The Nvidia GeForce Graphics Driver 310.64 Beta, released on November 28, 2012, is a driver package designed to enhance the gaming experience on systems running the 64-bit version of Windows XP. This particular release focused primarily on optimizing performance for several blockbuster titles that were popular during the holiday season. While Windows XP is now a legacy operating system, this driver remains relevant for users who maintain older systems for retro gaming or specific software compatibility. This article provides an overview of the Nvidia GeForce Graphics Driver 310.64 Beta, its key features, and the performance improvements it offered at the time of its release.
Overview
The Nvidia GeForce Graphics Driver 310.64 Beta aimed to provide gamers with the best possible experience in some of the most demanding titles of the period. The driver included specific optimizations for games like Far Cry 3, Call of Duty: Black Ops 2, and Assassin’s Creed III. By fine-tuning the driver to work optimally with these games, Nvidia sought to deliver significant performance improvements and enhanced visual quality. This was achieved through a combination of code optimizations, bug fixes, and improvements to rendering techniques.
Key Features and Optimizations
The primary focus of the Nvidia GeForce Graphics Driver 310.64 Beta was to boost performance in the aforementioned games. Let’s delve into the specific improvements offered:
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Far Cry 3: According to Nvidia’s internal testing, the 310.64 drivers provided up to a 38% increase in performance in Far Cry 3. This meant smoother gameplay, higher frame rates, and an overall more enjoyable experience for gamers tackling the open-world adventure.
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Call of Duty: Black Ops 2: The driver also incorporated previously released optimizations for Call of Duty: Black Ops 2. Users could expect up to a 26% performance increase, leading to a more responsive and visually fluid gaming experience in this fast-paced first-person shooter.
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Assassin’s Creed III: Similarly, Assassin’s Creed III benefited from optimizations within the 310.64 Beta. The driver aimed to deliver up to an 18% performance boost, allowing gamers to explore the historical setting with improved frame rates and reduced stuttering.
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TXAA Antialiasing: In addition to raw performance gains, the driver also focused on improving visual quality. It included enhancements for TXAA (Temporal Anti-Aliasing), a technology designed to reduce shimmering and aliasing artifacts in games. This resulted in smoother, more visually appealing graphics in both Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 and Assassin’s Creed III. TXAA is a more advanced anti-aliasing technique compared to traditional methods like MSAA, aiming to provide a better balance between image quality and performance.
Driver Details
- Filename: 310.64-desktop-winxp-64bit-english-beta.exe
- Release Date: November 28, 2012
- Operating System: Windows XP 64-bit
Why Beta Drivers?
It’s important to note that the Nvidia GeForce Graphics Driver 310.64 was released as a beta version. Beta drivers are pre-release versions of software that are made available to the public for testing and feedback. While they often contain the latest performance optimizations and features, they may also be less stable than fully released drivers. Users who install beta drivers should be aware of the potential for bugs, glitches, or compatibility issues. However, for gamers eager to experience the latest performance enhancements, beta drivers can be an attractive option.
Installation
Installing the Nvidia GeForce Graphics Driver 310.64 Beta is a straightforward process. Users would typically download the executable file (310.64-desktop-winxp-64bit-english-beta.exe) and run it. The installer would then guide them through the steps of extracting the driver files and installing them on their system. It’s generally recommended to uninstall any previous Nvidia drivers before installing a new version to avoid potential conflicts.
Supported Products
While the original document does not list specific supported products, it’s safe to assume that the Nvidia GeForce Graphics Driver 310.64 Beta supported a range of GeForce graphics cards available at the time, including the GeForce 600 series, 500 series, and potentially some older models. To determine whether a specific graphics card is compatible, users should consult the driver’s release notes or the Nvidia website.
Legacy and Relevance
Although Windows XP is no longer a supported operating system by Microsoft, the Nvidia GeForce Graphics Driver 310.64 Beta remains relevant for individuals who maintain older systems. These systems may be used for running legacy software, playing retro games, or specific industrial applications that require Windows XP. For these users, the 310.64 driver can provide a significant performance boost in compatible games and applications.
Nvidia GeForce Graphics Driver 310.64 Beta: A Summary
The Nvidia GeForce Graphics Driver 310.64 Beta for Windows XP 64-bit was a performance-focused driver release that targeted key gaming titles of the holiday season in 2012. It offered substantial performance improvements in games like Far Cry 3, Call of Duty: Black Ops 2, and Assassin’s Creed III, along with enhanced visual quality through TXAA antialiasing. While it was a beta release, it provided valuable optimizations for users running older systems and playing these specific games. For those invested in older hardware, this driver offered a pathway to maximize performance on their systems.
Download Links
Original Download Link: 310.64-desktop-winxp-64bit-english-beta.exe (Please note that the availability of this file from the original source may vary.)
Alternative Download Link: https://www.nvidia.com/en-us/geforce/drivers/ (Navigate to the archived drivers section and search for driver version 310.64). Please be aware that finding this specific driver on the official Nvidia site may be challenging due to its age.
Disclaimer: Always exercise caution when downloading drivers from third-party websites. Ensure the source is reputable to avoid malware or other potential risks.
The Nvidia GeForce Graphics Driver 310.64 Beta is a testament to Nvidia’s commitment to optimizing performance for a wide range of games and hardware configurations, even on older operating systems. While primarily targeted at a specific set of games, its release highlights the importance of driver optimization in maximizing the gaming experience.