Mainboard scratch

not even sure, I uninstalled the mainboard, removing all parts, and then I saw this..Maybe I wasn't careful enough with the gpu? Or stupid me had it lying in the case for one day, maybe it was moved somehow and the gpu hit this edge?

Unfortunately I can't RMA, it says no warranty for scratches etc., don't know what happened if I said it arrived like that, but well..I wrote an e-mail, asking why the mainboard had lose RAM-slot-locks and remains of thermal paste on the CPU-lock (looked used to me, apparently that's the way it leaves MSI). I installed it anyways, as this wouldn't stop it from working, however agreed to send it back when I noticed I need help with building the PC and I had to wait some days for that anyways. Apparently this was a mistake.

I've google'd and found a couple of similar-looking scratches and advice to use some conductive ink pen or so to connect the lines again, but also warnings to not try this alone when never done before.
 
I think your best option is to push for an RMA.

The thermal paste and RAM slot issues you mention may help your case.
Which retailer did you get it from and how old is it?
 
Just some online-store I found from comparing prices. Mailed to MSI:

Hello, I received the Z77A-G45 last week and noticed slightly lose RAM-slot-locks, remains of probably thermal paste at the CPU-cover and several fingerprints. Therefore I messged the store asking how new this mainboard really was. I installed it anyways, as it would probably still be alright, though didn't manage to finish the plugging myself and had to wait some days to get help. Meanwhile the store answered it was sent them as new, still offered to replace it. As I still had to wait some days, I accepted and uninstalled the mainboard. Doing so I accidently scratched it with my graphics card, not sure if it's fixable (photo attached). I'm wondering now if it is possible to replace it anyways or alternatively what the repair service offers. Thank you in advance for your help!

Their answer:
I hereby confirm that the production date of your motherboard was in July 2012, so this is a new motherboard. The marks you describe are from the final check up the motherboards get before being shipped out to our customers. This alone can never be the reason to send the board back for service. The reseller that sold you the board will determine if he accepts the board back with the damage as shown on the picture.

I asked the store that wanted to replace it, if they maybe still would even if there is a scratch. They at least didn't refuse right away, but asked for a photo. Will see what happens. Else I will ask in some electronic-store if they know how to fix this or if they can tell me who else to ask.
 
I called some guy who repairs computers, I think mostly software/virus-stuff though.. He said that scratches in general are fixable but it is sort of difficult and he wouldn't recomment doing it, it will be expensive, I should just buy a new one..Also an electrician of my village said it can maybe be soldered, but he's not sure if he could do it.

So I'm wondering, those scratches I found in other forums look similar and many said it's fixable with this ink, but recommended to get some experienced guy for that. Can someone tell me more about that on here? :|
 
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