"Built by Sapphire" All-in-Wonder Radeon 9700-Question

[vetteguy]

As I am still contemplating an AIW 9700 Pro for my HTPC, I noticed that the version that newegg sells is listed as this:

"ATI All-In-Wonder RADEON 9700 PRO 128MB DDR 8X AGP RETAIL"

Later in the description, however, there is this line:

"Powered by ATI" Manufactured By Sapphire"

Is Sapphire an OEM that manufactures cards for ATI? Or is it like Nvidia in which ATI only makes the GPU and then sells them to other manufactuers? I ask only because I was under the impression that ATI manufactured all of their own cards. Is there any advantage/disadvantage to the Sapphire AIW? It's listed in-stock at $410, compared to $450 most other places. Any information is appreciated.

 

[Spicedaddy]

AFAIK, Sapphire is the OEM that manufactures the retail ATI products. (Built By ATI card...)

So I think it's the same thing.

 

[microAmp]

Originally posted by: Spicedaddy
AFAIK, Sapphire is the OEM that manufactures the retail ATI products. (Built By ATI card...)

So I think it's the same thing.

That is correct. I have the ATi 9700 Pro built by Sapphire but also using ATi drivers.

 

[Strafe]

I have been meaning to email them about this, The description says Sapphire, the pictures are ATI. I'm guessing it's not a Sapphire but would check with them.

 

[LED]

The Sapphire was inferrior in product with the earlier Radeon Series (<8500) using slower RAM but when the consumers started to complain ATI then made rigid standards for their cards when manufactured by others so now they are equal