NVIDIA has let loose a BETA version of its GeForce 270.51 drivers today, proclaiming an expanded feature set as well as dramatic performance improvements.
NVIDIA makes it clear that 270.51 delivers improved performance in standard gaming environments, as well as SLI and 3D Vision scenarios. With a GeForce GTX 580 humming along on a Windows 7 based system in single-GPU configuration, NVIDIA notes an 11 per cent increase in oomph with Just Cause 2, 5 per cent in Left 4 Dead 2, and 7 per cent in Civilization V - all at a resolution of 1,900x1,200. Up to 2,560x1,600 and an SLI setup, the GTX 580 churns out an improvement measured at 6 per cent in Far Cry 2, 5 per cent in Civilization V, 5 per cent in Left 4 Dead 2, 4 per cent in H.A.W.X. 2 and 4 per cent in Mafia 2.
Further down the scale, the GTX 560 Ti also registers a boost - notably, 19 per cent in Just Cause 2 SLI, going to 13 per cent with a single-GPU system, and between 4 and 5 per cent in SLI ecosystems with titles such as Metro 2033, Call Of Duty: Black Ops and Civilization V.
Bioware's Dragon Age 2 also receives some performance-seeking attention from NVIDIA. Using the example provided by the company, this should be between 3.6 times and 4.5 times faster with single GTX 560 Ti and GTX 580 boards, respectively, and between 5.6 times and 6.2 times faster on GTX 560 Ti and GTX 580 SLI based systems.
Variable levels of eye candy and AA/AF were used, dependant on the title in question, and comparisons made against the 266.58 WHQL drivers.
Wrapping up, 270.51 integrates the 3D Vision USB Controller driver, and gives users the flexibility to use NVIDIA Update for advisories concerning the availability of new WHQL or BETA drivers.
Update: Added image to clarify claimed Dragon Age 2 performance improvements.
