RMA - Vendor or Manufacturer

[NickOmega]

Earlier this year (august) I bought a few parts from OCUK, and for the last couple months I've been getting various BSoD. The first couple pointed towards GPU, which made sense as I'd just updated drivers (incorrectly I might add) so I did a fresh install again, and latest drivers for everything.

Then I started having problems even booting, it would go into a loop, ending just before starting Windows. This only happened when running my memory (2x4GB Corsair Vengeance Arctic White LP) in dual channel, tried it in both 1+3 and 2+4, tried manually settings timings/voltage, basically anything a noob like myself would do.

Long story short, today I finally pulled my finger out and made a bootable memtest usb.
Both Modules = spectacularly fail almost instantly.
Module 1 = less than 1 minute in, over 9000 errors.
Module 2 = 2hrs (2.5 passes) and 0 errors.

Anyway, to the point of the thread:
I have 2 options, I can apply for RMA to OCUK or to Corsair, but I don't know which would be my best, and quickest (since I'll be without a computer while I wait) option.

I know Corsair have the Express Replacement option where they send out the replacement before receiving yours if you cover the cost of the replacement in the meantime, but I don't have 1) The funds available right now, 2) A "credit" card.

So what would you guys recommend?

 

[Remmy]

I believe Corsair products (at least fans and peripherals, I don't remember about memory) come with a notice telling you to go direct to Corsair, rather than the store you purchased it at. I recently RMA'd an M65 mouse with Corsair, and I had my replacement in like a week, so it's pretty quick. It may be slower this time of year though with the postal service being much busier.

Asking in the Corsair Customer Care Forum will be your best bet. Greybeard tends to respond pretty quickly, and gets your RMA approved for you if you give him the ticket number. Alternatively, he may direct you to OCUK, but giving you the best advice is what he's there for at the end of the day.

Edit: Do you have to return the kit, or just the defective module? It's a shame if it's the whole kit otherwise you could just run on the one module for the time being.

 

[tinytomlogan]

Im not sure on OCUK's test procedure but they may test it and see its foobarred and then replace it - they will then have to sort it out with Corsair for you but normally you get at least a year where you RMA to the place you purchased from and any extended waranty is dealt with direct.

 

[NickOmega]

I believe Corsair products (at least fans and peripherals, I don't remember about memory) come with a notice telling you to go direct to Corsair..
Edit: Do you have to return the kit, or just the defective module? It's a shame if it's the whole kit otherwise you could just run on the one module for the time being.

I didn't get any packaging or anything with the memory which annoyed me when it arrived, it was just wrapped in bubblewrap
Think I have to return the kit/pair, otherwise if they replace one module it's not going to be matched.
Thanks for the reminder, will just try and PM Grey_beard to see where I stand and if I can send it direct to Corsair.

Im not sure on OCUK's test procedure but they may test it and see its foobarred and then replace it - they will then have to sort it out with Corsair for you but normally you get at least a year where you RMA to the place you purchased from and any extended waranty is dealt with direct.

Cheers Guv. According to OCUK's site, After 28 days Corsair operate a "Direct Manufacturer Technical Support" but it doesn't mention direct returns, only this:

For manufacturers who do not provide a direct service Overclockers UK will provide Technical Support and Returns service for up to 1 year from date of purchase

So I'd assume that means send directly to Corsair?