GTX 280 prices dropping like a stone!

[zlojack]

Has anybody noticed this?

Given the less than stellar results of the 55nm GTX 260 when compared to the 65nm version, it might be worth it to grab a great deal on the 280 rather than waiting for the 285!

Based on the GTX 260 Core 216 reviews (HardwareCanucks (http://www.hardwarecanucks.com/forum/hardware-canucks-reviews/13533-evga-gtx-260-core-216-55nm-superclocked-edition-video-card-review.html)), there are certainly some advantages to following this route:
1) Waterblocks are already abundantly available
2) Power draw isn't much different.
3) Performance seems to be on par
4) Overclocking is about the same

Look at the prices on Newegg (http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=2010380048%2050001402%20106792634%201067940782&name=GeForce%20GTX%20280)

[zlojack]

Hmm...according to hints from SKYMTL, the GTX 285 is a "different beast altogether".

The plot thickens :D

[shazza]

Interesting ...

I'm going to wait and see the real life reviews for the 285s -- just got the 260 55nm cards. They are fine, but from what I can see, no great improvement on the regular 260s.

It probably won't take long for blocks to come out for the 285s. I'm not so sure on the 295.

[zlojack]

That's true, Shazza. My choices for blocks are limited to FUFUFUFUFUFUFUFU or DD because I need single-slot for SLI and keeping space for a sound card. I hope some nice blocks come out. Three 285s should keep me happy at least until the GT300 cards or beyond!

[RedRaider]

285GTX + Nickel Plated Goodness...:)

[zlojack]

285GTX + Nickel Plated Goodness...:)

Nickel-plated goodness built by? :crack:

[Snyxxx]

Nickel-plated goodness built by? :crack:

Go ahead and say it RRR.;)

[RedRaider]

Will the 285GTX be that much better than the 280GTX?

[zlojack]

Will the 285GTX be that much better than the 280GTX?
All I have to go on is a hint dropped by SKYMTL over at HardwareCanucks.

I commented on the disappointing difference between the 55nm GTX 260 and the 65nm and stated that if the 285 was similar, it would be better to grab a 280 since the prices are dropping. His comment was that the 285 is a different beast altogether, then he clammed up (I imagine he's under NDA until he can release a review next week)

[BiNGE]

Will the 285GTX be that much better than the 280GTX?

Yes and no. I've seen some companies talking of running the new 55nm 260s @ speeds around 710 MHz stock. To me that means that the heat problems with the 280 will be done with and your card will cap out and artifact from a high clock instead of restarting your computer because of a fatal hardware error. I've owned... 3 or 4 GTX280s and a GTX260. Right now I have a 280 that clocks to 730/1610/2500 and gets temps as high as 66C on air. Not bad right? This was the highest clocker out of the 4 I've owned. Most people who get theirs on water can get upwards of 800MHz on the core while staying within the 1650MHz shader clock area. This is all the perspective of the 65nm version. I suspect these 55nm should be able to hit the same clocks if not higher just because of heat. You might even see clocks like the water cooled 65nm cards with this newer lower heat lower power model.

Fingers crossed RRR. :D