What do these driver thingys do?

Task Force · 12-21-08, 04:04 PM

What does this thing on nvidias site do?

http://www.nvidia.com/object/winvist...9.25_whql.html

Hylander_1314 · 12-21-08, 07:54 PM

TF, I'm just getting the standard 169 WHQL certified drivers, which is not what I think you are asking about. Could you do a cut and paste?

Or is it the PhysX thing you have come across?

If it is the PhysX thing, it's supposed to help boost your graphics power, but the software, ie, games have to be written with code that takes advantage of it.

From what I understand, it also lets you use two different series video cards like a 9000 series and an 8000 series in combination and utilize them to their best efficiency.

Task Force · 12-21-08, 08:03 PM

I was wondering what the driver did, didnt realize how old it was though.

Thanks for your time fellas. Im trying to find a good driver that gives SH4 better performance and I was wondering about this one.

Im currently useing the 180.48 drivers. Im trying to get the best performance out of this thing I can.

CaptainHaplo · 12-21-08, 11:30 PM

What card are you using? The 180.48 seem to be the last whql out for the 8/9 series. There may be a few beta's out there, but your probably going to get better performance thru tweaks.

If your running an 8/9 series card, your probably not maxing out the card depending on the specs of the rest of the machine. I note you have been selecting the 32 bit drivers - if you can get your hands on a 64 version of vista - ultimate preferred - your more than likely going to see a boost in performance. *This assumes you have a 64 bit processor. On average benchmarks - your looking at 15%.

Task Force · 12-21-08, 11:34 PM

Im running a 8800 GTs 640mb.

I have a e8400 3.0 ghz that supports 64bit. I wonder how long untill windows 7 is gona be out.

Hylander_1314 · 12-22-08, 06:32 PM

Some say late o9, others say early 2010.

CaptainHaplo · 12-21-08, 08:01 PM

This is a video card driver - for an GeForce 6/7/8 series card. Note it was released last year - so you want a more recent version.

If you were asking what is a "driver" - its simply software that tells Windows how to best make use of the graphics ability of your card - without a driver, the card doesn't work - or work as well. Always try to stay fairly up to date on drivers - especially for video cards. However ,sometimes a new version of the driver can make some games not work as well - while others work better. Sometimes its best to live by the rule "If it ain't broke, don't fix it."

Often new drivers for existing cards are released to fix issues with specific games, or to enhance overall performance.

If you have a GeForce 6/7/8 card - you may want to get the most recent drivers. Go here: http://www.nvidia.com/object/winvist...8.24_whql.html

Note that this does have the WHQL signature - that means that Microsoft has tested it with their operating system and have given it the thumbs up. It doesn't mean its perfect, but it means its stable. Often "beta" drivers are available from various places, and they usually are fine - but if you want to insure stability - use WHQL drivers.

12-21-08, 04:04 PM	#1
Task Force Rear Admiral Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: SPACE!!!! Posts: 10,142 Downloads: 85 Uploads: 0	What do these driver thingys do? What does this thing on nvidias site do? http://www.nvidia.com/object/winvist...9.25_whql.html __________________ Task Force industries "Taking control of the world, one mind at a time"

12-21-08, 07:54 PM	#2
Hylander_1314 Sea Lord Join Date: May 2006 Location: 5 Miles Inland West Of Lake Huron Posts: 1,936 Downloads: 139 Uploads: 0	TF, I'm just getting the standard 169 WHQL certified drivers, which is not what I think you are asking about. Could you do a cut and paste? Or is it the PhysX thing you have come across? If it is the PhysX thing, it's supposed to help boost your graphics power, but the software, ie, games have to be written with code that takes advantage of it. From what I understand, it also lets you use two different series video cards like a 9000 series and an 8000 series in combination and utilize them to their best efficiency. __________________ A legislative act contrary to the Constitution is not law. -John Marshall Chief Justice of the Supreme Court ---------------------

12-21-08, 08:03 PM	#3
Task Force Rear Admiral Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: SPACE!!!! Posts: 10,142 Downloads: 85 Uploads: 0	I was wondering what the driver did, didnt realize how old it was though. Thanks for your time fellas. Im trying to find a good driver that gives SH4 better performance and I was wondering about this one. Im currently useing the 180.48 drivers. Im trying to get the best performance out of this thing I can. __________________ Task Force industries "Taking control of the world, one mind at a time" Last edited by Task Force; 12-21-08 at 08:06 PM.

12-21-08, 11:30 PM	#4
CaptainHaplo Silent Hunter Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 4,404 Downloads: 29 Uploads: 0	What card are you using? The 180.48 seem to be the last whql out for the 8/9 series. There may be a few beta's out there, but your probably going to get better performance thru tweaks. If your running an 8/9 series card, your probably not maxing out the card depending on the specs of the rest of the machine. I note you have been selecting the 32 bit drivers - if you can get your hands on a 64 version of vista - ultimate preferred - your more than likely going to see a boost in performance. *This assumes you have a 64 bit processor. On average benchmarks - your looking at 15%. __________________ Good Hunting! Captain Haplo

12-21-08, 11:34 PM	#5
Task Force Rear Admiral Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: SPACE!!!! Posts: 10,142 Downloads: 85 Uploads: 0	Im running a 8800 GTs 640mb. I have a e8400 3.0 ghz that supports 64bit. I wonder how long untill windows 7 is gona be out. __________________ Task Force industries "Taking control of the world, one mind at a time" Last edited by Task Force; 12-21-08 at 11:36 PM.

12-22-08, 06:32 PM	#6
Hylander_1314 Sea Lord Join Date: May 2006 Location: 5 Miles Inland West Of Lake Huron Posts: 1,936 Downloads: 139 Uploads: 0	Some say late o9, others say early 2010. __________________ A legislative act contrary to the Constitution is not law. -John Marshall Chief Justice of the Supreme Court ---------------------

12-21-08, 08:01 PM	#7
CaptainHaplo Silent Hunter Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 4,404 Downloads: 29 Uploads: 0	This is a video card driver - for an GeForce 6/7/8 series card. Note it was released last year - so you want a more recent version. If you were asking what is a "driver" - its simply software that tells Windows how to best make use of the graphics ability of your card - without a driver, the card doesn't work - or work as well. Always try to stay fairly up to date on drivers - especially for video cards. However ,sometimes a new version of the driver can make some games not work as well - while others work better. Sometimes its best to live by the rule "If it ain't broke, don't fix it." Often new drivers for existing cards are released to fix issues with specific games, or to enhance overall performance. If you have a GeForce 6/7/8 card - you may want to get the most recent drivers. Go here: http://www.nvidia.com/object/winvist...8.24_whql.html Note that this does have the WHQL signature - that means that Microsoft has tested it with their operating system and have given it the thumbs up. It doesn't mean its perfect, but it means its stable. Often "beta" drivers are available from various places, and they usually are fine - but if you want to insure stability - use WHQL drivers. __________________ Good Hunting! Captain Haplo