The Nvidia Quadro Graphics Driver 376.33 is a specialized software package designed to optimize the performance and stability of Nvidia Quadro, GRID, and NVS series graphics cards in professional workstation environments. Released on December 19, 2016, this driver, designated as version R370 U2, caters to users requiring the latest features and functionalities for their demanding applications. It supports a wide range of Windows operating systems, from Windows XP to Windows 10, in both 32-bit and 64-bit architectures, accommodating both desktop and notebook configurations.
This article provides a comprehensive overview of the Nvidia Quadro Graphics Driver 376.33, exploring its purpose, key features, supported hardware, and considerations for installation. Understanding the nuances of this driver is crucial for professionals seeking to maximize the capabilities of their Nvidia professional graphics solutions.
Understanding Quadro New Feature (QNF) Drivers
The Nvidia Quadro Graphics Driver 376.33 belongs to the Quadro New Feature (QNF) driver branch. QNF drivers are released more frequently than Optimal Drivers for Enterprise (ODE) drivers and are intended for users who need access to the latest features, bug fixes, support for new VR headsets, or compatibility with new game engines. While QNF drivers undergo testing for workstation environments, they are primarily recommended for users with specific needs addressed in the release highlights or release notes.
In contrast, ODE drivers prioritize long-term stability and are rigorously tested for ISV certification and OEM compatibility. They are the preferred choice for IT departments and corporate users seeking a reliable and consistent experience across their deployments. For users prioritizing stability and ISV certification, the latest ODE driver can be found here.
Key Features and Improvements in Version 376.33
The R370 U2 release of the Nvidia Quadro Graphics Driver 376.33 specifically addresses framerate consistency issues in virtual reality (VR) games and applications when used with Quadro Series P6000 and P5000 graphics cards. This improvement is significant for VR developers and professionals who rely on smooth and responsive VR experiences for their workflows. While specific release notes and detailed feature lists are not directly available in the provided context, the primary focus is on enhancing VR performance on high-end Quadro cards.
Supported Products
The Nvidia Quadro Graphics Driver 376.33 supports a broad spectrum of Nvidia professional graphics solutions, ensuring compatibility with various workstation configurations. The supported products encompass the following series:
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Quadro Series: This includes the core Quadro lineup designed for professional graphics applications.
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Quadro Series (Notebooks): Drivers for mobile workstations are also supported. It’s important to note that Quadro Notebook drivers are not supported on Windows Vista 32/64-bit Operating Systems.
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Quadro Blade/Embedded Series: This caters to specialized embedded systems requiring professional graphics capabilities.
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Quadro NVS Series: Designed for multi-display environments and business graphics.
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Quadro NVS Series (Notebooks): Mobile solutions for multi-display setups.
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Quadro Plex Series: High-performance, multi-GPU solutions for demanding applications.
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Quadro Sync Series: Enabling synchronized display outputs for large-scale visualization.
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GRID Series: Optimized for virtualized environments and remote workstations.
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NVS Series: Entry-level professional graphics solutions.
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NVS Series (Notebooks): Mobile solutions for entry-level professional graphics.
Important Considerations for Notebook Users
Notebook users should exercise caution when installing the Nvidia Quadro Graphics Driver 376.33. Nvidia provides this driver as a reference driver that can be installed on supported Nvidia notebook GPUs. However, it is strongly recommended to check with the notebook’s original equipment manufacturer (OEM) for certified drivers specific to the notebook model. OEMs often customize drivers to optimize performance and stability on their specific hardware configurations.
Using a reference driver instead of an OEM-certified driver may lead to compatibility issues or reduced performance. Furthermore, OEMs may not provide technical support for issues arising from the use of non-certified drivers. Therefore, prioritizing OEM-provided drivers is generally the best practice for notebook users.
Downloading and Installing the Driver
The Nvidia Quadro Graphics Driver 376.33 can be downloaded from the following link:
Download Nvidia Quadro Graphics Driver 376.33
As an alternative download location in case the primary link is unavailable, you can also try searching for the driver on websites like Softpedia or Guru3D, though availability is subject to change:
- Softpedia: Search for "Nvidia Quadro Graphics Driver 376.33 Softpedia"
- Guru3D: Search for "Nvidia Quadro Graphics Driver 376.33 Guru3D"
Before installing the driver, it’s crucial to back up your system and create a system restore point. This precaution allows you to revert to a previous state in case any issues arise during the installation process.
The installation process typically involves running the downloaded executable file and following the on-screen instructions. It’s important to close any running applications and temporarily disable any antivirus software to avoid conflicts during the installation.
Previous Versions
For users who may need to revert to older driver versions, here is a list of some previous Nvidia Quadro Graphics Driver releases:
- Nvidia Quadro Graphics Driver 369.26 (2016-09-06)
- Nvidia Quadro Graphics Driver 369.09 (2016-08-22)
- Nvidia Quadro Graphics Driver 368.39 (2016-06-10)
- Nvidia Quadro Graphics Driver 364.51 (2016-03-14)
- Nvidia Quadro Graphics Driver 361.75 (2016-02-01)
- Nvidia Quadro Graphics Driver 355.85
- Nvidia Quadro Graphics Driver 347.52
- Nvidia Quadro Graphics Driver 353.06
Conclusion
The Nvidia Quadro Graphics Driver 376.33 is a significant release for professionals utilizing Nvidia Quadro, GRID, and NVS graphics cards. Its focus on improving VR framerate consistency on high-end Quadro GPUs makes it particularly valuable for VR developers and users. However, it’s essential to carefully consider the QNF driver branch’s characteristics and prioritize OEM-certified drivers for notebook configurations to ensure optimal stability and performance. By understanding the nuances of this driver, users can effectively leverage its capabilities to enhance their professional workflows.