[engadget] Origin PC drops AMD graphics options due to feedback, support woes

[Grooveriding]

Linus reports on the Origin story.

Fast forward to 1:31:16.

Origin PC was paid to remove AMD GPU option.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M6VsoncOTEg

Ouch. Well kudos to Linus for saying so, although in his position I wouldn't have, nvidia could pull a dirty and stop giving him hardware.

I'm sure even they want this to go away at this point, it's made them look afraid of the R9 290 cards more than it has done anything to make them look good.

I'm sure there is another viral attempt waiting in the wings for next week's AMD launch though.

 

[Smartazz]

Ouch. Well kudos to Linus for saying so, although in his position I wouldn't have, nvidia could pull a dirty and stop giving him hardware.

I'm sure even they want this to go away at this point, it's made them look afraid of the R9 290 cards more than it has done anything to make them look good.

I'm sure there is another viral attempt waiting in the wings for next week's AMD launch though.

He also goes on to say that this isn't unprecedented. I hope they don't punish Linus for this.

 

[Vesku]

I can't view the video atm, what exactly did Linus (assuming this is that hardware reviewer Linus) say? Inside source confirming money exchanging hands with the terms that Origin kick AMD to the curb?

 

[Stuka87]

For those that can't watch the video, he basically shows links that we are already aware of it. He talks about Tier 0 and such.

 

[Vesku]

Oh, well it would be interesting to change the question from "did Nvidia give you money to drop AMD?" to "did dropping AMD give Origin access to better discounts (rebates, joint marketing, etc.) from Nvidia?"

But they probably wouldn't answer if that was the, very possible, angle on this whole Origin PR maneuver.

 

[krumme]

I continue to marvel at how bizarre this statement is.

I think it would be better for them to shut up. I have wondered why they didnt stop?
But i guess they feel badly treated by amd and therefore they continue this childish babble about 10 different things. Avoiding the important issue in this matter.

 

[Teizo]

He also goes on to say that this isn't unprecedented. I hope they don't punish Linus for this.

I don't see how they could because what he said is reasonable and if true is actually a standard practice in businesses just like he described (even if it is not viewed in a very positive manner by those 'outside' the business side of things).

 

[Smartazz]

I don't see how they could because what he said is reasonable and if true is actually a standard practice in businesses just like he described (even if it is not viewed in a very positive manner by those 'outside' the business side of things).

By punish I mean no longer give him cards.

 

[3DVagabond]

Can anyone offer some theories/speculation as what kind of motivation is even possible to lead someone to call the rep to inform the rep that AMD was being dropped?

Perhaps they are acquaintances, I know it seems plausible that reps would at least want to schmooze with their clients for good business relationships. Maybe it was just a heads-up from one friend to another?

While I think this whole thing stinks to high heaven, to be fair if I was dropping a vendor at my store, I would more than likely inform any reps I had of competing products. Simply because I know they'd want to know and I'd have no reason not to tell them. I also might want to try and leverage some deals from them, assuming I won't be selling any less product, it would likely mean I'd sell more of theirs. So, I don't see that as any kind of a smoking gun.
The press releases though... that stinks like Frank Zappa's old python boots.

 

[3DVagabond]

I don't see how they could because what he said is reasonable and if true is actually a standard practice in businesses just like he described (even if it is not viewed in a very positive manner by those 'outside' the business side of things).

He talked about the kinds of things that go on in business all of the time. He then says that this is not the same thing. It's one thing to say we use X because it rocks. That is fine and goes on all of the time. Difference is Origin said we use X because Y sucks. That isn't the same thing and that doesn't go on all of the time. That is actually frowned upon in business.

 

[sniffin]

I just love the first few pages of people justifying the dropping of AMD graphics gear due to "support" issues. This thread is a quality read

 

[Smartazz]

I just love the first few pages of people justifying the dropping of AMD graphics gear due to "support" issues. This thread is a quality read

TBH, Crossfire support was unacceptably bad for high end rigs like these. Granted, they could have not supported Crossfire while still using some AMD cards.