Reference Drivers vs. 'Built by ATI' Drivers--What's the Deal?

[Rebooter]

I'm about to replace my Radeon 64 DDR VIVO with a Hercules 8500 FDX LE. I read the guide on how to use the 'Built by ATI' drivers with a 'Powered by ATI' card, but what I'd like to know is, what differences are there between these drivers? Or is it just a marketing-type thing?

 

[delfincek]

I also use BUILT BY ATI driver insted of offical Hercules or Powered by ATI drivers on my Hercules 3D Prophet FDX 8500LE. You are right there is no difference between that drivers (same driver version). Performance with each is the same. The only thing that is different is that BUILT by ATI drivers are released about 2 weeks before Powered by ATI drivers so here is the advantage . I found that also ATI Omega drivers are very good for gaming. Ant there is no problem to install them (no tricks necessary )

Ciao, D.

 

[Jeff Lange]

Well right now, Omega/Plutonium, Built by ATI, and Powered by ATI drivers are all 6071, so not a big deal, lol.

But usually Built by ATI drivers come out first, cause they have to do extra testing for cards built by other manufacturers.