MSI Geforce 7900gt

[Monkey_feces]

I am interested in purchasing this card http://www.monarchcomputer.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=M&Product_Code=190082
because of its low price and the fact that monarch doesn't charge sales tax in many states. Ultimately it turns to $263.69 with shipping and $233.69 AR. However, the rebate seems a little fishy to me http://images.pricegrabber.com/rebates/57081-674.pdf . It has way too many caveats, being: 14 day postmark after purchase date (what if shipping screws up), no sales history receipts (that's sometimes the only information displayed to you when you log in to some online retail stores), offer cannot be combined with other msi promotions or offers (what if i get a free king kong game shipped without asking for it), check must be cashed in 90 days vs the standard one year (what if they issue it while it is being processed and send you the check 8-10 weeks later), and finally the offer is subject to change or cancel at any time without notice. With all of this "fine print", is worth getting this card? If my chances of getting the rebate are slim, I would rather go for an x1800xt 256 because it comes out to the same price (before rebate) with tax and shipping included.

 

[ClintE]

I never look at rebates unless they are at the time of purchase for many of the reasons you have listed as the caveats for that card. Always too many loopholes the manufacturer can use to deny the rebate. OTOH, if the prices are close, then go for the rebate. Then if they don't come through, you're not out that much. But never count on the rebate.

Oh btw, I've read a lot of horror stories about the 7900's. Of course there are a lot of very satisfied 7900 owners out there, and most of them won't post because they're busy using them instead of waiting for returns etc.

 

[joemama]

Forget about getting the rebate...I ordered a EVGA 7900GT KO from Monarch with a $30 rebate...they took FOREVER to ship the thing and by the time I sent the rebate in I got a nice little e-mail stating "Invalid purchase date" and now they won't return e-mails. Rebates are worthless to me and I never let the imaginary "price" sway my purchasing descision.

 

[Monkey_feces]

Thanks for the input, I guess ill just get some version of the x1800xt. It's about time I experience this much vaunted HDR+AA. I have seen some fishy rebates, but that MSI rebate seemed to cut corners on everything. Eg: the rebates I have actually recieved had 30 days after purchase to be postmarked vs 14, one year to cash in vs 90 days, and 6-8 weeks for rebate to be processed vs 8-10.