Is the retail 8500 worth the extra $50 over the oem?

[stevens]

Is it worth $50 and will i be able to flash the bios and turn it into a "retail"

 

[Killrose]

Go look over at the Rage3D forums. Some people are not having good luck with flashing their OEM's.
Some don't seem to be able to handle the higher speeds, so maybe OEM's are poor yeild Retail?

As to the $50.00 question, I am wondering the same thing, but if you can get a Retail to do 300/300MHz
which most are doing, it's probably worth it.

 

[darktyco]

Depends on your budget. For me, I was going to buy a G3 Ti 200 until I saw the OEM 8500 for only $20 more at newegg. The extra 50 bucks was too much for me because it threw my budget outta whack, so I went with the OEM. Otherwise, if you have $50 just laying around, go for it.

 

[AA0]

there is probably a good chance it will flash, but since they are clocked lower, you have to expect many of the chips hit the lower end of the Mhz yield, and probably wouldn't make it into the retail cards.

There is a reason why they are cheaper, ATI just isn't cheating you.

 

[Killrose]

Anyone know when the DFi brand Radeons will hit the street? I think I'ill wait a bit longer to see what they have to offer. Maybe a lower price?

 

[bunnyfubbles]

Ah to justify $50... $50 more gets you the DVI to VGA converter for a dual CRT monitor set up. $50 more gets you all nine yards of software found in the retail 8500 and not in the OEM, this includeds Halflife with TruForm enabled. $50 more allows you to be free of the hassle in trying to get it to run at retail speeds. $50 gives you a decent warranty on the board... All in all the retail and OEM have about the same value, at least imo... If you absolutely cannot spend the extra money, the OEM is your best bet. If ya don't want to mess with the board and are looking for best performance, retail may better suit your needs.

 

[Killrose]

Actually, if your a Newegg shopper, the price difference is $66.00 between the two. And if you live in Alaska like me, you have to add another $23.00 (?) to either choice just to get it here.

But, the Alaska perminent fund dividend check was $1850.00 (plus sme change) this year so I guess I should just live with it.

 

[Raincity]

<< $50 gives you a decent warranty on the board... >>

Try the best warranty in the Biz.

Rain

 

[Killrose]

Actually the PNY Lifetime warranty is the best. I think Ati has a 5 year?

 

[Raincity]

<< Actually the PNY Lifetime warranty is the best. I think Ati has a 5 year >>

Has anybody ever had any success collecting on the PNY warranty ?

Rain

 

[Killrose]

Rain, that's a scarry thought, collecting on something with a "lifetime" warranty. I would hope the card would die before I do.:Q

 

[SpeedTester]

<< Actually the PNY Lifetime warranty is the best. I think Ati has a 5 year? >>



I believe the warranty on the ATI Radeon 8500 is 3 years.


Just confirmed it.

Warranty

3-year limited warranty