Nvidia GeForce Graphics Driver 398.82

The Nvidia GeForce Graphics Driver 398.82 represents a crucial software release designed to optimize the gaming experience for users of Nvidia GeForce graphics cards. Released on August 2, 2018, this driver package, identified by the filename 398.82-desktop-win10-64bit-international-whql.exe, was meticulously crafted to deliver peak performance and stability in the latest game titles. This article will delve into the purpose, features, supported hardware, and historical context of this particular driver release.

Understanding Game Ready Drivers

Before exploring the specifics of the 398.82 driver, it’s important to understand Nvidia’s "Game Ready" driver initiative. Nvidia’s driver team works tirelessly right up until the launch of a new game to fine-tune performance, resolve bugs, and ensure the best possible day-one gaming experience. This dedication ensures that gamers using Nvidia graphics cards can enjoy their favorite new titles with optimal settings and minimal issues. The Nvidia GeForce Graphics Driver 398.82 is a prime example of this commitment.

What’s New in 398.82

The core focus of the Nvidia GeForce Graphics Driver 398.82 is to provide a "Game Ready" experience. This means that the driver is specifically optimized for the latest game releases at the time of its release. While specific game titles aren’t explicitly named in the original article’s "What’s New" section, the overarching intent is clear: to deliver the best possible performance and stability for new and popular games. The release prioritized enhancements and fixes tailored for recently released or updated games, allowing users to leverage the full potential of their Nvidia GPUs.

Supported Hardware

The Nvidia GeForce Graphics Driver 398.82 supports a wide range of Nvidia graphics cards, spanning several generations. This broad compatibility ensures that a large segment of Nvidia users can benefit from the optimizations and fixes included in this driver package. The supported product families include:

• NVIDIA TITAN Series: Encompassing Nvidia’s flagship consumer GPUs, including the Titan Xp, Titan X (Pascal), Titan X (Maxwell), and Titan Black.
• GeForce 10 Series: Including the popular GeForce GTX 1080 Ti, GTX 1080, GTX 1070 Ti, GTX 1070, GTX 1060, GTX 1050 Ti, and GTX 1050.
• GeForce 900 Series: Featuring the GeForce GTX 980 Ti, GTX 980, GTX 970, GTX 960, and GTX 950.
• GeForce 700 Series: Including the GeForce GTX 780 Ti, GTX 780, GTX 770, GTX 760, GTX 750 Ti, and GTX 750.
• GeForce 600 Series: Comprising the GeForce GTX 690, GTX 680, GTX 670, GTX 660 Ti, GTX 660, and GTX 650.

This extensive list demonstrates the driver’s commitment to supporting a wide range of hardware, ensuring that users with both older and newer cards can benefit from its improvements.

A Look Back: Previous Versions

The original article provides a historical context by listing several previous versions of the Nvidia GeForce Graphics Driver. While not directly related to the 398.82 release, these entries offer a glimpse into the ongoing development and optimization efforts of Nvidia’s driver team. Some notable previous versions include:

• Nvidia GeForce Graphics Driver 365.19 (2016-05-13): This driver likely focused on specific game releases or engine updates prevalent at that time.
• Driver 365.10 (2016-05-02): Represents another incremental update aimed at improving performance and stability.
• Driver 364.51 (2016-03-10): Likely addressed bugs or introduced optimizations for games popular in early 2016.
• Driver 364.47 (2016-03-07): Offered an optimized experience for titles like Tom Clancy’s The Division, Hitman, Need for Speed, Ashes of the Singularity, and Rise of the Tomb Raider.
• Driver 361.91 (2016-02-15): Provided optimal performance for ARMA 3, Street Fighter V, Monster Hunter Online, and the HITMAN Beta.
• Driver 361.43: Added support for GameWorks VR 1.1, including VR SLI support for OpenGL applications and the latest Oculus SDK.
• Driver 359.06: Focused on providing the best gaming experience for Just Cause 3 and Rainbow Six: Siege.
• Driver 359.00: Delivered optimal performance for Assassin’s Creed: Syndicate and Overwatch: Beta.
• Driver 358.91: Prioritized the best gaming experience for Fallout 4, Star Wars: Battlefront, and StarCraft II: Legacy of the Void.

These historical entries illustrate the consistent effort Nvidia puts into optimizing its drivers for specific game releases and technological advancements like VR.

Downloading Nvidia GeForce Graphics Driver 398.82

To ensure optimal performance and compatibility with your Nvidia GeForce graphics card, it is essential to use the appropriate drivers. You can download the Nvidia GeForce Graphics Driver 398.82 from the following official and alternative sources:

• TechSpot: https://www.techspot.com/downloads/drivers/essentials/ (Navigate to the appropriate driver version on the page).
• Alternative Download Site: https://www.nvidia.com/Download/Find.aspx (Official Nvidia Driver Download Page – search for the specific driver version).

It’s always recommended to download drivers from reputable sources to avoid potential security risks associated with unofficial downloads.

Installation and Considerations

Before installing the Nvidia GeForce Graphics Driver 398.82, it is advisable to follow these steps:

1. Identify your Graphics Card: Determine the exact model of your Nvidia GeForce graphics card to ensure compatibility.
2. Download the Correct Driver: Download the driver package specifically designed for your operating system (e.g., Windows 10 64-bit).
3. Close Running Applications: Close all open applications, especially games and graphics-intensive programs, before starting the installation.
4. Run the Installer: Execute the downloaded .exe file and follow the on-screen instructions.
5. Clean Installation (Optional): During the installation process, you may be given the option to perform a "clean installation." This option removes previous driver versions and associated settings, which can help resolve potential conflicts and ensure a fresh installation.
6. Restart your Computer: After the installation is complete, restart your computer to allow the changes to take effect.

Conclusion

The Nvidia GeForce Graphics Driver 398.82 serves as a significant milestone in Nvidia’s ongoing efforts to provide optimal gaming experiences for its users. By focusing on "Game Ready" optimizations, supporting a wide range of hardware, and continuously refining its drivers, Nvidia ensures that gamers can enjoy the latest titles with the best possible performance and stability. This dedication to driver development is a crucial aspect of the overall Nvidia ecosystem, contributing to the company’s reputation for delivering high-quality gaming experiences. The Nvidia GeForce Graphics Driver 398.82 continues to represent Nvidia’s commitment to its user base, providing updated and optimized drivers for a range of gaming titles and hardware configurations.