Why do AMD cards look different?

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GrannySmith1

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Apr 9, 2013
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Something I've been wondering for a while. I know the answer is probably really simple and it's a stupid question but I still want this to be cleared up.

What is the difference between something like this 7870:

http://cdn.slashgear.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/radeon-7870-580x295.jpg

And this one

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127722

Most of the cards I find on newegg look similar to the second link, but why does the first one look so sleek compared to the second one? Is that just advertising, or do cards like that exist?

Also, what are good manufacterers? I know ASUS is one, but what about Sapphire, Gigabyte, MSI, XFX, VisionTek. Are they all good manufacturers?
 
Solution
Dogsnake
AMD develops what is referred to a reference design for a model of card. Then various manufacturers modify that basic design to set their product apart from the rest. This may include overclocking, improved cooling and other changes. Your first link looks like a reference card and the second is one with improved cooling and most likely higher clock rates for better performance. If you are buying a reference card, one from any manufacturer will perform like any other. In this case I would buy one with the best warranty from a major named maker. If you are going for an "improved" model then chose the one that fits your needs and budget. The names you listed are all good. I like to use the customer ratings from the various buying sites to...
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getochkn

getochkn

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Jul 2, 2006
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The first one is the "reference design" or AMD's direct version of it. Some companies just copy that and follow it when they make their cards. They buy the GPU chip from AMD and make their own cards. Some companies don't worry about the reference design and go with their own design instead, for whatever reason, better cooling, different RAM placement, etc. It's up to them as they just buy a GPU.

I like ASUS, MSI, Gigabyte. I stay after Powercolor, Visiontek or any of the other weird companies out there who I've never heard of.
 
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Dogsnake

Dogsnake

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Oct 20, 2006
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AMD develops what is referred to a reference design for a model of card. Then various manufacturers modify that basic design to set their product apart from the rest. This may include overclocking, improved cooling and other changes. Your first link looks like a reference card and the second is one with improved cooling and most likely higher clock rates for better performance. If you are buying a reference card, one from any manufacturer will perform like any other. In this case I would buy one with the best warranty from a major named maker. If you are going for an "improved" model then chose the one that fits your needs and budget. The names you listed are all good. I like to use the customer ratings from the various buying sites to help me chose a model.
 
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Solution
mastrom101

mastrom101

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Jun 12, 2010
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The first card uses the reference cooler that AMD has designed.

The second card uses a custom cooler. Most, but not all cards use a custom cooler designed by their respective manufacturer. This is often done to reach cooler temperatures and/or to stay quieter. There are many different versions of virtually any card, so check the reviews before you buy.

In terms of specs, both cards are the exact same. The only difference is the cooler. Some cards are sold overclocked which makes it run faster than the reference card, but is otherwise the same. On very rare occasions, other parts of the board are changed such as the PCB, but this is not something that happens often.
 
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