True difference between sub-branded GPUs

[Coxey]

Hey there.

Now I come here asking a simple question, however I'm aware it may not be as easy to answer, so I do appreciate if you were to shed any light

I'm going to ask this in 2 different ways, or as 2 different questions, however you prefer to read them

1. What is the hazard with getting a known lower-budget branded card. (Or maybe better asked as What are the cons / risks)

1a. - Example VTX3D / CLUB3D vs XFX / Sapphire (PURE EXAMPLES!)

2. Is there a Real-time world noticeable difference in gaming performance.

2a. Example(s) - FPS, Drastically louder, stuttering

This has been lengthy question that I've never been able to get around to nailing.

The way I've been looking at it is.. "Ok sure lower-branded cards can be around 3-6% cheaper, however they can't just sell a card that doesn't work, nor performs on par with the same model" (Example 7950 VTX3D vs 7950 Sapphire)

I've already gathered that the performance may be lesser when you number crunch with benchmarks etc, however I'm a pure gamer, so it's all about the real time world gaming FPS / smoothness.

Once again, any light shed is hugely appreicated.

Thanks in advance,

Coxey.

PS - The cards I've used are pure examples, whether they are lesser build quality or not, I don't know - sorry if I offend anyone

 

[SieB]

The cards are the same performance wise whatever name is on them, apart from OC editions which will obviously be slightly faster than a non OC edition. A 580 is a 580 regardless of brand, all the different brands do is buy the PCB and/or the GPU off Nvidia or AMD, shove their sticker on it and/or a custom cooler/PCB and maybe a factory overclock.

The only real difference is the Warranty and after sales support you get, with big brands like Gigabyte, MSI etc warranty, RMAing and getting your card fixed isn't an issue. With the lesser brands they don't have as good of an after sales support because of being smaller companies with not as much money. The same goes for the quality of their non reference coolers, obviously they won't be as goods as a MSI Twin FrozR, Asus DCII etc and will be louder and less effective.

That doesn't mean you shouldn't but a card from them though just keep in mind if anything goes wrong you might not have an easy time sorting it out.

 

[frozen]

Go for the one that compliments the colours of your case. Also don't buy a budget one if you've got the idea that it was the cheapest card, you will forever be comparing it to the 'higher end' one that you decided against. Buy the one you will be happy with, basically.

 

[Coxey]

Ah thanks for the quick replies and simplifying matters.

You basically answered everything I wanted to know.

- Regardless of the outcome I was looking at the 7950 Gigabyte Windforce X3 OC or Sapphire 7950 OC

Thanks!

 

[PetrolHead247]

Ah thanks for the quick replies and simplifying matters.

You basically answered everything I wanted to know.

- Regardless of the outcome I was looking at the 7950 Gigabyte Windforce X3 OC or Sapphire 7950 OC

Thanks!

Both those cards are awesome. As Frozen said buy the one that will look the best in your rig. Both Sapphire and Gigabyte are great brands to go with

 

[Pr3d4t0r]

ussually i just go with the one that either has better cooling/noise performance or that suits your overall looks of the case etc. you wouldnt want someting like a blue his in a black and red colour scheme.

performance wise, they are all/most using same components and pcb made by amd/nvidia and all have same performance but some good quality brands use custom pcbs and componnents but they also raaise the costs of the card.

in the end its all the same, and often people just go by good brands because of RMa etc.

 

[Coxey]

Brilliant, thank you all for you help.

 

[Carl A]

.performance wise, they are all/most using same components and pcb made by amd/nvidia and all have same performance but some good quality brands use custom pcbs and componnents but they also raaise the costs of the card.

Higher price cards will often use pricier components for better power regulation and make sure you get a reference card if you plan on watercooling it, full blocks for a non-ref card e.g. my VTX3D 6950 are not available.

 

[arnzzz]

totally agree with the "buy the one that fits your colour scheme" outlook.

I wish i had spent a little more time saving that little bit more cash instead of trying to find

parts for slightly lower cost, cos like someone said you'll always be wondering why you

didnt get the one you really wanted. £20-£30 extra to get something that fits with your

scheme is money well spent.