Read large update from 9/1/04 6:34pm EST!
A co-worker recently ordered a Gainward 6800GT from MonarchComputer. It came in today and ended up being a Golden Sample! I know $435 isn't generally a hot deal for a 6800GT but the fact that this is a Golden Sample (i.e. warranty guarantees it to run the same speed as a 6800 Ultra) makes this much more attractive.
Personally, I don't know much about Monarch or how good of a company they are. But the fact that he got that makes me want to upgrade from my 9800 Pro. And when he bought it, it was actually $425, so price may fluctuate some.
Update 8/26
I just called in and spoke with a CSR. He said that he thinks that they should all be Golden Samples but isn't 100% certain and can't check right now. However, he said if I give him a call and ask for him in the morning (he said he gets in at 9:30 EST), he'll be able to check for me. I'll call in tomorrow morning and update this tread. Please keep the thread alive so I remember to when I check hot deals and see it!
Also, the card he got was dual-DVI.
Update 8/27
I spoke with that representative and this is basically what he told me:
Most of what they have in stock are GSs. Their entire last shipment were GSs. They price difference, to them, is almost nothing and they think the only difference in the cards are that the GSs are OCable. I informed them that the GSs had dual-DVI whereas the non-GS had an analog output.
He said that if you were to order one, chances are that you would get a Golden Sample. However, to increase your chances, when you get your order confirmation, reply to it to their CS requesting that they make sure it's a GS and they will do everything they can.
I couldn't get him to tell me that they would be able to guarantee a GS. I asked, "What if I receive a non-GS, can I return it for a GS?" His response was no because they're not advertising it as a GS. I suspect that I could still pull it off because I would then have ordered the same thing my co-worker ordered but received a different product.
So word is that, as of now, this appears to be a slight YMMV but probable deal. I'm going to think it over but I have a feeling I'll give it a try.
BTW, Rick is the person I spoke with if you want to give it a try and speak to somebody somewhat in the know. I called back this morning and just asked for him and after a 3ish minute hold, he answered.
Update 8/31
Price drop from $435 to $380 - hot again!
Update 9/1
Changed title to reflect YMMV portion - please read up on this so you know what to expect.
Update 9/1b
Monarch is about to run out of GS cards in this deal - about 10 left as of 6:30pm EST. They're trying to hook people up who send email asking for a GS card but no guarantees. Consider this now a $380 price tag on a 6800GT non-GS. Here's the GS from them now - $444. They told me to expect this price to come down.
Overall, I think Monarch has been a great company in this deal and very open about what's going on. I'm very impressed even though I didn't order from them (not unti EQ2)
Update 9/2
Price jumped up to $400 for the non-GS. GS is still $444.
Update 9/3
Price dropped from $400 to $385 for 6800GT.
Price dropped from $444 to $430 for 6800GT Golden Sample.
I am leaving on vacation for 10 days so will no longer be able to keep this updated.
A co-worker recently ordered a Gainward 6800GT from MonarchComputer. It came in today and ended up being a Golden Sample! I know $435 isn't generally a hot deal for a 6800GT but the fact that this is a Golden Sample (i.e. warranty guarantees it to run the same speed as a 6800 Ultra) makes this much more attractive.
Personally, I don't know much about Monarch or how good of a company they are. But the fact that he got that makes me want to upgrade from my 9800 Pro. And when he bought it, it was actually $425, so price may fluctuate some.
Update 8/26
I just called in and spoke with a CSR. He said that he thinks that they should all be Golden Samples but isn't 100% certain and can't check right now. However, he said if I give him a call and ask for him in the morning (he said he gets in at 9:30 EST), he'll be able to check for me. I'll call in tomorrow morning and update this tread. Please keep the thread alive so I remember to when I check hot deals and see it!
Also, the card he got was dual-DVI.
Update 8/27
I spoke with that representative and this is basically what he told me:
Most of what they have in stock are GSs. Their entire last shipment were GSs. They price difference, to them, is almost nothing and they think the only difference in the cards are that the GSs are OCable. I informed them that the GSs had dual-DVI whereas the non-GS had an analog output.
He said that if you were to order one, chances are that you would get a Golden Sample. However, to increase your chances, when you get your order confirmation, reply to it to their CS requesting that they make sure it's a GS and they will do everything they can.
I couldn't get him to tell me that they would be able to guarantee a GS. I asked, "What if I receive a non-GS, can I return it for a GS?" His response was no because they're not advertising it as a GS. I suspect that I could still pull it off because I would then have ordered the same thing my co-worker ordered but received a different product.
So word is that, as of now, this appears to be a slight YMMV but probable deal. I'm going to think it over but I have a feeling I'll give it a try.
BTW, Rick is the person I spoke with if you want to give it a try and speak to somebody somewhat in the know. I called back this morning and just asked for him and after a 3ish minute hold, he answered.
Update 8/31
Price drop from $435 to $380 - hot again!
Update 9/1
Changed title to reflect YMMV portion - please read up on this so you know what to expect.
Update 9/1b
Monarch is about to run out of GS cards in this deal - about 10 left as of 6:30pm EST. They're trying to hook people up who send email asking for a GS card but no guarantees. Consider this now a $380 price tag on a 6800GT non-GS. Here's the GS from them now - $444. They told me to expect this price to come down.
Overall, I think Monarch has been a great company in this deal and very open about what's going on. I'm very impressed even though I didn't order from them (not unti EQ2)
Update 9/2
Price jumped up to $400 for the non-GS. GS is still $444.
Update 9/3
Price dropped from $400 to $385 for 6800GT.
Price dropped from $444 to $430 for 6800GT Golden Sample.
I am leaving on vacation for 10 days so will no longer be able to keep this updated.