New Driver Release Thread - Forceware

Thought you guys might find this useful - going to try em on my 8800GTX SLI rig now.

178.24 Forceware http://www.nvidia.co.uk/object/winxp_178.24_whql_uk.html

Released 15th October.

New in Version 178.24:
Adds support for newly-released GeForce 9-series motherboard GPUs.
Includes several application compatibility fixes. Please read the release documentation for more details.
Release 178 Highlights:
WHQL-certified driver for GeForce 6-series, 7-series, 8-series, 9-series, and 200-series GPUs.
Adds support for GeForce 9800 GTX+, 9800 GT, 9500 GT and 9400 GT GPUs.
Adds support for NVIDIA PhysX acceleration on all GeForce 8-series, 9-series and 200-series GPUs with a minimum of 256MB dedicated graphics memory (this driver package installs NVIDIA PhysX System Software v8.09.04).
Experience GPU PhysX acceleration in several full games and demos today by downloading the GeForce Power Pack.
Adds support for 2-way NVIDIA SLI technology with GeForce GTX 200-series GPUs on Intel® D5400XS motherboards.
Supports single GPU and NVIDIA SLI™ technology* on DirectX 9 and OpenGL.
Supports CUDA™.
Supports Folding@home distributing computing application. Download the high performance client for NVIDIA GPUs here and join the NVIDIA team: #131015.
Supports GPU overclocking and temperature monitoring by installing NVIDIA System Tools software.
Includes several 3D application performance improvements. The following are examples of improvements measured with Release 178 drivers versus v175.19 WHQL driver:
Single GPU increases up to 11% in 3DMark Vantage (performance preset)
Single GPU increases up to 11% in Assassin's Creed DX10
Single GPU increases up to 15% in Bioshock DX10
Single GPU increases up to 15% in Call of Duty 4
Single GPU increases up to 8% in Enemy Territory: Quake Wars
2-way SLI increases up to 7% in Bioshock DX10
2-way SLI increases up to 10% in Company of Heroes: Opposing Fronts DX10
2-way SLI increases up to 12% in Enemy Territory: Quake Wars
2-way SLI increases up to 10% in World in Conflict DX10
Includes numerous 3D application compatibility fixes. Please read the release notes for more information on product support, features, driver fixes and known compatibility issues.
*Note: Quad SLI technology with GeForce 9800 GX2, 3-way SLI technology, and Hybrid SLI technology are only supported on Windows Vista.

Thanx m8, thats good to know, just d/loaded them And you are getting paid too much!!

Quote :

going to try em on my 8800GTX SLI rig now

I agree with undies

my 8800's were not that much.. only £120 ea.
heh trust me i'm not being paid too much, when i do get paid too much i'll let you know and take you lot out on the beer

Darkpowder wrote:

when i do get paid too much i'll let you know and take you lot out on the beer

That sounds like a pip of an idea

£120 each .......... sickening, when I think what I paid a while ago ..... aarrggh

Same here, feckers!!!

http://downloads.guru3d.com/NVIDIA-System-Tools-6.03-download-2100.html

New Nvidia System Monitoring Tools - 6.03 - Check on nvidia forums if you have a 79xx chipset and want the fancy version of these,

These are for folk with NVIDIA chipset motherboards.

If you already have NTune installed, uninstall that first

Just started playing with them but they are nice on the desktop tools that can be customised to give you a view of system performance. If you are concerned with temperatures, how much your GPUs are being used or interested in overclocking it gives you a nice readout.

Noit sure on the effect on CPU cycles but i'll let you know if i think its yet another thing that doesn't need to be loaded.

- Effects:-

Takes a while to initially load-up as it starts the drivers and loads the 3d display.
Will cause a nice hardware lockup if the monitoring system tray icon is loaded - and you decide to gun GPU-Z display program.

Some possible up and coming features for SLI users, mulit monitor support perhaps?

Quote :

The huge amount of work and money that’s going into CERN shows that it’s difficult to follow up an event such as the Big Bang, but it should be easier for Nvidia to make a sequel to SLI, which was codenamed Big Bang when it was in development. Its successor, Big Bang II, has been spotted on a few roadmaps recently, and it now looks as though we know what it is. If this rumour checks out, then it’s a new driver that enables multi-monitor support on SLI.

Further reading ... http://www.custompc.co.uk/news/605052/rumour-control-nvidia-enables-multi-monitor-sli.html#

and ... http://www.vr-zone.com/articles/Nvidia_Forceware_180_Series_Preview/6110-1.html

More new drivers.

GeForce Release 180 BETA
Version: 180.42
Release Date: October 21, 2008
Operating System: Windows XP, Windows XP Media Center Edition
Language: U.S. English
File Size: 72.2 MB

Quote :

* Beta driver for GeForce 200-series, 9-series, and 8800-series desktop GPUs (refer to the products supported tab for more detail).


* Recommended for the best experience on Far Cry 2:

“Since we first began working on Far Cry 2 in early 2005, we have used GeForce GPU’s to develop the game and worked closely with NVIDIA’s excellent engineers. While Far Cry 2 represents an outstanding PC gaming experience for a wide range of systems, GeForce users can expect to enjoy the game quite literally ‘The Way It Was Meant To Be Played’.” - Louis-Pierre Pharand, Ubisoft, Far Cry 2 Producer


* Enables NVIDIA SLI technology on SLI-certified Intel X58-based motherboards with the following GPUs: GeForce GTX 280, GeForce GTX 260, GeForce 9800 GX2, GeForce 9800 GTX+, and GeForce 9800 GTX.

Supported Cards:

GeForce GTX 280
GeForce GTX 260
GeForce 9800 GX2
GeForce 9800 GTX+
GeForce 9800 GTX
GeForce 9800 GT
GeForce 9600 GT
GeForce 9600 GSO
GeForce 9500 GT
GeForce 9500 GS
GeForce 9400 GT
GeForce 9400
GeForce 9300
GeForce 9200
GeForce 8800 Ultra
GeForce 8800 GTX
GeForce 8800 GTS 512
GeForce 8800 GTS
GeForce 8800 GT
GeForce 8800 GS

Download from.... http://www.nvidia.com/object/winxp_180.42_beta.html

nice post undies, cheers for that.

However as i have discovered the perfect PC Hardware Money saving tip. I won't be playing farcry2 yet, or for quite a while.

* To avoid the rapid pc-upgrade path if you play the latest games, wait until the games are on "2 for £25" or equivalent before purchasing.
- This saves you money in software and you make sure you get the maximum enjoyment and playtimes out of older games.

i.e. the other day i bought EP 1 and 2 for HL for £9.99, and Combat Mission shock force for a £5.

I agree m8, i try and get 'last years' games unless its something i really wanna play.

Bit more info on the Nvidia Big Bang II Forceware currently in Beta.

http://www.tomshardware.com/news/nvidia-sli-260-280,6524.html

Including new Multi-Card, where you can install a lesser card than your main one, and have it devoted to Phys-X processing entirely, alternatively you can spread the calculations across SLI or on the single card only.

NVIDIA releases a new ForceWare driver today. This is a WHQL-certified driver for GeForce 200-series, 9-series, and 8800-series desktop GPUs.

Exciting New Features:

* Enables NVIDIA SLI technology on SLI-certified Intel X58-based motherboards with the following GPUs: GeForce GTX 280, GeForce GTX 260, GeForce 9800 GX2, GeForce 9800 GTX+, and GeForce 9800 GTX. Learn more here.
* Enables NVIDIA SLI Multi-monitor support, giving you the ability to use two monitors with your GeForce graphics cards in SLI mode. Now you can easily switch between multi-monitor desktop mode and full screen 3D gaming mode. Learn more here.
* Enables NVIDIA PhysX acceleration on a dedicated GeForce graphics card. Use one card for graphics and dedicate a different card for PhysX processing for game-changing physical effects. Learn more here. (Note: GPU PhysX is supported on all GeForce 8-series, 9-series and 200-series GPUs with a minimum of 256MB dedicated graphics memory. This driver package automatically installs PhysX System Software version 8.10.13).

Blazing Fast Performance:

* Boosts performance in numerous 3D applications. The following are some examples of improvements measured with Release 180 WHQL drivers vs. Release 178 WHQL drivers (results will vary depending on your GPU, system configuration, and game settings):

* Up to 10% performance increase in 3DMark Vantage (performance preset)
* Up to 13% performance increase in Assassin's Creed
* Up to 13% performance increase in BioShock
* Up to 15% performance increase in Company of Heroes: Opposing Fronts
* Up to 10% performance increase in Crysis Warhead
* Up to 25% performance increase in Devil May Cry 4
* Up to 38% performance increase in Far Cry 2
* Up to 18% performance increase in Race Driver: GRID
* Up to 80% performance increase in Lost Planet: Colonies
* Up to 18% performance increase in World of Conflict

Looks the part, these drivers seem to get better and better all the time.

http://www.guru3d.com/news/download-nvidia-forceware-geforce-18048-whql/

Anyone experimented with Multi-Card yet, i'm interested in finding out how many cores are worth dedicating to a 2nd card for Phys-X

Not sure m8, the last time i played with SLI was about 2-3 years ago

There is a little here http://www.slizone.com/object/sli_cuda_learn.html about different solutions though.








I did find this though, nothing to do with SLI, but its scans drivers currently installed and offers a pre-release version for you.


http://www.nvidia.com/Download/Scan.aspx?lang=en-us

Second link is a very nice find, updating my driver now!!

Heres the link for the most current Physx Software also http://www.nvidia.com/object/physx_8.10.13_whql.html

Nvidia has now released the second Geforce Power Pack and has a load more free stuff for you to play with.

Here's an overview of the content of Graphics Plus Power Pack #2:

# Warmonger (2 new levels: Tombstone and Asylum)
# Crazy Machines 2 (puzzle game with PhysX)
# Dark Basic Fluids Demo
# Dark Basic PhysX Soft Body Demo
# Screensaver with PhysX technology
# Power Director 7.0 trial version (with CUDA accelerated video effects)
# TMPGENC XPRESS 4.6.2.266 trial version (with CUDA accelerated video effects)
# Badaboom Media Converter 30-day trial version (uses CUDA for fast video transcoding)


The download link provides both Pack 1 and Pack 2 so if you just want Pack 2 be sure to untick a few boxes or it is about a 3gb download! http://www.nvidia.com/content/graphicsplus/us/download.asp

New drivers are up.

This is a WHQL-certified driver for GeForce 200-series, 9-series, and 8800-series desktop GPUs.

Exciting New Features:

* Enables NVIDIA SLI technology on SLI-certified Intel X58-based motherboards with the following GPUs: GeForce GTX 280, GeForce GTX 260, GeForce 9800 GX2, GeForce 9800 GTX+, and GeForce 9800 GTX. Learn more here.
* Enables NVIDIA PhysX acceleration on a dedicated GeForce graphics card. Use one card for graphics and dedicate a different card for PhysX processing for game-changing physical effects. Learn more here. (Note: GPU PhysX is supported on all GeForce 8-series, 9-series and 200-series GPUs with a minimum of 256MB dedicated graphics memory. This driver package automatically installs PhysX System Software version 8.10.13).

Blazing Fast Performance:

* Boosts performance in numerous 3D applications. The following are some examples of improvements measured with Release 180 WHQL drivers vs. Release 178 WHQL drivers (results will vary depending on your GPU, system configuration, and game settings):
o Up to 10% performance increase in 3DMark Vantage (performance preset)
o Up to 13% performance increase in Assassin's Creed
o Up to 13% performance increase in BioShock
o Up to 15% performance increase in Company of Heroes: Opposing Fronts
o Up to 10% performance increase in Crysis Warhead
o Up to 25% performance increase in Devil May Cry 4
o Up to 38% performance increase in Far Cry 2
o Up to 18% performance increase in Race Driver: GRID
o Up to 80% performance increase in Lost Planet: Colonies
o Up to 18% performance increase in World of Conflict

And More:

* Supports single GPU and NVIDIA SLI technology* on DirectX 9 and OpenGL.
* Supports CUDA.
* Supports Folding@home distributing computing application. Download the high performance client for NVIDIA GPUs here and join the NVIDIA team: #131015.
* Supports GPU overclocking and temperature monitoring by installing NVIDIA System Tools software.
* Includes numerous 3D application compatibility fixes. Please read the release notes for more information on product support, features, driver fixes and known compatibility issues.

*Note: The following SLI features are only supported on Windows Vista: Quad SLI technology using GeForce 9800 GX2, 3-way SLI technology, Hybrid SLI, and SLI multi-monitor support.

* GeForce GTX 280
* GeForce GTX 260
* GeForce 9800 GX2
* GeForce 9800 GTX+
* GeForce 9800 GTX
* GeForce 9800 GT
* GeForce 9600 GT
* GeForce 9600 GSO
* GeForce 9500 GT
* GeForce 9500 GS
* GeForce 9400 GT
* GeForce 9400
* GeForce 9300
* GeForce 9200
* GeForce 8800 Ultra
* GeForce 8800 GTX
* GeForce 8800 GTS 512
* GeForce 8800 GTS
* GeForce 8800 GT
* GeForce 8800 GS

* Release Notes - 180.48
* New Control Panel User's Guide

http://www.nvidia.co.uk/object/winxp_180.48_whql_uk.html

More new drivers:


* Up to 10% performance increase in 3DMark Vantage (performance preset)
* Up to 13% performance increase in Assassin's Creed
* Up to 13% performance increase in BioShock
* Up to 15% performance increase in Company of Heroes: Opposing Fronts
* Up to 10% performance increase in Crysis Warhead
* Up to 25% performance increase in Devil May Cry 4
* Up to 38% performance increase in Far Cry 2
* Up to 18% performance increase in Race Driver: GRID
* Up to 80% performance increase in Lost Planet: Colonies
* Up to 18% performance increase in World of Conflict


http://www.guru3d.com/news/download-geforce-forceware-18120-whql-driver-for-xp-and-vista/

NVIDIA just released it's WHQL certified GeForce Forceware 181.22 driver for both Windows XP and Vista.

This is a WHQL driver for GeForce 6, 7, 8, 9, and 200-series desktop GPUs. The release complements the Mirror’s Edge release, with PhysX support.

* This driver is recommended for the optimal GPU PhysX experience in EA’s hot PC title Mirror’s Edge.
* GPU PhysX is supported on all GeForce 8-series, 9-series and 200-series GPUs with a minimum of 256MB dedicated graphics memory. This driver package automatically installs PhysX System Software version 9.09.0010.
* [SLI]: Fallout3–the game crashes in some game maps when played at high
resolutions (1440x900 or higher) and high settings. [500665]
[SLI], S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Clear Sky Benchmark–added an SLI profile for the
application.[506981]
* GeForce GTX 295: Occasionally, only one GPU is recognized as supporting CUDA
and PhysX after the system is rebooted. [506018]
Fixed Issues–Windows Vista 64-bit
* [SLI], S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Clear Sky Benchmark–added an SLI profile for the
application.[506981]

Yay, we may be able to keep up soon!!!

32 Bit VISTA http://downloads.guru3d.com/GeForce-Forceware-181.22-Vista-32-bit-WHQL-download-2165.html
64 Bit VISTA http://downloads.guru3d.com/GeForce-Forceware-181.22-Vista-64-bit-WHQL-download-2166.html
64 Bit XP http://downloads.guru3d.com/GeForce-Forceware-181.22-XP-64-bit-WHQL-download-2167.html
32 Bit XP http://downloads.guru3d.com/GeForce-Forceware-181.22-XP-32-bit-WHQL-download-2168.html

Get them while they're hot

Another release, though this is still a Beta.

Quote :

NVIDIA is hosting a new GeForce Windows XP/Vista 182.05 (32 and 64-bit) driver. The driver is tagged as BETA and up-to this moment we have no work on changes. Interesting though is the high build number.

Should you be interested, give it a try. You can check feedback on this driver in this NVIDIA discussion thread.

Recommended for the best experience in F.E.A.R. 2: Project Origin.
Boosts performance in numerous 3D applications. The following are some examples of improvements measured with Release 182.05 WHQL drivers vs. Release 181.22 WHQL drivers (results will vary depending on your GPU, system configuration, and game settings):

* Up to 8% performance increase in Fallout 3 at high resolution and AA.
* Up to 10% performance increase in F.E.A.R. 2: Project Origin.
* Up to 9% performance increase in Half-Life 2 at high resolution with AA.
* Up to 11% performance increase in Left 4 Dead at high resolution with AA.
* Up to 10% performance increase in Race Driver: GRID at high resolution and AA.

http://www.guru3d.com/news/download-geforce-forceware-18205-xp-and-vista/

Coming thick and fast in anticipation of the remaining 2** series cards to flood the market, here are yet another set of drivers.

This is a WHQL driver for GeForce 6, 7, 8, 9, and 200-series desktop GPUs.

New in Release 182.06:

* Recommended for the best experience in F.E.A.R. 2: Project Origin.
* Boosts performance in several 3D applications. The following are examples of improvements measured with Release 182.06 WHQL drivers vs. Release 181.22 WHQL drivers (results will vary depending on your GPU, system configuration, and game settings):
o Up to 8% performance increase in Fallout 3 at high resolution and AA.
o Up to 10% performance increase in F.E.A.R. 2: Project Origin.
o Up to 9% performance increase in Half-Life 2 at high resolution with AA.
o Up to 11% performance increase in Left 4 Dead at high resolution with AA.
o Up to 10% performance increase in Race Driver: GRID at high resolution and AA.
* Includes full support for OpenGL 3.0 on GeForce 8-series, 9-series, and 200-series GPUs.
* Automatically installs the new PhysX System Software version 9.09.0203.
* Additional information on specific bug fixes can be found in the release documentation notes.
* Users without US English operating systems can select their language and download the International driver here.

Existing Support:

* Supports single GPU and NVIDIA SLI technology on DirectX 9, DirectX 10, and OpenGL, including 3-way SLI, Quad SLI, and SLI support on SLI-certified Intel X58-based motherboards.
* Supports NVIDIA SLI Multi-monitor support, giving you the ability to use two monitors with your GeForce graphics cards in SLI mode. Learn more here.
* Supports NVIDIA PhysX acceleration on a dedicated GeForce graphics card. Use one card for graphics and dedicate a different card for PhysX processing for game-changing physical effects. Learn more here. Note: GPU PhysX is supported on all GeForce 8-series, 9-series and 200-series GPUs with a minimum of 256MB dedicated graphics memory.
* Supports GeForce Plus Power Pack #2. Download these free PhysX and CUDA applications now!
* Supports CUDA.
* Supports GPU overclocking and temperature monitoring by installing NVIDIA System Tools software.


http://www.guru3d.com/news/download-geforce-forceware-18206-whql-for-vista-and-xp/

Forceware driver update as of today. For Vista and XP.

NVIDIA issued a new WHQL release GeForce driver today. This is a WHQL driver for GeForce 6, 7, 8, 9, and 200-series desktop GPUs.

New in Release 182.08:

* Added support for GeForce GTS 250.
* Added SLI profile support for some newly released games.
* Additional information on specific bug fixes can be found in the release documentation notes.

New in Release 182 Drivers:

* Recommended for the best experience in F.E.A.R. 2: Project Origin.
* Boosts performance in several 3D applications. The following are examples of improvements measured with Release 182 WHQL drivers vs. Release 181.22 WHQL drivers (results will vary depending on your GPU, system configuration, and game settings):
o Up to 8% performance increase in Fallout 3 at high resolution and AA.
o Up to 10% performance increase in F.E.A.R. 2: Project Origin
o Up to 9% performance increase in Half-Life 2 at high resolution with AA.
o Up to 11% performance increase in Left 4 Dead at high resolution with AA.
o Up to 10% performance increase in Race Driver: GRID at high resolution and AA.
* Includes full support for OpenGL 3.0 on GeForce 8-series, 9-series, and 200-series GPUs.
* Automatically installs the new PhysX System Software version 9.09.0203.


Available from http://www.guru3d.com/news/download-geforce-forceware-18208-xpvista-whql-/