SAPPHIRE Responds to 128-bit Confusion

No_Style · Jun 17, 2004, 05:23 AM

Since the roll-out of the SAPPHIRE 128-bit version of RADEON 9800 PRO core into the channel it has been brought to our attention that this model is being met with some confusion and for this we would like to extend our sincere apologies.

Source: Sapphire Tech

Keeping with our level of interaction within the community, Sapphire is moving to alleviate said confusion by renaming the 128-bit version to the SAPPHIRE RADEON 9800 ATLANTIS and we are instructing each of our retail partners to clearly and prominently list the 128-bit specification. Further to this end, the SAPPHIRE RADEON 9800 ATLANTIS 128-bit products boxes will now be labeled with an oversized 128-bit sticker on the boxes face as well. Inquiries have been made into our retail partners and the investigation has yielded no findings that any of our loyal customers have been charged the 256-bit price for the 128-bit part. SAPPHIRE encourages any of our customers who purchased a 128-bit part under the assumption that it was 256-bit part to exercise your right to return your product. Should you have difficulty finding satisfaction with your retailer, SAPPHIRE continues to stand firmly behind our
products and asks you to contact SAPPHIRE directly.

For end users in the U.S. who can not return the product to the supplier feel free to contact 909-594-3128. You will need to present the product, sales receipt and provide the discounted retail price difference of US$25.

For end users in Asia contact +852-2689-8888 and request the procedure for upgrade. SAPPHIRE welcomes any and all inquiries into this matter in keeping with our commitment to our customers and welcomes the opportunity to continue to help outfit the gaming community with the industries most widely respected and innovative products."

Judas · Jun 17, 2004, 06:06 AM

Alot of people are upset over this... which... i can't ...don't udnerstand.... I agree that the "128 Bit" should be clearly stated by all Vendors/retailers.... But... Sapphire isn't ripping anyone off... the 9800 128 bit really does do well... Maybe someone.. if they could.... do a 9800 Pro (orginal) and a 128 bit version Comparison... And see what overclocking result show .... There is a difference.. but it still preforms very well....

sparky03 · Jun 17, 2004, 07:04 AM

There is alot of difference between 128 bit and 256 bit........the confusion started when they were both marked as "PRO". This was misleading, and most people did not know the difference until AFTER they had bought it and installed it.

I think that Saphire has done the right thing with addressing this issue and allowing it to be fixed to the customer's satisfaction.

Good job Saphire!!

riles9262 · Jun 17, 2004, 07:22 AM

A definite positive step to a misleading situation. Nice recovery for Sapphire.

BWX · Jun 17, 2004, 06:32 PM

Yeah calling it a "PRO" was very misleading, they are definitely doing the right thing.

dipstick · Jun 17, 2004, 06:45 PM

Definitely cool that they are doing this and if I must say it was 110% necessary. Calling something a Pro and in fact it is not is very wrong. At least this way they will keep their name clean and it should ease the tension created by all this. I mean there's no way a 128bit 9800 can keep up with a 256bit one, that's just impossible.

Jun 17, 2004, 05:23 AM	#1
No_Style Styleless Wonder Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Ottawa, Ontario Posts: 6,034 Rep Power: 0	SAPPHIRE Responds to 128-bit Confusion Since the roll-out of the SAPPHIRE 128-bit version of RADEON 9800 PRO core into the channel it has been brought to our attention that this model is being met with some confusion and for this we would like to extend our sincere apologies. Source: Sapphire Tech Keeping with our level of interaction within the community, Sapphire is moving to alleviate said confusion by renaming the 128-bit version to the SAPPHIRE RADEON 9800 ATLANTIS and we are instructing each of our retail partners to clearly and prominently list the 128-bit specification. Further to this end, the SAPPHIRE RADEON 9800 ATLANTIS 128-bit products boxes will now be labeled with an oversized 128-bit sticker on the boxes face as well. Inquiries have been made into our retail partners and the investigation has yielded no findings that any of our loyal customers have been charged the 256-bit price for the 128-bit part. SAPPHIRE encourages any of our customers who purchased a 128-bit part under the assumption that it was 256-bit part to exercise your right to return your product. Should you have difficulty finding satisfaction with your retailer, SAPPHIRE continues to stand firmly behind our products and asks you to contact SAPPHIRE directly. For end users in the U.S. who can not return the product to the supplier feel free to contact 909-594-3128. You will need to present the product, sales receipt and provide the discounted retail price difference of US$25. For end users in Asia contact +852-2689-8888 and request the procedure for upgrade. SAPPHIRE welcomes any and all inquiries into this matter in keeping with our commitment to our customers and welcomes the opportunity to continue to help outfit the gaming community with the industries most widely respected and innovative products."

Jun 17, 2004, 07:22 AM	#4
riles9262 Driverheaven brewmaster Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: British Columbia, Canada Posts: 4,842 Rep Power: 70 System Specs	A definite positive step to a misleading situation. Nice recovery for Sapphire. __________________ A beer a day keeps the doctor away.

Jun 17, 2004, 06:32 PM	#5
BWX unplugged Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: USNY Posts: 19,665 Rep Power: 109 System Specs	Yeah calling it a "PRO" was very misleading, they are definitely doing the right thing. __________________

Jun 17, 2004, 07:04 AM	#3
sparky03 DriverHeaven Newbie Join Date: Mar 2004 Posts: 9 Rep Power: 0	There is alot of difference between 128 bit and 256 bit........the confusion started when they were both marked as "PRO". This was misleading, and most people did not know the difference until AFTER they had bought it and installed it. I think that Saphire has done the right thing with addressing this issue and allowing it to be fixed to the customer's satisfaction. Good job Saphire!!

Jun 17, 2004, 06:45 PM	#6
dipstick HardwareHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: May 2002 Location: USA Posts: 3,609 Rep Power: 70 System Specs	Definitely cool that they are doing this and if I must say it was 110% necessary. Calling something a Pro and in fact it is not is very wrong. At least this way they will keep their name clean and it should ease the tension created by all this. I mean there's no way a 128bit 9800 can keep up with a 256bit one, that's just impossible.