By a happy coincidence an as yet unknown GPU has entered our possession. We first took it for a GT200 before measuring it and noticing that it only measured 473 mm² (22x21.5) rather than 576 mm², which are the figures announced by Nvidia for the GT200:
Looking more closely, we also realized that this chip is pin-to-pin compatible with the GT200, meaning that they can easily sit together on the same PCB. It also means an identical 512 bit memory bus.
The chip has no markings which makes it somewhat difficult to identify but there is a detail that allows us to identify it with some level of certainty: the difference in size compared to the GT200 is exactly the same as that between the
G92b and the G92 (link to article in French). Given that the only difference between these 2 G92s is the 55nm engraving for the G92b as against 65 nm for the old G92, it seems safe to say that the mystery chip might well be a "GT200b" at 55 nm, compared to 65 nm for the current GT200.
It remains to be seen when Nvidia will put this GPU on sale. It will probably be ready before too long but the manufacturer is no doubt waiting to get rid of its stocks of the current GeForce GTX 260 and 280 before marketing it with the GeForce GTX 270 and 290 which will apparently be at slightly higher frequencies. Above all it will make Nvidia more competitive with AMD.
