This article provides an overview of the Nvidia GeForce Graphics Driver 310.90, a software release designed for 32-bit versions of Windows Vista, Windows 7, and Windows 8 operating systems. Released on January 8, 2013, this driver aimed to enhance the gaming experience, particularly for popular titles of the time. This document details its key features, performance improvements, and compatibility information.
Overview of Nvidia GeForce Graphics Driver 310.90
The Nvidia GeForce Graphics Driver 310.90 was positioned as a performance-enhancing update, primarily focused on optimizing the gaming experience for several blockbuster titles released around the holiday season. The driver included specific optimizations for games like Far Cry 3, Call of Duty: Black Ops 2, and Assassin’s Creed III. By installing this driver, users could expect improvements in frame rates, visual quality, and overall stability when playing these games.
The primary goal of driver updates like the Nvidia GeForce Graphics Driver 310.90 is to provide the best possible experience for users with Nvidia GeForce graphics cards. This involves resolving bugs, improving performance, and adding support for new features and technologies.
Key Improvements and Optimizations
The Nvidia GeForce Graphics Driver 310.90 focused on delivering tangible performance gains in specific games. Let’s examine the specific optimizations:
- Far Cry 3: The driver promised up to a 38% increase in performance for Far Cry 3. This improvement could translate to smoother gameplay, higher frame rates, and an overall more enjoyable gaming experience.
- Call of Duty: Black Ops 2: Gamers could anticipate up to a 26% performance boost in Call of Duty: Black Ops 2. This increase could be significant, especially for players using mid-range systems, allowing them to run the game at higher settings with improved frame rates.
- Assassin’s Creed III: The driver also included optimizations for Assassin’s Creed III, offering performance improvements of up to 18%. This optimization, alongside TXAA antialiasing support, aimed to provide a visually smoother and more immersive gaming experience.
In addition to the performance improvements, the driver also incorporated TXAA (Temporal Anti-Aliasing) antialiasing for both Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 and Assassin’s Creed III. TXAA is an Nvidia-developed technology designed to reduce shimmering and aliasing artifacts, resulting in a cleaner and more visually appealing image.
Driver Details and Specifications
Here’s a summary of the key information about the Nvidia GeForce Graphics Driver 310.90:
- Last Updated: January 8, 2013
- Filename: 310.90-desktop-win8-win7-winvista-32bit-english-whql.exe
- Supported Operating Systems: Windows Vista (32-bit), Windows 7 (32-bit), Windows 8 (32-bit)
- Target Audience: Users of Nvidia GeForce graphics cards running 32-bit versions of Windows Vista, 7, or 8.
The filename "310.90-desktop-win8-win7-winvista-32bit-english-whql.exe" provides valuable information about the driver. "310.90" refers to the driver version, "desktop" indicates it’s for desktop graphics cards (as opposed to mobile GPUs), "win8-win7-winvista" specifies the supported operating systems, "32bit" confirms it’s designed for 32-bit versions of Windows, "english" denotes the language, and "whql" signifies that the driver has passed Windows Hardware Quality Labs testing, indicating stability and compatibility.
Installation and Compatibility
Before installing any new graphics driver, it’s generally recommended to:
- Identify your graphics card: Determine the specific model of your Nvidia GeForce graphics card. This information is crucial for ensuring compatibility.
- Check your operating system: Verify that you are running a 32-bit version of Windows Vista, Windows 7, or Windows 8. This driver is not compatible with 64-bit operating systems.
- Back up your system: Create a system restore point or back up your important data before installing the new driver. This provides a safety net in case any issues arise during the installation process.
- Uninstall previous drivers: It’s often advisable to uninstall any previous Nvidia graphics drivers before installing the new one. This can help prevent conflicts and ensure a clean installation. You can typically do this through the Windows Control Panel.
After completing these steps, you can proceed with installing the Nvidia GeForce Graphics Driver 310.90. The installation process usually involves running the downloaded executable file and following the on-screen instructions.
Downloading the Driver
The original download link for the Nvidia GeForce Graphics Driver 310.90, as indicated by the filename, is likely hosted on Nvidia’s official website or a trusted driver repository. Given the age of the driver, locating the original download link on Nvidia’s website might be challenging.
Original Download Link: Check Nvidia’s archive (if available).
Alternative Download Link: You can find the driver on DriverGuide: https://www.driverguide.com/driver/detail.php?driverid=1903948 (Please exercise caution when downloading from third-party websites and ensure the source is reputable.)
Legacy Status
It is important to note that the Nvidia GeForce Graphics Driver 310.90 is a legacy driver. This means that it is no longer actively supported or updated by Nvidia. While it may provide performance improvements for specific games on older systems, it may not be compatible with newer games or technologies. Users with more recent hardware and software should consider using newer drivers for optimal performance and compatibility.
Conclusion
The Nvidia GeForce Graphics Driver 310.90 represented a significant update for users of Nvidia GeForce graphics cards running 32-bit versions of Windows Vista, Windows 7, and Windows 8. By focusing on optimizing performance for popular titles like Far Cry 3, Call of Duty: Black Ops 2, and Assassin’s Creed III, the driver aimed to enhance the gaming experience for many users. While it is now a legacy driver, it remains a potentially valuable resource for those running older systems and playing these specific games. Always exercise caution when installing older drivers and ensure compatibility with your system configuration.