Upgrading a PC or building a new one is not an easy or cheap task. Some users choose to keep older hardware running for as long as possible, or repurpose it for other tasks such as a media server or emulation device. This type of build has been made easier thanks to the latest driver update from Nvidia.

Since August 2024, users using one of the older Intel Core 2 CPUs and running a Nvidia GeForce GTX 750 or newer have faced a problem. Updating to the latest Nvidia drivers would cause a blue screen crash and a boot loop. Thankfully, this problem has now been rectified.

Recent Nvidia driver fixes old hardware problem

The latest Nvidia drivers do not require the POPCNT CPU instruction set. This instruction set was causing the blue screen problem for older PC hardware, and its removal will allow users of older CPUs, such as the Core 2 Duo, to enjoy modern driver updates once again.

As tech blogger BobPony pointed out on Twitter/X, this update also means that the door is open to allow users to pair an older CPU like a Core 2 Duo with a ridiculously powerful modern graphics card. Even an RTX 5090 if they want.

It should be noted that the Intel Core 2 line was introduced in 2006 and discontinued in 2012, marking it as completely ancient in PC hardware terms. There could be an argument made for pairing a Core 2 Quad with something like an Nvidia Quadro GPU for 3D rendering or other graphical work. It isn’t easy to imagine what use case a Core 2 Duo and RTX 5090 would be, other than pure amusement value.

Perhaps someone will take this opportunity to build the ultimate sleeper build and show what old hardware can do.

About the Author

Rebecca Hills-Duty

Writing and journalism experience at VRFocus, UploadVR, The Escapist, HTC, PC Gamer, Tech Radar+ and Dexerto. Can sometimes be found playing with retro tech.