 Windows Driver Type "DCH" refers to drivers developed according to Microsoft's DCH driver design principles; "Standard" refers to driver packages that predate the DCH driver design paradigm. Standard drivers are for those who have not yet transitioned to contemporary DCH drivers, or require these drivers to support older products. DCH drivers can be installed over a system that presently has a Standard driver, and vice versa. To confirm the type of driver that is presently installed on a system, locate Driver Type under the System Information menu in the NVIDIA Control Panel. |
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WHQL Certified , GRD , SD , NFB / QNF , PB / ODE , PB / LLB , NFB / SLB , Beta Release "WHQL Certified" Windows Hardware Quality Labs testing or WHQL Testing is a testing process which involves running a series of tests on third-party (i.e. non-Microsoft) hardware or software, and then submitting the log files from these tests to Microsoft for review. The procedure may also include Microsoft running their own tests on a wide range of equipment, like different hardware and different Microsoft Windows editions.
"GRD" Game Ready Drivers provide the best possible gaming experience for all major games. From early access through the lifecycle of the game, NVIDIA’s driver team continues to exhaustively test all major milestones so they can optimize performance, maximize stability, and perfect overall gameplay functionality. "SD" Studio Drivers provide the best possible experience for key major creative applications. NVIDIA does extensive testing which focuses on the top creative applications and ensures the highest levels of performance, stability, and functionality are provided. "NFB / QNF" New Feature Branch (NFB) [formerly known as Quadro New Feature (QNF)] driver is from the most recent driver release branch, and provides users with the opportunity to access the latest new features and functionality in between Production Branch releases. It has been tested for workstation environments with reduced product support, and is recommended only for those users who need specific features that are mentioned in the respective release highlights or release notes. "PB / ODE" Production Branch (PB) [formerly known as Optimal Driver for Enterprise (ODE)] / Studio driver is what most users select for optimal stability and performance. Production Branch drivers offer ISV certification, long life-cycle support, and access to the same functionality as corresponding Studio Drivers of the same version. "PB / LLB" Production Branch (PB) [formerly known as Linux Long Lived Branch (LLB)] Production Branch Linux drivers provide ISV certification and optimal stability and performance for Unix customers. This driver is most commonly deployed at enterprises, providing support for the sustained bug fix and security updates commonly required. "NFB / SLB" New Feature Branch (NFB) [formerly known as Linux Short Lived Branch (SLB)] New Feature Branch Linux drivers provide early adopters and bleeding edge developers access to the latest driver features before they are integrated into the Production Branches. "Beta Release" Beta drivers are provided by NVIDIA as preview releases for quick bug fixes and access to new features. Beta drivers are under qualification testing, and may include significant issues. It is the end user's responsibility to protect system and data when using Beta drivers with NVIDIA products. It is strongly recommended that end users back up all the data prior to using Beta drivers from this site. Please ensure that newer Recommended/Certified drivers are not already posted on NVIDIA.com prior to installation and usage of Beta drivers. Beta drivers posted do not carry any warranties nor support services. |