After reading the news on DailyTech and finding out that OCZ have started to release CrossFire certified memeory, it made me think about these certification systems nVidia and ATi are doing.

The whole idea is to create two recognisable brands that systems builders can use to choose quality components, or ones which are good for overclockers. However, when you think about it this might not be advantageous to the consumer.

When you buy the big brands in any component area, for example Corsair or OCZ memory (Corsiar are making SLi certified memory and OCZ CrossFire.); or an Antec or Hiper power supply you already know that you are going to be buying a quality component -- unless you're buying from the 'Value' line. So, in effect, the big brands are going to slap this label on existing products, or re-release similar products, resulting in higher prices.

The only time this scheme is helpful is when buying from the more unknown companys. If random company number 3841 can make some good power supplys with certification which undercut the big-boys products then I will be happy.

Then we only need to hope the standards don't get lower with time, so the branding remains useful...