NVIDIA Forceware 180 Series Drivers Will Bring Big Changes

[Apoptosis]

Nvidia will introduce several major new features in a forthcoming ForceWare 180 driver release, according to a report by GPU Cafe. The driver is apparently code-named "Big Bang II," supposedly in reference to the "Big Bang" driver update that debuted SLI multi-GPU technology.

Release 180 is the official name for Big Bang II driver. Among other features like DisplayPort support, OpenGL 3.0, GPU transcoding, Multi-monitor support for SLI, Nvidia is also preparing for optimizations that will help Nvidia be more competitive to the Radeon 4800 series. As far as we are aware of the performance optimizations are mainly geared towards the GTX 200 series with the 9800 series getting a much needed boost as well.

Source: GPUCafe Blog

[DMB2000uk]

So if a card has had a displayport before this driver, it hasn't been usable?

Multi-monitor support for SLI users is sure to be a welcome addition, all in all I am looking forward to seeing what nvidia can come up with in optimisations for their (newer) cards.

Dan

[InspectahACE]

so if a geforce 8 or 9 series card can act as a PPU, can that mean someone with 1 or 2 280 GTX's can run a 8800GTX as a 3rd for physics or would it have to be the same series as usual? (like SLI) Silly question but doesn't hurt to ask. (that and i still have an 8800 GTX not in use anymore)

[martini161]

id be glad to take that gtx off your hands . didnt they try somethign like that with an FX series card as a PPU a while ago?

[Sovereign]

I want multimonitor SLI. I have a second 22" Acer (that matches my current monitor) on the way, and I have to plug it into a 7900GTX... This disabled DreamScene and makes me sad

[geokilla]

Hopefully the 9600GT will get a boost as well. I can always use free performance without having resorting to overclocking.....espicially when BFG doesn't cover overclocking >.>

[martini161]

Hopefully the 9600GT will get a boost as well. I can always use free performance without having resorting to overclocking.....espicially when BFG doesn't cover overclocking >.>

that my friend is the reason i always, always but XFX

[Methious]

Psst, don't tell them you OCed and don't go for the max OC go for a good medium OC that keeps the temps down and it'll run for a long time.

I hope the NVIDIA driver bump it up a little I'd like to see some better numbers out of my GTX-260. Even though I'm happy with it now a little more might bring a moment of joy.

Hopefully the 9600GT will get a boost as well. I can always use free performance without having resorting to overclocking.....espicially when BFG doesn't cover overclocking >.>

[stereo55]

Multi-monitor support for SLI will be very welcomed ( and its about time !!! :p )

[aircommando13]

will it apply to the upcoming gtx 200b series as well?