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Saphire ($300), Powercolor ($330), or Ati ($360)?
$60 is a big difference for me. I can use that money and buy a bigger HD... but if it means that I'll get much more OC out of it, I'll definitely go for it!
Right now, I'm eyeing the Powercolor. Its just in between in price, looks like the regular Ati 9800 Pro card, and I haven't heard much negative feedbacks from them.
So the question is, which 9800 Pro???
I would get the Sapphire.
The $300 Saphire at newegg (1st one on 9800 pro list) looks VERY different from other 9800 pros. The cooling looks skimpy.Quote:
Originally posted by lonewolfroger
I would get the Sapphire.
Maybe its better this way :confused:
I don`t know, maybe it uses a differant PCB and cooling for its OEM card, I really don`t know how good that one will OC.Quote:
Originally posted by lightbulb8817
The $300 Saphire at newegg (1st one on 9800 pro list) looks VERY different from other 9800 pros. The cooling looks skimpy.
Maybe its better this way :confused:
what cpu and gpu do you currently have? you may not need to upgrade now
I would go with a Hercules 9800 Pro OEM which is about $360. Btw, is there huge disadvantage/advantage to getting/not getting OEM?
a pretty box and maybe some software, but that's about it really.Quote:
Originally posted by ATilaptops
Btw, is there huge disadvantage/advantage to getting/not getting OEM?
either way it's an 9800pro so you know it will kick ***
i have heard a lot of good feedback on the saphire ones... powercolor seems decent too, they are all about equal...
don't worry about each one's cooling, stock cooling almost always sucks so you should buy an aftermarket GPU cooler or something to go along with it
i say go for the saphire and get some more games or something with the extra cash! :D
There are 2 Saphires. One is retail, one is OEM.
The $300 Saphire is OEM:
https://www.sharkyforums.com/images/...2003/10/51.jpg
The retail Saphire is $365:
https://www.sharkyforums.com/images/...2003/10/52.jpg
They look completely differently.
I have had two of the "made by ATI" cards and have to say I have been very happy. I bought both of mine on Ebay. One was $300 and the second one was $290. Just shop around and you will find a good deal. Also if something goes wrong with the card, ATI will RMA it for you and you won't be left high and dry.
Yeah, I plan on shopping around once I comfirm that I really want to purchase the parts.Quote:
Originally posted by ranger2992
I have had two of the "made by ATI" cards and have to say I have been very happy. I bought both of mine on Ebay. One was $300 and the second one was $290. Just shop around and you will find a good deal. Also if something goes wrong with the card, ATI will RMA it for you and you won't be left high and dry.
I just didn't think of ebay!
I have been very happy with Ebay. Just make sure they have good feedback and have sold some high ticket items in the past and you will have no problem. I have never seen anybody who has the ATI card get crappy overclocks, but i have seen people with the Herc and saphire cards do poorly. To me it just seems like your chances are better with the ATI card and it's like a 50/50 shot with the other brands.
ranger2992:
I've had nothing but good luck with made by ATI myself. Including 9700 Pros.Quote:
I have never seen anybody who has the ATI card get crappy overclocks, but i have seen people with the Herc and saphire cards do poorly. To me it just seems like your chances are better with the ATI card and it's like a 50/50 shot with the other brands.
Another vote for saphire, im quite happy with it.
All three look good! I've got the PowerColor 9800Pro and C3D 9700Pro, both are 'Powered by ATI' cards but have proven to be decent OCers. ;) Can't say for sure but the Sapphire looks the best among the three simply because of the price. Price/performance factor really depends on you....:DQuote:
Saphire ($300), Powercolor ($330), or Ati ($360)?
Quote:
Originally posted by lightbulb8817
There are 2 Saphires. One is retail, one is OEM.
The $300 Saphire is OEM:
https://www.sharkyforums.com/images/...2003/10/51.jpg
The retail Saphire is $365:
http://www.newegg.com/app/Showimage....102-281-08.JPG
They look completely differently.
the power connector on that pic is used for the 9700 pro not 9800...
Am i mistaken or something? the 9800 np or 9800 pro should come with a 12V connector instead of a 3.3...
I will bet you won't get a high o/c with that card...
I got at Sapphire 9800 np with a ATI HSF and a ATI sticker on the the fan... It looks completely like a ATI build card...Red PCB, etc...
I have BIOS Flash and overclock to match a 9800XT Speed. Don't know that performance compare to a 9800XT yet, but I think it will be close...
375 bucks Canadian for a close performance to a 9800XT. I am satisfied with my purchase... :)
My card looks complete like this, except the mem is Samsung 3.3ns :)
https://www.sharkyforums.com/images/...2003/10/52.jpg
Computer Maniac ;)