VR-Zone takes a closer look at the Nvidia GeForce GTS 250 (previously known as the 9800GTX+). Is this just another ploy by Nvidia to push old parts on unsuspecting consumers? Well, looks like the only thing that we can expect to change is power consumption, due to a redesigned PCB. Also, 1GB editions now officially exist as well. Nvidia is launching the GeForce GTS 250 512MB at USD129 and the GeForce GTS 250 1GB at USD149.

Nvidia GeForce GTS 250 1GB - The raw processing power of the HD4870 512MB exceeds that of the GTS 250 1GB, so Nvidia is obviously banking on the extra 512MB to give it an advantage. Unfortunately this doesn't happen much at all.

Only on more graphically demanding games (Crysis Warhead, Far Cry 2), and at very high resolutions with AA and/or AF enabled does the added memory come in useful. But any advantage that the GTS 250 1GB gets over the HD4870 512MB turns out to be an empty victory when neither card is able to muster playable framerates anyways.

In all other cases, the HD4870 512MB is the clear winner, and provides much better bang for the buck than the GTS 250 1GB. Pairing a mid-range card with a 30" LCD monitor just doesn't work very well, and if you must have all your eye candy at 2560x1600, be prepared to revise your graphics card budget upwards.

Nvidia GeForce GTS 250 512MB - Moving slightly down the price range, we have the GTS 250 512MB and HD4850 512MB neck and neck in terms of both performance and price. If you're going to base your purchase solely on those two factors, then go for whichever brand you like.

In secondary areas of concern, the GTS 250 512MB has lower power consumption and lower noise (even the reference design), but the HD4850 512MB is the slimmer card, taking up just a single slot.