The Nvidia GeForce Graphics Driver 382.05 arrived as a pivotal update for gamers and VR enthusiasts alike, promising optimized experiences for a selection of highly anticipated titles and enhancements to existing gaming technologies. Released in May 2017, this driver aimed to deliver the best possible day-one gaming experience, ensuring smooth performance and visual fidelity for the latest releases. This article delves into the specifics of this driver, exploring its key features, supported games, and the technological advancements it brought to the table.
Understanding the Game Ready Philosophy
Nvidia’s "Game Ready" driver initiative is a cornerstone of their commitment to providing gamers with the best possible experience. Prior to the launch of a major game, Nvidia’s driver team dedicates significant effort to fine-tuning and optimizing their drivers. This includes identifying and resolving potential bugs, implementing performance tweaks, and ensuring compatibility with the latest hardware and software configurations. The Nvidia GeForce Graphics Driver 382.05 exemplified this approach, arriving just in time for several significant game releases.
Game Ready Titles: Prey, Battlezone, and Gears of War 4
The Nvidia GeForce Graphics Driver 382.05 specifically targeted three prominent titles with its "Game Ready" optimizations:
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Prey: Arkane Studios’ reimagining of the sci-fi horror franchise demanded high-performance graphics to fully immerse players in the eerie atmosphere of the Talos I space station. The 382.05 driver ensured smooth gameplay and optimal visual settings for this demanding title.
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Battlezone: Rebellion Developments’ VR reboot of the classic tank combat game required a stable and responsive VR experience. The driver delivered the necessary performance enhancements to minimize latency and maximize visual fidelity in this immersive VR title.
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Gears of War 4 Multi-GPU Update: This update brought multi-GPU support to the popular third-person shooter, allowing gamers with multiple Nvidia graphics cards to leverage their combined power for increased performance. The 382.05 driver optimized the multi-GPU configuration for Gears of War 4, resulting in a smoother and more visually impressive gaming experience.
DirectX 12 Optimizations: A Boost to Performance
Beyond specific game optimizations, the Nvidia GeForce Graphics Driver 382.05 included broader improvements to DirectX 12 performance. DirectX 12 is a low-level API that allows developers to have more direct control over the hardware, potentially leading to significant performance gains. The driver incorporated optimizations that improved performance across a variety of DirectX 12 titles, making it a valuable update for gamers looking to maximize their frame rates and visual quality.
VR Game Ready: Obduction
Virtual reality gaming was rapidly gaining traction in 2017, and Nvidia recognized the importance of providing optimized VR experiences. The Nvidia GeForce Graphics Driver 382.05 was specifically tuned to provide the optimal experience for Obduction, a visually stunning adventure game from the creators of Myst. The driver ensured smooth performance and minimized latency, allowing players to fully immerse themselves in the game’s captivating world.
Ansel Support: Unleashing Creative Potential
Nvidia Ansel is a powerful in-game photography tool that allows players to capture stunning screenshots from unique perspectives. With Ansel, players can pause the game, move the camera freely, apply post-processing effects, and capture images in resolutions far exceeding their monitor’s native resolution. The Nvidia GeForce Graphics Driver 382.05 brought Ansel support to Mirror’s Edge Catalyst, allowing players to capture breathtaking shots of the game’s sleek, futuristic city. Ansel’s capabilities include:
- Free Camera: Detach the camera from the player character and move it freely around the scene to find the perfect angle.
- Post-Processing Filters: Apply a variety of filters to adjust the image’s color, contrast, and other visual elements.
- Super Resolution: Capture images at resolutions far exceeding the monitor’s native resolution, allowing for incredibly detailed screenshots.
- 360° Capture: Capture panoramic images that can be viewed in VR headsets or on compatible platforms.
Virtual Reality and NVIDIA VR Funhouse
The driver also emphasized Nvidia’s commitment to VR gaming. Owners of VR Ready GeForce GTX 1080, 1070, and 980 Ti graphics cards were encouraged to download NVIDIA VR Funhouse from Steam. VR Funhouse is a collection of mini-games and experiences designed to showcase the capabilities of Nvidia’s VR technology.
Driver Details and Download Information
The Nvidia GeForce Graphics Driver 382.05 was released on May 4, 2017. The filename for the Windows 10 64-bit version was 382.05-desktop-win10-64bit-international-whql.exe.
You can download the driver from the official Nvidia website:
Nvidia GeForce Graphics Driver 382.05
Alternatively, you can download it from Guru3D:
A Look Back: Previous Driver Versions
The original article also provided download links for numerous previous driver versions, showcasing Nvidia’s ongoing efforts to improve performance and compatibility over time. These older drivers catered to specific game releases and addressed various bugs and issues. While these older drivers are not recommended for modern systems, they offer a glimpse into the evolution of Nvidia’s driver technology. These older versions are: 365.19, 365.10, 364.51, 364.47, 361.91, 361.43, 359.06, 359.00, 358.91, 358.87, 358.50, 355.98, 355.82, 355.60 and 353.62.
Conclusion: A Significant Step Forward
The Nvidia GeForce Graphics Driver 382.05 represented a significant step forward in Nvidia’s commitment to providing gamers with the best possible experience. With its "Game Ready" optimizations for Prey, Battlezone, and Gears of War 4, its DirectX 12 enhancements, and its VR-focused improvements, this driver delivered tangible benefits to gamers and VR enthusiasts alike. While newer drivers have since been released, the 382.05 driver remains a noteworthy release in the history of Nvidia’s GeForce drivers.