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General discussion

Video Card question

Sep 8, 2004 1:17AM PDT

Hi,

I know little about comparing video cards, so when I went to Circuit City, I saw what looked like the same cards or similar with different prices ofcourse. For example, I saw a VisionTek Xtasy 9200 SE vid card for 79.99 and an ATI Radeon 9200 for 99.99. Since I don't know how to compare, just by looking at the SE on the other one I would imagine that's a newer model compared to the ATI one, but they both use ATI hardware. So why would the VisionTek card be less money than the ATI one? I looked at both boxes and couldn't find anything different, or maybe I just missed it. I looked at similar cards by eVGA that use nVidia hardware and they cost less than the nVidia cards themselves. Can anyone give a quick explanation as to why this is and how to compare? Thanks!

Discussion is locked

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Re: Video Card question
Sep 8, 2004 2:01AM PDT

Such comparison takes a few years of someone's efforts. You can get a quick overview at http://graphics.tomshardware.com/graphic/index.html AND that is the quick version!

The 9200 and Nvidia 5200 are value plays which will run many programs well except the latest like Doom 3 and such.

Best of luck,
Bob

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Re: Video Card question
Sep 8, 2004 2:53AM PDT

Think of it like clothing or other consumer products. Name brand costs more. Often because they use slightly better materials the costs will be higher. Where the product is assembled may also reduce costs (e.g. China). You will find many comparable computer components, some which share basic technology (e.g ATI or Nvidia chips, or Intel or AMD etc.), but have slightly different designs or are manufactured at lower (or higher) cost. Some have better warranties or service which adds cost.

It is the old addage, "You get what you pay for" and it really still applies. For many consumers however, if a device lasts 3 years or 5 years it doesn't really matter as long as they save 15 - 20% up front.

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Re: Video Card question
Sep 8, 2004 5:54AM PDT

The cost may not be an issue but the compatibility of the hardware. Yes, you can buy hardwares at a lower cost (especially video cards), but look at the "fine prints" as lawyers use to say. Will it be compatible to many if not a major number of softwares (popular or not)? A lot of pc games has compatibility issues with video cards. Needless to say, it will be very frustrating if you buy a pc game and later you find out that it is not compatible with your video card.
There are also "Made in China" versions of some hardwares which are cheaper in cost but bring the same results.

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Re: Video Card question
Sep 10, 2004 2:06PM PDT

A careful look at the box that the cards come in will reveal whether or not the board is "built by ATI" or "powered by ATI". There is a difference as powered by ATI boards usually will not accept driver upgrades from ATI. Buying a name brand from a reputable source is always the best way to go, even if it costs a little extra up front. Caveat emptor!

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Re: Video Card question
Sep 11, 2004 2:59AM PDT

Considering that you are so sure that they are from the same manufacturer except that the other has an "SE" extension in the model and the other has none, that means that the one with an SE (could it be second edition?) is an upgrade or newer version of the model. Manufacturers heavily rely on customer feedbacks to better improve their product, aesthetics, speed, performance, reliabilty, etc. and if the model is selling well they sometimes release an upgraded version. Just like Windows 98, you have OEM, Second Edition, then Second Edition final.
The cost on the other hand sometimes runs parallel with the upgrade since they spent more money in research and surveys, again, that is if the model is selling well, else, they will mark the model "Out of Production".

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Re: Video Card question
Sep 11, 2004 11:36AM PDT

In the case of these ATI versions, the SE (or, Special Edition) is a downgrade from the regular versions. For example, an ATI Radeon 9200 is the full feature version. The ATI Radeon 9200 SE is an economy model.

Most folks have had luck these days installing the ATI Catalyst drivers on the non-built by ATI cards, but if the price difference is so small I would go ahead and buy the Built By ATI one. This assumes the model has the features you want.

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Also, Go Read the Fan Forums
Sep 11, 2004 11:40AM PDT

You'll be inundated with more facts than you can possibly need to read at the forums at driverheaven.net and rage3d.com.

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Re: Video Card question
Sep 12, 2004 2:40AM PDT

Razor, as Dennis told you, SE means "Special Edition".
Many people commonly call them "Stripped Down Edition".
Sometimes they are severely hampered. Would never buy one. Prefer a full version of a lower rated one. Good luck. chuck