All graphic card reviews paid?

[RussianSensation]

/agree

Regarding TPU, that's terrible. I'm not surprised to hear the information though (punishing a review site for not pushing nvidia's agenda). This kind of behavior is not at all out of the ordinary with nVidia, given their recent dealings I would say that it is more expected than anything.

I hope there is a swift backlash against that kind of behavior from nVidia.

I doubt the explanation is that simple. There is no evidence to support the view that TPU is being "punished". There could be any number of other factors involved (such as TPU having smaller readership base compared to other websites vs. limited # of review samples available, TPU requesting a review sample too late before they ran out, etc.)

For example, Bit-Tech gave GTX480 6/10 in its review and specifically 6/10 on features (so that would be CUDA/PhysX, etc). That didn't stop them from getting GTX460/470 cards and I am sure they'll get 580 cards from NV too.

 

[blastingcap]

I doubt the explanation is that simple. There is no evidence to support the view that TPU is being "punished". There could be any number of other factors involved (such as TPU having smaller readership base compared to other websites vs. limited # of review samples available, TPU requesting a review sample too late before they ran out, etc.)

For example, Bit-Tech gave GTX480 6/10 in its review and specifically 6/10 on features (so that would be CUDA/PhysX, etc). That didn't stop them from getting GTX460/470 cards and I am sure they'll get 580 cards from NV too.

Apparently W1zzard's publicly groaning about not getting a GTX580 shamed NV into giving him some after all. Doesn't change the nasty stuff NV has done in the past though, like the angry phone call to ABT and snubbing AT with the GTS 250 launch etc. But if they really have turned over a new leaf then kudos to them.

 

[RussianSensation]

Apparently W1zzard's publicly groaning about not getting a GTX580 shamed NV into giving him some after all.

I still don't understand why TPU combines very old games into their overall average. ABT tests older games, but they keep the results separate for each game. As a result of TPU's methodology, modern cards always appear a lot slower than they really are. If you are NV or AMD, wouldn't you be less thrilled to send your top $500 videocard when TPU is going to run it in Unreal Tournament 3, COD4, Call of Juarez, Doom 3, Quake 4, STALKER 1, 2, etc. The large performance differences in AvP, BF:BC2, Just Cause 2, Lost Planet 2, Metro 2033 are going to be normalized by little performance difference in older games where a GTX285 is getting 100+ fps. Now compare their reviews to AT where only modern games are tested. TPUs reviews are good for the gamers who still play older games, but they aren't putting AMD's or NV's latest cards in the best light imo. And let's face it, AMD and NV cares about sales of new cards.

 

[T2k]

Don't be paranoid, get a good idea by eyeing charts on a few big sites... AT, TPU, GURU3d, TOMS, PCGH. Then you can ask on the forums and look for someone giving recommendations from both brands with statements like, "Look at the 5850 or 460 1GB." Head to newegg and check the prices and ratings, then make a decision.

I'm a pro ati guy. But i like a few Nvidia cards like the 8800gt, 8800gtx, 460, 285, & 580. Nvidia makes better software while ATI prices their products more competitively and is not known for A$$raping its customers. The paid reviews and posters thing has been going on for longer than you'd imagine (they are easy to spot here on at forums - I can think of a handful):

NV did it for ages and not only on forums but among reviewers etc. BTW I always found hilarious that Brian Burke used to work for 3dfx and spit on Derek Perez before jumped ship (you know, sinking ships)... speaking of sinking ships, did I mention sleazy Derek left NV recently? 😉

 

[OCGuy]

This message is hidden because T2k is on your ignore list.



Ahhh...much better.


Not relevant to the thread...

Moderator Idontcare

 

[Zebo]

I don't think so. When Thermi came out most reviewers had no problem bashing it despite superior performances. Plus all tests are easily reproducible by anyone with a few hundred bucks, any sham site would be called out in short order. Their opinion might vary based on various happy thoughts which come about in many different ways, what they highlight might vary, their testing cue might vary but all reviews are pretty much same apples to apples in charts. This is especially true with the majors who have been around for a decade or more. Their reputation and thus bank account through high visitor count depends on it.

In forums OTOH I don't trust much unless I know the people to be fair and balanced. Many of us have a tendency to think what we have is greatest, stands to reason or we would not have bought it, right? But it may not be best for you. Then there are viral marketers. I've been approached on memory, motherboards and video cards back when I was active in HW forums but I'm lazy in general and don't need someone to buy me a $500 video card. Not to mention I'm kinda a speak your mind type..too honest to the point of offensive.