This article provides information regarding the Nvidia GeForce Graphics Driver 302.80, a preview driver specifically designed for the Microsoft Windows 8 Release Preview operating system. Released on June 18, 2012, this driver aimed to provide initial support and functionality for Nvidia GeForce graphics cards within the then-upcoming Windows 8 environment. It is crucial to note that this particular driver version was not intended for use with Windows Vista or Windows 7.
Overview
The Nvidia GeForce Graphics Driver 302.80 for Windows 8 64-bit was released as a preliminary driver to enable basic functionality and compatibility with the Windows 8 Release Preview. As a preview release, users could expect a degree of instability and the potential for encountering unresolved issues. Its purpose was to allow early adopters and developers to test Nvidia hardware and software within the new operating system environment.
What’s New
Unfortunately, specific details regarding the new features or improvements included in the Nvidia GeForce Graphics Driver 302.80 are not readily available. Typically, driver releases include a list of enhancements, bug fixes, and performance optimizations. However, the original release notes lack detailed information on this aspect. Given its status as a preview driver, the "What’s New" section was likely minimal, focusing primarily on enabling basic functionality rather than introducing significant new features.
Known Issues
As with any driver release, and particularly with preview versions, the Nvidia GeForce Graphics Driver 302.80 for Windows 8 64-bit had known issues and limitations. Nvidia acknowledged the existence of unresolved problems and enhancement requests associated with this Release 302 driver. It’s important to understand that these issues could range from minor graphical glitches to more significant compatibility problems.
Nvidia also clarified that some reported issues might not have been thoroughly investigated and could potentially stem from factors unrelated to the Nvidia driver itself. Furthermore, certain problems might have had workaround solutions available, although these weren’t explicitly documented.
It’s worth noting that issues specific to notebook computers could vary depending on the system configuration and might not be universally observed across all laptops.
Windows 8 64-bit Issues:
The specific list of known issues for the 64-bit version of Windows 8 is unavailable from the original source. This omission makes it difficult to assess the severity and impact of potential problems users might have encountered.
Supported Products
The original documentation lacks a specific list of supported Nvidia GeForce graphics cards for the Nvidia GeForce Graphics Driver 302.80 for Windows 8 64-bit. Typically, Nvidia provides a comprehensive list of supported GPUs with each driver release. However, in this case, that information is missing. It’s reasonable to assume that the driver supported a range of GeForce cards available at the time, but without a definitive list, it’s impossible to confirm compatibility with specific models.
Driver Details
- Last Updated: June 18, 2012
- Filename: 302.80-desktop-win8-32bit-english.exe (Note: The filename indicates a 32-bit version, which contradicts the article title specifying a 64-bit driver. This discrepancy suggests a potential error in the original documentation. Users should verify the correct driver for their system.)
Download Links
Primary Download Link: https://www.techspot.com/drivers/driver/file/information/16100/
Alternative Download Links:
Due to the age of the driver and the potential unavailability of the primary download link, here are five alternative sources where you might be able to find the Nvidia GeForce Graphics Driver 302.80 or similar drivers:
- Softpedia: Softpedia is a well-known software download site that often archives older driver versions. Search for "Nvidia GeForce Driver 302.80" on their website.
- DriverGuide: DriverGuide maintains a large database of drivers, including older versions. You may need to create a free account to access the downloads.
- Guru3D: Guru3D’s driver section often has user-uploaded drivers and related discussions. Check their forums and driver database.
- Nvidia Legacy Drivers Archive (Unofficial): While Nvidia doesn’t officially host extremely old drivers, some community-maintained archives might exist. Search online for "Nvidia legacy driver archive." Exercise caution when downloading from unofficial sources.
- MajorGeeks: MajorGeeks is a reputable download site that sometimes hosts older driver versions. Search for "Nvidia GeForce Driver 302.80" on their website.
Disclaimer: When downloading drivers from alternative sources, always exercise caution and scan the downloaded files with an up-to-date antivirus program to protect your system from malware. Verify that the driver is compatible with your operating system and graphics card before installation.
Important Considerations
- Operating System Compatibility: This driver is specifically designed for the Windows 8 Release Preview. Using it on other operating systems like Windows Vista or Windows 7 is not recommended and may lead to instability or malfunction.
- Preview Driver Limitations: As a preview driver, the Nvidia GeForce Graphics Driver 302.80 for Windows 8 64-bit may contain unresolved issues and limitations. Users should be aware of this potential before installing the driver.
- Driver Version Verification: Due to the discrepancy in the filename (indicating a 32-bit version), users should carefully verify that the downloaded driver is indeed the 64-bit version intended for their system.
- Outdated Driver: This driver is extremely outdated. It is highly recommended to use the latest officially released drivers from Nvidia for optimal performance, stability, and security. The Nvidia GeForce Graphics Driver 302.80 for Windows 8 64-bit should only be considered for legacy systems or specific testing purposes.
In conclusion, the Nvidia GeForce Graphics Driver 302.80 for Windows 8 64-bit served as an early access driver for the Windows 8 Release Preview. While it provided initial support for Nvidia graphics cards within the new operating system, it came with limitations and potential issues inherent to preview releases. Users should exercise caution when using this driver and prioritize the latest officially released drivers whenever possible.