Finally got my new graphics card

[slycat]

I finally got my new graphics card today but thanks to my brother, I identified it as a counterfeit card. It is a cheaply made Chinese clone of the card. The Radeon drivers from ATI's web site do not work with the card and also the chips and everything on the board are a different make.

I can't believe I fell for this scam. I've emailed the guy in question for a refund explaining that I was purchasing a "Retail Boxed" Radeon 8500, not a counterfeit one. There arent even any copyright markings or one mention of "ATI". If the guy doesnt agree to a refund, I'll probably begin with putting a message in his feedback saying that he sells counterfeit goods as the real thing but I don't know what else I can do from there. Stupid me paid by cheque of course.... I may never see that money again.

Have a look at the auction yourself at http://page.auctions.shopping.yahoo.com/uk/auction/62447248?aucview=email.

Your help would be appreciated as I don't know my rights in this sort of situation.

Comments

[hawx.livejournal.com]

On the auction the guy does state that he imports from Taiwan electronics Co. Didn't that give it away?

It's not a counterfeit card, it's simply a third-party manufacturer that uses the Radeon chipset. :)

[slycat.livejournal.com]

I should have realised when I read it... Just never clocked on to it... I mean you don't really expect a graphics card to be a fake.

On the box / card, it doesn't say made by ATI but then it doesn't say it was made by anyone. I dunno what to do :(

[orona-red.livejournal.com]

Does it work?

[slycat.livejournal.com]

It does. It is also a vast improvement on my Voodoo 3. However, it under performs compared to the real cards. (Real card gives a madonion.com 3dmark2001se value of 6000+ while my card gives 4500ish. My Voodoo 3 gave 1500). It has all the features of a real Radeon 8500 but just doesn't do them really well.

Also ATI's drivers refuse to load so I'll never be able to update them.