Nvidia Driver Comparison 178.15 Vs 178.24

Introduction: Recently updated driver sets from nvidia, its odd to see why they are pumping them out so often, so here today we'll test if there are any other changes from your average users point of view.

Testing methods

Benchmarks used: 

• F.E.A.R (built in performance tester).
• 3D Mark 06 and Vantage.
• Crysis War Head (benchmark application from here, using the ambush map).
• S.T.A.L.K.E.R Clear Sky For IQ testing, along with F.E.A.R MP.
• World In Conflict Standard test ran at "High Quality".
• Test Drive Unlimited

 Hardware used:

• Intel Q6600 Overclocked to 3Ghz
• Abit IP-35 E
• 4GB of OCZ Plat at 667Mhz (CL4)
• Nvidia GeForce 9600GT
• Creative X-Fi Xtreme Music

 Software:

• Microsoft Windows Vista x64 Ultimate 
• Fraps, for screen captures.

178.24 Release notes:

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 and 3-way NVIDIA SLI technology with GeForce GTX 200-series GPUs on Intel® D5400XS motherboards.
Supports single GPU and NVIDIA SLI™ technology on DirectX 9, DirectX 10, and OpenGL, including 3-way and Quad SLI technology.
Supports CUDA™.
Supports Folding@home distributing computing application. Download the high performance client for NVIDIA GPUs
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 v178.24 WHQL 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.
Users without US English operating systems can select their language and download the International driver here.