Tom's Hardware: Topic Sapphire ATI Radeon 9600xt
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Since in this case the Reference BBA R9600XT uses cheap memory, then no. The worst Sapphire could do is give you the same memory modules as the Reference ATI card.
The ATI likely comes with a better warranty, but perhaps not.
You may even get additional software with the Sapphire. But by the same token, you may only get the HL2 certificate with the BBA card. Look closely at the offer.
Most OEM-partners (even the good ones) will be listed below the cost of BBA cards.
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yes.
And no, theres not much difference, unless you get it from a company like powercolor (which has dubios quality issues IMHO)
<b>Lead me not into temptation.
I know the way myself.
Regards,
Mr no integrity coward.</b>
Yeah, but then again there's the FX5600Ultra. Whether it's revision 1 or 2 is more of a crap shoot.
Also remember that while there are different memory modules on the ATI cards, they all run at stock speeds at least, so it's only an interest to those who overclock, and who would want to do that? Aren't these cards just the way the Manufacturer wanted them. 
Funny thing is that more and more the early OEM cards are appearing to be the ones with the poor memory, the newer ones are getting the memory they should have. The BBA cards however whll likely stick with the 3.3ns memory until there is something like an R9600XT-EXtra or something, if that ever happens.
BTW, some makers like XFX and MSI also do strange things with their CARDS. They clock their cards in stange way, not quite and Ultra, not quite a non-ultra. However they are often advertised as Ultras.
In the end like we've always said check the history of the card you want.
I just hope your FX5700U isn't by XFX! 
- You need a licence to buy a gun, but they'll sell anyone a stamp <i>(or internet account)</i> ! - <b>RED GREEN</b> GA to SK
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Why wouldn't someone change their opinion with new info? Not to do so would make one a Fanboi.
Considering that GW has had an R8500LE then R9500P and been quite happy with both, and then a minor detour to a GF4ti, and been pleased by it's respectable performance there. Was temporarily interested in a Sapphire R9600Pro (but was advised by someone here [can't remember who] that some of them have bad memory modules [hell there's almost every single kind on those]) and now has decided on an FX5700U. I'd say his path has been pretty well chosen, and shows actual research rather than simply spouting off PR like many here do.
Sure some of us have certain issues with some aspects of the FX line, and thus tend to stay towards the ATI side of the fence, but to many people that will be a minor factor and thus not illogical to chose one.
Show me one of GW's straight referals that can't be defended by logic at the time, then I'd love to see it.
I will disagree with him on some Driver statements, but that's my point of view on it.
The only FX I have a good amount of respect for, and alot of genuine curiosity about, IS the FX5700U. I can't dispute the above other than to say I prefer the R9600XT as I personally think it's better choice for the most recent games, and I'm still not a fan of requiring Forceware optimisations for each new game so they equal the performance of other cards straight out of the box.
I can tell you one thing for sure. If ATI drop the ball on the next generation of cards, they have but one chance to redeem themselves, and then I'll be running with nV hardware too, despite all of my support of ATI as of late (well Matrox isn't in Gaming Anymore!).
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