Graphic Cards Nvidia GeForce 8 Forceware 158.19 Beta (XP)

[thexfactor]

Nvidia has released another set of official beta drivers specifically for the Geforce 8 series. Judging by the version jump, these are what we've all been waiting for, although final drivers would be nice. They are available in both 32bit and 64bit flavours, with a much smaller file size for both installers. This is not a WHQL release, so Windows will prompt you about these drivers not being digitally signed. This time though, Nvidia has instructions about the prompt you will receive; we're getting close! Unlike previous final and beta releases, international downloads are available.

Release Notes
Adds support for GeForce 8600 GTS, GeForce 8600 GT, and GeForce 8500 GT, GeForce 8400 GS, and GeForce 8300 GS GPUs.
Increased performance in 3D applications.
Numerous game and application compatibility fixes.
Microsoft® DirectX® 9.0c and OpenGL® 2.1 support.
Please read the release notes for more information on product support, feature limitations, and known compatibility issues.

*This is BETA software!, please use caution when installing it on your system

Download : x86 | x64

Homepage : NVIDIA Drivers

 

[Eazy]

Came across this thread for Forceware 165.01 drivers for 8xxx cards

New drivers: Forceware 165.01 Recived from directly Nvidia Tech apartment - Guru3D.com Forums

Windows XP 165.01 only: MEGAUPLOAD - The leading online storage and file delivery service
Windows Vista 32 165.01 only: MEGAUPLOAD - The leading online storage and file delivery service
Windows Vista 64 165.01 only: MEGAUPLOAD - The leading online storage and file delivery service

This driver seems to add support for some new G84/86 variants and 8400/8300 cards too. Then there's G98 support..?
Drivers are dated April 12.
They are reported to be non-WHQL driver

 

[Eazy]

I checked thru some forums and the 165.01 drivers are not meant to be very good ... to be avoided... the recommended driver seems to be the 158.18 ... I found these drivers for Vista but the Guru3d link for these drivers for XP starts downloading the 158.19 driver Any one have a link for 158.18 32bit for XP ?

 

[burnz]

i didn't know there was 158.18 for xp... i do have a copy of 158.16 xp beta drivers

 

[Eazy]

i didn't know there was 158.18 for xp... i do have a copy of 158.16 xp beta drivers

Apparently it was a typo by Guru3d on their download page.... the Linky said 158.18 but when the download starts the file name shows as 158.19 .... lots of confusion.

It seems in many setups these 158.19 drivers disable GPU fan control and have no ability to read GPU temperature.

I have decided not to install these drivers. :no:

 

[burnz]

i think with the newer forceware drivers, they've removed the GPU monitoring etc features... you'll have to download a separately utility Ntune for the GPU monitoring features...

 

[Eazy]

you'll have to download a separately utility Ntune for the GPU monitoring features...

According to many members of the nvidia forums nTune is a PITA and a utility best avoided. I have not installed it. But I use AtiTool to show me the GPU temp in the systray and I also have this utility showing the GPU Temp as part of my screen saver I use RivaTuner to change my GFX cards fan speeds - I have raised the RPM from the default 60% to 76% - this dropped GPU temp by about 4C.