With the 9 series of graphics cards coming out from Nvidia, many are wondering what this new kid on the block series has. Here we will look at the new technologies, improved specifications, rumors vs. truth, and the bottom line.

The 9 series of NVIDIA graphics was speculated since at least October of 2007, when it became evident that NVIDIA would not release a 8900 and 8950, as many insisted (the inquirer, for example). New rumors speculated a 30% increase from the top 9-series card, the 9800GTX, over the 8800 ultra. Also to have over one billion transistors, 1GB of graphics memory, over one teraflops of shader processing power, and other features like DirectX 10.1 and a built in audio chip. What does this mean? Quite simply, it’s a beast. Many of this was just crazy talk (built in audio chip?), but some of it proved true.

Many expected it to come out before the holidays, but December came and went. Only until January rolled around did some hard evidence of the chips in progress appear. However the 9800GTX was now realized as not bring the top 9 series card. Pictures of the new top 9 series card, the 9800GX2 (two cores in one), were released, and many became intrigued. In late February the 9 series was officially underway with the release of the 9600 GT. About a month later in March the 9800GX2 was released. Around the same time prices and release dates were revealed for the rest of the 9 series.

So where does this leave you? Will these new graphic cards render yours obsolete? Here’s a list of some of the new technology.

Quad-SLI: Okay, so it’s not really new since the 7950X2 versions had it, but it’s worth mentioning due to its absence in the 8 series. Only available to the 9800X2 design, it lets you place two 9800GX2 models in two pci-express slots, utilizing the power of 4 graphics cards.

Pure-Video 3rd Generation Update: An update to the previous version of Pure Video, allowing things like better contrast ratios in high def viewing and the ability to keep the aero feature on vista while watching a high def movie.

G90 Core: The new chip that Nvidia has based its new technology on. It allows for a smaller card, less heat consumption, less heat, and less noise. Though no significant performance gains like the jump to the G80 core, it will be a blessing to those fed up with the heat and noise of the 8 series cards.

So the list is kind of short, which raises some eyebrows on why NVIDIA chose to start a new series. Let’s move on to the meat and potatoes, the specs. Listed below are some quick stats known to date of 5 9 series cards.

The 9800 GT was also announced, but not enough information to put on this chart, and there is still some tweaking time for Nvidia since its release is not until April. A new 9500 GS and 9600 GS are also rumored to appear, but not confirmed. Everything else is semi-official, except for the 9600GT and 9800GX2 which are 100% accurate due to the fact that they have already been released.

So, what’s true and what is rumor?

Well none of the 9 series cards will have directx10.1, support, not that it matters too much considering its small improvement over the directx10. None have a built-in audio chip, and I doubt that will ever catch on in the future. As far as the other statistics, like the amount of transistors, memory, and processing power, it is only true for the 9800GX2. The GTX overall has slightly lower numbers than the GX2 as expected, but will be the best single core graphics card, and allows tri-SLI.

Where does this leave you?

Well that depends on what you have and what you do. If you have a series 7 setup or lower (with possible exception to dual 7950 X2), a leap to the 9 series is definitely beneficial, due to its new smaller chip design that allows for better power consumption, lower temperatures, and quieter card than the 8 series. If you have an 8800 series card, I wouldn’t even consider it. There is just not enough new technology to justify moving, except the physical aspects pertaining to the chip size. If you need the extra speed and performance and will pay $600 for it, that’s your decision, but keep in mind that it won’t have any expandability for future games over the 8 series, due to its lack of new features. If you have a 8600 card or lower, moving to a 9600 GT is up to 90% better of raw performance, so it would be a very good decision in the long run, but only until the new 10 series comes out. Hopefully NVIDIA has some revolutionary designs in store for the double digit series, and is just using the 9 series to milk up more money from the 8 series by changing a few things and slapping a “9” sticker on it. It may have been that NVIDIA just got sick of the 8 series cards. Either way, there isn’t much new technology here, just some spec increases on a more affordable graphics card. So until the next series comes out, we have to painfully keep track of the NVIDIA number game as they continue to reap the rewards from the 8-series technology on a new chip.

Bottom Line

The 9-series appears to be for the mid-range consumers, as Nvidia is lowering the price of their cards for better performance. No $750 high-end card like the 8800 Ultra, as the GX2 comes in at roughly $600. The high end 8-series card prices will drop, like the 8800 GT, GTS, and GTX, so if you want one of those the 9-series might make it available to you for a $150-300 range. It also makes the extreme-gamers look a bit silly. Those that bought three 8800 Ultra cards in Tri-SLI for over $2000 will be bested by 2 9800 GX2 cards in Quad-SLI at a little over $1000. If you’re worried about your card being obsolete, unless you have a 7 series card or lower like mentioned above you shouldn’t worry. If you have an 8400, 8500, or 8600, you might want to check them out. 8800 cards or above, just enjoy the performance that you have and wish for built-in audio chips in the next Nvidia series.