The Nvidia GeForce Graphics Driver 310.61 Beta for Windows 64-bit, released on November 20, 2012, represents a specific point in the evolution of Nvidia’s driver technology. Understanding the context of this driver, its features, and its targeted improvements provides valuable insight into the state of PC gaming and graphics card technology at the time. This article will delve into the specifics of the Nvidia GeForce Graphics Driver 310.61 Beta for Windows 64-bit, examining its purpose, enhancements, and supported operating systems.
Context and Significance
In late 2012, the PC gaming landscape was rapidly evolving. Games were becoming more graphically demanding, and players were increasingly seeking higher frame rates and visual fidelity. Nvidia, as a leading manufacturer of graphics processing units (GPUs), regularly released driver updates to optimize performance, fix bugs, and introduce new features. Beta drivers, like the Nvidia GeForce Graphics Driver 310.61 Beta for Windows 64-bit, were often released to allow users to test new features and improvements before a final, stable version was made available.
Key Features and Improvements of Nvidia GeForce Graphics Driver 310.61 Beta for Windows 64-bit
The Nvidia GeForce Graphics Driver 310.61 Beta for Windows 64-bit was primarily focused on improving compatibility and performance in specific games. According to the release notes, this driver was a minor update compared to the previous GeForce 310.54 driver. The most notable enhancements included:
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Improved Compatibility for PlanetSide 2: This driver aimed to provide a better gaming experience for users playing PlanetSide 2, a massively multiplayer online first-person shooter (MMOFPS) known for its large-scale battles and demanding graphics. The specifics of the compatibility improvements were not detailed, but likely involved bug fixes and optimizations tailored to the game’s engine.
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Improved Compatibility for Hitman: Absolution: Similar to PlanetSide 2, the Nvidia GeForce Graphics Driver 310.61 Beta for Windows 64-bit also targeted improvements for Hitman: Absolution, a stealth action game. These improvements likely addressed graphical glitches, performance issues, or other compatibility-related problems encountered by users.
Performance Enhancements from Previous Driver (310.54)
The 310.61 beta built upon the performance improvements introduced in the preceding 310.54 driver. The 310.54 driver was specifically recommended for:
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Call of Duty: Black Ops 2: The 310.54 driver offered up to a 26% performance increase in Call of Duty: Black Ops 2. This significant boost could translate to smoother gameplay, higher frame rates, and an overall more enjoyable gaming experience.
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Assassin’s Creed III: Similarly, the 310.54 driver provided up to an 18% performance increase in Assassin’s Creed III. This improvement allowed gamers to experience the visually rich open world of Assassin’s Creed III with enhanced performance.
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TXAA Anti-Aliasing: The 310.54 driver also emphasized the smooth, shimmer-free graphics achieved through TXAA (Temporal Anti-Aliasing) in both Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 and Assassin’s Creed III. TXAA was a relatively new anti-aliasing technique at the time, designed to reduce jagged edges and improve the overall visual quality of games.
Operating System Support and File Information
The Nvidia GeForce Graphics Driver 310.61 Beta for Windows 64-bit was designed for use on 64-bit versions of the following Windows operating systems:
- Windows Vista 64-bit
- Windows 7 64-bit
- Windows 8 64-bit
The driver file was named 310.61-desktop-win8-win7-winvista-64bit-international-beta.exe.
Why Beta Drivers?
It’s important to remember that this was a beta driver. Beta drivers are released for testing purposes and may contain bugs or stability issues. While they can offer performance improvements or new features, users should be aware of the potential risks involved. Nvidia relies on feedback from users testing beta drivers to identify and fix issues before releasing a final, stable version.
Downloading the Driver
While this driver is quite old, users who need it for legacy systems or specific compatibility reasons may still seek it out. The original download link, as implied by the source, would likely have been on Nvidia’s website or a partner site. Given the age of the driver, it’s recommended to exercise caution when downloading it from third-party sources to avoid malware.
Here is the original download link: 310.61-desktop-win8-win7-winvista-64bit-international-beta.exe
Here’s an alternative download link from Softpedia: https://drivers.softpedia.com/get/GRAPHICS-BOARD/Nvidia/Nvidia-GeForce-310-61-Beta-Driver-64-bit.shtml
Legacy and Impact
The Nvidia GeForce Graphics Driver 310.61 Beta for Windows 64-bit, while seemingly a minor update, played a role in Nvidia’s ongoing efforts to optimize performance and compatibility for new games. It highlights the importance of driver updates in maximizing the capabilities of graphics cards and delivering the best possible gaming experience. Examining these older drivers gives perspective on how far graphics technology has advanced in the years since its release.