I am using a Dell Dimension 1520 laptop. Where can I get the latest Nvidia 8600M GT graphics drivers? I can't play the new Bioshock PC demo because it requires the latest 163.44 Forceware drivers. I searched high and low but can't find it anyway... why should this ever happen? It's an Nvidia product and hence, shouldn't there be support for it?



ps: has the price of ANY 8800 GTS dropped yet...??

This post has been edited by Games For Windows: Sep 6 2007, 02:38 PM

Although its not WHQL, this is the 'latest' from Nvidia [Forceware 163.44] which is find to improve performance in Vista particularly when playing Halo 2 and Shadowrun.
http://www.nzone.com/object/nzone_bioshock_downloads.html

Extraordinary design...

Yeah. Downloaded WHQL / Beta, none of the drivers work. It simply says 'hardware not supported' or not recognised. Googled around and found many users having the same issues. The documentation that comes with the Forceware drivers DO NOT put 8600M in their list. This is worrying.

Anyways, as for the 8800 GTS, I am planning of getting the 320Mb version due to my display resolution. Mine goes upto 1280x1024 only, and not 1600x1200. I know the GPU will go superbly with my 3.2GHz Pentium D dual-core and 2Gb memory with Vista ultimate. However the price is just staying... paying RM1k+ for a GPU is quite a pain... [I am using a 7800GTX, which cost me a lot last year]. I thought of getting 8600 GT or 8600 GTS, but it would be almost downgrading my computer.

Aa ha.... well then I will use 640x480 or 800x600... with AA
I enjoy playing games even at 640x480 or 800x600 WITH AA, the graphics on screen look a bit blurrish, further taking away 'jagged' looks, fine example is DiRT which I just can't stop playing.

First, I thought of getting an 8600 GT... I was told not to... get the 8800 GTS 320Mb
Then, I finally decided its the 8800 GTS 320Mb I should get after various reviews and feedbacks
Now, even the 8800 GTS 320Mb isn't good enough? Nothing will ever be good enough except two 8800 Ultra in SLi mode

I ain't rich... and 'affordability' is one the buying points here, the 320Mb 8800 GTS almost fits my budget, almost, not quite just yet... anything more expensive and I would just say sayonara and grab an 8600 GT/GTS...

Less than (or close to) RM1,000. That's it.

current 7800GTX - Plays BioShock like a charm in DX9, although 1280x1024 struggles a bit
8600 GT - I could get one right now and turn on DX10 in BioShock, however performance would be lower
8600 GTS - err.. a little faster than the above card
8800 GTS - a hot babe indeed... and DX10 BioShock would be damn gorgeous, however AFFORDABILITY is an issue (still is..)
8800 GTX - yeah right, like that's ever gonna happen TO ME after 7800GTX burnt a big hole in my wallet, no way, no way...

Not just saving to play BioShock better, but Crysis and 2008's Alan Wake
Plus... Vista Ultimate cost me $$$

"...gaming is not cheap on the PC, but rarely has anyone doubted the PC's full potential, ever..."
quoted by me

Currently using 7800 GTX 256Mb...
"Interested timeshift"? Wow, had to figure that out... by what u r asking perhaps December 2007

7800 GTX's performance is awesome, but DX10 games (that I have thus far)...
Company of Heroes
BioShock
Flight Sim X DX10 patch

I just don't understand... why these guys release DX10 GPUs when there are so little games to take advantage of...
I read http://www.gamespot.com/features/6177688/p-5.html
and found that THE ONLY noticable difference between DX9 and DX10 in BioShock are that the water effects are slightly different...

DX9 first picture, DX10 second picture

Oh my goodness... after thrawling the web and searching for 8600M GT drivers (which I could not find), I found a solution MYSELF. I simply right-clicked my Display adapters in Device Managers then on Update Drivers. Select Have disk, and then point to the folder of the latest Nvidia drivers (e.g Forceware 163.71). Click on the inf file, then select your GPU... here is the trick. THERE IS NO 8600M GT... just select 8600 (or equavalent). It installs and... now you get to play BioShock on your laptop!

Phew. I thought I will never be able to play BioShock on the road.

I am totally confused in the "rush-of-blood-to-the-head" talk about ATI, Nvidia, 8800 GTS, 8600GT, 8800 GTX, etc. etc.

As of this moment?
1. What is the best GPU for me if...
a) My max. resolution is 1280x1024
b) My current GPU is 256Mb 7800 GTX
c) I want DirectX 10 for sure
d) I am pretty much Nvidia-person

2. What will be the better GPU for the future if...
a) I wait until March/April 2008 with more cash...
b) there is at all a DirectX 10.1 GPU (ATI 2900Pro???)

Finally...
My budget as of today October 2007...
= RM1,000.00 +-

3. On my mind as of this moment is...
MSI OC 8800 GTS 320Mb [RM1,098 last time I checked, fits my bill]

4. But confused with the talks about...
ATI 2900PRO (DX10.1, 512Mb, faster than 8800GTS) [Cheaper !!]
&
XFX Fatal1ty 8800 GTS 320Mb (faster than 8800GTX when OC???, OMG )


Help needed. Someone with an angelic light shining upon them. Thou shalt be rewarded in Heaven for helping the needy. Like me. Straight answers appreciated. (E.g Best if you ...) not like (E.g I think ur machine sucks, better wait until 2009)

This post has been edited by Games For Windows: Oct 15 2007, 07:47 PM

And 8800 GT performs as good as the 8800 GTS ? Please give some sort of reference.