*Warning* for Nvidia WHQL 196.75 drivers

[KazeNoKoe23]

Thanks for this. I'm still on 196.21 and won't be updating until this is resolved.

 

[mpcrsc562]

for the people who haven't experience issues, maybe this:

Given that the most users that reported their graphics cards have died were using a custom-built boards featuring nVidia's favorite renaming chip of all times, G92 GPU [8800GT, 8800GTS, 9800GT, 9800GTX and the subsequent 55nm die-shrink: 9800GTX+, GTS 250]: GeForce 9800GT, 9800GTX and GTS 250 were particular victims of this issue.

nVidia retracts WHQL-certified "GPU Killing Drivers" - Bright Side Of News*

 

[alphanumeric]

Wow, I had to do some quick checking to see what version I'm running. It's 196.21, so thats a relief. I'm currently on my third 220 GT. The first one was dead right out of the box. The replacement for that one started showing artifacts during game play and I could hear the fan buzzing. After reading this thread I figured I better make sure I'm not running the latest but not so greatest drivers. Having a third card fail would be a major bummer. I never run the drivers on the CD and always download the latest from the manufacturers web site.

 

[ThePizzaMan]

wow nvidia with problems and ati's drivers are getting better...... it must be the end of the world :shock:

 

[smarteyeball]

wow nvidia with problems and ati's drivers are getting better...... it must be the end of the world :shock:

lol, I wouldn't go that far...

At least with each new CAT driver release you know what you are going to get - disappointment :roflmao:

 

[Lucky098]

Yes Nvidia removed the 196.75 and use the 196.21 - I didnt update (nearly press "download") but i stayed with 196.21 it would caused serious problems with hardwares included damaged graphic card if running 196.75 but it no longer to use and may replace with new one so it take time for Nvidia to check the problems on software programming.

 

[RST101]

wow nvidia with problems and ati's drivers are getting better...... it must be the end of the world :shock:

It's the fanboism remarks like this that fan the flames but I think when you look at the bigger picture I know who I'd rather trust with making stable reliable drivers.

 

[Agrevail]

I've noticed a 10+ degree rise on my gtx 295 for some time now. Not just that driver, ive gone from under load temperatures of 75 ish degrees to 85+, and some BSOD's because of it. Id say it was since xmas almost.

I thought it was just dust/ pc needed cleaning.

 

[smarteyeball]

I've noticed a 10+ degree rise on my gtx 295 for some time now. Not just that driver, ive gone from under load temperatures of 75 ish degrees to 85+, and some BSOD's because of it. Id say it was since xmas almost.

I thought it was just dust/ pc needed cleaning.

196.75 were only released 2010.03.02 - so if you've noticed a temp rise since xmas it could be dust build up / ambient temperature induced (if it's summer where you are)

 

[rev1775]

I don't update video card drivers each time they appear (any more). I'm on the 196.21 drivers at the moment and don't see any big improvements with each and every new driver set that comes along. I usually go with every 3rd or 4th set. Unless of course, I'm doing a fresh install or a certain program would not work and the new drivers solve the issue.

 

[debmalya1008]

Thanks for this great information.

 

[IownAmoneyPit]

Thanks for the info. I usually just update the drivers no questions asked as I've never had a problem with a Nvidia card, Old ATI oem card different story, never did figure out why fan never runs or BSODs after restoring a backup or recovery also had a few bad driver updates and had to roll back or wait for the proper fix. After that it was an Nvidia card for me but this was the first time I have heard of a major foul-up for a Nvidia driver. I guess both companies are too consumed with a monthly competition to come out with new drivers but both companies need to better test their drivers before they are released. I know I would be thoroughly ticked off right now If my 3 month old card would have died because of this driver update.

 

[BugMeister]

yikes, what a mess..!!:shock:

ForceWare 196.75 Can Kill Your GeForce Card!!! - 3D Tech News, Pixel Hacking, Data Visualization and 3D Programming - Geeks3D.com

 

[WDAexodus]

Yeah, I was lucky. I had started the download and went to bed w/o installing them. The next day at work I read the news story and was very relieved I didn't install them.

 

[spyknee]

Good to know,
I just recently just changed from RC1 to paid for. I am using .21, but because of this thread I had to double check. I just OC'ed my cards this week.
Two thoughts,
I loaded in Precision and immediately increased the fan speed, did this awhile ago. Worth a few degrees in lower temps. Also, I use cards in SLI, like most. The cards are right next to each other and the top card runs hotter than the lower card, understandable. I can adjust in bios, which card to make as the primary, so the lower card is the primary.
I also use a cases that have case side fans. The case side fans do interfere with the airflow in the case. Both of my puters have case side fans. I have swapped the case sides on both puters, so that the fans are sending air in, but on the bottom side of the mobo. Believe it or not but this lowers temps by 10 degrees C in both cases.
FYI

 

[dmex]

Ive been running 196.75 all week untill a few minutes ago, didnt even know there was a problem.

CSS, TF2, L4D2, BFBC2, MW2 have all been running fine, I did notice the GPU temp has been hovering about 70-85c, 10-20c higher than normal while inactive but I attributed that to the hot weather we've been having here.

I rolled the drivers back as a precaution anyway.

 

[Zahl]

I've been lazy to roll back and have been using these drivers since release. Haven't noticed anything different with the temps or fans and they are a must for mass effect 2 and avp.
I'm pretty sure the evga sli patch can be used on the 196.21's to add the profiles but too lazy to try it. And they definitely seem to be taking their sweet time getting another set out

 

[ThePizzaMan]

wow nvidia is slow getting a fixed driver out? whats this world coming to? haha...

 

[Airbot]

They already have one.
http://www.sevenforums.com/graphic-...-video-drivers-windows-7-a-68.html#post630624

 

[wacky7]

yeah i went into some problems with this driver my nvidia tools wasn't working when updated to the 196.75 fans and speed wasn't showing up and did gave me some crash and BOSD a few times and kick me out of some games too. i think i might have to reinstall windows sucks.