the 260.89 WHQL. OEMs may not offer technical support for issues arising from the use of these reference drivers. This recommendation stems from the fact that OEMs thoroughly test and validate their drivers to ensure compatibility with all hardware and software components within their notebooks.
Pre-Installation Considerations
Before proceeding with the download and installation of the Nvidia GeForce Ion Notebook Graphics Drivers 260.89 WHQL, several crucial steps should be taken:
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GPU Compatibility Check: Verify that your notebook’s GPU is supported by this driver release. A comprehensive list of supported GPUs is provided in the "Supported Products" section below. Installing the driver on an unsupported GPU may lead to system instability or driver malfunction.
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System Backup: It is highly recommended to back up your current system configuration before installing any new drivers. This precaution allows you to revert to a previous working state if any issues arise during or after the driver installation process. Instructions for backing up your system can be found through various online resources and system utilities.
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Dell-Specific Update (If Applicable): If you own a Dell Inspiron 1420, Dell XPS M1330, Dell XPS M1530, or Dell Latitude D630/D630c, it is imperative to first install a specific Dell software update before installing the Nvidia GeForce Ion Notebook Graphics Drivers 260.89 WHQL. This update addresses potential compatibility issues and ensures a smooth driver installation process. Refer to Dell’s support website for the relevant software update.
What’s New in Version 260.89?
The 260.89 driver is a WHQL (Windows Hardware Quality Labs) certified release from the Release 260 family of NVIDIA drivers. This certification indicates that the driver has undergone rigorous testing and meets Microsoft’s quality standards for stability and compatibility.
This driver supports a wide range of NVIDIA notebook GPUs, including:
- ION notebook GPUs (including Nvidia GeForce Ion)
- 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)
Here’s a breakdown of the key improvements and features introduced in version 260.89:
Installation Enhancements
- New Driver Installer: The driver package features a redesigned installer with an improved user interface, offering both "Express" and "Custom" installation options.
- Express Installation: This provides a streamlined, one-click installation process for users who prefer a quick and easy setup.
- Custom Installation: This allows users to customize the installation process, selecting specific driver components to install (e.g., PhysX, 3D Vision). It also includes an option to perform a clean installation.
- Clean Installation: This option completely removes older NVIDIA drivers from your system before installing the new driver, minimizing potential conflicts and ensuring a fresh installation.
- Improved Installation Time: The installation time has been optimized for multi-GPU PCs, resulting in a faster and more efficient driver update process.
Other Improvements and Features
- PhysX System Software Update: The driver package includes an update to the PhysX System Software to version 9.10.0514, enhancing the performance and stability of PhysX-enabled games and applications.
- Improved Compatibility for Older PC Games: The driver improves compatibility for older PC games (DirectX 7 to DirectX 9) running on Windows 7. This addresses potential compatibility issues and ensures a smoother gaming experience for titles like 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: The "Set up multiple displays" page now supports drag and drop display arrangement, making it easier to configure and manage multiple monitors.
- Bug Fixes: The release includes numerous bug fixes, addressing various issues and improving overall driver stability. Refer to the release notes for a comprehensive list of the bug fixes included in this release.
Additional Information
- Adobe Photoshop CS5 Support: The driver supports the new GPU-accelerated features in Adobe Photoshop CS5, leveraging the power of the GPU to enhance performance and responsiveness in image editing tasks.
- Adobe Flash 10.1 Acceleration: The driver supports GPU-acceleration for smoother online HD video playback with Adobe Flash 10.1.
- MotionDSP vReveal Support: The driver supports the new version of MotionDSP’s video enhancement software, vReveal, which adds support for HD output. NVIDIA customers can download a free version of vReveal that supports up to SD output.
- OpenCL 1.0 Support: The driver supports OpenCL 1.0 (Open Computing Language), enabling developers to utilize the GPU for general-purpose computing tasks.
- OpenGL 3.3 Support: The driver supports OpenGL 3.3, providing access to the latest OpenGL features and enhancements for graphics rendering.
- Single GPU and NVIDIA SLI Support: The driver supports both single GPU and NVIDIA SLI technology on DirectX 9 and OpenGL, allowing users to maximize performance in games and applications.
Supported Products
The Nvidia GeForce Ion Notebook Graphics Drivers 260.89 WHQL supports the following NVIDIA notebook GPUs:
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
The following notebooks are not supported in this release:
- Notebooks supporting Hybrid Power technology with Intel chipsets.
- Sony VAIO notebooks, except for the Sony F Series with NVIDIA GeForce 310M and Sony F Series with NVIDIA GeForce GT 330M. For other Sony VAIO notebooks, please contact Sony for driver support.
Driver Download Links
Before downloading, remember to review the pre-installation considerations mentioned above.
Alternative Download Links:
- Softpedia: (Find the driver through Softpedia by searching "Nvidia GeForce Ion Notebook Graphics Drivers 260.89 WHQL")
- DriverGuide: (Find the driver through DriverGuide by searching "Nvidia GeForce Ion Notebook Graphics Drivers 260.89 WHQL")
- Guru3D: (Find the driver through Guru3D by searching "Nvidia GeForce Ion Notebook Graphics Drivers 260.89 WHQL")
- FileHorse: (Find the driver through FileHorse by searching "Nvidia GeForce Ion Notebook Graphics Drivers 260.89 WHQL")
- MajorGeeks: (Find the driver through MajorGeeks by searching "Nvidia GeForce Ion Notebook Graphics Drivers 260.89 WHQL")
By following these guidelines and recommendations, users can ensure a successful installation of the Nvidia GeForce Ion Notebook Graphics Drivers 260.89 WHQL and benefit from the performance enhancements and features it offers. Always prioritize checking with your notebook OEM for the most suitable driver for your specific system configuration.