This article provides information regarding the Nvidia GeForce Graphics Driver 304.79 Beta, specifically designed for the Windows XP 64-bit operating system. Released on July 3, 2012, this driver package represents a significant update, introducing new features, enhancements, and bug fixes aimed at improving the overall gaming and multimedia experience for users of compatible Nvidia GeForce graphics cards. This article will delve into the key aspects of this driver release, including its highlights, supported features, and relevance to the gaming landscape of the time.
Overview
The Nvidia GeForce Graphics Driver 304.79 Beta was a notable release for several reasons. It marked Nvidia’s commitment to supporting a wide range of operating systems, including the then-still-popular Windows XP. The driver was particularly significant for gamers anticipating the launch of Funcom’s MMORPG, The Secret World. This driver delivered optimizations and new features designed to enhance the game’s performance and visual fidelity.
One of the major highlights of the Nvidia GeForce Graphics Driver 304.79 Beta was the introduction of TXAA (Temporal Approximate Anti-Aliasing) anti-aliasing technology. This advanced anti-aliasing technique offered a significant improvement over traditional methods like MSAA (Multi-Sample Anti-Aliasing) and FXAA (Fast Approximate Anti-Aliasing), delivering smoother visuals with reduced aliasing and shimmering.
Key Features and Enhancements
The Nvidia GeForce Graphics Driver 304.79 Beta included several noteworthy features and enhancements:
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TXAA Anti-Aliasing: This was a flagship feature of the release. TXAA was designed to provide superior image quality by reducing both spatial and temporal aliasing. Spatial aliasing refers to the jagged edges seen on objects, while temporal aliasing, often called "shimmering," is the flickering effect that occurs on fine details when the camera moves. TXAA effectively addressed both of these issues, resulting in a cleaner, more stable image. TXAA was initially exclusive to GeForce GTX 600-series GPUs, showcasing Nvidia’s dedication to pushing graphical boundaries.
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Optimized for The Secret World: The driver was specifically optimized for Funcom’s The Secret World, a graphically demanding MMORPG. The optimizations aimed to provide smoother gameplay and improved visual quality in the game.
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SLI Profile Updates: The driver included new SLI (Scalable Link Interface) profiles for various games. SLI allows users to combine the processing power of multiple Nvidia graphics cards for increased performance. The updated profiles ensured optimal performance and compatibility with various titles when using SLI configurations.
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Bug Fixes and Stability Improvements: The Nvidia GeForce Graphics Driver 304.79 Beta addressed several issues reported by users of the previous 304.48 beta drivers. These fixes improved overall stability and reliability, enhancing the user experience.
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Unified R304 Driver: This release marked the first unified R304 driver from Nvidia. This meant that a single driver package supported a wide range of operating systems, including Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, and Windows 8, for both desktop and notebook configurations. This simplified the driver management process for users with multiple systems or those upgrading their operating systems.
TXAA Anti-Aliasing in Detail
TXAA, the temporal approximate anti-aliasing, represented a significant advancement in anti-aliasing technology. Unlike MSAA, which focuses primarily on reducing spatial aliasing, TXAA also tackled temporal aliasing, a common source of visual distraction in games.
TXAA works by using a combination of MSAA samples, a custom CG film-style anti-aliasing filter, and temporal filtering techniques. The temporal filtering component analyzes previous frames to smooth out shimmering and other temporal artifacts. The result is a significantly cleaner and more stable image, approaching the level of visual fidelity seen in pre-rendered CGI movies.
The Secret World was the first game to implement TXAA, allowing players with GeForce GTX 600-series GPUs to experience the benefits of this advanced anti-aliasing technique firsthand. The improved image quality significantly enhanced the visual immersion of the game.
Relevance to the Gaming Landscape
The Nvidia GeForce Graphics Driver 304.79 Beta was released during a period of rapid advancements in PC gaming technology. The introduction of new graphics cards like the GeForce GTX 680 and innovative technologies like TXAA pushed the boundaries of visual fidelity and performance.
The driver’s focus on optimizing The Secret World reflected the growing popularity of MMORPGs and the increasing demands these games placed on PC hardware. The inclusion of SLI profile updates catered to enthusiasts seeking maximum performance by utilizing multi-GPU configurations.
The unified driver approach streamlined driver management and ensured compatibility across a wide range of systems, making it easier for users to keep their graphics drivers up to date.
Downloading the Driver
While the driver is now several years old, users who still utilize Windows XP 64-bit systems may find it useful. It’s important to note that beta drivers may contain unresolved issues, and users should exercise caution when installing them.
Download Link: https://www.techspot.com/drivers/driver/file/information/16152/
Alternative Download Links:
- Softpedia: (Search for "Nvidia GeForce Graphics Driver 304.79 Beta Softpedia")
- Guru3D: (Search for "Nvidia GeForce Graphics Driver 304.79 Beta Guru3D")
- DriverGuide: (Search for "Nvidia GeForce Graphics Driver 304.79 Beta DriverGuide")
- FileHippo: (Search for "Nvidia GeForce Graphics Driver 304.79 Beta FileHippo")
- MajorGeeks: (Search for "Nvidia GeForce Graphics Driver 304.79 Beta MajorGeeks")
Disclaimer: Always download drivers from reputable sources to avoid malware or other security risks. Ensure the driver is compatible with your specific graphics card and operating system before installing.
Conclusion
The Nvidia GeForce Graphics Driver 304.79 Beta represented a significant step forward in graphics driver technology. Its introduction of TXAA anti-aliasing, optimizations for The Secret World, SLI profile updates, and unified driver approach made it a valuable release for gamers and PC enthusiasts using Windows XP 64-bit systems. While newer drivers have since been released, this driver remains a notable milestone in the evolution of Nvidia’s GeForce graphics drivers.