eVGA's "Step-Up" Program. Looking for details.

[Coldkilla]

I'm considering upgrading my Video Card in the near Future. From 6800GT AGP to the G80 series. However, I was thinking about getting a card between now and then. I've been told that there is a deal from eVGA out there that allows for you to buy a 7900GT and if you buy a G80 from them within 3 months after the purchase of the 7900GT they will swap cards with you. I was wondering how some of the details were laid out:

1. Is it a product for product trade? (Besides shipping), will there be a trade $ difference?
---If so, how much?
2. Is it safe to buy the 7900GT from EVGA now? Or will the G80's be out of stock for months and screw me over?

I'd check on the details myself however eVGA's site is down. Any information appreciated, I love that eVGA is doing something like this. Hooks me up -loll.

 

[Matt2]

I've stepped up twice before and it really is a painless process.

1. No, eVGA will give you the exact amount you paid for your 7900GT, excluding tax, and put it towards your G80.

So if you buy your 7900GT for $250 before tax and the G80 costs $650 at the time of step-up, you owe eVGA $400 + shipping.

2. A lot of people fear this. The way they did it for the 7900 series was they placed you into a step-up queue and your number in the queue told you when it was your turn to get a card. Even if they are out of stock for 5 months, as long as you get into the step-up queue within the 3 month period, you will get your card.

I would be more worried about buying now and Nvidia themselves delaying the launch.

 

[1Dark1Sharigan1]

I wouldn't suggest that unless you really want that extra performance RIGHT NOW.

 

[1Dark1Sharigan1]

Double post.

 

[Coldkilla]

Are we expecting any notices anytime soon on G80 series information? Im very tempted to do this offer, but as you said "delaying the launch"... yea thats the only thing holding me back.. is nvidia known for stepping back on their R.D's?

 

[Matt2]

I heard September, now November, I would bank on Christmas time.

You could probably wait 2-4 weeks and be ok.

The other thing to consider is that if you just hold onto what you have till January-February, you'll probably get the card for cheaper in the end.

If Nvidia launches the G80 in numbers and prices are low, you could save over $100 comapred to the MSRP you're paying with step-up.

 

[gramboh]

I've been thinking about this too as I want to build a C2D PC and was thinking 7950GT with step-up to G80. The problem is, from what I can tell from searching forums/news, nothing about the G80 has officially been announced. It seems like there is usually a 2-4 week delay from the product launch annoucement (e.g. when they give the cards name and officially release final specs) to retail availability (e.g. eVGA having a SKU to order).

I'm going to wait for more news. Given that the 7950GT just launched, I'm guessing the G80 is at least 2 months away, or why bother with the 7950GT for such a short cycle.

 

[Matt2]

nvidia has been launching cards without very much publicity.

Ever since the NV30 fiasco.

 

[SpeedZealot369]

Originally posted by: Matt2
nvidia has been launching cards without very much publicity.

Ever since the NV30 fiasco.

What happened with the NV30?

 

[A5]

Originally posted by: SpeedZealot369

Originally posted by: Matt2
nvidia has been launching cards without very much publicity.

Ever since the NV30 fiasco.

What happened with the NV30?

Well, look around and see how many Geforce FX (aka 5-series) cards you see around here

As for what was wrong with it, I remember 2 main things:
1) It was very hot, and the fan they used on it was loud as hell. From what I've heard, it was louder than the monstrosities on the ATI X1900s now.
2) It was a good bit slower than the product it launched against. (Was it the 9700 or 9800? I can't remember )