Scratched Motherboard and Gigabyte Warranty

Kingfabay on 26/04/2016 - 17:22

Hi all,

Im not an expert in PC building and I would really appreciate some advice.

I recently purchased a z170 motherboard (gigabyte z170mx gaming 5) and a liquid cooling unit (cooler master nepton 240) intending to overclock an i5 6600k cpu. However, the installation process was a nightmare. Firstly, the pc won't boot when the rams (8gb x2) were installed in dual channel configuration. It would however boot when they were placed side by side (single channel). I suspect this was a bios issue so i installed windows and updated the bios but this did not help. Moving on, the computer worked fine for 1-2 day before it stop booting. The PSU was making funny clicking noise so I returned the motherboard and psu to MSY for their inspection. Their technical officer contacted me and told me that the psu is faulty and will be replaced by MSY. The motherboard on the other hand has surface scratches (caused when mounting liquid cooler) located on all four of the back plate holes, and will be sent to gigabyte.

My question is, what are my chances of getting the motherboard replaced or fixed under warranty. I never had the intention of breaking the board. I simply tightened the cooler until there is no resistance. I am surprised that a motherboard can be so delicate at a region that requires tightening.

(Excuse me for the cross-posting at whirlpool and Ozb.)

Computing

Comments

  • scrimshaw on 26/04/2016 - 17:33
    +1

    depending on Gigabyte's response really. I don't think the scratches have anything to do with the issues (the scratches need to be pretty deep to have actually damaged the circuits and connections). You'd need to have a close look to really assess the damage

    But Gigabyte may use the scratches against you and deny the RMA. The outcome will depend on how anal Gigabyte is with product warranties.

    But I think you will be better off than this guy!

    However you still have consumer rights and MSY should still provide you with a repair or replacement.

    good luck.

    • Kingfabay on 26/04/2016 - 17:49

      may i ask if these scratches are a common occurrence? It just seem too easy to cause surface scratches when tightening the board.

      • deanylev on 26/04/2016 - 18:00

        I've built plenty of PCs in my time, and never had any issues like that. In your case it's just rookie mistakes I guess, which are okay, we all start somewhere.

      • scrimshaw on 26/04/2016 - 18:02

        Nope. Sounds like a freak occurence. Or maybe you really stuffed up in the mounting process somewhere.

        • Kingfabay on 26/04/2016 - 20:39

          Hi scrimshaw, Can you elaborate on the consumer right part? How should i deal with MSY if Gigabyte decides to deny warranty because of the scruff marks on the surface.

        • Tech5 on 27/04/2016 - 00:49

          @Kingfabay:

          Due to the RMA process, MSY has no obligation to do anything for you if Gigabyte refuses the warranty. However ,in rare cases, they may do something for goodwill if you ask nicely.

          And out of curiosity, what did you mean tighten until no resistance? The screws should be tighted using a phillips screwdriver held gently with the tips of 3 fingers. The moment the screwdriver starts slipping in your fingers, you should stop.

  • shadowarrior on 27/04/2016 - 05:13

    Damage to products while installing them yourself is not covered in any warranty/consumer right AFAIK. It's pretty much same as buying a TV and then smashing it while trying to load it in my car by myself….the TV shop isn't going to refund me any money, nor will the manufacturer honor any warranty.

    Unless its a manufacturing defect (which in this case it clearly isn't), you are in for some tough luck.

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