Any pitfalls to purchasing a non-ATi Radeon card?

[Sluggo]

After picking up a few extra bucks for Christmas, I think its time to upgrade my GF4/4200/128.

Seriously considering a 9800Pro...maybe even a 9800XT if I can find a decent price.

Any dangers in picking a secondary manufacturer (Tyan, Powercolor, Guillemont etc.) card as opposed to the "real" ATi manufactured card?

Good or Bad Experiences?

 

[JBT]

I don't think there should really be any differece other than maybe color or perhaps software package. I have a Saphire 9500 pro and It has been great for me.

 

[Acanthus]

2d quality, and sometimes slightly different clockspeeds.

Avoid titles that contain "SE, MX, or Value" as they are usually clocked down or crippled versions of the card.

I would personally reccomend a Radeon 9800 non-pro as anything higher is margainal performance gains for large price increases. The 9800XT will get obliterated in february by NV4X/R4XX anyway.

Edit: Spelling.

 

[MDE]

The only thing I can think of is the software bundle (next to nothing from ATI) and warranty (3 years on retail boxes from ATI). Sapphire makes most of ATI's cards, so chances are whatever card you're buying is a Sapphire.

 

[Sid59]

i still own an OEM Radeon 7500 and it's ticking great.