The latest beta drivers and the first in the 290 series have been released by NVIDIA today, supporting all graphics cards since the venerable 6-series. Their main new feature are official support for enabling ambient occlusion settings in the control panel separately for specific games and enabling NVIDIA Surround on the new X79 SLI-certified motherboards. Ambient occlusion (AO) is settable for uber-popular games The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3. So, what does AO do? We'll let Andrew Burns of NVIDIA explain:

If you're unfamiliar with Ambient Occlusion, it is most easily described as a way to make in-game shadowing more realistic, and therefore better.

What he doesn't say of course, is how it kills your frame rate, especially on lower end hardware. Anyway, there's all the usual goodies in this release: 3D Vision game profiles for games such as MW3, Diablo 3 & LEGO Harry Potter: Years 5-7 (yes really). There's a HD audio update and nine fixes too, including one for random flickering of the Windows boot logo as it's loading or fading away and a fix for the mouse cursor flickering and shaking in games such as Crysis 2 & Deus Ex when SLI is enabled when using 3DTV Play. The NVIDIA product release page is here and they have a snazzy-looking driver selector here. The release notes follow.

The KFA2 GeForce 570 MDT X4 is designed to play the latest DirectX 11 games in full 1080p. Whilst the KFA2 GeForce 570 supports up to 4 monitors its main feature includes 'Virtual single monitor mode' which shares one desktop across 3 screens, producing surround HD game play.

The card features 4 DVI ports to support digital PC displays natively, and also has one Mini-HDMI port with digital audio for use with HDTVs. Like the GTX 560 Ti MDT X5, the GTX 570 MDT X4 also allows you to connect an additional display for the Windows desktop to use for chats, playlists, video, supporting all the latest features such as DirectX11 and PhysX.

NVIDIA today announced that system builders worldwide are now shipping the fastest PC gaming platforms ever built, thanks in part to NVIDIA SLI technology and the just-released Intel Core i7 Extreme Edition processors and X79 chipset-based motherboards.

The combination of NVIDIA SLI technology -- which allows for multiple GPUs to run on a single PC -- and new X79-based motherboards allow gamers to customize their PC experience with up to four NVIDIA GeForce GTX GPUs, including the GeForce GTX 580 and GTX 570, the world's fastest DX11 GPUs. Licensed by the world's leading motherboard manufacturers -- including Intel, ASUS, ASRock, EVGA, Foxconn, Gigabyte and MSI, SLI technology is crucial for playing this year's hottest graphics-intensive games, such as the recently released Battlefield 3 and upcoming Batman: Arkham City with detail, resolution and immersion settings cranked up.

Digital Storm, the predominant name in computer system integration and engineering, proudly announces the flagship system in its award-winning line of ODE gaming computers - ODE Level 4. This new system takes the pre-built and fully customized concept to the next level by integrating Intel's X79 chipset, Core i7 3930K six-core CPU, and overclocking it to 4.6GHz. ODE Level 4 gaming PCs are packed with lightning fast components that have been optimized to deliver unparalleled performance, while not breaking the bank.

Based on Intel's X79 chipset, ODE Level 4 boasts blazing fast speed that creates unrivalled gameplay. Digital Storm engineers have also taken advantage of the quad-channel memory controller on the new X79 chipset by designing a luxurious 16GB configuration of DDR3 memory that delivers an even more responsive user experience. Additionally, a configuration of three NVIDIA GTX 570 1.2GB video cards, in triple SLI, generates fluid smooth graphics, creating an immersive gaming experience.

EVGA released a new Batman: Arkham City-themed GeForce GTX 580 graphics card. Carrying the model number 015-P3-1582-A1, this card carries NVIDIA clock speeds of 797/1594/4050 MHz (core/CUDA cores/memory effective). Apart from the game-themed cooler shroud sticker and a themed box, we can't really see what's new with this product. Perhaps it has a voucher for a copy of the game?

Based on the 40 nm GF100 graphics processor, GeForce GTX 580 is the single fastest GPU on the planet. It packs 512 CUDA cores, and 1536 MB of GDDR5 memory across a 384-bit wide memory bus. The GTX 580 also packs features Batman: Arkham City can benefit from, such as PhysX. Available on American retailer Newegg.com, the EVGA GTX 580 Batman: Arkham City Edition is priced at $529.99. At $30 over the base model GTX 580, it has got to pack a copy of the game.

Leadtek Research Inc., known globally for its extreme visual graphics technology, added the new WinFast GTX 560 Ti Hurricane graphics card to the Fermi II generation family for enthusiasts. It features dual 90 mm fans, two 8 mm cooper heat-pipes, a large copper base and many fan fins equipped behind the GeForce Fermi 114 chipset, which can reduce temperature more effectively than the standard version containing only two 6 mm cooper heat-pipes from the chipset manufacture. This not only means improvements in the thermal solution but also in noise emission. Only 21 dB is measured during idle time, and even during peak time, it is just 43 dB. Leadtek will release more dual fan design graphics cards, naming them "Hurricane", to highlight these features.

NVIDIA released its latest set of WHQL-signed GeForce drivers, GeForce 285.58 WHQL for Windows XP, and GeForce 285.62 WHQL for Windows 7 and Vista. The new drivers bundle PhysX system software v9.11.06.21, and feature the following [very] important changes:

• NVIDIA recommended driver for Battlefield, as it contains several performance and compatibility enhancements for the final release of the game.
• NVIDIA recommended and enhanced driver for Batman: Arkham City and RAGE
• Fixes reports of occasional driver timeouts while browsing the web

At the outset this is the driver to have before you unpack your copy of Battlefield 3, Batman: Arkham City, and RAGE, three of the biggest titles of this fall.

DOWNLOAD: GeForce WHQL 285.62 and WHQL 285.58

NVIDIA today released this month's first major GeForce software update, version 280.26. The suite provides the latest WHQL-signed drivers for all NVIDIA GeForce GPUs since 6-series, and ION platform. It includes updated PhysX system software (v9.10.0514), and NVIDIA HDMI audio drivers (v1.2.23.3). The new drivers include support for SLI on AMD 990FX, 990X, and 970 desktop chipsets (on certified motherboards only). Apart from that, the 3D Vision component has undergone a massive overhaul.

The 3D Vision Controller driver is now included with all GPU driver installations. The 3D Vision player now supports windowed mode. Support is added for new 3D Vision compatible monitors, such as ViewSonic V3D245, and 3D Vision compatble projectors such as Acer X1111, BenQ W710ST, and NEC NP-V300W.

DOWNLOAD: NVIDIA GeForce 280.26 WHQL for Windows 7/Vista 64-bit | Windows 7/Vista 32-bit | Windows XP 32-bit | Windows XP 64-bit

MSI has introduced its new GE620DX gaming laptop, featuring the Intel second generation Core i7-2630QM quad core processor (core speeds of 2.00GHz) and nVidia's top-end GeForce GT 555M discrete graphics card. Not only does the GE620DX offer more powerful graphics performance and enhanced resolution, it supports nVidia's PhysX and Microsoft's DirectX 11 for great graphics with more detailed and convincing details, like cooler explosions and more realistic flowing water, to maximize your gaming pleasure.

Eric Kuo, associate vice president for global sales, MSI Notebook, points out that MSI's superior Premium Sound and THX TruStudio Pro wrap around sound team up to offer you the perfect combination of sound and visuals for the ultimate multimedia experience. This gaming dream machine also boasts an exterior with awesome high tech lines. The letters "MSI" are emblazoned in the center of the GE620DX' cover in luminescent white script which is set off by the metal brush finish. Not only is this machine a dream to play, it's a dream to look at, too.

Eurocom Corporation, a leading mobile technology developer is launching new GPU's for the Modular Embedded and CUDA Developer Markets based on the industry standard MXM 3.0b specification. NVIDIA GeForce GTX 580M and NVIDIA Quadro 5010M are new cards offered by Eurocom to those looking for high performance graphics processors. The solutions are aimed at embedded systems, SFF (Small Form Factor) PC and CUDA developers that require high performance GPUs.

The industry standard modular MXM 3.0b specification for graphics subsystems allows for improved cooling capability, reduced power and height, enabling engineers to create smaller, more efficient embedded systems, reduce development time and costs and to introduce new designs faster to market. Modular graphics solutions offer additional functionality as well as increased levels of performance compared to integrated graphics for developers of all kinds.

NVIDIA today announced the world's fastest notebook graphics processing unit (GPU), the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 580M. Available now in the Alienware M18x, the new GPU sets new standards in industry leading benchmarks and games. It will also be available soon in the Alienware M17x notebook along with NVIDIA Optimus technology.

"The best game support. The best gaming features. The best gaming performance available anywhere. That's the essence of the GeForce GTX 580M," said Rene Haas, general manager of notebook products at NVIDIA. "With power like this, you can turn all the knobs to 11."

NVIDIA today unveiled the first gaming notebook graphics processing unit (GPU) in its award-winning GeForce 500M Series of notebook GPUs. The GeForce GTX 560M graphics processor hits the "sweet spot" for gaming notebooks by delivering a no-compromise gaming experience at full 1080p resolution in the hottest new DirectX 11 titles. For the first time, leading OEMs will also be offering GeForce GTX gaming GPUs with NVIDIA Optimus technology.

"The GeForce GTX 560M and NVIDIA Optimus mean gamers get 50 frames per second in Duke Nukem Forever and five hours of battery life in Microsoft Office," said Rene Haas, general manager of notebook products at NVIDIA. "That's real power and real portability." Available only with NVIDIA GPUs, NVIDIA Optimus technology enables extra-long battery life by automatically switching on and off the GPU so that it runs only when needed. The smart convenience of NVIDIA Optimus technology is designed into over 80 percent of GeForce 500M Series notebooks and is used by every major notebook OEM.

Elitegroup Computer Systems (ECS), the world's leading motherboard, graphics card, barebone system, and notebook manufacturer unveils the newest ECS GeForce GTX 560 graphics card with DirectX 11 solution. GeForce GTX 560 graphics card are built with an NVIDIA GeForce 560 graphics processing units (GPU) come with 336 CUDA cores and 256-bit GDDR5 1024MB at 4000 MHz memory clock to present the breathtaking calculating speed for graphics.

ECS GeForce GTX 560 graphics card designed with cutting-edge welding technology-CoolFast to connect the bottom of cooler with heat pipe; in this way, the heat will directly transfer to heat pipe without the intermediary of a piece of copper to achieve higher heat dissipation. The advanced cooler technology would help to improve 20% more cooling ability.

GIGABYTE Technology Co. LTD., a leading manufacturer of motherboards and graphics cards, is pleased to present overclock edition of GeForce GTX 560 graphics card (GV-N56GOC-1GI). With NVIDIA GeForce GTX 560 GPU and high speed GDDR5 memory, GIGABYTE GTX 560 Overclock Edition delivers outstanding 1080p gaming experience. What's more, it features GIGABYTE's new WINDFORCE 2X thermal solution with king-size 100mm inclined fans and Direct Heat Pipe Touch technology.

With these innovative technologies, new WINDFORCE 2X runs at only 31 dB within full loading. GIGABYTE GTX 560 Overclock Edition also adapts GIGABYTE Ultra Durable VGA materials and guarantees best gaming experience. It also features NVIDIA 3D Vision, 3D Vision Surround, SLI, CUDA, PhysX, and Microsoft DirectX 11 technologies.

PNY Technologies, Inc. ("PNY") announced today the release of the XLR8 GeForce GTX 560 1024MB graphics card from partner NVIDIA. PNY's XLR8 (ac-cel-er-ate) GeForce GTX 560 Enthusiast Edition graphics card lets you game in full HD 1080p resolutions with the latest gaming technologies. With 3D Vision to bring eye-popping visuals, DirectX 11 to bring out visual glory in the latest game titles, and PhysX to bring out elements of realism -- the GTX 560 offers a true GeForce gaming experience at a sub-$200 level. Consumers who purchase a GTX 560 on PNY.com will also receive a bonus PNY 16ft. High Speed HDMI-Mini to HDMI Cable, valued at $49.99, allowing for effortless connectivity to any HDMI enabled computer monitor or television for first-class HD visuals and riveting 3D gaming sound.

"Offering a long list of premium GTX gaming technologies, the PNY GTX 560 offers a huge value to consumers," said Nicholas Mauro, senior marketing manager, PC components for PNY. "And with the HDMI port gamers can also utilize their PNY High Speed HDMI cable for amazing full 1080p experience. Gamers will definitely appreciate this affordable graphics card that still has enormous power."

SPARKLE Computer Co., Ltd., the professional VGA card manufacturer and supplier, today debut the SPARKLE GeForce GTX 560 Graphics Cards, which are designed for mainstream users looking to build the premium PC gaming rig. Thanks to the improved 40nm core manufacturing process at TSMC, now the SPARKLE GeForce GTX 560 Graphics Cards have outstanding performance power consumption ratio than ever. Compared with previous generation products, the SPARKLE GeForce GTX 560 Graphics Cards also feature a special cooling system and a hardware power monitor circuit which deliver higher performance/Watt ratio. Tested in SPARKLE R&D lab, the SPARKLE GeForce GTX 560 Graphics Cards have the same power consumption as GeForce GTX 460 graphics card, but providing 28% more performance in today hottest games.

ZOTAC International, a leading innovator and the world's largest channel manufacturer of graphics cards, motherboards and mini-PCs, today unveils the new GeForce GTX 560 series of graphics cards catered towards gamers seeking an extra performance punch at 1080p gaming resolutions. Three models are launching in the ZOTAC GeForce GTX 560 series, including 1GB, 2GB and AMP! Edition models to let gamers select the perfect card for their needs.

The ZOTAC GeForce GTX 560 AMP! Edition pushes the limits of what is capable from the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 560 graphics processor and extracts every ounce of performance available to achieve a class-leading 950 MHz core clock for a 17-percent boost over stock. The memory receives the same treatment on the ZOTAC GeForce GTX 560 AMP! Edition and receives a boost to 4400 MHz to keep up with the new-found power of the GPU.

Palit Microsystems Ltd, the leading graphics card manufacturer, announces the new GeForce GTX 560 Series. Including the factory overclocked Sonic Platinum edition and 2GB version with innovative 9cm Turbofan Blade cooler, Palit GeForce GTX 560 Series delivers best gaming performance that will blow you away.

Equipping extreme factory-overclocked core speed at 900MHz, Palit GeForce GTX 560 Sonic Platinum offers ultimate gaming performance. Being 10% faster than non-OC in both DX10 and DX11, you can enjoy the perfect upgrade for 1080p gaming with Palit GeForce GTX 560 Sonic Platinum. Even more, with 20.5% better performance than competition in DX10 and 33.7% better in DX11, Palit GeForce GTX 560 Sonic Platinum provides best gaming experience for the price.

NVIDIA confirmed its latest performance GPU, the GeForce GTX 560 (not to be confused with GTX 560 Ti), for launch on May 17, 2011. GeForce.com staff put up a new video on YouTube that displayed the card itself (looks very similar to to GTX 460), and run a few upcoming games on it, including the much anticipated Duke Nukem Forever, Alice: Madness Returns, and Rift.

NVIDIA claims that the new card should be able to handle most DirectX 11 games at 1080p resolution. In the Duke Nukem Forever run, the 3DVision features of the GTX 560 were shown. On Alice: Madness Returns, a variety of NVIDIA PhysX effects were shown, mostly particle and fluid dynamics. Lastly, the anticipated MMO Rift was able to run at 1080p with very high frame-rates and low GPU temperatures. Based on the GF114 GPU, the GTX 560 features 336 CUDA cores, 1 GB of GDDR5 memory over a 256-bit wide memory interface.Check out the video for some cool in-game footage.

NVIDIA today released its first WHQL-signed 270 Series GeForce software suite. The package provides the latest driver software for GeForce discrete, integrated, and notebook GPUs, ION GPUs, GeForce HDMI audio, and the latest stable releases of NVIDIA PhysX, and NVIDIA 3DVision. Version 270.61 WHQL packs official support for the recently released GeForce GTX 590, GTX 550 Ti, GTX 560 Ti, supermassive performance increases (such as 516% in Dragon Age 2 (GTX 580 SLI 2560x1600 8xAA/16xAF Very High, SSAO on)) specific to GeForce 400 and 500 series; and of course, a stable version of NVIDIA's driver auto-update software.

DOWNLOAD: NVIDIA GeForce 270.61 WHQL.

A list of changes follows.

ASUS has released the ASUS GT 520, a graphics card that combines great performance with a low profile that is perfectly suited to be used in an HTPC. With an innovative fanless design, the GT 520 efficiently and silently dissipates heat while still offering outstanding graphics performance. 1GB of DDR3 memory and Microsoft DirectX 11 support means the GT 520 displays the latest in multimedia entertainment with ease.

Based on the NVIDIA GeForce GT 520 GPU, the ASUS GT 520 is equipped with an efficiently designed heatsink that passively cools the GT 520 so absolutely no sound is produced while running. This ensures a quiet environment, and combined with the low profile of the graphics card makes it perfect for hushed gaming and multimedia enjoyment via home theater PCs and multimedia centers.

NVIDIA today released version 270.51 BETA GeForce software suite. The application installs the latest recommended drivers for NVIDIA GeForce GPUs (6-series and above), CUDA, PhysX, and 3DVision software, NVIDIA HDMI audio drivers, and related software. With this release, NVIDIA also introduced an automatic driver update feature. To begin with, GeForce 270.51 WHQL introduced performance improvements in a wide range of games, including SLI performance for the games covered.

Performance improvements are tabled below. Apart from optimizing pure performance NVIDIA also packed a large number of 3D Vision and SLI performance profiles that are game-specific, and step up multi-display 3D Vision Surround gaming performance. While these drivers aren't WHQL-signed, NVIDIA doubts it will hurt to try them out.DOWNLOAD: NVIDIA GeForce 270.51 BETA

Inno3D is thrilled to announce the launch of the much anticipated Inno3D GeForce GTX 590, the world's fastest DirectX 11 graphics card ever built. With the sleek exterior that houses dual 512-core GTX 500 GPUs and a custom vapor chamber cooler, the GeForce GTX 590 delivers high-end performance with style. Hook up three monitors with GeForce GTX 590's three dual-link DVI ports to play your favourite games at ultra-wide resolutions like 5760x1080 in NVIDIA Surround. Plus get all the premium GTX gaming technologies such as NVIDIA 3D Vision, PhysX, and Quad SLI for the ultimate PC gaming experience.

Point of View known for its range of NVIDIA based 3D Graphics cards, Netbooks and other PC products, announces today its launch of the redefinition of performance: the Point of View GTX 590. What do you get when you combine excellent features and performance of a GeForce 500 GPU with ... another GF500 GPU? 200% Hardcore performance! And that's what the GeForce GTX 590 is all about.

The all-new flagship GeForce 500 series' graphics card prides itself with not one but two GF500 GPU. Without any difficult math this will offer some serious performance. The beast known as the GeForce GTX 590 will out-perform every existing graphics card with a huge lead in graphics performance.

Palit Microsystems Ltd, the leading graphics card manufacturer, announces the new GTX gaming series: Palit GTX 550 Ti 1GB and GTX 550 Ti 1GB Sonic. With incredible DX11 performance and the latest technology support, Palit GTX 550 Ti series power up your PC into a next-gen gaming rig.

Continuing the excellent quality and out of the box pre-overclocked speed of Palit Sonic Overclocking Edition, the GTX 550 Ti Sonic provides superior performance with 1000MHz core speed which runs 10% faster than non-OCed version in both DX10 and DX11 performance. Powered by the stunning-fast core speed, Palit GTX 550 Ti Sonic also beating out the competition with ease by offering 35% faster performance at DX11 and 23% higher in DX10 performance. With the fierce performance of Palit GTX 550 Ti Sonic, you can dominate the latest DX11 titles like Crysis 2, H.A.W.X. 2, and Civilization V.