The Nvidia Quadro Graphics Driver 259.81 for Windows Vista/7 64-bit is a driver package designed to enhance the performance and functionality of Nvidia Quadro series professional graphics cards. This driver update provides key improvements and new features for users running Windows Vista and Windows 7 64-bit operating systems. It is crucial for professionals relying on Quadro cards for demanding applications such as CAD, DCC, and visualization.
This article will provide a comprehensive overview of the Nvidia Quadro Graphics Driver 259.81 for Windows Vista/7 64-bit, detailing its new features, existing support, compatible products, and where to download the driver.
What’s New in Driver 259.81
The Nvidia Quadro Graphics Driver 259.81 for Windows Vista/7 64-bit introduces several significant updates and improvements:
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New Quadro Card Support: This driver version adds support for the newly released Quadro 6000, Quadro 5000, Quadro 4000, Quadro 2000, and Quadro 600 graphics cards. This ensures optimal performance and stability for users upgrading to these new cards.
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CUDA 3.1 Support: The driver integrates CUDA 3.1, enhancing performance in GPU Computing applications. CUDA (Compute Unified Device Architecture) is Nvidia’s parallel computing platform and programming model, enabling GPUs to accelerate computationally intensive tasks. More information about CUDA can be found at www.nvidia.com/cuda.
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OpenGL 4.0 Support: With the addition of OpenGL 4.0 support, the driver unlocks access to advanced graphics features and improved rendering capabilities, crucial for professional applications utilizing this API.
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DirectX 11 Support: The driver now supports DirectX 11, allowing for enhanced gaming and multimedia experiences on compatible Quadro cards.
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ECC State Management: A new page has been introduced for GPUs supporting Error Correction Code (ECC). This feature allows users to:
- Change the ECC state for GPUs, enabling or disabling error correction based on the application’s requirements.
- View detailed GPU memory information, facilitating memory diagnostics and performance monitoring.
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EDID Management: Accessible through the View System Topology page, this feature provides tools for managing Extended Display Identification Data (EDID), which is vital for ensuring proper communication between the graphics card and connected displays. Users can:
- View connector information, including the display connected to each port.
- Acquire an EDID from a connected display and save it to a file for later use or troubleshooting.
- Force an EDID on a connector, overriding the display’s default EDID and potentially resolving compatibility issues.
- Remove a forced EDID from a connector, reverting to the display’s default EDID.
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SDI Capture Page: The SDI (Serial Digital Interface) Capture page is now available within the driver settings for both Windows Vista and Windows 7, enabling users to capture and process SDI video feeds.
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Workstation Application Compatibility Fixes: The driver includes various compatibility fixes for workstation applications, enhancing stability and performance. Detailed information on these fixes, product support, feature limitations, and known compatibility issues can be found in the release notes accompanying the driver.
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Newsletter Subscription: Users can subscribe to the Nvidia newsletter to receive notifications about upcoming driver releases for Windows.
Existing Support
The Nvidia Quadro Graphics Driver 259.81 for Windows Vista/7 64-bit also maintains support for the following features:
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OpenCL 1.0: Support for the Open Computing Language (OpenCL) 1.0 is included for Quadro FX Series x700 and newer, as well as the FX4600 and FX5600 cards. OpenCL enables parallel computing across CPUs and GPUs, enhancing performance in various applications.
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NVIDIA SLI Technology: The driver supports NVIDIA SLI technology (two-way SLI) for DirectX 9, DirectX 10, and OpenGL on SLI-certified Intel X58-based motherboard systems from select OEMs. SLI allows for the combination of two graphics cards to improve performance.
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DDC-Ci/MCCS Support: Support for DDC-Ci/MCCS (Display Data Channel Command Interface/Monitor Control Command Set) over the DisplayPort AUX channel is included, enabling advanced monitor control and configuration.
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10bpc DisplayPort Support: The driver supports 10-bits per color (10bpc) DisplayPort output for full-screen applications on supported products, providing enhanced color accuracy and fidelity.
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International Driver Availability: Users with non-US English operating systems can select their preferred language and download the appropriate international driver version.
Supported Products
The Nvidia Quadro Graphics Driver 259.81 for Windows Vista/7 64-bit supports a wide range of Nvidia Quadro graphics cards across various series:
Quadro Series:
- 5000
- 2000
- 6000
- 4000
- 600
Quadro FX Series:
- FX 1400
- FX 5600
- FX 4500
- FX 3450
- FX 4500 X2
- FX 5800
- FX 4000
- FX 4800
- FX 350
- FX 560
- FX 1500
- FX 4600
- FX 3800
- FX 370
- FX 580
- FX 5500
- FX 3700
- FX 570
- FX 1800
- FX 370 Low Profile
- FX 1700
- FX 540
- FX 4700 X2
- FX 3500
- FX 380
- FX 3400/4400
- FX 550
- CX
- FX 380 Low Profile
Quadro NVS Series:
- NVS 440
- NVS 285
- NVS 450
- NVS 295
- NVS 420
- NVS 290
Quadro Blade/Embedded Graphics Board Series:
- Quadro NVS 120M
- Quadro FX 1600M
- Quadro FX 560M
- Quadro FX 370M
- Quadro FX 770M
- Quadro FX 880M
- Quadro FX 3600M
- Quadro FX 2800M
Download Links
You can download the Nvidia Quadro Graphics Driver 259.81 for Windows Vista/7 64-bit from the following sources:
Alternative Download Links:
- Softpedia: (Example, find the specific driver version if available)
- Guru3D: (Example, find the specific driver version if available)
- Nvidia Official Archive: (Search Nvidia’s driver archive)
- DriverGuide: (Requires registration, use with caution)
- MajorGeeks: (Example, find the specific driver version if available)
Note: Always ensure you are downloading drivers from reputable sources to avoid malware or corrupted files. Check the file size and checksum (if available) to verify the integrity of the downloaded file.
Conclusion
The Nvidia Quadro Graphics Driver 259.81 for Windows Vista/7 64-bit provides essential updates and new features for users of Nvidia Quadro professional graphics cards. With support for new cards, CUDA 3.1, OpenGL 4.0, DirectX 11, and enhanced management tools, this driver ensures optimal performance and stability for demanding workstation applications. By keeping your drivers up to date, you can maximize the capabilities of your Quadro card and ensure a smooth and efficient workflow.