Send Sapphire a message

[ronnn]

Originally posted by: AMDHardcoreFan
http://www.ncix.com/forums/index.php?mode=showthread&msg_id=493059&threadid=493059&forum=101&product_id=12069&overclockid=0#msg493059


NCIX.com...this is how a RESPECTED computer parts retailer should sell this card

and the price of the card is $239.99 canadian....not the 294.52 as advertised. Each week if you sign up to there newsletter, they send you a list of *Savings Codes* and this week the card with the savings code, which is "12069-1001", is $239.99....you just enter the code in when you go to the checkout.

They also are excellent with pricematching. If you can find it cheaper, they always pricematch.

If you look at the threads in that posting, you will see that NCIX began by selling it as
a normal 9800pro, after they were found out, they claimed not to have known that the
128bit version existed. So if NCIX did not know, than Saffire just slid them in there.
Also not one benchmark posted anywheres by Saffire or NCIX. This is crooked in my
simple mind.......

 

[Jeff7]

Speaking of misleading, I remember when SE = "Special Edition" which meant that you were getting something better than normal. Now it means "Sucky Edition".

 

[rbV5]

BTW, RedShirt, what would you say if you found out that <75% of the people who've bought these cards have softmodded them into 256-bit 9800 Pros?

I don't know what he'd say, but i'D SAY ITS CRAP. If the damn cards can be softmodded, they could be frikin' shipped with the damn 256bit bus.

 

[Gagabiji]

BTW, for all of you who are still slamming Sapphire the Egg fixed the problem. IT now reads "Radeon 9800 Pro 128MB 128 BIT

 

[Ilmater]

I do not understand why there is any confusion about this. An "ATI standard" 9800 Pro has a 256 bit memory interface and runs at 380/680. If a card does not meet or exceed those standards, it should not be called a 9800 Pro. It's that simple.

While Sapphire seems to have fixed the problem today (after months of not caring), that does not excuse this. Why are you people defending them? Your only argument as to why we shouldn't blame Sapphire is that the consumer should have been obligated. How - in any way, shape, or form - does that give Sapphire the right to mislead the consumer.

Please understand what I'm trying to say here. The reason Sapphire did this (and it's clear because there can BE no other reason) is to sell a bunch of cards to people who don't know better. Why would you stick up for a company like that? Why are you posting in this thread at all? If you don't want to boycott Sapphire, then that's fine. Don't.

Look at their website:

For the Atlantis 9800 Pro:

"256-bit memory interface removes hardware performance bottleneck and provides end users with faster 3D graphics."

For the Atlantis 9800 Pro 128-bit:

"128-bit memory interface removes hardware performance bottleneck and provides end users with faster 3D graphics."

How can it be both ways? Hell, the Ti4200 had a 128-bit memory interface, so I fail to see how using a 2-year-old technology gets you past a performance bottleneck.

This is a shameful practice in an already shameful industry, so I will NOT defend their actions, and they will not get my business.

 

[mldeveloper]

Originally posted by: myocardia
BTW, RedShirt, what would you say if you found out that <75% of the people who've bought these cards have softmodded them into 256-bit 9800 Pros?

I think you'll find a lot less than 75% of people buying these cards even know what softmodding is.

 

[splice]

Originally posted by: splice
So, what is the performance delta between the 256 and 128-bit?

Anyone... anyone....

 

[Oyeve]

Buyer beware is my motto. just because someone doesnt know 128bit from 256bit does not make either the vendor, manufacturer wrong if it is stated in the product description. A little research goes a long way if you dont know exactly what you are buying. I bought the 256bit version a few months ago and it clearly stated 256bit on neweggs product description.

 

[ronnn]

Originally posted by: Ilmater
This is a shameful practice in an already shameful industry, so I will NOT defend their actions, and they will not get my business.

I agree, I have been looking for a budget card - for a second computer and totally am afraid to buy saffire - as I don't have the brains or energy to microanalyze each individual purchase. If the 9800pro is crippled, whats to stop them from selling the 9600se as an xt? This company has really hurt their reputation here. Only someone brave will buy anything from them now. What bugs me is not one benchmark or review with this new version, just sold to the suckers.................... Worst part is I was ready to buy one, until I read someone elses comments on it. The 128bit went right past me

 

[Lyfer]

Originally posted by: MercenaryForHire
This is ridiculous.

Sapphire clearly labels the boxes of the neutered 9800Pros as having 128-bit memory. Any "misleading" is being done by the vendor, not the OEM.

Directly underneath "9800 Pro" it clearly says "128-bit version"

- M4H

 

[KpocAlypse]

Message sent

Eitherway, its not there fault really, i blame the retailers for not spec'n the card right (newegg, etc) and people for beleaving that a retailer is never wrong, but thats just my 2 cents.


:beer:


EDIT: Always wanted to find a way to add the beer icon.

 

[jacktesterson]

The point is its clearly stated on the box

why do you think it was so cheap? You pay what you get for folks

time to close this tread

 

[0roo0roo]

saphires just following ati's lead, f*ck the customer if u can. their naming scheme only benifits themselves.

 

[ponyo]

Sapphire always seem to be the only company that pulls this crap. Remember the 64 bit memory crap they pulled with 8500le/9100? You had to look at the memory placement just to find out if it used 64 bit or 128 bit memory bus. They also used different memory speeds so you didn't know if you're getting true 8500le/9100 250/250 or underclocked one at 250/230 or 250/200. I think some went low as 180 on memory. Talk about deceptive!

What about the black 9800 Pro Atlantis they used sell and still sell. That used 9700 Pro PCB and offered 1-5% less performance than true 9800 PRo at the same speed. But at least they used black color board so we could qeasily spot it and avoid it.

 

[jacktesterson]

yep...i have a sapphire Radeon 8500 LE in my system...only play strategy games (AOE, Warcraft III, etc)

came 250/230 if I remember ....i forget even tho still using it

 

[RockGuitarDude]

I just bought a 9800 pro from sapphire. It was refurbed for $150 but the card looked identical to one that was advertised by newegg as being 256-bit (Product ID number was the same) which was $300.
Did I get a 128-bit? Its the one with the black/brown pcb.

 

[CRXican]

Originally posted by: AMDHardcoreFan
The point is its clearly stated on the box

why do you think it was so cheap? You pay what you get for folks

time to close this tread

I agree. This topic was brought up briefly on another board I visit. I purchased my 9800pro from Newegg.com. They were selling both versions, one obviously cheaper than the other and one that advertises 128 bit the other 256 bit. I paid attention, paid a little more and got the correct card. I don't appreciate you people having me second guess myself and I think it's funny how people always try to blame their mistakes on someone else. Reading comprehension is a must.