Rumor: NVIDIA to skip GT200b, go straight to GT3x0 at 45nm
 

It is said that NVIDIA possible cancel G200b and to release new G3x0. It will integrate 384SP and it will use 45nm technology. Its power consumption will cut a lot than G200. Its clocks will be improved to 850/2000MHz. It will match 1GB 256bit GDDR5 memory and the clock will be more than 4000MHz. It will defeat 4870X2. (NC)

http://en.hardspell.com/doc/showcont.asp?news_id=3710

Is this possible before Xmas?

Last wave of news indicated TSMC wouldn't have 40-45nm chips until start of next year.

this is more rumor then anything else; wishful thinking on the enthusiast's side; but if they wait until Q1 2009 to launch their next product... they'll either have to drop the current GTX 2x0 prices to closely match those of the HD48xx series... or they'll be giving away market share.

What do you think?

Does sound that way... but doesn't hurt to wish it was true :D Honestly if TSMC can't produce <50nm chips until next year then I don't give this any credibility at all, as you said is wishful thinking.

Also I think it is extremely unlikely NVIDIA would release a new GPU so soon, because it's likely not anywhere near completion. I expect they will launch GT200b @ 55nm and clock it much higher, and hold that over until their new GPU sometime around middle to latter half of next year.

Prices are down a lot already: you can pick up a GTX280 for little over €360 now, which is starting to look a lot better.

Where do you find a GTX280 for €360 ? :)

US-side, cheapest:

260 is $300
280 is $460

geizhals.eu. Need not look hard, cheapest now that can be sent here is €363, and I am very tempted. Should I get one ? Thoughts ?

when single HD4870 can be had for €220 and you don't play games where GTX 280 can be of benefit?
easy answer;)

Benching fun ? And I do play games, just no FPS games.