This article provides a comprehensive overview of the Nvidia GeForce Notebook Graphics Driver 310.90, a driver package released on January 8, 2013, designed for 32-bit versions of Windows Vista, Windows 7, and Windows 8 operating systems. This driver, available under the filename 310.90-notebook-win8-win7-winvista-32bit-international-whql.exe, aims to enhance the performance and stability of Nvidia GeForce GPUs in notebook computers.
Understanding the Nvidia Notebook Driver Program
The Nvidia GeForce Notebook Graphics Driver 310.90 is distributed as part of Nvidia’s Notebook Driver Program. This program provides reference drivers that are generally compatible with a wide range of Nvidia notebook GPUs. However, a crucial point to consider is the role of your notebook’s original equipment manufacturer (OEM). OEMs, such as Dell, HP, or Lenovo, often customize drivers to optimize performance and stability for their specific hardware configurations.
Nvidia strongly recommends that users first consult their notebook OEM’s website for certified drivers tailored to their particular model. These OEM-provided drivers may include specific enhancements or fixes that are not present in the reference driver. Furthermore, using a reference driver instead of an OEM-certified driver may result in limited or no technical support from the OEM for any issues that arise. This is because the OEM cannot guarantee compatibility or proper functionality with drivers they haven’t specifically tested and approved for their hardware.
Before proceeding with the download and installation of the Nvidia GeForce Notebook Graphics Driver 310.90, it is imperative to back up your existing drivers and create a system restore point. This precautionary measure allows you to revert to your previous configuration if you encounter any unforeseen problems during or after the installation process.
Performance Enhancements and Optimizations
The Nvidia GeForce Notebook Graphics Driver 310.90 offers notable performance improvements for several popular games released around that time. These improvements are particularly significant for titles like Far Cry 3, Call of Duty: Black Ops 2, and Assassin’s Creed III.
Specifically, the driver introduces optimizations for Far Cry 3, resulting in performance gains of up to 38%. This translates to smoother gameplay, higher frame rates, and an overall more enjoyable gaming experience. Similar enhancements are observed in Call of Duty: Black Ops 2, with performance improvements reaching up to 26%. Assassin’s Creed III also benefits from this driver update, exhibiting performance increases of up to 18%.
In addition to raw performance improvements, the Nvidia GeForce Notebook Graphics Driver 310.90 introduces TXAA (Temporal Anti-Aliasing) antialiasing support for Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 and Assassin’s Creed III. TXAA is a film-style antialiasing technique designed to reduce shimmering and improve image clarity, resulting in smoother, more visually appealing graphics.
New Features and Updates in GeForce 310.90 and R310 Drivers
While the original article doesn’t specify the exact new features in the GeForce 310.90 driver, it does mention broader updates within the GeForce R310 driver family. Typically, new driver releases include bug fixes, performance tweaks, and compatibility updates for newly released games and applications.
Users should consult the official Nvidia release notes for the R310 series to get a comprehensive list of all the changes, improvements, and known issues associated with these drivers. This information is invaluable for making an informed decision about whether to upgrade to the new driver.
Supported Products
The Nvidia GeForce Notebook Graphics Driver 310.90 supports a wide array of Nvidia GeForce GPUs found in notebook computers. The article does not provide the complete list of supported GPUs, so users are advised to consult the official Nvidia documentation or the driver’s readme file to determine whether their specific GPU is compatible.
However, the original document mentions that there are exceptions. Certain GPUs, likely older or less common models, may not be supported by this driver. It’s crucial to verify compatibility before attempting to install the driver to avoid potential conflicts or system instability.
Download and Installation
As mentioned earlier, the filename for this driver is 310.90-notebook-win8-win7-winvista-32bit-international-whql.exe. Due to the age of this driver, it is unlikely to be found on Nvidia’s official website.
Here are alternative download links:
Important Considerations:
- Operating System Compatibility: Ensure that you are running a 32-bit version of Windows Vista, Windows 7, or Windows 8 before installing this driver. Installing a 32-bit driver on a 64-bit system will result in errors and potential system instability.
- OEM Drivers: Prioritize OEM-provided drivers whenever possible. These drivers are specifically tailored to your notebook’s hardware configuration and are more likely to provide optimal performance and stability.
- Backup and Restore: Always back up your existing drivers and create a system restore point before installing new drivers. This will allow you to revert to your previous configuration if you encounter any problems.
- Clean Installation: Consider performing a clean installation of the driver. This involves uninstalling your existing Nvidia drivers before installing the new driver. This can help to prevent conflicts and ensure a smoother installation process.
Conclusion
The Nvidia GeForce Notebook Graphics Driver 310.90 was a significant release that offered performance enhancements and optimizations for popular games on notebook computers. While newer drivers are available, understanding the features and compatibility of this driver can be helpful for users with older hardware or specific software requirements. Always remember to prioritize OEM drivers and take appropriate precautions before installing any new driver to ensure a stable and enjoyable computing experience.