"off brand" gpus

[Sinanju]

After shopping for cards over the years i've come across multiple brands. Just like anything else someone buys that are other brands that i've never even heard of/people speak well about.

Sparkle
Zotac
Galaxy
ECS Elitegroup (known for turdtastic mobos)

has anyone every had any experience for these cards? As they tend to be cheaper than others brands i know like evga,xfx,bfg,gigabtye etc etc.

 

[happy medium]

I know Galaxy cards are good quality.

 

[SpatiallyAware]

Alright... Most of these cards are based off of a reference design. Going by this thought, it really doesn't matter which card you buy as they're all basically the same.


However, component quality has a lot to do with things. I've seen noname video cards (Palit maybe?) that had popped capacitors - something you generally won't see with evga or the like.


Basically, there was a point in time where I'd "risk" the budget card.. But as time went on and more and more noname cards/mobos/power supplies fail while name brand keep working I've gotten to where I'm somewhat of a brand snob with electronic components.

 

[Gigantopithecus]

I've had zero issues with the dozen or so Galaxy cards I've installed in customers' systems the last few years. FWIW.

 

[drizek]

The crap XFX 6600GT that I got makes me want to categorize them as no better than any other "off-brand" card. My Sapphire card is pretty crappy as well. Hopefully MSI is better.

I had a Chaintech card at one point, an MX 440 SE, IIRC. Needless to say it wasn't very good either, but it did work.

I wish ATI still made video cards in-house. Those were nicely done.

 

[zokudu]

I think Zotac and Galaxy are pretty decent. I wouldn't buy sparkle or ECS personally.

 

[tviceman]

I've owned both Zotac and MSI cards. Both worked flawlessly.

 

[RavenSEAL]

PowerColor sucks...