How can you tell a ATI 9800 Pro from a Sapphire 9800 Pro?

[Salvador]

I have a 9800 Pro that someone gave me (without any packaging) and I think it's a Sapphire, but I'm not sure. From looking at the card, I can't tell the difference between my ATI card and this card. Is there a way to tell by looking at the cards?

 

[Budarow]

I believe Sapphire made a LOT of 9800 Pro cards for ATI so the cards could be the same. Does it make a difference?

 

[GEOrifle]

ATI's 9800 PRO cards can't be reflashed. SAPHIRE's can because it's made by higher core.

 

[imported_Kiwi]

Sapphire makes more cards than ATI does, and supplements ATI's delivery system when ATI gets very large orders (at least this is a supposedly well-known situation), by having the correct decals, labels, manuals, and packaging on hand so they can ship direct to the custome for ATI to make up the balance of an order ATI doesn't have the cards on hand to fill. Also, it is reported that Sapphire is ATI's source for the example cards ("Reference" cards) that are distributed to ATI partners.

Yes, it is difficult to be sure which is which.

 

[Salvador]

Originally posted by: Budarow
I believe Sapphire made a LOT of 9800 Pro cards for ATI so the cards could be the same. Does it make a difference?

I think that it might if I sell it. I don't want to misrepresent it because the truth is that I don't know what it is. The PO thought that it was a Sapphire card, but isn't sure and I can't tell by comparing it to my card which is a retail boxed ATI card.

Originally posted by: GEOrifle
ATI's 9800 PRO cards can't be reflashed. SAPHIRE's can because it's made by higher core.

What could I flash it to? What benefit would I get out of flashing it?

 

[GEOrifle]

Its good if you have the r360 core i wouldent even consider o/c a 9800 with out up ing the cooling /ram, program called ati tool tells you the core of the card or You'll have to remove the heatsink to read the core #.
I guess it OC's to 9800XT .

 

[Salvador]

Originally posted by: GEOrifle
Its good if you have the r360 core i wouldent even consider o/c a 9800 with out up ing the cooling /ram, program called ati tool tells you the core of the card or You'll have to remove the heatsink to read the core #.
I guess it OC's to 9800XT .

The card currently has an Arctic Silencer on it. I guess the first card that the PO had cooked itself with the stock hs/f at stock speeds, so when he got his replacement, he decided to go with aftermarket cooling before he installed the card.

I'll look for the ATI tools software and see if I can find if it's the r360 core. Thanks.