This article provides information about the Nvidia GeForce Graphics Driver 310.70, specifically designed for the Windows XP 64-bit operating system. Released in December 2012, this driver aimed to optimize the gaming experience for several popular titles of the time. This article will delve into the driver’s purpose, key features, supported games, and where you can still potentially find it for download.
Overview of Nvidia GeForce Graphics Driver 310.70
The Nvidia GeForce Graphics Driver 310.70 was released on December 4, 2012. It was intended as a performance-enhancing update for Nvidia GeForce graphics cards running on the Windows XP 64-bit platform. While Windows XP is now a legacy operating system, at the time, it was still a widely used platform, and driver updates like this were crucial for gamers seeking the best possible performance. The driver aimed to provide significant improvements in frame rates and overall stability, particularly in graphically demanding games.
Key Features and Optimizations
The primary focus of the Nvidia GeForce Graphics Driver 310.70 was to enhance performance in recently released "blockbuster holiday games." Specifically, the driver included targeted optimizations for:
-
Far Cry 3: The driver promised up to a 38% performance increase in Far Cry 3. This was a significant boost, allowing gamers to enjoy the open-world environment and intense action sequences of the game with smoother frame rates and reduced stuttering.
-
Call of Duty: Black Ops 2: Prior optimizations for Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 were also incorporated. Users could expect up to 26% faster performance in this title. This improvement would have translated to a more responsive and fluid multiplayer experience, as well as smoother gameplay in the single-player campaign.
-
Assassin’s Creed III: Similar to Call of Duty: Black Ops 2, the driver included previously released optimizations for Assassin’s Creed III. Gamers could anticipate performance gains of up to 18%. This would have improved the fluidity of parkour movements, combat sequences, and exploration of the game’s vast historical environments.
-
TXAA Antialiasing: Beyond raw performance gains, the driver also emphasized visual improvements. It incorporated TXAA (Temporal Anti-Aliasing) for both Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 and Assassin’s Creed III. TXAA is a film-style anti-aliasing technique designed to reduce shimmering and improve overall image quality, resulting in smoother and more visually appealing graphics.
Supported Products
While the original release notes didn’t explicitly list all supported products, it’s safe to assume that the Nvidia GeForce Graphics Driver 310.70 was compatible with a range of GeForce graphics cards available at the time, including:
- GeForce 600 Series
- GeForce 500 Series
- GeForce 400 Series
- GeForce 200 Series
- GeForce 100 Series
- GeForce 9 Series
- GeForce 8 Series
It is essential to note that due to the age of the driver and the operating system it supports, compatibility with newer graphics cards is highly unlikely.
Is This Driver Still Relevant?
In the present day, the Nvidia GeForce Graphics Driver 310.70 holds limited relevance for most users. Windows XP is no longer a supported operating system, and modern games are designed for newer hardware and software environments. However, there are specific scenarios where this driver might still be of interest:
-
Retro Gaming: Enthusiasts who maintain older systems specifically for playing classic games might find this driver useful. It could provide optimal performance for titles released around the same time as the driver.
-
Legacy Applications: Some older professional applications might still require Windows XP and older drivers to function correctly. In these niche cases, the 310.70 driver could be necessary.
Downloading the Driver
It is important to exercise caution when downloading drivers from unofficial sources. Always prioritize reputable websites and verify the file’s integrity before installation. Here are two possible sources:
-
Original Source (If Available): Checking the official Nvidia website is generally recommended, although finding a driver this old on their current website is unlikely.
-
Third-Party Driver Repositories: Websites that archive older drivers might host the Nvidia GeForce Graphics Driver 310.70. DriverGuide (www.driverguide.com) is a website for downloading drivers. Please be careful, scan any downloaded files with a virus scanner before installation.
Filename: 310.70-desktop-winxp-64bit-international.exe
It is crucial to ensure that the downloaded file matches this filename to avoid potential issues.
Alternative Download Link: https://www.driverguide.com/driver/detail.php?driverid=1775476
Installing the Driver
The installation process for the Nvidia GeForce Graphics Driver 310.70 is similar to that of other Nvidia drivers. However, due to the age of the driver and the operating system, some manual steps might be required.
-
Download the Driver: Download the executable file (310.70-desktop-winxp-64bit-international.exe) from a trusted source.
-
Run the Installer: Double-click the executable file to launch the installation wizard.
-
Follow the On-Screen Instructions: Follow the prompts in the installation wizard to extract the driver files to a directory of your choice.
-
Install the Driver (If Necessary): In some cases, the driver might not install automatically. If this happens, you will need to manually install the driver through the Windows Device Manager.
- Open Device Manager (Right-click on "My Computer," select "Properties," go to the "Hardware" tab, and click "Device Manager").
- Expand "Display adapters."
- Right-click on your Nvidia graphics card and select "Update Driver."
- Choose "Install from a list or specific location (Advanced)."
- Select "Search for the best driver in these locations."
- Browse to the directory where you extracted the driver files.
- Click "Next" to install the driver.
-
Restart Your Computer: After the installation is complete, restart your computer to ensure that the driver is properly loaded.
Troubleshooting
If you encounter any issues during the installation or operation of the Nvidia GeForce Graphics Driver 310.70, consider the following troubleshooting steps:
- Compatibility: Ensure that your graphics card is actually supported by the driver.
- Clean Installation: Uninstall any previous Nvidia drivers before installing the new one. You can use a driver removal tool like Display Driver Uninstaller (DDU) for a thorough cleaning.
- Administrator Privileges: Run the installer with administrator privileges.
- Hardware Conflicts: Check for any hardware conflicts in the Device Manager.
- System Stability: Ensure that your system is stable and free from other software conflicts.
Conclusion
The Nvidia GeForce Graphics Driver 310.70 for Windows XP 64-bit represents a snapshot of Nvidia’s efforts to optimize gaming performance on a now-legacy platform. While its direct relevance to modern users is limited, it remains a valuable resource for those who maintain older systems for retro gaming or legacy applications. Remember to download the driver from a trusted source and exercise caution during the installation process.