Nvidia is currently winning the last batch of benchmarks with its re-launched GTX 260, as it pulled a magic driver out of its sleeve and Radeon HD 4870 is currently the slower one.

The difference is not that big, but for Nvidia it is very important to be the faster in majority of benchmarks. Everyone now expects a quick launch of new RV770, 40nm successor, but we learned that such card comes after RV740, a mainstream 40nm card that is set to launch in Q2 2009.

RV770 successor is a card that comes as a performance card and it is also a 40nm card; but this one will launch at a later date, probably in mid-2009 or later. Until this time, ATI won't really have a contender to fight Nvidia, but we are sure that the red boys will ignite the price wars, which will at least be good for end users. 

Nvidia also has 55nm GT200b series, but at the same time, this chip will get some additional performance, but not a miracle performance jump. At least it will help.