Nvidia Forceware Comparison and Review - 190.38 Vs. 190.62

In this Nvidia Forceware review and comparison we intend to test and examine as far as deemed necessary in order to determine which version is most suitable to use, whether you’re a gaming addict to a humble user trying to fix those enraging bugs. It’s been a while since we last dragged up Vantage and showed it what’s boss, since we last tested there’ve been a few subtle changes to the testing and hardware used even though the old machine is still being used results are reasonably accurate. Would like to draw attention to the fact that we're testing on an upgraded platform, we got our selves a GTX275!

Testing Nvidia’s Forceware is reasonably straight forward, consisting of a simple combination of synthetic benchmarks combined with some real world testing, particularly leading titles and ageing classics. Both new and old games are assessed for several reasons, key of which is compatibility which Nvidia’s Forceware is worth testing for – since Nvidia is regarded as the most compatible but this is advised to be taken with a pinch of salt.

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Nvidia Forceware Testing Methodology:

Hardware used in Nvidia Forceware testing:

• Intel Core 2 Quad - Q6600, Overclocked to 3.00Ghz.
• OCZ Platinum 800Mhz.
• Abit IP35-E .
• Nvidia GTX275 - No overclocks and no image quality adjustments (all game dependant).
• Creative X-Fi Xtreme Music.

Software used (General):

• Windows Vista Ultimate - 64 Bit - SP2.
• Fraps - for screen capture and time demo testing.

Benchmark software used (including games and synthetic tests):

• Futuremark 3D Mark Vantage.
• Futuremark 3D Mark 2006.
• F.E.A.R - First Encounter Assault Recon SP (Built in game test) V1.08.
• World In Conflict.
• Far Cry 2.
• Crysis Warhead.
• S.T.A.L.K.E.R - Clear Sky.
• Mirrors Edge.
• Call of Juarez - Bound in Blood.

Driver release notes:

190.62 WHQL:

• Adds WHQL support on Windows 7 for Microsoft’s new DirectX GPU Computing API: DirectCompute.
• Optimized for the latest PhysX gaming titles: Batman: Arkham Asylum and Darkest of Days.
• Installs PhysX System Software version 9.09.0814.
• Includes several bug fixes. More information can be found in the release documentation.
• What is your Windows 7 upgrade plan? Take a Quick Survey.

190.38 WHQL:

• Adds support for OpenGL 3.1.
• Adds support for CUDA 2.3 for improved performance in GPU Computing applications
• Adds a new user-controlled power management setting for select GeForce 9-series and later graphics cards (cards must already support more than one power state). This option allows users to set a performance level for each DirectX or OpenGL application.
• Includes several new control panel features and numerous bug fixes. More information can be found in the release documentation.

Existing Support:

• Supports Microsoft’s new DirectX Compute API on Windows 7.
• 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.
• Installs PhysX System Software version 9.09.0428.
• 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.
• Supports GeForce Plus Power Pack #3. Download these FREE PhysX and CUDA applications now!
• Supports GPU overclocking and temperature monitoring by installing NVIDIA System Tools software.

GPU's/Cards Supported by both 190.38 and 190.62:

• GeForce GTX 295
• GeForce GTX 285
• 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 8800 Ultra
• GeForce 8800 GTX
• GeForce 8800 GTS 512
• GeForce 8800 GTS
• GeForce 8800 GT
• GeForce 8800 GS