Today NVIDIA is announcing the third graphics processing unit in their GeForce 9 series, the GeForce 9800 GTX. The GeForce 9 series debuted in February with the GeForce 9600 GT and did earn several great awards for bringing high-end gaming down to mainstream prices. Just two weeks ago, NVIDIA launched the flagship GeForce 9800 GX2, which features two GPU's working in tandem with NVIDIA SLI technology. The GeForce 9800 GX2 can be used with motherboards using non NVIDIA chipsets such as those from AMD and Intel. After having checked the GeForce 9800 GTX under Windows XP, it performs on par with the previous generation GeForce 8800 GTX graphics card. - nV News

EVGA e-GeForce 9800 GTX Version Graphics Review

Now, that is until its 512MB of video memory becomes exhausted. Although not necessarily a drawback, it is a consideration that the informed consumer needs to realize before making a purchase, especially when two or three graphics cards are being considered. The additional 256MB of video memory available on the GeForce 8800 GTX can make the difference between a game being playable or not. Concerning specifications, the GeForce 9800 GTX and its 65nm manufacturing process provide higher clock speeds than its predecessor while consuming less power, mainly due the new HybridPower technology.

Over the years, we have come to expect a significant increase in 3D performance from NVIDIA's new generation of GPU's compared to their previous generation. Because of this, NVIDIA has been in a position to command a premium price for graphics cards that used their flagship GPU. Even so, gamers were usually eager to buy into the new technology and supplies would temporarily dry up within the first few weeks of a launch. Barring the uniqueness of the GeForce 9800 GX2, the GeForce 9 series will best be remembered as the GPU that brought high-end gaming on the PC to the masses.

The excitement that surrounded the GeForce 9600 GT after its launch was incredible and it was a great experience to be able to demonstrate that high-end gaming could finally be had at an affordable price. The GeForce 9600 GT was such a success at launch, that AMD immediately responded by cutting prices of their Radeon HD 3850 and Radeon HD 3870 graphics cards. The 3D gaming scene seems to be at a temporary stalemate in the evolution of GPU's as the performance gains that we previously experienced are just not there. There are a number of reasons as to why this may be taking place but that is another topic.

More importantly, NVIDIA understands that innovation is the key to success and if they fail to deliver you can be assurred that the competition will. The EVGA e-GeForce 9800 GTX may not be of interest to the high-end gamer, but it certainly is a good value for a new system build or an upgrade from the GeForce 7 series.