Question about ATI Partners

[kedoch]

In the past I've always bought ATI branded ATI based cards. However I've been having some trouble finding their cards recently, which means I'm likely going to end up with a card with someone else brand.

So my question is, which of their partners tends to have a good reputation? I've seen a lot of ASUS and Sapphire cards, Power color, MSI, Diamond, and probably others.

I'd appreciate any input anyone could provide.

Thanks ahead of time!

 

[madbutcher88]

Visiontek's are good and they also = Lifetime warrenty

 

[kedoch]

That was something I was just going to add. ATI/AMD cards are 1 year warranty, bah, if any partners have stand out warranty programs please mention that, I'll be doing some research on it as well. (Love Seagate's 5 year warranty).

Thanks Madbutcher, will take a look at some Visiontek's and check up on their warranty terms.

 

[LOUISSSSS]

ati stopped making their own cards after the x19__ series i believe. i had their reference brand x1900xt and it worked GREAT. overclocked great, fan ran well, and couldn't ask for more.

visiontek cards are also made well. i wouldn't hesitate buying from them

 

[darckhart]

I saw some 4 series BBA at my local Fry's, but I think the partners have far better warranties now.

 

[Zap]

Originally posted by: LOUISSSSS
ati stopped making their own cards after the x19__ series i believe.

I have a pair of 2600 Pro cards that are "built by" and not just "powered by" ATI.

There's been a bit of talk about ATI partner warranty around here lately... try searching for it. One thing is that Sapphire seems to charge a $15 fee for RMAs, and I've heard some noise about Visiontek being difficult. Best bet might be cards from motherboard manufacturers which have established and streamlined RMA processes.

 

[geokilla]

Gigabyte might be a reliable partner. They do make good quality motherboards. Same goes for ASUS too, but I find that the ASUS graphic cards are usually a bit more expensive than other partners.

 

[kedoch]

Well I've done some looking around, and gone over some of the warranty details.

Does anyone have experience using MSI boards? They do mobo's as well but never used one, however their new 4850 has a monster cooler which appeals to me given the 4850's heat issues.

They offer 3 year warranty from date of manufacturing, however it seems they charge a $45 shipping and handling fee for RMA's which isn't so hot, but certainly cheaper than blowing $100-$200 for a new card.

 

[Sylvanas]

Originally posted by: kedoch
Well I've done some looking around, and gone over some of the warranty details.

Does anyone have experience using MSI boards? They do mobo's as well but never used one, however their new 4850 has a monster cooler which appeals to me given the 4850's heat issues.

They offer 3 year warranty from date of manufacturing, however it seems they charge a $45 shipping and handling fee for RMA's which isn't so hot, but certainly cheaper than blowing $100-$200 for a new card.

The MSI card is great :thumbsup: . The big manufacturers like MSI, Giga, Asus and Foxconn will all have similar warranty's so I doesn't really matter what you pick, just get the one with the best cooler or price.

 

[Canai]

I vote for VisionTek. Not only are they the only ATi distributor with a lifetime warranty, they also have a fairly friendly support forum.

Originally posted by: LOUISSSSS
ati stopped making their own cards after the x19__ series i believe.

My ATi 4870 would like to have a word with you

 

[Hauk]

Today I sent a detailed email to a Diamond media rep, complete with links showing how competitive vendor products that offer a lifetime warranty are outselling Diamond's products. I related that in a market where six to eight board partners are essentially offering the same product, it's service and warranty that set them apart. I suggested he share my email with decision makers, and that they should strongly consider increasing their warranty term.

An ATI board partner hasn't had a product like this in some time; they should be taking whatever opportunity they have to increase market share. Will be interesting to see what they say...

 

[pcgamer321]

I have a HIS 2900xt *cough*, and HIS seemed pretty reliable. I even got my mail in rebate early!