This article provides information about the Nvidia Notebook GeForce Graphics Driver 313.96 Beta, a driver release specifically designed for notebook computers equipped with Nvidia GeForce graphics processing units (GPUs). Released on January 30, 2013, this driver aimed to provide performance enhancements and improvements for gamers and other users on Windows Vista, Windows 7, and Windows 8 64-bit operating systems. This article details the purpose of the driver, its key features, compatible hardware, and important considerations before installation.
Overview of the Nvidia Notebook GeForce Graphics Driver 313.96 Beta
The Nvidia Notebook GeForce Graphics Driver 313.96 Beta falls under the Nvidia Notebook Driver Program. This program is designed to provide reference drivers that can be installed on compatible Nvidia Notebook GPUs. A "reference driver" signifies that it’s a generic driver provided directly by Nvidia, rather than a customized driver from the notebook’s manufacturer (OEM).
It is crucial to understand that while these reference drivers can offer performance improvements and new features, Nvidia strongly recommends checking the notebook OEM’s website for certified drivers specifically tailored to your laptop model. OEMs often customize drivers to optimize performance, stability, and compatibility with the specific hardware configuration of their notebooks. Using a reference driver may lead to unforeseen issues or reduced performance if it’s not perfectly aligned with your notebook’s unique design. Furthermore, OEMs typically do not provide technical support for issues arising from the use of non-certified drivers.
The filename for this driver is 313.96-notebook-win8-win7-winvista-64bit-international-beta.exe. This designation clearly indicates its compatibility with Windows Vista, 7, and 8, and that it is a 64-bit version. The "international" suffix suggests it includes support for multiple languages.
Key Improvements and Features of the 313.96 Beta
The Nvidia Notebook GeForce Graphics Driver 313.96 Beta was particularly noteworthy for its optimizations related to the Crysis 3 Multiplayer Open Beta. Nvidia claimed that this driver delivered a smoother gaming experience in Crysis 3 and offered significant performance boosts, particularly in SLI (Scalable Link Interface) configurations, with performance improvements of up to 65%.
Beyond Crysis 3, the R313 driver series also included general performance improvements for other popular games. Nvidia highlighted Assassin’s Creed III, Call of Duty: Black Ops II, and Far Cry 3 as titles benefiting from noticeable performance increases. While the exact percentage gains varied depending on the specific hardware configuration and game settings, the R313 drivers aimed to deliver a more fluid and responsive gaming experience across a range of titles.
Unfortunately, the original document lacks detailed information on the specific new features and improvements included in the R313 drivers. Generally, beta drivers often include bug fixes, performance optimizations, and preliminary support for upcoming games or technologies.
Supported Nvidia GeForce GPUs
This driver supports a wide range of Nvidia GeForce GPUs commonly found in notebooks at the time of its release. The precise list of supported GPUs would have been included in the original documentation, but it’s unavailable here. However, it is safe to assume that the driver supported most of the GeForce 400M, 500M, and 600M series GPUs, as well as some of the higher-end 300M series.
It’s essential to consult the driver’s release notes or the Nvidia website to confirm that your specific GPU model is supported before attempting installation. Installing a driver designed for a different GPU can lead to system instability or prevent the driver from installing correctly.
Important Considerations Before Installation
Before downloading and installing the Nvidia Notebook GeForce Graphics Driver 313.96 Beta, consider the following:
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OEM Recommendation: Prioritize drivers provided by your notebook’s manufacturer (OEM). These drivers are specifically tested and optimized for your notebook’s hardware and software configuration.
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Compatibility: Verify that the driver is compatible with your notebook’s GPU, operating system (Windows Vista/7/8 64-bit), and system architecture.
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Backup: Create a system restore point or backup your important data before installing any new driver. This allows you to revert to a previous state if the new driver causes issues.
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Clean Installation: Consider performing a clean installation of the driver. This involves uninstalling the previous driver and deleting any associated files before installing the new driver. This can help prevent conflicts and ensure a smoother installation process.
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Beta Status: Remember that this is a beta driver, meaning it may contain bugs or instability issues. While beta drivers often offer performance improvements, they are not as thoroughly tested as final, WHQL-certified drivers.
Downloading and Installing the Driver
The original download link for the Nvidia Notebook GeForce Graphics Driver 313.96 Beta is: [313.96-notebook-win8-win7-winvista-64bit-international-beta.exe](This is a placeholder – the link may no longer be active).
Given the age of this driver, it might be difficult to find it on the official Nvidia website. As an alternative, you can try searching for the driver on third-party driver download sites. However, exercise caution when downloading from unofficial sources, as they may contain malware or corrupted files. Ensure you download the driver from a reputable website.
Alternative Download Link:
While the original download link may not work, you can often find older drivers archived on sites like Softpedia: https://drivers.softpedia.com/get/Graphics-Board/Nvidia/Nvidia-GeForce-313-96-Beta-Driver.shtml (Please verify the file integrity and scan for viruses before installation).
The installation process is generally straightforward. Run the downloaded executable file and follow the on-screen instructions. The installer will guide you through the steps of extracting the driver files, uninstalling the old driver (if applicable), and installing the new driver.
Conclusion
The Nvidia Notebook GeForce Graphics Driver 313.96 Beta was a driver release aimed at improving performance and stability on Nvidia GeForce-equipped notebooks running Windows Vista, 7, and 8 64-bit. While it offered optimizations for games like Crysis 3 and other popular titles, it’s essential to consider the OEM’s recommendations and the potential risks associated with using beta drivers. Always prioritize drivers provided by your notebook manufacturer whenever possible, and ensure you take appropriate precautions before installing any new driver. Remember to verify that the driver is compatible with your system and create a backup before proceeding with the installation.