Nvidia to Rename GeForce Models at CeBIT

From Tom's Hardware: EXPreview threw up a poll yesterday, asking its readers about whether renaming the G92 series is a wise decision or not. But what followed the poll was information based on a leaked circular authored by Santa Clara, California-based Nvidia, claiming that the new GeForce GTS 250 graphics card will be officially announced on the first Tuesday of March during CeBIT 2009 in Hanover, Germany. However, the card isn't exactly new so to speak, and Nvidia's practice in rebranding versions of existing models is nothing new either.

“GeForce GTS 250 carries over the same specs and features of 9800 GTX+, and hence the same GPU, memory, board, PCB, and thermal solution," states Nvidia in the circular. "AIC’s should be confident in purchasing GPU’s, PCB’s, and other materials, since the only change is a new VBIOS to implement the new branding”

Originally released last year on July 11, the 9800 GTX+ featured improvement in processing and frequency over its predecessor, the 55 nm GeForce 9800GTX, and set its sights to compete with AMD/ATI's Radeon HD4850 graphics card. However, holding the circular to its word, the new GTS 250 should be identical to the 9800GTX+ save for an updated BIOS and different packaging. Additionally, the 8800GT will be renamed as well, sporting the new GTS 240 title.

Although renaming the series might indicate the company's focus on the mainstream and entry-level markets during economically hard times, some fear that the name change will only confuse customers.

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