Introduction:In this analysis we are testing the recently released 182.08 WHQL driver set, this include various bug fixes and performance improvements (proclaimed from the release notes). Again in this test there is another PhysX update to consider but this is disabled, as always in this testing here at Before Dark.

Performance enhancements with the release of 182 WHQL and up:

• Up to 8% performance increase in Fallout 3 at high resolution and AA.
• Up to 10% performance increase in F.E.A.R. 2: Project Origin.
• Up to 9% performance increase in Half-Life 2 at high resolution with AA.
• Up to 11% performance increase in Left 4 Dead at high resolution with AA.
• Up to 10% performance increase in Race Driver: GRID at high resolution and AA.
• Includes full support for OpenGL 3.0 on GeForce 8-series, 9-series, and 200-series GPUs.
• Automatically installs the new PhysX System Software version 9.09.0203.

Predicted performance increases (from 178.24 WHQL):

• Up to 10% performance increase in 3DMark Vantage (performance preset)
• Up to 13% performance increase in Assassin's Creed
• Up to 13% performance increase in BioShock
• Up to 15% performance increase in Company of Heroes: Opposing Fronts
• Up to 10% performance increase in Crysis Warhead
• Up to 25% performance increase in Devil May Cry 4
• Up to 38% performance increase in Far Cry 2
• Up to 18% performance increase in Race Driver: GRID
• Up to 80% performance increase in Lost Planet: Colonies
• Up to 18% performance increase in World of Conflict 

Testing methods

Benchmarks used: 

• F.E.A.R (built in performance tester) - Maximum settings, no soft shadows.
• 3D Mark 06 and Vantage.
• Crysis War Head (benchmark application from here, using the ambush map).
• World In Conflict Standard test ran at "High Quality".
• S.T.AL.K.E.R Clear Sky - Used a custom time demo and recorded the frame rate (average frame rate given).
• Far Cry 2 - built in benchmarking tool.
• Mirrors Edge - Used a custom time demo and recorded the frame rate (average frame rate given).

 Hardware used:

• Intel Q6600 Overclocked to 3Ghz
• Abit IP-35 E
• 4GB of OCZ Plat at 667Mhz (CL4)
• Nvidia GeForce 9600GT
• Creative X-Fi Xtreme Music

 Software:

• Microsoft Windows Vista x64 Ultimate 
• Fraps, for screen captures.

Cards supported by this driver (included .inf):

GeForce GTX 295
GeForce GTX 285
GeForce GTX 280
GeForce GTX 260
GeForce 9800 GX2
GeForce 9800 GTX+
GeForce 9800 GTX
GeForce 9800 GT 
GeForce 9600 GT
GeForce 9600 GSO
GeForce 9500 GT
GeForce 9500 GS 
GeForce 9400 GT
GeForce 9400
GeForce 9300
GeForce 9200
GeForce 8800 Ultra
GeForce 8800 GTX
GeForce 8800 GTS 512
GeForce 8800 GTS
GeForce 8800 GT
GeForce 8800 GS