This article provides information about the Nvidia GeForce Quadro Notebook Graphics Driver 326.80 Beta, a driver release designed for 32-bit versions of Windows 7, Windows 8, and Windows 8.1 operating systems. This beta driver, released in August 2013, aimed to provide enhanced gaming experiences and performance improvements for Nvidia Quadro notebook GPUs. While officially a reference driver as part of the NVIDIA Notebook Driver Program, users should be aware of certain considerations before installation.
Understanding Reference Drivers and OEM Recommendations
The Nvidia GeForce Quadro Notebook Graphics Driver 326.80 Beta falls under the NVIDIA Notebook Driver Program. These drivers are designed to be broadly compatible with supported NVIDIA notebook GPUs. However, it’s crucial to understand the distinction between reference drivers and those provided by your notebook’s original equipment manufacturer (OEM).
OEMs, such as Dell, HP, Lenovo, and others, customize drivers specifically for their notebook models. These drivers are tailored to the specific hardware configurations and cooling solutions of each notebook. OEM drivers often undergo rigorous testing to ensure stability and optimal performance. They also may include specific features or optimizations unique to that notebook model.
NVIDIA strongly recommends that users check with their notebook OEM for recommended software updates, including graphics drivers. OEMs might not provide technical support for issues arising from the use of reference drivers like the Nvidia GeForce Quadro Notebook Graphics Driver 326.80 Beta. Installing a reference driver might overwrite OEM customizations, potentially leading to unforeseen issues or reduced performance.
Key Features and Improvements of the 326.80 Beta
The Nvidia GeForce Quadro Notebook Graphics Driver 326.80 Beta was released with the following objectives:
- Game Ready Driver: Specifically optimized for the release of Splinter Cell: Blacklist, offering the best possible gaming experience for that title.
- Windows 8.1 Preview Support: Recommended driver update for users running the Windows 8.1 Preview operating system.
- Performance Enhancements: Aimed to deliver performance increases across a variety of different games.
While the original release notes are not available, it’s safe to assume that the driver also addressed known bugs and stability issues present in previous versions. Beta drivers, by their nature, are pre-release versions and may contain undiscovered bugs. Users should proceed with caution and be prepared to revert to a stable, OEM-recommended driver if necessary.
Supported Products
The Nvidia GeForce Quadro Notebook Graphics Driver 326.80 Beta supported a range of Quadro notebook GPUs. A comprehensive list of these GPUs is not available without the original release notes. However, it is important to verify that your specific Quadro notebook GPU is supported before attempting installation.
It’s also essential to note that there may be exceptions to the general support. Certain specific notebook models or configurations might not be compatible with the 326.80 Beta driver. Again, consulting your notebook OEM’s website is the best way to determine compatibility and obtain the recommended driver for your system.
Download Information and Considerations
The original filename for the Nvidia GeForce Quadro Notebook Graphics Driver 326.80 Beta was:
326.80-notebook-win8-win7-32bit-international-beta.exe
Download Link: The download link for the original driver is: [Insert Official NVIDIA Download Link Here, If Available].
Since this driver is quite old, NVIDIA may no longer host the file directly. Here’s an alternative download location that might host the Nvidia GeForce Quadro Notebook Graphics Driver 326.80 Beta for Windows 7/8/8.1 32-bit:
- Alternative Download Link: https://www.nvidia.in/content/DriverDownload-March2009/confirmation.php?url=/Windows/326.80/326.80-notebook-win8-win7-32bit-international-beta.exe&lang=en
Important Considerations Before Downloading:
- Verify Compatibility: Before downloading, ensure that your Nvidia GeForce Quadro notebook GPU is listed as supported. Check your notebook OEM’s website for compatibility information.
- Backup Your Current Driver: It’s always a good practice to back up your current graphics driver before installing a new one. This allows you to easily revert to the previous driver if you encounter problems with the new driver.
- Create a System Restore Point: Create a system restore point in Windows before installing the driver. This provides an additional layer of protection, allowing you to restore your system to a previous state if the driver installation causes issues.
- Consider OEM Drivers First: Prioritize drivers provided by your notebook OEM. These drivers are specifically tailored to your notebook and are more likely to provide a stable and optimal experience.
- Beta Driver Risks: Be aware that beta drivers are pre-release versions and may contain bugs or stability issues. Proceed with caution and be prepared to revert to a stable driver if necessary.
Installing the Driver
After downloading the driver, follow these steps to install it:
- Close all running applications.
- Double-click the downloaded .exe file to begin the installation process.
- Follow the on-screen instructions. The installer will guide you through the process.
- Choose "Custom (Advanced)" installation during the installation process. This allows you to perform a clean installation, which is recommended when installing new graphics drivers.
- Select the "Perform a clean installation" option. This will remove any previous NVIDIA drivers and install the new driver from scratch.
- Restart your computer after the installation is complete.
Troubleshooting
If you encounter problems after installing the Nvidia GeForce Quadro Notebook Graphics Driver 326.80 Beta, try the following troubleshooting steps:
- Revert to your previous driver: If you backed up your previous driver, restore it.
- Use System Restore: Restore your system to the restore point you created before installing the driver.
- Check the NVIDIA forums: The NVIDIA forums are a valuable resource for troubleshooting driver-related issues. Search for your specific problem or post a new question.
- Contact your notebook OEM: If you are unable to resolve the issue, contact your notebook OEM for assistance.
Conclusion
The Nvidia GeForce Quadro Notebook Graphics Driver 326.80 Beta offered potential performance improvements and optimizations for Nvidia Quadro notebook GPUs running Windows 7, 8, and 8.1. However, users should carefully consider the risks and benefits before installing a reference driver. Prioritizing OEM-provided drivers and backing up your system are crucial steps to ensure a stable and optimal computing experience. Always verify compatibility and proceed with caution when installing beta drivers. Remember that the Nvidia GeForce Quadro Notebook Graphics Driver 326.80 Beta is an older driver.