ATi's instabilities are minor at the moment!

eden · Jul 22, 2003

I've been thinking about this, but all the accusations about how concentrated ATi's products are unstable no matter what, including horrid drivers, are simply false.

When you consider the world's most renowned OEM, Dell, is using ATi products more than nVidia, you have to wonder.

Dell, no matter what they offer, from weak to high-end PCs, has one thing it has to support as number one above all the features they offer: Stability.
They deliver each day tons of new computers to schools, homes, offices and server rooms. The fact that they are a huge supplier of ATi products, says a lot about how we configure our systems. If Dell uses even crappy old Rage 16MB or Radeon 64MBs, and their systems at all cost must feature stability, then that means ATi is working right.
Their drivers must be doing something right in order for even old ATi products to work on the new systems.

The way I see it, the fact that ATi has the guts to supply OEMs like Dell their products, whether unstable in our eyes or not, shows they are doing something right. Think about this before whining next time, that they don't do good stable cards.

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daddywags214 · Jul 22, 2003

You're absolutely right Eden, I agree with you, but I still think Dells are overpriced crap.

These days, no matter what company you like, be it nVidia, ATi, or whatever, no matter how logical your reasons, you're labeled an idiot or a fanboy, or both.

HardWareBoss · Jul 22, 2003

Your right about that. I own Nvidia TI 4200. I looking at Sapphire 9600 PRO. Thats better than what Nvidia has for the same money. I buy the Vid Card I feel is the best for my money.

eden · Jul 22, 2003

Oh don't worry, I ain't no OEM user. I can't stand those proprietary PCs with little upgrade possibilities. Dells are good for workstation and quick office service, as well as servers and notebooks (you are obligated to buy brand laptops anyways and it's not a bad thing), but in no way will I ever be so stupid enough as to buy one, being an enthusiast.

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jiffy · Jul 23, 2003

Have you check Dell lately? You can upgrade there gaming machine from a 9800 to a FX….Hehe, just kidding. I did check though, and I’m wondering if Dell will offer the FX card in the near future. I was thinking they might, but now I’m not to sure. I would agree I wouldn't think the ATi cards is to buggy if Dell uses them. I should be ordering a new ATi card soon, if fact I won’t even play some of my games, until I get the new card to crank up the eye candy. I can’t wait to get the card and I plan to put it to work.

phial · Jul 23, 2003

my TI4200 has more stability issues with games than my 8500le ever did with any driver version

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<A HREF="http://www.quake3world.com/ubb/Forum1/HTML/001355.html" target="_new">*I hate thug gangstas*</A>

Crashman · Jul 23, 2003

Intel and ATI are 'in cahoots' with each other, aka they have a strategic partnership. With Dell being Intel's catamite, I would expect them to support ATI wholeheartedly, and nVidia...only if forced by market demand.

Only a place as big as the internet could be home to a hero as big as Crashman!
Only a place as big as the internet could be home to an ego as large as Crashman's!

coolsquirtle · Jul 23, 2003

I thought ur gonna get a 5900Ultra now Jiffy, did u change ur mind AGAIN?

Proud Owner the Block Heater
120% nVidia Fanboy
PROUD OWNER OF THE GEFORCE FX 5900ULTRA <-- I wish this was me
I'd get a nVidia GeForce FX 5900Ultra... if THEY WOULD CHANGE THAT #()#@ HSF

jiffy · Jul 23, 2003

(Yikes) that’s a little beyond my reach, no comment…..Just a h/a one. I would think money would be an issue and from what I heard threw the grape vine Nv still was selling more cards. I would think a working card and fewer issues to work out would be a plus, but he/l Nv has a lot of money. Surely everything must come to money at some point.

jiffy · Jul 23, 2003

Yap, I change my mind again. I never have been so unstable making a purchase in all my life. It would be much easier if it was more one sided, but I guess that depends on which site you read, which has been disgusting and frustrating. For the most part the forums seem to be in agreement. I think it’s time for me to get an ATi card and see what its all about.

Edited by jiffy on 07/23/03 12:18 PM.

daddywags214 · Jul 23, 2003

That's good as long as that's what you want. Don't buy it if you know you'll wish you had bought nVidia. I don't think you'll be disappointed, though, and I'm glad you're being open-minded.

These days, no matter what company you like, be it nVidia, ATi, or whatever, no matter how logical your reasons, you're labeled an idiot or a fanboy, or both.

jiffy · Jul 23, 2003

The only way I will be disappointed and that is if I start having a lot of problems.
Say like using certain res, loading a driver, getting a game to work right and that sort of stuff, but I don’t think it will be all that bad. Beside the FX isn’t really saving the day and I think that got more work to do yet. And I can always do something about it if I’m not 100% happy.

eden · Jul 23, 2003

I'm happy to know for one, that you got a refund. Never expected a far away online shop to actually give you such grace.

Secondly, if you got the 128MB 9800PRO, then that is the determining factor here in whether you will get a great card or not. I doubt it is another bad card, however be ready for a fresh system just in case.

I doubt you should run into probs, but then again, some are cursed by ATi!

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jiffy · Jul 24, 2003

I should change my name to lucky, because I got a full refund. Same with Creative Labs, my 510D sub woofer died again. Two in just over a year and I didn’t expect the second pare to still be under warrantee, but it was. Thing is they no longer sell those speakers, so there going to upgrade me to the 6.1 (650) 600 watts. And there going to send me a supported Audigy 2 sound card…It’s going to be going on two weeks since I talk to the guy and I haven’t gotten them yet, I just hope everything goes as I plan. Like I get what I think I’m getting.

I did have the 256 version, but will be getting the 128 mb version. Thinking either Guillemot Hercules 9800 PRO 128MB or

Hmm, **This item is NOT REFUNDABLE, exchange for same exact item only!!** ATI OEM SAPPHIRE RADEON 9800 PRO 128MB DVI/TV 8X AGP BULK

Which, I’m hoping one of these cards will be a great one. And h3ll no I’m not ready for a fresh install I just install close to 30 programs. I just don’t think that should have to go like that, and I would sure hate to do it and still have the same problem after words, what ever that could be.

eden · Jul 24, 2003

Go for the Hercules, hands down. OEM sucks.

Really, try to go for Retail anytime you get the chance. Good luck though.

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TheGreatGrapeApe · Jul 24, 2003

I second that. Hercules all the way. I tried REAL hard to get an R9600Pro from Herc. but they weren't availible 'til 1 mth after I got my BBA R9600PRo.

Hercules is the ONLY 'partner' that I think make a BETTER board than ATI's ref. boards.

But that's just my two frames worth.

Edit: and just think you'll get that cool BLUE PCB and BLue LED in the HSF on the 9800Pro. Now that'll defnitley make it get more FPS.

And you can call it BLUE STEEL as an homage to Zoolander!

- You need a licence to buy a gun, but they'll sell anyone a stamp (or internet account) ! <A HREF="http://www.redgreen.com" target="_new">RED GREEN</A> GA to SK :evil:

Edited by TheGreatGrapeApe on 07/23/03 03:37 PM.

jiffy · Jul 24, 2003

Well then, Hercules it is. I like blue

TheGreatGrapeApe · Jul 24, 2003

Here's a Review (or 11) some are old some are recent. So take the Benchmarks with a grain of paprika, as ever. I tried to post most recent first.

A bit long, but just because I like Hercules.

<A HREF="http://www.hardavenue.com/reviews/herc9800pro1.shtml" target="_new">1</A>

<A HREF="http://www.gamersdepot.com/hardware/video_cards/hercules/9800pro/001.htm" target="_new">2</A>

<A HREF="http://www.digit-life.com/articles2/radeon/herc-r9800-r7500.html" target="_new">3</A>

<A HREF="http://www.nordichardware.com/reviews/graphiccard/2003/Radeon9800Roundup/" target="_new">4</A>

<A HREF="http://www.radeonitalia.it/modules.php?name=Recensioni&Load=modules/Recensioni/SVideo/Hercules/9800Pro/index.htm" target="_new">5</A>

<A HREF="http://www.driverheaven.net/reviews/hercules9800pro/" target="_new">6</A>

<A HREF="http://www.3dchip.de/TestCenter/Radeon9800Pro/Hercules3DProphet-Radeon9800Pro-Review.htm" target="_new">7</A>

<A HREF="http://content.guru3d.com/article.php?cat=review&id=35" target="_new">8</A>

<A HREF="http://www.tweakers.net/reviews/379/1" target="_new">9</A>

<A HREF="http://www.vr-zone.com/reviews/Hercules/R9800Pro/" target="_new">10</A>

<A HREF="http://www.tweaktown.com/document.php?dType=review&dId=481" target="_new">11</A>

Hope that helps.

MMmmm Blue Hue, must be a card on Viagra!

!

- You need a licence to buy a gun, but they'll sell anyone a stamp (or internet account) ! <A HREF="http://www.redgreen.com" target="_new">RED GREEN</A> GA to SK :evil:

daddywags214 · Jul 24, 2003

The Viagra Card on 3dMark scores: It'll help you get it up!!

These days, no matter what company you like, be it nVidia, ATi, or whatever, no matter how logical your reasons, you're labeled an idiot or a fanboy, or both.

jiffy · Jul 24, 2003

Thanks for the links. I seen PowerColor came up doing better a couple times and getting awards. Any thoughts on that? The PowerColor is a little cheaper. Am I paying for a blue light or and it appears maybe useless overclocking, because the PowerColor sounds like a good card too, but I don’t know. I will pay more for the better card though, since that's most important to me.

TheGreatGrapeApe · Jul 24, 2003

'You don't want to see me when I talk about Powercolor' -adapted from The HULK

I'm not a fan of PC at all (and that's an understatement). Only Gigacube is worse IMO.

Pretty much any other maker would be fine with me, Hercules is #1 in my books though, and then Creative/Gigabyte, Then Leadtek, then Sapphire. I have ALOT of issues with powercolor, especially read the review at [H] it mentions that their PC card came underclocked and hard trouble overclocking. That's a common thing, just like when they released THEIR version of the R9700Non-pro which they called 'pro' for a long time until they swtiched naming and made it 'GOLD' instead.

Stay away from PC and Gigacube, unless you have no toher choice (no e-tailer, you live in upper Mongolia, or on the Int'l Space station.).

- You need a licence to buy a gun, but they'll sell anyone a stamp (or internet account) ! <A HREF="http://www.redgreen.com" target="_new">RED GREEN</A> GA to SK :evil:

jiffy · Jul 24, 2003

Thanks, just double checking.
Yeah, I had seen that it shipped underclocked and didn’t do to great with overclocking as well. It sounds to me too the Hercules is the better card. Beside my PC sits a foot above the monitor, so I’ll have a great view of the bottom of the card. Not that it matters to me

I’m going to order the card soon, and thinking about having it by the end of next week.

TheGreatGrapeApe · Jul 24, 2003

Funny thing is if the Computer is above your monitor the LED may actually distract you. MY computer's SOoo Cool I gotta wear shades!

Well good luck (especially after last time), Hercules souldn't lead you wrong. They are a great card-maker. Hopefully it's not too expensive for ya. However they are sweet.
Let us now when everything is up an running.
And I probably don't have to remind you of this, but be sure to add your MOBO's AGP drivers FIRST beforeinstalling the card. But since your last install they are likely up to date. I've just decided to remind people all the time. 'Cause I love all the little peeps.

Cheers Dude!

- You need a licence to buy a gun, but they'll sell anyone a stamp (or internet account) ! <A HREF="http://www.redgreen.com" target="_new">RED GREEN</A> GA to SK :evil:

jiffy · Jul 25, 2003

<A HREF="http://schwippy.com/loader/uploaded/image16.jpg" target="_new">na, I don't think that will be a problem</A>

Why? I’m going to uninstall my video driver, not the AGP driver.

I checked the ATi instructions and no where does it say anything about reinstalling the AGP driver.

Oops my bad, I really should read the whole reply, before replying, doo.

Thanks… I’m hoping things will go pretty smooth and that I’ll be very happy.

Edited by jiffy on 07/24/03 08:46 PM.

eden · Jul 25, 2003

Hey fool!
You have pic taking capabilities, and took a pic of your comp!
Now go take a pic of yourself for the album, and get in line, now!

<pre>Please click on my sig, pretty please?</pre>
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ATi's instabilities are minor at the moment!

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