Notebook Release 186 186.81

Version: 186.81 WHQL
Release Date: 2009.08.27
Operating System: Windows XP
Language: English (U.S.)
File Size: 110 MB

Release Highlights

As part of the NVIDIA Verde Notebook Driver Program, this is a reference driver that can be installed on supported NVIDIA notebook GPUs. However, please note that your notebook original equipment manufacturer (OEM) provides certified drivers for your specific notebook on their website. NVIDIA recommends that you check with your notebook OEM about recommended software updates for your notebook. OEMs may not provide technical support for issues that arise from the use of this driver.

Before downloading this driver:
  1. Please check to make sure that your notebook has a supported GPU (refer to the Products Supported tab below).
  2. It is recommended that you backup your current system configuration. Click here for instructions.
  3. If you own a Dell Inspiron 1420, Dell XPS M1330, Dell XPS M1530, or Dell Latitude D630/D630c it is highly recommended that you first install this Dell software update.
RELEASE HIGHLIGHTS :

This driver supports the following NVIDIA GPUs (there are some exceptions – please refer to the Products Supported tab):

  • GeForce 8M, 9M, 100M, and 200M-series notebook GPUs.
  • Quadro NVS-series notebook GPUs.
  • Quadro FX-series notebook GPUs.

New in this release:

  • Includes several application compatibility fixes.
  • Installs NVIDIA PhysX System Software v9.09.0428.
Existing Release 186 support:
  • Adds support for CUDA 2.2 for improved performance in GPU Computing applications. See www.nvidia.com/cuda for more details.
  • Expands GPU hardware acceleration for the NVIDIA Video Encoding library to GPUs with less than 32 cores. Applications using this library include CyberLink PowerDirector 7, Nero Move it 1.5, Loilo SuperLoiloScope MARS, and CyberLink MediaShow Espresso.
  • Accelerates performance in several 3D applications. The following are examples of improvements measured with Release 186 drivers vs. Release 179 drivers (results will vary depending on your GPU, system configuration, and game settings):
    • Up to 25% performance increase in The Chronicles of Riddick: Assault on Dark Athena
    • Up to 22% performance increase in Crysis: Warhead with antialiasing enabled
    • Up to 11% performance increase in Fallout 3 with antialiasing enabled
    • Up to 14% performance increase in Far Cry 2
    • Up to 45% performance increase in Mirror’s Edge with antialiasing enabled
  • Includes full support for OpenGL 3.0.
  • Supports NVIDIA PhysX hardware acceleration on GPUs with a minimum of 256MB dedicated graphics memory and 32 processor cores.
  • Supports GeForce Plus Power Pack #3. Download these FREE PhysX and CUDA applications now!
  • Supports single GPU and NVIDIA SLI technology on DirectX 9 and OpenGL.
  • Includes numerous bug fixes.
  • Please read the release notes for more information on product support, features, and known compatibility issues.

NVIDIA welcomes feedback on these notebook reference drivers. Click here to provide feedback.

Supported products

GeForce 200M series:
GTX 260M, GTX 280M

GeForce 100M series:
GT 120M, G 102M, GTS 160M, G 110M, G 103M, G 107M, GT 130M, G 105M

GeForce 9M series:
9100M G, 9500M GS, 9600M GS, 9650M GT, 9400M, 9800M GTS, 9300M GS, 9600M GT, 9800M GTX, 9400M GS, 9400M G, 9500M G, 9700M GT, 9650M GS, 9800M GS, 9800M GT, 9200M GS, 9700M GTS, 9300M G

GeForce 8M series:
8600M GS, 8700M GT, 8400M GS, 8400M G, 8800M GTS, 8800M GTX, 8400M GT, 8600M GT, 8200M G, 8800M GS

Quadro FX Notebook series:
FX 3700M, FX 360M, FX 2700M, FX 370M, FX 570M, FX 1600M, FX 3600M, FX 1700M, FX 770M

Quadro NVS Notebook series:
NVS 130M, NVS 135M, NVS 160M, NVS 140M, NVS 320M, NVS 150M

Note:

The following notebooks are not supported in this release:

  1. Hybrid Power notebooks with Intel chipsets such as:
    • Acer Aspire 7530
    • BenQ Joybook S42
    • Fujitsu Siemens Amilo Xi 3650
  2. Fujitsu notebooks – (please contact the notebook OEM for driver support for these notebooks). Note: Fujitsu Siemens (FSC) notebooks are supported in this release
  3. Lenovo ThinkPad notebooks (please contact the notebook OEM for driver support for these notebooks)
  4. Sony VAIO notebooks (please contact the notebook OEM for driver support for these notebooks)
  5. Any notebook that is launched after the release date of this driver

Additional information