This article provides information about the Nvidia GeForce Notebook Graphics Driver 310.90, a driver package released for 64-bit versions of Windows Vista, Windows 7, and Windows 8. It’s designed to enhance the performance and stability of Nvidia GeForce GPUs in notebook computers, particularly for gaming. The driver was released on January 8, 2013.
Overview of Nvidia GeForce Notebook Graphics Driver 310.90
The Nvidia GeForce Notebook Graphics Driver 310.90 falls under the Nvidia Notebook Driver Program. This program aims to provide reference drivers that users can install on their Nvidia-powered laptops. A "reference driver" is a generic driver produced by Nvidia, intended to work across a range of compatible hardware.
It’s crucial to understand that while Nvidia offers these drivers directly, notebook manufacturers (OEMs) often customize drivers specifically for their individual laptop models. These customized drivers, available on the OEM’s website, are typically the recommended option as they are tailored to the unique hardware configurations and thermal characteristics of each notebook.
Nvidia explicitly advises users to check with their notebook OEM for recommended software updates. Using a reference driver like the Nvidia GeForce Notebook Graphics Driver 310.90 might lead to compatibility issues or reduced performance compared to an OEM-provided driver. Moreover, OEMs generally do not offer technical support for problems arising from the use of reference drivers.
Filename and Operating System Compatibility
The filename for this specific driver package is 310.90-notebook-win8-win7-winvista-64bit-international-whql.exe. The "WHQL" designation indicates that the driver has been tested and certified by Microsoft’s Windows Hardware Quality Labs, signifying a certain level of stability and compatibility.
As the name suggests, this driver is specifically designed for 64-bit versions of Windows Vista, Windows 7, and Windows 8. It is not compatible with 32-bit operating systems or other versions of Windows.
Performance Enhancements
The Nvidia GeForce Notebook Graphics Driver 310.90 was released with a focus on optimizing performance for several popular games of the time, particularly those released during the holiday season. According to Nvidia, this driver provides significant performance improvements in the following titles:
- Far Cry 3: Up to 38% performance increase.
- Call of Duty: Black Ops 2: Up to 26% performance increase.
- Assassin’s Creed III: Up to 18% performance increase.
These performance gains were achieved through driver-level optimizations that improve how the game interacts with the Nvidia GPU. In addition to raw performance increases, the driver also aimed to improve visual quality, specifically mentioning smooth, shimmer-free graphics with TXAA (Temporal Anti-Aliasing) antialiasing in both Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 and Assassin’s Creed III. TXAA is an Nvidia-developed antialiasing technique that aims to reduce jagged edges in games while minimizing blurring.
Important Considerations Before Installation
Before downloading and installing the Nvidia GeForce Notebook Graphics Driver 310.90, consider the following:
- OEM Drivers: Check your notebook manufacturer’s website for the latest drivers specifically designed for your laptop model. These drivers are often the best choice for optimal performance and stability.
- Compatibility: Ensure that your notebook’s GPU is listed as a supported product (see the supported products section below).
- Backup: It’s always a good practice to create a system restore point or back up your current drivers before installing new ones. This allows you to easily revert to your previous configuration if you encounter any issues.
Supported Products
This driver package is compatible with a wide range of Nvidia GeForce notebook GPUs. However, it’s important to consult the official Nvidia documentation or the driver’s release notes for a complete and up-to-date list. A general overview of supported series includes:
- GeForce 700M Series
- GeForce 600M Series
- GeForce 500M Series
- GeForce 400M Series
- GeForce 300M Series
- GeForce 200M Series
- GeForce 100M Series
- GeForce 9 Series (Notebook)
- GeForce 8 Series (Notebook)
It’s important to note that specific models within these series might not be supported, and some exceptions may exist. Always refer to the official documentation for definitive compatibility information.
Exceptions
Certain GPUs or notebook configurations may not be compatible with this driver. These exceptions are usually documented in the driver’s release notes. It’s crucial to review these notes carefully before installation to avoid potential issues.
Downloading the Driver
The original download link for the driver is:
310.90-notebook-win8-win7-winvista-64bit-international-whql.exe
This is an executable file that will guide you through the installation process.
As an alternative, you can also download the Nvidia GeForce Notebook Graphics Driver 310.90 from Softpedia: https://drivers.softpedia.com/get/GRAPHICS-BOARD/Nvidia/Nvidia-GeForce-310-90-Notebook-Windows-8-Windows-7-Vista-64-bit.shtml
Conclusion
The Nvidia GeForce Notebook Graphics Driver 310.90 offered performance enhancements for specific games and compatibility with a range of Nvidia GeForce notebook GPUs running 64-bit versions of Windows Vista, 7, and 8. However, users are strongly advised to prioritize drivers provided by their notebook OEM whenever possible, as these are typically optimized for the specific hardware configuration of their laptops. Always check compatibility and create a backup before installing any new drivers.