Battlefield 3 graphics card drivers promise up to 38% performance boost

by **Chief War** Mon Sep 26, 2011 7:23 pm

If you're field-stripping your PC in preparation for the Battlefield 3 multiplayer open beta launch later this week, you'll want to break out new beta graphics card drivers... as well as the keyboard oil and mouse lube. Both AMD and Nvidia have special offerings for those looking to get their war on.

According to Nvidia, its new GeForce 285.38 beta drivers increase Battlefield 3 beta performance "by up to 38% compared to the 285.27 drivers." This is measured on a GeForce GTX 570 running at 2650x1600 in DirectX 11 mode, so most will see more modest boosts, but every little helps.

Nvidia's beta drivers are up for download now. [You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]

"Use these for BF3 beta this week," DICE rendering architect Johan Andersson advised plainly on his personal Twitter account.

AMD also plans to release a "special" driver for the Battlefield 3 beta this week, so Radeon users should stay frosty too. If you've got 99 problems, don't let video card drivers be one.

The Battlefield 3 open beta will launch for PC, Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 on September 29, packing the map Operation Metro. If you pre-order BF3 from EA's digital store Origin, you get early access to the beta from September 27, as do those who pre-ordered Medal of Honor from anywhere.

The full game launches for PC, Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 on October 25. After that, downloadable add-ons will be released for PlayStation 3 first as part of a timed exclusivity deal.