Updating DRIVERS for VIA/S3G UniChrome Pro IGP

Buck_Futt · #1 (**permalink**) 13-11-08, 03:47 PM

Hello everyone!

I need to update the drivers for my laptop's VIA/S3G UniChrome Pro IGP graphics card, and I need to make sure I'm installing the correct ones.

My laptop has an AMD Sempron processor, running Windows XP SP2. The reason for updating drivers is that I play a 3D online game called "There.com", and I have a problem displaying transparent textures: the transparent spots appear covered in black, brown, or any other color which isn't supposed to appear like that. I hope a video driver upgrade solves this.

While searching for drivers, I came upon the WinS3ID utility provided at the s3graphics.com site. I'm transcribing some of the (apparently meaningful) information it returned:

Chip name: UniChrome Pro IGP (K8M800)
Supported: AGP v3.0, 4X/8X speeds, AGPsideband, 66 MHz PCI
Enabled: 8X speeds, AGPsideband, Bus master
GPU ID: 1106 3108
SSven: 1631
SSdev: C009
HW loc: AGP 01/00/00
NB ID: 1022 (AMD) 1103

I *ASSUMED* my video card's chipset was K8M800, and I did find a couple drivers at viaarena.com under Windows XP > Integrated Graphics Drivers for the K8M800/K8N800 Display Drivers. One is Version - 22.00.01j from 15 May 2007, and the latest one is Version - 22.00.01v from 1 Nov 2007 but that one says "Please note that this latest version of the K8M800/K8N800 driver does not include a logo from Microsoft."

What does this mean? Is either of these drivers going to work for my video card, or not? If they do, which one should I choose?

Moreover, when I went to my video card's current settings, they said the driver version is 6.14.10.212 which looks different from those of the ones provided here. So I'm not taking any chances until I get word from somebody who knows better.

Any and all help will be very appreciated! Thank you very much!

Mr. Chris · #2 (**permalink**) 13-11-08, 05:04 PM

Looks like the latest driver is the one from November 1, 2007. Not having a "logo from Microsoft" means they are not WHQL signed. Not usually a big deal.

Drivers may or may not solve your gaming issues, tho it won't hurt to try. Most VIA onboard graphics is not meant for gaming at all, just you everyday office type stuff or watching a DVD. Chris.

Buck_Futt · #3 (**permalink**) 13-11-08, 10:19 PM

Thank you for your prompt response, Chris!

Just to make sure, am I safe to assume THESE drivers I found are the correct ones for the video card I have? I don't to install the wrong ones and lose video in my laptop altogether...

I'm aware my gaming problems might not be solved by updating drivers, but since this seems to be the only possible remedy (as switching video cards is not an option), I can only try and hope it'll work. All the more reason I don't want to mess up anywhere along the way.

Again, I appreciate your assistance.

tcsenter · #4 (**permalink**) 15-11-08, 11:57 PM

Both drivers you found are correct for K8M800. Try the newest one from November 2007 (without logo) first. If that doesn't solve your problem, there is no need to try any others. Its a limitation of the graphics hardware.

Buck_Futt · #5 (**permalink**) 18-11-08, 03:49 PM

How can I revert back to the previous drivers, in case the updated ones did more harm than good?

I'm afraid graphics could end up working worse than before, or perhaps not working altogether...

If anyone can help me on this one, I'll be ready to upgrade drivers and provide feedback afterwards on whether they worked.

Once again, thank you very much for the help!

Mr. Chris · #6 (**permalink**) 18-11-08, 05:33 PM

Create a Windows Restore point before you update the drivers.

Chris.