The performance and capabilities of 3D graphics cards for the PC have been increasing at an exponential rate these past few years. High-end video cards that debuted at $500 just over a year ago, are now being surpassed in features and performance by cards being introduced at prices at or below $200. This unyielding drive to push for more power at the high-end has an a very attractive incremental benefit, however. After months, or even years in development, the technology introduced in flagship GPUs, like the GeForce 6800 for example, is leveraged and eventually scaled down to bring out a product with essentially the same feature set at a much more affordable price point. And as is often the case, other technological advances that debut over any given product's life span allow for a myriad of new capabilities.



Link: Hothardware