Question about video cards

[daboov20]

Hi everyone, I'm new here, and I've just recently started to look into building my own computer. I'm not looking for anything incredible performance-wise, but I would like to be able to play my games, (including Jedi Outcast, Academy, Halo, etc,) without all the low framerates and such that this computer gives me.

So far from my research with video cards I've liked the look of the Radeon 9800 Pro, but I'm a little confused with the different brands. I know ATI is the origina l creator of the card, but I've also seen a version by Sapphire and various other people on pricegrabber.com. So my question is, do I have any advantages with getting the ATI card over another brand, or will I have the exact same quality with a slightly lower price? I'm sure this has been brought up many times before, but I just want to be sure before I buy anything.

Thanks in advance for any answers! :)

Oh, and this site has been great in answering my questions in my quest for a new computer.

[Yuanji]

i don't think so. Sapphire and ATI seem to be the 2 brands most recommended on the forums. Pick whatever you like. If ATI gives you peace of mind i would get it

[Alienware_Dude]

ATI keeps a tight reign over who they allow to manufacture their graphics boards, whereas nVidia will pretty much let anyone with a soldering iron to put out video cards with nVidia chips. That's why it's difficult to go wrong with *any* ATI video card, no matter the what brand.

[New Guy Jr]

I have a Saphire version of the ATI 9800 Pro and I have been pleased with it so far(knock on wood). I saved $50 over the ATI labeled board at the time.

[Darth Revan]

Hey when I bought Jedi Outcast and Academy I had the Integrated Intel Graphics contoller and it ran fine. But for a good card buy the Radeon X800 if you have the 400 USD. But if not the 9800 Pro is an excellente card. I've got the 9800 Pro All in Wonder version of the card. Its a great deal if you don't mind spending 20-30 extra dollars.


"There is no try, do or do not!" -Yoda