Card differences?

[devdeep]

I notice that there are ATI cards branded under Video Color, Saphire etc. Are these the same as "pure" ATI as they seem to be a lot cheaper than ATI.

[sanlyn]

VideoColor and Sapphire, last time I looked, usually supply their own drivers and software for the Ati hardware. I definitly know that Sapphire is a licensed modification to Ati's hardware, and it may not accept all the features of genuine Ati drivers. VideoColor I can't say. It's like the nVidia graphics chips: the card is used by dozens of brand names, but the software differs. If you're looking for a price break on Ati, try B&H or J&R, both in NY in Manhattan (www.bhphotovideo.com, www.jr.com), you'll also find them affiliated with Amazon. I bought a VCR and TBC at B&H, lots of other stuff at J&R. The Ati card was a Buy-It-Now item on eBay (read product descriptions THOROUGHLY, and buy from a storefront or Power seller).

My experience with Ati is that if you use THEIR driver on THEIR cards, and use other vendor's drivers on vendor-branded Ati hardware, you'll be safe. I once tried to use "genuine" Ati drivers on a Dell-branded Ati card, and it wouldn't work (mainly because Dell uses many non-standard and made-to-order parts to force you to buy or download from them for your overpriced Dell PC).