Creative Technologies Europe has issued an update concerning the manufacturer of its graphics cards as well as estimated prices for the European Union.

Even though the graphics cards do not resemble ATI’s reference designs one by one, the products for Creative Technology Europe are manufactured by PC Partner – the owner of Sapphire Technology – ATI’s largest contract manufacturer.

Since 2001 Creative Labs does not produce graphics cards, but buys them from its partners and then resells under its own brand. MSI supplies NVIDIA-based solutions for Creative Labs Europe, while CP Technology and Sapphire Technology produce Powered by ATI RADEON graphics cards for Creative Labs Asia.

Despite of noted pricing of the RADEON 9800 XT, RADEON 9600 and RADEON 9200 SE graphics cards by Creative Labs Europe noted yesterday, there is no single European SRP, the company’s spokesperson noted. Firstly, there are different VAT rates across Europe (16% up to 25%). Secondly, the retailers’ margin varies from country to country, as does the distributors’ margin. Finally, the difference between e-tail and retail is huge. In some countries you will have an e-tailer working off 10% margin and in others retailers work off closer to 30%, the spokesperson concluded.