NVIDIA confirmed today that from August 31, it will no longer support GeForce graphics cards based on the Kepler architecture and non-Windows 10 operating systems (Windows 7/8/8.1).
In addition, Nvidia will release the last version of the driver that supports these graphics cards and operating systems. Of course, this does not mean that Kepler graphics cards will no longer receive patches for critical bugs and security updates, and these graphics cards will not have Game Ready drivers.
Naijatechnews learned that Nvidia launched the GeForce GTX 600 series graphics cards in 2012, and subsequently launched the GeForce GTX 700 series cards.
It is worth mentioning that the 700 series cards are the first generations to use TITAN GPUs. Although some of these cards can still provide good performance in some older games, these cards should indeed be included in history.
In addition, NVIDIA seems to have indeed made a small mistake, because the Kepler GPU list they announced includes GTX 750 and GTX 750 Ti, and these two are obviously Maxwell-based cards. So we are not sure if it was written by the official wrong or deliberately (update: the official has deleted)
If the GTX750/750Ti support is indeed cancelled, this list is not as accurate as the GeForce 600 and 700 series.
Starting in October 2021, Game Ready driver upgrades (including performance enhancements, new features and bug fixes) will be applicable to systems using Maxwell, Pascal, Turing and Ampere series GPUs. By September 2024, critical security updates will be provided on systems using desktop Kepler series GPUs. The complete list of desktop Kepler series GeForce GPUs can be found here.
Starting in October 2021, Game Ready driver upgrades (including performance enhancements, new features and bug fixes) will be exclusively used for systems that use Windows 10 as their operating system. By September 2024, critical security updates will be provided on systems using Windows 7, Windows 8, or Windows 8.1.
– Nvidia
NVIDIA also provides short answers to frequently asked questions about these two changes.
Q: Why does NVIDIA no longer support Kepler desktop GPUs?
A: Kepler-based desktop GPUs were originally launched in March 2012. Since then, with the advent of technologies such as DirectX 12 Ultimate and NVIDIA DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling), gaming technology has undergone tremendous development. Looking ahead, NVIDIA’s software QA team will focus on hardware that supports new technologies.Q: Why does NVIDIA no longer support Windows 7, Windows 8 and Windows 8.1?
Answer: Microsoft has officially terminated support for Windows 7 and Windows 8, and the life cycle of Windows 8.1 is coming to an end. The vast majority of our GeForce customers have migrated to the Windows 10 operating system. To ensure that GeForce users experience the best security, support, and features, NVIDIA will now focus on the Windows 10 operating system.Q: When will the final Game Ready driver that supports Kepler-based desktop GPUs be available?
Q: When will the final Game Ready drivers supporting Windows 7, Windows 8 and Windows 8.1 be released?
Answer: August 31, 2021 (R470 GA5)Q: When will the first Game Ready driver that does not support Kepler-based desktop GPUs be available?
Q: When will the first Game Ready driver that does not support Windows 7, Windows 8 and Windows 8.1 be released?
Answer: October 4, 2021 (R495 GA1)Q: Which GeForce GPUs are based on the Kepler architecture?
Answer: The list includes:
NVIDIA GeForce GTX Titan Z
NVIDIA GeForce GTX Titan Black
NVIDIA GeForce GTX Titan
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 780 Ti
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 780
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 770
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 760 Ti
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 760
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 760 (192 bit)
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 760 Ti OEM
NVIDIA GeForce GT 740
NVIDIA GeForce GT 730
NVIDIA GeForce GT 720
NVIDIA GeForce GT 710
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 690
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 680
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 670
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 660 Ti
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 660
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 650 Ti Boost
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 650 Ti
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 650
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 645
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 640
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 635
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 630
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