This is sort of interesting.
With the recent release of the Mac OS X 10.6.4 update, assorted users have complained of conflicts with some of Nvidia’s graphics cards. Responding to this, Nvidia has released a new suite of graphics drivers for the GTX-285 graphics card. The driver, a 20.87 megabyte download, is listed for OS X 10.6.4 only, and is specifically for the GTX-285 card that is available as a third-party purchase for Mac Pro systems.
Per CNET, the update specifically addresses OpenGL performance issues and improved compatibility with the latest OS X software updates. In addition, the update has support for applications that implement Nvidia’s CUDA technology, but you will need to download and install an additional driver for this functionality.
Keep in mind that this driver will replace the one provided by Apple, and while it should bring new and updated functionality to the GPU, there is a chance that you may experience some errors. If so, try booting into Safe Mode and using a maintenance application to clear the system’s boot caches, along with running other general maintenance routines.
If you’ve tried the updated driver and have any feedback to offer, please let us know.
One reply on “Nvidia releases Mac OS X 10.6.4-compatible driver for GTX-285 graphics card”
CUDA compatibility in a graphics card can reduce the time needed to create photo realistic images by 1000%-3000%, for less than 1/2 the cost of a new computer. Not everyone does this kind of work, but for those who do it’s a huge timesaver.