9800 GT won't be 55nm, initially...

While nothing's set in stone, Expreview has received word that Nvidia is allowing its partners to flash and re-brand existing 8800 GT's into 9800 GT's.

According to our source, GeForce 9800GT is just around the corner. Because there are still lots of 8800GT inventory out there, NVIDIA have decided that they will allow partners to flash BIOS, change 8800GT device ID to 9800GT device ID directly.

What’s more, if partner wants, NVIDIA can laser remark those inventory G92 chip.

9800GT will support HybridPower, but because of inventory cards lack of control chips so they will not support the power saving feature.

This time NV provides not only reference card but also production permission to all partners at the right beginning of the launch. That means all companies can make non-reference card to reduce cost.