Question?

Hey. I'm thinking of buying a ATI RADEON 9600 PRO. but the thing is I don't know what brand?. HIS, SAPPHIRE, CONNECT 3D or POWERCOLOR. I'v read that a lot of people hasen't been saticfied with their cards from Power Color so I don't think I'll buy any from them even though their price is pretty good..

Another vote for Sapphire.

For more information, check out the THGC Buyer's Guide for graphics cards.

My OS features preemptive multitasking, a fully interactive command line, & support for 640K of RAM!

I am 500% happy with my Sapphire Radeon 9500 Pro. No problems at all.

unpossible is not a word.

"Mice eat cheese." - Modest Mouse

"Every Day is the Right Day." -Pink Floyd

First, <b>WS,</b> haven't you ever watched the Simpsons, of course Unpossible is a word.. <A HREF="http://ryanwebster1.tripod.com/WAVs/ralph2.wav" target="_new">SEE, it's even used in a sentence!</A>

Now <b>Oscaria</b>,

Yeah, I'd have to agree with the Sapphire choice, then Connect3D, then HIS, and lastly PowerCoooooolor.

However by the same token make sure you know WHICH Sapphire it is. Some ship with slow or different memory. They have been known to ship with 3.3ns 3.1ns 3.0ns as well as the Standard 2.86ns memory. And even then they sometimes ship with EtronTech 2.86 ns memory which doesn't overclock as well as the Samsung stuff. That's the case with most of the regular Atlantis(s), however if it's a Fireblade version then definitely go with that as it's guaranteed to be a 'select' card with the 2.86ns memmory guaranteed to OC to 330mhz. I believe the Connect3D is the one that often ships with the Hynix 2.86ns memory which like the EtronTech stuff isn't as good for top end.
However, if you aren't overclocking then it doesn't matter. Sapphire's fairly reliable.


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

The Ultimate edition is an atlantis that has passive cooling <A HREF="http://www.ukgamer.com/article.php4?id=101&page=1" target="_new">See Here</A>

The Fireblade is a slightly better/more consistent build of the atlantis (it's actually called and Atlantis Fireblade edition), <A HREF="http://www.rage3d.com/reviews/Sapphire/sapphire9600s/" target="_new">See Here</A> and <A HREF="http://www.driverheaven.net/reviews/9600/" target="_new">HERE</A>

The Regular Atlantis Pro and Pro VIVO are the same quality and build, the VIVO has the added benifit of video in and video out, but unless you plan on watching video on you computer then it's not a big benefit. Regular cards have video out.

Hope that helps. For the same price DEFINITELY go with the Fireblade. Although you will likely find a Built By ATI board for less. But if in you area it's only these choices, then you'll do well with a Fireblade. But remember if you're not overclocking then don't worry too too much about it.


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

OH yeah, I know, I didn't say what <i>KIND</i> of video. But for someone not even considering an AIW, VIVO a nice added benifit, but not if you're not using it.
Rememeber I often tell people to use VIVO instead of just AIW (it was my main stay since Hauppauge and ATI don't make Digital Sat. or Dig. Canadian Cable tuners).

But yes, I guess I should have been more explicite, it's nice watching da' video/tv on your computer, but you don't get PVR functionality.

Oh well I guess he knows for sure now.


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