Video card EVGA XFX or BFG

[Srock]

Going to buy an 8800 GT - all are similarly priced (dollar here dollar there) - all carry rebates - all similarly equipped. Warranties seem equal. Any preferences for manufacturer?? I'm looking at EVGA XFX BFG cards

Steve

 

[Lithan]

IMHO EVGA> BFG>XFX, but they're all fine.

One consideration is if ya wanna sell the card again in the near future, BFG (I think) has a transferable warranty. Maybe XFX too?

If ya can afford one with upgraded cooling, go for it. The GT cooler is crap.

 

[s44]

No, only XFX is transferrable. BFG just implemented step-up (like EVGA's but slightly longer).

On the other hand, I believe only EVGA lets you switch heatsinks yourself.

 

[Quiksilver]

Tough question really.

When comparing warranties...
EVGA - Lifetime, supports aftermarkter coolers, and step up program.
XFX - Double Lifetime (basically if you were to sell the card to someone that person would have a warranty too), supports aftermarket coolers (at least in the us), but no step up.
BFG - 2 years (I think) and step up program. (Not really part of the warranty, but you probably get more information from Jonnyguru about bfg warranty sames he works for them.)

I personally would go with EVGA due to the fact I'm noticing XFX using small single slot coolers(that are smaller than the original reference cooler) on their 8800GT's that are overclocked.

 

[Lithan]

Ahh, then I'd drop BFG from my list. I musta had them and xfx mixed up. 2 yrs warr isn't anything special, and if they dont support aftermarket, I'm not interested.


XFX if ya wanna resell, otherwise EVGA.

 

[krnmastersgt]

Yeah XFX and their single slot coolers are a real drag, the smaller fans are noisier and don't push as much air, they still have the reference single slots though but those are only for the 512mb models. Like Quicksilver said, EVGA would probably be the best option in the current situation. Personally I never look at BFG cards, but that's just me.

 

[Quiksilver]

Oh wait, BFG updated their warranty I just checked.
In connection with such Limited Lifetime or Ten Year Warranty, all BFG graphics cards introduced on or after February 21, 2008 must be registered on www.bfgtech.com within thirty (30) calendar days of the original purchase date to activate the limited lifetime warranty or limited ten (10) year warranty. Products not properly registered will be covered from the date of purchase by a two (2) year limited warranty in Europe and a one (1) year limited warranty in the US and other countries. Proper registration includes submitting proof of purchase to BFG.

 

[Lithan]

Ahh cool. Do they support aftermarket coolers though?

 

[Quiksilver]

Originally posted by: Lithan
Ahh cool. Do they support aftermarket coolers though?

This warranty is only valid if the product:

* Was not damaged while being installed.

* Was not damaged by software or hardware from a company or individual other than BFG Technologies or by motherboard incompatibility.

* Was operated in accordance with BFG Technologies specifications, instructions and any technical support directions.

* Was not modified or damaged by overclocking, tampering, user error, accident, disaster, abuse, misuse, power supply, power application, alteration, repair, modification, a fix or replacement by someone other than BFG Technologies.

* Third party products, such as motherboards and other system components using or interacting with this Product are not covered by this warranty.

Edit:

BFG Warranty Information:
http://www.bfgtech.com/warranty.aspx

EVGA Warranty Information:
http://www.evga.com/support/lifetime/

XFX Warranty Information:
http://www.xfxforce.com/web/support/warranty.jspa
Note: Warranty may vary from country to country.

Edit 2:
I guess if you choose not to register your product with evga or bfg, bfg would have the better non registered product warranty.

 

[krnmastersgt]

So basically to re-cap:
Evga: Lifetime (registration required), support for aftermarket coolers, 90 day step-up program
Xfx: Double lifetime (registration required) which means you can sell the card and the lifetime warranty transfers over, support for aftermarket coolers
Bfg: 2 year non registered, lifetime with registration, 100 day step-up program (introduced around mid-March)

Evga's is most flexible in my opinion, can't modify BFG cards and XFX is good for re-selling. However if you don't plan on ever selling the card then EVGA's warranty program is essentially the other two combined.

 

[Quiksilver]

Originally posted by: krnmastersgt
So basically to re-cap:
Evga: Lifetime (registration required), support for aftermarket coolers, 90 day step-up program
Xfx: Double lifetime (registration required) which means you can sell the card and the lifetime warranty transfers over, support for aftermarket coolers
Bfg: 2 year non registered, lifetime with registration, 100 day step-up program (introduced around mid-March)

Evga's is most flexible in my opinion, can't modify BFG cards and XFX is good for re-selling. However if you don't plan on ever selling the card then EVGA's warranty program is essentially the other two combined.

Now to just factor in the RMA process and the RMA experiences... lol

 

[Srock]

Appreciate the help - The warranties really don't look too different to me - I'm looking more towards your experiences with the companies when you have trouble, or comments on differences in build quality or if a company is known for honoring or not honoring its rebates

Steve

 

[Quiksilver]

I own an EVGA card now, still going strong after about 5 years of use. I personally have not heard any problems with them either, their RMA department is supposed to be really good though.

I think their is a few threads on here talking about XFX having a terrible RMA process I also think their might be one about rebates too not sure, they were older threads.

BFG I don't know.

 

[OmegaShadow]

EVGA: if your and overclocker and you're gonna keep your card for a long time (1.5-2+ years). I think it's the only company that has a warranty which covers your overclocking?

XFX: if your gonna sell your card within 1 to 1.5years. only company to offer double warranty. only company to offer double warranty. this company is a good choice if you would like to upgrade your card AND not have to stay with the same OEM. eg - in the EVGA step up you must buy an EVGA card. if you sell your XFX card your not required to buy another XFX card.

BFG: same as EVGA except their warranty doesn't cover your overclocking.

 

[Lithan]

Keep in mind that stepup can only be used once. (At least that's what EVGA tells me).

 

[Synomenon]

EVGA: Changing heatsinks and overclocking won't void warranty. Has 90 day step-up program (can only step-up from original card, can't step-up from a stepped-up card, has to be w/in 90 days of purchase of originl card), lifetime warranty. Customer service is very good. Very easy / friendly RMA procedure. Need to register card to receive benefits.

XFX: Changing heatsinks and overclocking won't void warranty. Has double lifetime warranty (lifetime warranty transferable to second owner). Great customer service as well. RMA procedure not as easy / friendly as EVGA's, but it's much better than everyone else's (besides EVGA). Need to register card to receive benefits.

BFG: Has lifetime warranty and step-up. Don't know much more.

 

[BlueAcolyte]

Would you consider a MSI or do you need a lifetime warranty instead of 3 years?

 

[Lithan]

Im more interested in aftermarket cooling support than warranty beyond 2 yr.

 

[Srock]

Certainly would welcome feedback on MSI and even Gigabyte (their card is somewhat different and has some mixed reviews about certains games running at the board's overclocked speeds , has a zalman cooler and can be had for $139 AR at newegg which is an amazing price/performance ratio)

 

[Srock]

OK one more ask. Then I'm going to buy. Someone brought up MSI which I hadn't considered
MSI - already OC - known for quality -great cooler but only a 3 yr warranty- I don't care that it takes 2 slots - quiet

EVGA- great warranty - good quality, loud -fan

XFX - great warranty- apparently good tech support - fan has been criticised

All same $ pretty much after rebate (can't tell how rebates are going from threads)

Splitting hairs can get very difficult....
Many thanks
Steve

 

[techfuzz]

Originally posted by: IsLNdbOi
EVGA: ... Customer service is very good. Very easy / friendly RMA procedure.

2 months ago I went through an RMA with EVGA for a 7900 GT. Filled out their online form (Sunday), got my RMA # on Monday, sent the card in a day or two later (3-day shipping), got an 8800 GTS in return about a week later. Guess they didn't have any 7900 GT's left... BONUS!

The RMA was no questions asked, I just told them what was wrong when I filled out the RMA form. The whole process was very easy.

Because of the experience, I went ahead and bought an EVGA 9800 GTX. I'll probably give their motherboards a shot next time I'm in the market. I always have bad luck with motherboards dying on me.

techfuzz

 

[Zap]

Originally posted by: Srock
Splitting hairs can get very difficult....

Just remember, no matter which brand you go with...

#1 Print out a copy of your invoice and store it in the video card box (and don't throw it away). For good measure, keep the packing slip too. For instance I'm doing an RMA (got the number, still need to box/ship it) on an XFX card that I bought from Dell.com. Well, Dell.com only keeps the last two years worth of invoices online. My card is about 26 months old (7900GT).

#2 Do whatever is required to validate the warranty. Don't know about other brands, but with EVGA/BFG/XFX make sure to register the card within 30 days of invoice date.

 

[techfuzz]

Originally posted by: Zap
#1 Print out a copy of your invoice and store it in the video card box (and don't throw it away). For good measure, keep the packing slip too. For instance I'm doing an RMA (got the number, still need to box/ship it) on an XFX card that I bought from Dell.com. Well, Dell.com only keeps the last two years worth of invoices online. My card is about 26 months old (7900GT).

Maybe I've had good luck, but I've always been able to contact the retailer (if they still exist) and have them send me the invoices if I can't get them online. Nevertheless, your advice is sound to keep copies of the invoices.

techfuzz

 

[Quiksilver]

Originally posted by: Srock
EVGA- great warranty - good quality, loud -fan

Loudness is subjective. What one person says is loud can be bearable to another.

 

[Srock]

xfx 8800gt 512mb with zalman fan $139 at NE after $30 rebate - based on this thread - good company , great warranty, zalman fan and good price but no one seems to be biting- I'm about to jump - am I missing something???

Steve