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Buying a video card.

I

I rule

Member
Here is the card I am looking at getting
SAPPHIRE ATI RADEON 9800 PRO Video Card, 128MB DDR, 256-bit, DVI/TV-Out, 8X AGP

At newegg.com there is a retail one for $189.00 and then there is an OEM, Barebone and refurbished one for $165.00.

Since videocards seem to get outdated relatively fast (1-2 years) I was wondering if it would be wise to save the $24.00 dollars and get a refurbished card. I know they aren't covered by manufacturer warranty. I was wondering what luck people have had with buying refurbished items.
 
The problem with refurbs is weasels who overclock a card or put on a different heatsink, and who might have damaged the card and then returned it.

Newegg refurbs are not like "manufacturer certified" refurbs where the part is carefully tested. Newegg refurbs are cards that came back and were not covered with obvious char marks from flames.
 
^ what he said.

Further, Sapphire makes a 9800 "pro" with a 128bit memory interface, they're about $20 or $30 less than the real 9800pros (256bit), but aren't worth even their reduced price. Be wary of that.
 
Originally posted by: Gurck
^ what he said.

Further, Sapphire makes a 9800 "pro" with a 128bit memory interface, they're about $20 or $30 less than the real 9800pros (256bit), but aren't worth even their reduced price. Be wary of that.
Click to expand...

This refurbished product does have the 256MB interface though.
 
Yeah, just wanted to be sure you're aware of the importance of that. That being said, I still wouldn't buy a refurb product if I'd only be saving 10-20%, but that's me - everyone's financial situation and risk-taking threshold is different. Many people win the gamble on refurbs and are happy with their product and with having saved money.
 
Originally posted by: Gurck
Yeah, just wanted to be sure you're aware of the importance of that. That being said, I still wouldn't buy a refurb product if I'd only be saving 10-20%, but that's me - everyone's financial situation and risk-taking threshold is different. Many people win the gamble on refurbs and are happy with their product and with having saved money.
Click to expand...

Yah thanks alot. Forums on this site are full of very helpful people.
 
That depends on the newegg return policy. If you can return a defunct refurb card then go for it, if not then dont.
 
Originally posted by: I rule
Originally posted by: Gurck
^ what he said.

Further, Sapphire makes a 9800 "pro" with a 128bit memory interface, they're about $20 or $30 less than the real 9800pros (256bit), but aren't worth even their reduced price. Be wary of that.
Click to expand...

This refurbished product does have the 256MB interface though.
Click to expand...

I think you got that wrong. He meant some have a 128-bit memory interface. Which means the card could have 512 MBs of ram on it but still only be half as fast as a card with 128 MBs of 256-Bit Ram. Be careful, that's how they trick you. The interface is what type of ram, not how much ram.
 
Originally posted by: Regs
Originally posted by: I rule
Originally posted by: Gurck
^ what he said.

Further, Sapphire makes a 9800 "pro" with a 128bit memory interface, they're about $20 or $30 less than the real 9800pros (256bit), but aren't worth even their reduced price. Be wary of that.
Click to expand...

This refurbished product does have the 256MB interface though.
Click to expand...

I think you got that wrong. He meant some have a 128-bit memory interface. Which means the card could have 512 MBs of ram on it but still only be half as fast as a card with 128 MBs of 256-Bit Ram. Be careful, that's how they trick you. The interface is what type of ram, not how much ram.
Click to expand...

http://www.newegg.com/app/View...=14-102-268&depa=0

Are they trying to trick me on that card?
 
No, it's good :thumbsup:

"SAPPHIRE ATI RADEON 9800 PRO Video Card, 128MB DDR, 256-bit, DVI/TV-Out, 8X AGP -BULK -OEM"

Notice the part i bolded.


P.S. OMGKEWL you got a space in your name :Q
 
I just have to say that my refurbished hard drive from Newegg is still working great 18 months later.

It's SCSI though.
 
I would only buy used in FS forums from members with good heat or that I know. Refurbs is asking for a shipping nighmare IMO.
 
The other problem is that Newegg says they don't promise any of the additional parts in the package.

For the video card I couldn't care less if it lacks the Windows drive CD, but many cards come with DVI-> VGA adapters, S-Video cable for TV-out and similar things, which might be missing from the refurbished item.
 
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