"We're currently seeking new Beta testers for the latest games we have in development.

1. They should send the specs of their Mac(s), along with the genre(s) they're interested in, to brad.cook@vpltd.com. I will forward the info along.

2. They should be aware that we're looking for a minimum of 5 hours per week, to ensure effective testing. We reward testers with free downloads of the games they work on, provided they follow through on their duties.

3. Duties include:
They are expected to play the game from the perspective of a test, that is testing resolutions, levels of detail (basically running through different settings), issues with sound, video, performance etc. Obviously different than just playing for fun.

Reporting via our web-based 'Mantis' area, detailing the issue, if it is repeatable, uploading screenshots and crash reports, assisting developers, and responding to their requests to try fixes. It is essential when reporting a bug that rapid response to a proposed solution is made. It is highly desirable, but not essential, if the tester has some experience with performance assessing tools (from Developers kit).

Thanks,
Brad Cook
Director, PR and Marketing
Virtual Programming"

"Just wanted to share an odd experience after I upgraded the CPU (19.5.8f03) and CUDA (3.0.14) drivers for the 285. A CUDA preference icon was placed in my "Other" area of my system preferences. Each time I started up the computer, that preference would pop up saying I needed to revise my drivers but the "Install CUDA update" button was grayed out. I sent an e-mail to Nvidia thinking they were responsible. They answered by saying Apple controls updated drivers. I called Apple and they had no idea about what I was talking about. They indicated that if the preference icon was in the "Other" section, it was a third party issue.

I opened the CUDA preference window while I was talking to Apple and for the first time, the "Install" button was highlighted. I installed the new CUDA driver which is 3.1.10. I have no idea where it came from or where to independently download it. Version 3.0.14 is still posted on Nvidia's website. The window no longer pop ups at start up. If you have any information on this, I would like to know who is controlling the message and where the 3.3.10 CUDA driver is available.
-th"

Any CUDA updates should be from Nvidia. (Maybe check the logs for any related info. I also mentioned some permissions differences I saw after the update to an EVGA contact.) I didn't install Cuda personally. And an earlier mail from an 8800 owner that tried the drivers:

"Installed F3 (19.5.8f03) by editing the .dist file to get it installed on a Non MacPro / Non GTX 285. Gave no significant (> 5%) speed benefits on 8800 GTX.
Worse, the powermanagement of the gpu (throttling) stops working - means always runs on full MHZ, no more powersteps.
I went back to orig. 10.6.4 F0 drivers. I dont think that drivers fix real OpenGL Problems - OpenGL Framework stays same. I guess they (as often) made a workaround for some problems with the stepping which can cause problems like unsmooth mouse moving or some in-game shuttering of video / audio.
-Andreas"

I don't know if this update really fixed any of those issues mentioned earlier. I installed them the other night but too many more important problems going on to do any game tests. (Cinebench 11.5 though still shows only 24.xx fps, appx same as 10.6.3.)
If any other readers have tried the driver update and seen any pros or cons, let me know the details. Thanks.

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