180.70 Beta Driver Review

Introduction: In this review we compare the latest beta offering leaked from varying sources, the 180.70 set. Released a few days ago it supposedly combines a few fixes from latest WHQL release (180.48), and a few fixes for its self along with the usual performance fixes. Again though we’re unable to test new features with the supposed Big Bang drivers, which is a shame but otherwise this article intends to help those not knowing which drivers to use too. Since there has been a lot of talk about users not knowing what to use in order to fix bugs with the latest games and at the end of this article that shall be answered. Onwards!

New Features (as of 180.xx onwards):

• Enables NVIDIA SLI technology on SLI-certified Intel X58-based motherboards with the following GPUs: GeForce GTX 280, GeForce GTX 260, GeForce 9800 GX2, GeForce 9800 GTX+, and GeForce 9800 GTX
• Enables NVIDIA SLI Multi-monitor support, giving you the ability to use two monitors with your GeForce graphics cards in SLI mode. Now you can easily switch between multi-monitor desktop mode and full screen 3D gaming mode.
• Enables NVIDIA PhysX acceleration on a dedicated GeForce graphics card. Use one card for graphics and dedicate a different card for PhysX processing for game-changing physical effects. (Note: GPU PhysX is supported on all GeForce 8-series, 9-series and 200-series GPUs with a minimum of 256MB dedicated graphics memory. This driver package automatically installs PhysX System Software version 8.10.13).
   

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).
• S.T.A.L.K.E.R Clear Sky For IQ testing, along with F.E.A.R MP and now Test Drive Unlimited.
• World In Conflict Standard test ran at "High Quality".
• S.T.AL.K.E.R Clear Sky
• Far Cry 2 - built in benchmarking tool.
• Call of Duty 5: World at War.

 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 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