9600XT...clone cards

[broderp]

I'm looking for a ATI 9600XT.

Someone on the HTPCNews forum pointed to me NEWEGG.com. I typed in 9600Xt and got no fewer than 19 card using what appears to be the ATI 9600XT chipset. Prices vary from $85 to $160.

SO which one is the real deal and can match my ATI AIW 9600XT cards video performance (less TV tuner features of course)?? I read the specs and of course those with more memory cost more, but I also see slight difference in CLock frequency (50Mhz in some places) and can't help to think it may be an inferior card, or does it matter? WHat brands are reliable? Gigabyte? Saffire? Should I go OEM or retail?

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks.

[broderp]

Anyone??? Hello???

[Kanati]

Just take a look at the specs on ATI's card and compare those. Most all of them use ATI's reference card to create theirs... Meaning that they will be exactly the same. Gigabyte I'm sure probably uses the reference card. But in any case, any you choose should be fine and all will be able to use the ATI catalyst drivers.

[rich_l]

I have the sapphire 9600xt ultimate. Its been great so far. The only difference with the ultimate version is that it is fanless and uses heatpipes for cooling. Havent had a problem with it overheating.

Video out to tv hasnt been that great, but i only tried it once.

[sigma957]

Gigabyte and Sapphire are both very respected brand names. In fact, I read recently that Sapphire actually manufactures a large portion of the cards that ATI sells under their own name. Basically, the answer to your question is that these brands should be every bit as good as an ATI-built card.

OEM vs. Retail: I usually buy OEM hardware just because it is a little cheaper. The main difference is that the retail version often comes with additional software (trial versions of popular games) and somtimes a longer warranty. The card itself is exactly the same.