I was wondering are there any alternatives to the "Default" NVIDIA Drivers and whether they offer better performance, features etc. Links and appreciated.

I have a Gainward BLISS 7800 GS AGP. (basically a 7800GT in AGP clothingm if ive been reading the info on it correctly.)

some manufacturers, such as MSI, bundle nvidia drivers with thier cards that have special tools and options custon-made to the card. once these have been installed, you can update the driver to the latest nvidia version and still retain your advanced features. it all depends on what came with your card, though.

Yes, there are the DHZer0point drivers. Those are modified videocard drivers that should be performing better. Most modified drivers sacrifice image quality for performance, but this one doesn't.

http://www.driverheavendownloads.net/zeropoint.htm

You need the one in green. Those are for nVidia, the ones in red are for ATI cards.