Sure, you’ve already heard the news (and probably seen reviews) of AMD’s Radeon HD 4850 and 4870 card – we’ll have our own review ready very soon.  NVIDIA apparently got the news as well and decide to try and put some additional pressure on AMD to perform.

The answer: GeForce 9800 GTX+.

What the hell?

NVIDIA to AMD: Chew on GeForce 9800 GTX+ - Graphics Cards 5

Get ready for the details:
  • MSRP: $229
  • Core clock: 738 MHz
  • Shader clock: 1836 MHz
  • 512MB GDDR3 Memory @ ~1000 MHz
  • 2- and 3-Way SLI support
  • kick in the ass
NVIDIA to AMD: Chew on GeForce 9800 GTX+ - Graphics Cards 6

Compared to the current generation GeForce 9800 GTX that runs at 675 MHz core, 1688 MHz shader and 1100 MHz memory clocks, the new 9800 GTX+ is a considerable bump in speed. 

What makes this all possible?  The 9800 GTX+ is the 55nm refresh of G92 – all current 9800-series cards are built on 65nm technology. 

NVIDIA to AMD: Chew on GeForce 9800 GTX+ - Graphics Cards 7

NVIDIA is pitting this new card, set to be available in the middle of July, squarely at the momentum-gaining HD 4850 and HD 4870 card from AMD.  We were planning on having some numbers for you here tonight but the driver didn’t quite work out for us…

UPDATE: I have posted pictures from under the hood of the GeForce 9800 GTX+ showing the smaller 55nm die in comparison to the 65nm G92 part.  Head over and check that out as well!

Check back tomorrow for more details and comparisons to this puppy: