Nvidia manufacturer

[davidhooper]

I understand Nvidia license their GeForce 2/3/4 chipsets to manufacturers who go on to make GeForce 2/3/4 graphics cards. Are cards from different manufacturers with the same chipset pretty much identical? What about performance, drivers, supplied software etc?

As an example, in the UK I can get a dabsvalue (nasty) GeForce2 Ti for £76.37. The same offering from Creative costs £97.52. Both are comparable cards; retail, memory, memory type etc.

25% as much again for the same thing?

[morriswindgate]

That has long been a problem with video cards, as the chip manufactures sell the main chips to anyone. The quality ranges from very bad to excellant, so don't shop price shop name.

[DrZaius]

I agree, I don't know the specific specs by my guess is that the extra 25% cost went into better/faster memory, better 2D filters, a bigger heatsink, TV-out, and other such improvements. Go with the Creative.

[jalbes]

All the price determines is the parts costs, labour and manufacturing costs, shipping costs, etc... even the middle man costs.

Although one board may be $300 doesn't mean that its better or faster than the $250 board. Infact, maybe the company that manufactures the $250 board has managed to cut costs in the manufacturing process, increase production and was even able to cut a great deal with the chipset supplier and in turn, the company is now able to produce a faster/better board at an increased rate at a much lower price compared to that of the $300 board.

Its a buyer beware world, make sure that you know exactly what it is that you want before you buy it, or you may be disapointed with your final decision.

jalbes

[davidhooper]

Thanks for the replies, that clears it up.
I've decided to wait until a brand name GeForce 3Ti comes into my price range - then I'll buy everything for my new build. I'm thinking late June or early July.