NVIDIA just released a new video card called the GeForce GTS 250 which has been generating quite a bit of buzz. While it is targeted at the low to mid-range gaming performance market, the interest has been in the fact that this is yet another release based on their G92 chipset. While we do not have one of these new GeForce GTS 250 boards on hand, we do have something that might be confused for one if you just saw some of the key features and specifications. The Sparkle GeForce 9800 GTX+ was selected from the large inventory of video cards for this article. Of course this will as such give also an indication of the GeForce GTS 250's gaming performance as well as game play experience. - BigBruin

Sparkle GeForce 9800 GTX+ Graphics Design Review

These typical GeForce 9800 GTX has a core frequency of 675MHz, the memory runs at 2200MHz and the shader clock is 1675MHz. Now, we can see that the plus on this model implies a respectable overclock across the board. And where things get interesting in terms of the new GeForce GTS 250 cards is that this older Sparkle card not only features the same GPU, but the frequencies are all the same too. Unfortunately, the new GeForce GTS 250 cards are set to launch at around $129, while this GeForce 9800 GTX+ version still costs more than $150 which is still quite a competitive price compared to other GTX+ cards.

The Sparkle GeForce 9800 GTX+ is sold in their compact white box. While you get details on a variety of the video card features and specifications, you never actually get to see the product itself. The box is cool thanks to its minimalist design, and by the fact that it doesn't include a cliche warrior princess type of character. Inside the box, the card is wrapped in an anti-static bubble wrap bag, and separated from the balance of included items by a cardboard form. And the bundle of accessories is rather light, no extra video adapters, cables or software. Once we take a look at the card it is clear that you might not need any adapters.

As such Geeks sells the 512MB version of the Sparkle GeForce 9800 GTX+ for $158. While this is quite a competitive price when compared to other brands of GeForce 9800 GTX+ cards found at a variety of other retailers, it will soon face some serious competition in the form of its clone, the GeForce GTS 250. While we have not yet seen any of these new graphics cards available for sale, they are expected to debut at around $129. Considering that the GeForce GTS 250 is pretty much a GeForce 9800 GTX+ with a shiny new appearance, saving $30 on the new version is hard to argue with and surely one great selling point.

The bottom line is that the Sparkle GeForce 9800 GTX+ offers decent low to mid-range level gaming performance, but it draws way too much power and is about to need a price cut to stay competitive. The strongest selling point is that it stays cool and quiet at all times, which coupled with an integrated HDMI port makes it a good fit for an home theater PC. And it can handle games just fine when the settings aren't turned up too high, and the multimedia capabilities are more than adequate for any high definition playback. Now the Sparkle GeForce 9800 GTX+ earns the whisper quiet award for its low noise operation.