Low power consumption, high performance?

[QurazyQuisp]

So, currently I have an 8800GT which, uses about 125 watts when idle. Are there any video cards with about the same performance that use significantly less power when idle?

Also, is Nvidia planning on releasing a video card like those which are in the macbook pro, that you can switch when you need more power?

 

[Leyawiin]

Not really. The only one that would be an improvement performance wise is the HD 4830 and it uses about the same power. The ones that would use less are the HD 4670 or 9600 GT (and neither would perform as well).

 

[tigersty1e]

You can try underclocking the card.

Also, my old BFG 8800GT did not have power play as a feature. The volts and speeds never changed.

The 4850 does have power play and it does use the 55nm process, so it may or may not use less power.