This article provides information about the Nvidia WHQL Notebook Driver 197.16, a reference driver designed for notebooks running Windows XP. It’s crucial to understand the context of this driver within the broader ecosystem of notebook support. While Nvidia provides this driver as part of its Verde Notebook Driver Program, notebook manufacturers (OEMs) often customize and certify drivers specifically for their individual models. Therefore, before installing this driver, it’s essential to consider the recommendations outlined below.
Understanding the Nvidia Verde Notebook Driver Program
The Nvidia Verde Notebook Driver Program aims to provide a baseline level of driver support for a range of Nvidia notebook GPUs. These drivers are intended as a general solution, but may not be perfectly optimized for every specific notebook configuration. Notebook OEMs, on the other hand, tailor their drivers to the precise hardware and software environment of their notebooks, potentially offering better stability and performance.
Important Considerations Before Installation:
Before proceeding with the installation of the Nvidia WHQL Notebook Driver 197.16, keep the following points in mind:
- GPU Compatibility: Verify that your notebook’s GPU is explicitly listed as supported. A comprehensive list of supported GPUs is available in the "Products Supported" section below. Installing the driver on an unsupported GPU may lead to instability or malfunction.
- System Backup: It is highly recommended to create a backup of your current system configuration before installing any new drivers. This will allow you to easily revert to your previous state if any issues arise during or after the installation process.
- Dell Software Update (Specific Models): Owners of Dell Inspiron 1420, Dell XPS M1330, Dell XPS M1530, or Dell Latitude D630/D630c notebooks should first install a specific Dell software update before installing the Nvidia driver. This update may address compatibility issues or improve overall system stability.
Disclaimer:
Nvidia emphasizes that notebook OEMs may not provide technical support for issues that arise from using this reference driver. If you encounter problems after installing the Nvidia WHQL Notebook Driver 197.16, your notebook manufacturer may direct you to reinstall their certified driver instead.
Key Features and Improvements in Version 197.16
The Nvidia WHQL Notebook Driver 197.16 for Windows XP introduces several notable features and enhancements, including:
- 3D Vision Support for External Displays: This version expands 3D Vision support to external displays connected to notebooks. This allows users to experience immersive 3D gaming and other 3D content on compatible external monitors. Be sure to check the GPU and display requirements for notebook PCs and download the 3D Vision drivers.
- Enhanced SLI Support: Significant improvements and additions have been made to SLI (Scalable Link Interface) support for popular gaming titles. This results in improved performance and smoother gameplay when using multiple Nvidia GPUs in SLI configuration. Supported titles include: Assassin’s Creed II, Avatar, Battlefield: Bad Company 2, Command and Conquer 4: Tiberium Twilight, Dirt 2, Mass Effect 2, Metro 2033, Napoleon: Total War, Supreme Commander 2, and World of Warcraft.
- Updated PhysX System Software: The PhysX System Software has been upgraded to version 9.10.0129. This update provides improved support for new PhysX-enabled games, such as Dark Void, enhancing the visual realism and interactivity of these games.
- Updated HD Audio Driver: The HD Audio driver has been updated to version 1.0.9.1 for supported GPUs. This update ensures compatibility and optimal performance with high-definition audio playback.
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Performance Increases in PC Games: Compared to the previous v195.62 WHQL driver, version 197.16 offers performance improvements in several PC games. The extent of these improvements will vary depending on the specific GPU and system configuration. Examples of measured improvements include:
- Up to 13% performance increase in Crysis: Warhead with a single GPU
- Up to 30% performance increase in Crysis: Warhead with SLI technology
- Up to 13% performance increase in H.A.W.X with a single GPU
- Up to 15% performance increase in H.A.W.X with SLI technology
- Up to 30% performance increase in Left 4 Dead with a single GPU
- Up to 28% performance increase in Left 4 Dead with SLI technology
- Bug Fixes: This driver release includes a range of bug fixes, addressing various issues reported in previous versions. Detailed information about the key bug fixes can be found in the release notes.
Existing Support and Technologies
The Nvidia WHQL Notebook Driver 197.16 builds upon existing Nvidia technologies and features, providing support for:
- GPU-Accelerated Online HD Videos: Smooth online HD video playback is enhanced through GPU acceleration with the Adobe Flash 10.1 beta.
- DirectCompute: Full support for DirectCompute with Windows 7 enables developers to leverage the power of the GPU for general-purpose computing tasks.
- OpenGL 3.2: Compatibility with OpenGL 3.2 ensures support for the latest OpenGL features and capabilities.
- OpenCL 1.0: Support for OpenCL 1.0 (Open Computing Language) allows developers to utilize the GPU for parallel computing tasks across different platforms.
- CUDA Toolkit 3.0: Compatibility with CUDA Toolkit 3.0 features and performance enhancements provides developers with tools to accelerate computationally intensive applications using Nvidia GPUs.
- NVIDIA PhysX Hardware Acceleration: Hardware acceleration for NVIDIA PhysX is supported on GPUs with a minimum of 256MB of dedicated graphics memory and 32 processing cores, enhancing the realism of PhysX-enabled games.
- Single GPU and NVIDIA SLI Technology: Support for both single GPU and NVIDIA SLI technology on DirectX 9, DirectX 10, and OpenGL provides flexibility in graphics configurations.
- NVIDIA SLI Multi-monitor Support: NVIDIA SLI Multi-monitor support allows users to connect two monitors to their GeForce graphics cards in SLI mode, expanding their visual workspace.
Products Supported
The Nvidia WHQL Notebook Driver 197.16 supports the following Nvidia notebook GPUs:
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 9 Series:
- 9600 GT, 9400
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:
- 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 5100M, NVS 3100M, NVS 150M, NVS 160M, NVS 140M, NVS 320M, NVS 130M, NVS 135M
ION Series:
- ION LE, ION
Unsupported Notebooks
The following types of notebooks are not supported by the Nvidia WHQL Notebook Driver 197.16:
- Notebooks supporting Hybrid Power technology.
- Fujitsu notebooks (support planned for a later release; Fujitsu Siemens (FSC) notebooks are supported).
- Sony VAIO notebooks (support planned for a later release; Sony VAIO Windows 7 users may find driver updates here).
- Any notebook launched after the release date of this driver.
Download Links
You can download the Nvidia WHQL Notebook Driver 197.16 from the following sources:
- TechSpot: https://www.techspot.com/drivers/driver/file/information/13431/
- Softpedia: (Alternative Download Link) https://drivers.softpedia.com/get/Graphics-Board/NVIDIA/NVIDIA-GeForce-197-16-Notebook-Driver.shtml
Remember to carefully review the compatibility information and recommendations before installing the Nvidia WHQL Notebook Driver 197.16.