RMA'd board DOA?

[Scubasage]

So, about 2 months ago, my week old R3E got fried somehow. Since I was still covered by the 15 day guarantee that my vendor gives, I brought it to them to see what the problem was. Apparently it was a surge that damaged the 12V connector. I thought it odd that a surge would fry the board when I was using a Corsair AX1200 PSU, but whatever, i suppose it's possible.

I just got the computer back from the store today. Take it out of the box, inspect the inside to make sure it's fine, then close the side panel and plug it in.

Flick the switch for the power, and the ROG logo and Reset buttons start to blink slowly. Not the same thing as my old board, which was they would be lit up much brighter, then pulsate down, rinse and repeat. So now I'm thinking "oh shit..."

Press the power button, and sure enough, it doesn't work. Tried the mobo power button, nothing. Tested the actual power cord with a monitor, it works, so that's not it. The outlet itself works, as I've pretty much constantly had my laptop connected to it during those 2 months and I've had no problems.

Now, the store said it worked. I'm assuming Asus wouldn't ship out an RMA board without checking if it worked, but you never know.

Frankly, I'm already angry with both the store and Asus for taking 2 months to RMA the board (the service center is 1 day away with regular shipping). Do I bring the board to the store and complain to them, or shall I just complain to Asus for RMAing a faulty board? Also, what do I do about the board now? If I could, I would simply buy a new one (most likely gigabyte, they don't have shit like this happen with their RMAs), but that isn't an option right now.

 

[Grizzly]

If you got the board from the store take it back to the store. They will almost definitely moan at Asus for it and may even have another board they'd replace it with.

 

[mArTyN]

You will probably find it is the retailler that has (in theory) replaced the mobo (to be returned to asus)....have a little word in their ear!!!!! Good look and I hope it works out for you.

 

[Scubasage]

If you got the board from the store take it back to the store. They will almost definitely moan at Asus for it and may even have another board they'd replace it with.

They refused to replace it with one they had in stock while the first was being RMA. Now, 2 months wait time seems a little long, and apparently the store had to argue with Asus to get the RMA at all (because apparently a surge isn't covered by their warranty...what would fall under "power related issues" then?), though they refuse to show me proof that Asus was the reason it took a month to get an RMA number, same goes for proof that they had to "argue" with Asus to get it done.

I'm going to simplify it. I will never shop there again because their Customer Service is garbage. So I'm iffy on bringing it back to them, having them do the same process for ANOTHER 2 months (seeing as how my laptop is just a netbook really, I can't afford to lose my main rig for that much more time), only to get it back probably DOA again. On top of that, how could it have been DOA if the store said it was working fine? Did they not test it?

That's why I was considering cutting out the middleman and going straight to Asus. Then again, there's so much shit floating around about how their RMA service has basically turned into garbage that I'm worried about that as well.

I just want my damn motherboard to work >.<

 

[Grizzly]

Couple things you can do, you can try and RMA it yourself, or ask for a refund, however pants Asus are with RMA it sounds like the customer service at this place you've bought your MB from is much worse. I'd avoid having to deal with them again unless you're trying to get something back out of them.

RMAing is always a pain in the backside, hoping for the best outcome for you mate.

 

[Scubasage]

Oh, here's the best part. Even if they somehow agree to giving a refund, they would charge 25% "restocking fee". Probably gonna RMA it myself at this point, assuming I can get the previous RMA info from the store >.<

 

[Grizzly]

Oh, here's the best part. Even if they somehow agree to giving a refund, they would charge 25% "restocking fee". Probably gonna RMA it myself at this point, assuming I can get the previous RMA info from the store >.<

25% ! Good lord I never knew restocking fees could be that high.

 

[realneil]

Isn't there a lemon law that protects you? (probably not)

I can't believe that the retailer didn't test it out before they called you up to come get it. When the retailer RMA'd it, did they pull the board from the PC and send it in? At this point I would make them pull the board and RMA it again, and take your PC home with you. Buy a replacement board and install it,......and when the 'brand new' replacement ASUS board gets back in November, sell it.

 

[Scubasage]

Yes, they pulled the board and RMA'd it. It was a new board we got (I checked the serial number), and the vendor said they had 2 technicians test it before contacting me to come and pick it up.

If I had the funds to buy a replacement board, I would have done just that. Sadly, I'm a dirt poor 3D animation student who only got the computer thanks to a government loan. I'm trying to get a second job but not many people are hiring atm. My current job is working at a reception hall, so it's the quiet season and I'm not getting called in much, meaning no money for me.

 

[realneil]

Yes, they pulled the board and RMA'd it. It was a new board we got (I checked the serial number), and the vendor said they had 2 technicians test it before contacting me to come and pick it up.

If I had the funds to buy a replacement board, I would have done just that. Sadly, I'm a dirt poor 3D animation student who only got the computer thanks to a government loan. I'm trying to get a second job but not many people are hiring atm. My current job is working at a reception hall, so it's the quiet season and I'm not getting called in much, meaning no money for me.

Sorry for your situation. Did they give you the box and all of the stuff that came with it? If so, then try an RMA yourself.

If ASUS will not deal with you, make the retailer fix it. Make them stand behind their product since you never got to use your brand new PC.

It's your only good choice as I see it.

 

[Scubasage]

So, here's an update. When they answered my most recent email, they flat out told me they weren't going to do anything, that it wasn't their problem and that if the board was fried again the warranty wouldn't cover it. Lies, of course. When I show up the next day at the place in person, with my computer in hand, they take it without any fuss, and say they are going to fix it.

I told them to apply for Advanced RMA, as I refuse to wait another 2 months to get my computer and when they send me the email saying what exactly is wrong, I will tell them again.

EDIT: Update...apparently the machine works! They sent pics of the LEDs on the fans going and my desktop. Yeah...I don't understand why it works when over there but not here...Whatever, I'll figure out a way to get it to work.