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[Warsaw]

Or something you put on the system that doesn't need to be there is causing problems. You should think back and try and find another common factor other than the ATI graphics card.

I've never had an issue with Nvidia either, other than one card just up and dying one day and EVGA overclocking my current GPU too far out of the box (so I have to use RivaTuner to underclock it), but neither of those reflects on Nvidia's design. Your AIW card dying is just something that happens. No chip from any company for any component has a 100% reliability rating, and certainly not after being used for awhile. You just need to do your homework on which particular OEM you buy from. Some are better than others. And the drivers are generally a non-issue, especially today.

[Bodzilla]

i have a 6950, brilliant card works perfect.

get it.

[Amit]

Yeah there is definitely something wrong with the other components or even the software of the systems Freelancer built. The only horror stories that I've heard about ATi drivers are from Linux users. Never had much of a problem with nVidia, either, but after that one GPU breaking driver set I always wait at least a week after new nVidia drivers are released before updating.

Also, there is nothing wrong with the Catalyst Control Center. It is much the same as the nVidia Control Panel. It's just flashier. And has more options.

[Bodzilla]

well i've had a hole heap of cards.

I've gone from ATI 9600? cant remembe a LONG time ago to a 6800, to a 8800GTX and now i have 6950.
never had much of a drama with either manufacturers, i just went with was was a better deal at the time. And as long as you stay away from shitty manufacturers and go with say Asus or gigabyte you'll be fine.

the 6950 is a better card. so get it.

[Cortexian]

Def nothing wrong with the systems I've built, they had nothing in common with each other except for the graphics drivers. They've all had various sockets, AMD/Intel processors, diff brand motherboards, different types of RAM, etc... Nothing in common with eachother except the ATI stuff. All the ATI cards I've bought were either direct from ATI or Asus.

I've read A LOT of ATI horror stories and the general consensus that I've read on unbiased sites like Overclock.net is that Nvidia has better drivers and support than AMD/ATI.

[Warsaw]

Lol. ASUS? A good manufacturer? Ha ha ha!

I stay away from their motherboards like the plague; the features for the price is crap and their reliability is no better than any other manufacturer. Their laptops have problems with heat (they either overheat or they clock the parts below spec to maintain a safe level). Their graphics cards have all these gimmicks that jack the price up with little actual benefit to the user. Stay simple. If you want Nvidia, you get eVGA. If you want ATI, get XFX, Sapphire, or PowerColor. MSI is passable. Gigabyte does some actually useful things with their coolers (that aren't ridiculous like this 3-slot ASUS crap), so they are good, too.

Like I said, though. Do your homework and you will be rewarded.

Also, Freelancer, I'm also talking about software. What did they have in common there?

[Cortexian]

XFX wasn't available at the time and Sapphire and TrueColor wouldn't deal with warranties properly here in Canada when I was building those systems so Asus was basically the only solution.

Software wise, Windows, AVG Free, and Graphics Drivers were the only things in common. The individuals who commissioned me to build the systems then took over after that point and did their own shit.

[Warsaw]

And Diamond? They are usually solid. HIS is temperamental.

Yeah, sounds like your luck just blows. The overwhelming majority are fine with ATI. But now you've got Newegg in Canada, so your selection is better and easier.

[Cortexian]

Newegg still requires shipping, why use Newegg when I can use Memory Express and get the same prices without shipping charges and waiting for stuff to arrive? Memory Express has a more limited selection, but they have way better customer service and are local.

I don't remember Diamond being available here either, in fact I don't recall the name much at all really (vaguely from some hardware reviews). HIS was available here and I think I did actually get one of their cards now that I think back. Also, the Asus card I bought was 4+ years ago I think. Back when they were less shitty about offering dumb extra features and tacking on more $$$.

[Warsaw]

Why use Newegg? Because you need quality components that you apparently have a hard time finding otherwise. Shipping is worth a little peace of mind, no?