This article provides information about the Nvidia Quadro Tesla Graphics Driver 306.79, a driver package released for 64-bit versions of Windows Vista, Windows 7, and Windows 8. This driver, released on October 5, 2012, aimed to provide enhanced performance and stability for professional graphics applications utilizing Nvidia Quadro and Tesla series graphics cards. The filename for the driver package is 306.79-quadro-tesla-win8-win7-winvista-64bit-international-whql.exe.
Overview of Nvidia Quadro and Tesla Series
Before diving into the specifics of the 306.79 driver, it’s important to understand the target hardware. Nvidia Quadro and Tesla graphics cards are designed for professional use, focusing on demanding applications in fields like:
- Computer-Aided Design (CAD): Creating and manipulating 3D models for engineering and architecture.
- Digital Content Creation (DCC): Producing visual effects, animation, and high-resolution imagery for film, television, and games.
- Scientific Visualization: Rendering complex datasets for analysis and research.
- High-Performance Computing (HPC): Accelerating computationally intensive tasks in areas like simulation, data analysis, and machine learning.
Unlike GeForce cards, which are optimized for gaming, Quadro and Tesla cards offer features like certified drivers for professional applications, enhanced stability, and support for features like ECC (Error Correcting Code) memory on some models, which is crucial for data integrity in critical applications. The Nvidia Quadro Tesla Graphics Driver 306.79 is vital for these cards.
Driver Details: 306.79
The Nvidia Quadro Tesla Graphics Driver 306.79 is a WHQL (Windows Hardware Quality Labs) certified driver, indicating that it has passed rigorous testing by Microsoft and Nvidia to ensure compatibility and stability with the supported operating systems. WHQL certification is important for professional users who rely on the stability of their systems for mission-critical work.
Key Information:
- Driver Version: 306.79
- Release Date: October 5, 2012
- Operating Systems: Windows Vista 64-bit, Windows 7 64-bit, Windows 8 64-bit
- File Name: 306.79-quadro-tesla-win8-win7-winvista-64bit-international-whql.exe
- Certification: WHQL
What’s New in Driver 306.79
Unfortunately, the original article provides limited information about the specific improvements and fixes included in the 306.79 driver. Typically, new driver releases include:
- Performance Enhancements: Optimizations to improve the performance of Quadro and Tesla cards in specific applications.
- Bug Fixes: Resolutions for issues reported in previous driver versions.
- Compatibility Updates: Support for the latest software releases and hardware configurations.
- New Features: Introduction of new features or capabilities for Quadro and Tesla cards.
Without specific details, it’s difficult to pinpoint the exact changes in the 306.79 driver. However, given its WHQL certification, it is likely to have included stability improvements and bug fixes to address known issues at the time of its release.
Supported Products
The original article lists the supported products for the Nvidia Quadro Tesla Graphics Driver 306.79. However, the actual list is not included. A typical driver release for Quadro and Tesla cards supports a wide range of models, spanning multiple generations of hardware. To determine if this driver is compatible with your specific card, consult the driver’s release notes or the Nvidia website. The product support would have likely included a comprehensive list of supported cards.
Installation
Installing the Nvidia Quadro Tesla Graphics Driver 306.79 involves the following steps:
- Download the Driver: Obtain the driver package (306.79-quadro-tesla-win8-win7-winvista-64bit-international-whql.exe) from a reputable source.
- Run the Installer: Double-click the downloaded file to launch the installation wizard.
- Follow the On-Screen Instructions: The installer will guide you through the process of extracting the driver files and installing them on your system.
- Restart Your Computer: After the installation is complete, restart your computer to ensure that the changes are applied correctly.
It is always recommended to uninstall any previous Nvidia drivers before installing a new version. This can be done through the Windows Control Panel.
Importance of Professional Drivers
Using the correct drivers for professional graphics cards is crucial for ensuring optimal performance and stability. Professional applications often rely on specific features and optimizations that are only available in certified drivers like the Nvidia Quadro Tesla Graphics Driver 306.79. Using a generic driver or a driver designed for gaming cards can lead to performance issues, instability, and even data corruption.
Nvidia works closely with software vendors to certify Quadro and Tesla drivers for professional applications. This certification process ensures that the drivers meet the stringent requirements of these applications and provide a reliable and predictable experience for users.
Finding the Right Driver Today
While the Nvidia Quadro Tesla Graphics Driver 306.79 was relevant in 2012, Nvidia has released numerous driver updates since then. Today, it is recommended to use the latest drivers available from the Nvidia website to ensure the best possible performance and compatibility. Nvidia regularly releases new drivers to address bugs, improve performance, and support the latest hardware and software.
Download Links
Here are the download links for the Nvidia Quadro Tesla Graphics Driver 306.79 for Windows 64-bit:
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Original Download Link: This would be the link where the file ‘306.79-quadro-tesla-win8-win7-winvista-64bit-international-whql.exe’ was originally hosted. (Note: finding a working link for such an old driver can be challenging).
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Alternative Download Link: DriverDR – Nvidia Quadro Tesla Graphics Driver 306.79 (Note: This is just an example, always verify the safety and authenticity of the download source before proceeding with installation.)
It’s important to note that using older drivers might expose your system to security vulnerabilities or compatibility issues with newer software. Therefore, while the 306.79 driver might be necessary for specific legacy setups, using the latest drivers is generally recommended.
Conclusion
The Nvidia Quadro Tesla Graphics Driver 306.79 represented a specific point in time for driver support for Nvidia’s professional graphics cards. While the driver itself is now quite old, understanding its purpose and the context in which it was released provides valuable insight into the importance of professional drivers for demanding applications. Always ensure you’re using the appropriate and, ideally, the latest drivers for your hardware to maximize performance and stability. Remember to verify the authenticity of the source before downloading and installing any driver.