This article provides an overview of the Nvidia GeForce Performance Graphics Driver 337.61 Beta, specifically designed for 32-bit versions of Windows 7 and Windows 8 operating systems. Released as a hotfix to address specific issues, this driver builds upon the performance enhancements and features introduced in the preceding GeForce R337.50 Beta driver. This comprehensive look will cover what’s new in this driver, its compatibility with various GeForce desktop and notebook GPUs, and provide essential information for users looking to install or update their graphics drivers.
Overview
The Nvidia GeForce Performance Graphics Driver 337.61 Beta represents a significant update for users of Nvidia GeForce graphics cards running on 32-bit Windows 7 and 8. As a beta release, it offers users access to the latest performance improvements and bug fixes before they are officially integrated into a stable, final driver version. Beta drivers are often released to gather feedback from users and identify any potential issues before a wider rollout.
This particular release, the Nvidia GeForce Performance Graphics Driver 337.61 Beta, was made available on April 17, 2014, and targeted specific problems encountered by users. Its primary purpose was to act as a hotfix, resolving immediate issues while incorporating the broader performance enhancements included in the preceding R337.50 Beta driver.
What’s New
The Nvidia GeForce Performance Graphics Driver 337.61 Beta functions primarily as a hotfix. This means it’s designed to address specific bugs or issues identified after the release of the GeForce R337.50 Beta driver. While the specific issues addressed by this hotfix are not detailed in the original source, it’s crucial to understand that a hotfix release typically focuses on resolving critical problems that impact user experience or system stability.
In addition to the hotfix component, the Nvidia GeForce Performance Graphics Driver 337.61 Beta incorporates all the performance optimizations, profile updates, and 3D Vision enhancements introduced in the GeForce R337.50 Beta Performance Driver. This means users benefit from a combination of bug fixes and previously released improvements.
To get a comprehensive understanding of the enhancements included from the R337.50 Beta, users can refer to the official Nvidia GeForce website or related articles discussing that specific driver release. These improvements likely encompassed general performance gains across various games and applications, updated SLI profiles for multi-GPU configurations, and enhancements to Nvidia’s 3D Vision technology for stereoscopic 3D gaming and viewing.
Installing the Nvidia Display Driver
While the original article provides basic installation instructions, it’s important to expand upon these for clarity and completeness. Installing an Nvidia display driver involves several steps:
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Download the Driver: The first step is to download the appropriate driver package for your system. In this case, the file name is
337.61-desktop-notebook-win8-win7-winvista-32bit-english-npt.exe.- Download Link: Download Nvidia GeForce Performance Graphics Driver 337.61 Beta for Windows 7/8 32-bit
- Alternative Download Link: Guru3D – Nvidia GeForce 337.61 Beta Driver
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Backup (Optional but Recommended): Before installing any new driver, it’s good practice to create a system restore point or backup your current driver configuration. This allows you to revert to a previous state if the new driver causes issues.
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Uninstall Existing Driver (Recommended): For a clean installation, it’s recommended to uninstall your current Nvidia driver. This can be done through the Windows Control Panel under "Programs and Features." Look for "Nvidia Graphics Driver" and uninstall it. You may also want to use a Display Driver Uninstaller (DDU) tool for a more thorough removal. DDU removes all traces of the old driver, preventing potential conflicts with the new installation.
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Run the Installer: Locate the downloaded executable file (
337.61-desktop-notebook-win8-win7-winvista-32bit-english-npt.exe) and double-click it to start the installation process. -
Follow the On-Screen Instructions: The installer will guide you through the installation process. You’ll typically be presented with options such as "Express Installation" (which installs all recommended components) or "Custom Installation" (which allows you to choose specific components to install).
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Restart Your Computer: After the installation is complete, you’ll be prompted to restart your computer. This is necessary for the new driver to take effect.
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Verify Installation: After restarting, you can verify that the driver is installed correctly by opening the Device Manager (search for "Device Manager" in the Windows Start Menu) and expanding the "Display adapters" section. You should see your Nvidia GeForce graphics card listed, and its properties should indicate that the 337.61 driver is installed.
Supported Products
The Nvidia GeForce Performance Graphics Driver 337.61 Beta supports a range of GeForce desktop and notebook GPUs. Here’s a more detailed listing, though it’s important to note that this list may not be exhaustive due to the age of the driver:
GeForce Desktop GPUs (Examples):
- GeForce GTX TITAN series (e.g., GTX TITAN, GTX TITAN Black)
- GeForce GTX 700 series (e.g., GTX 780 Ti, GTX 780, GTX 770, GTX 760)
- GeForce GTX 600 series (e.g., GTX 690, GTX 680, GTX 670, GTX 660 Ti, GTX 660, GTX 650 Ti BOOST, GTX 650 Ti, GTX 650)
- GeForce 500 series (e.g., GTX 590, GTX 580, GTX 570, GTX 560 Ti, GTX 560 SE, GTX 560, GTX 550 Ti)
- GeForce 400 series (e.g., GTX 480, GTX 470, GTX 465, GTX 460 SE v2, GTX 460 SE, GTX 460)
GeForce Notebook GPUs (Examples):
- GeForce GTX 700M series (e.g., GTX 780M, GTX 770M, GTX 765M, GTX 760M)
- GeForce GTX 600M series (e.g., GTX 680M, GTX 675MX, GTX 670MX, GTX 660M, GTX 645M, GTX 640M, GTX 635M, GTX 630M)
- GeForce GT 700M series (e.g., GT 750M, GT 745M, GT 740M, GT 735M, GT 730M, GT 720M)
- GeForce GT 600M series (e.g., GT 650M, GT 640M, GT 630M, GT 620M, 610M)
- GeForce 500M series (e.g., GTX 580M, GTX 570M, GTX 560M, GT 555M, GT 550M, GT 540M, GT 525M, GT 520M)
- GeForce 400M series (e.g., GTX 485M, GTX 480M, GTX 470M, GTX 460M, GT 445M, GT 435M, GT 425M, GT 420M)
Important Considerations:
- 32-bit Compatibility: This driver is specifically for 32-bit versions of Windows 7 and 8. Ensure your operating system is compatible before installing.
- Legacy Driver: Given the age of this driver, it may not be the optimal choice for newer games or applications. Nvidia regularly releases updated drivers that offer better performance and compatibility for the latest software. If you have a compatible system, consider using a more recent driver.
- Beta Status: Remember that this is a beta driver. While it offers potential improvements, it may also contain bugs or instability. Use it with caution and be prepared to revert to a previous driver if necessary.
- Nvidia’s Website: Always check Nvidia’s official website for the latest drivers and information about your specific graphics card. They provide detailed release notes and compatibility information.
In conclusion, the Nvidia GeForce Performance Graphics Driver 337.61 Beta provided a hotfix and performance enhancements for users of GeForce graphics cards on 32-bit Windows 7 and 8. While a legacy driver, understanding its purpose and compatibility can be helpful for users with older systems. Always prioritize using the latest stable drivers from Nvidia for optimal performance and stability when possible.