ATI Rma policies

[Tweakin]

Having just received my 9600XT back from repair, It appeared that nothing was done. I called ATi and talked to a senior technician about the status. He said they were unable to repair or replace as the board had been modified with memory heat sinks.

They didn't care about the Artic VGA cooler that might have done damage to the core, just the fact that the board had Visual modifications.

The moral of the story, strip it down before sending it in...

 

[302efi]

Uh..you sent the card in with the heatsinks still on the memory ??:Q

 

[otispunkmeyer]

and you didnt know that anyway?....it took an ATI technician to tell u that?

 

[Tweakin]

Uh, yeah...I sent it in with the sinks installed...would probably damage the chips by removing them. Knowing this could be a problem, I listed it just that way in the online rma request.

Someone does go over that list, or so I was told, so they could have stopped it right there if they didn't want to fix it.

On the bright side, I have a really cool new desk weight. The biggest issue is what to buy to replace it. Had a 6600gt from eFGA, not impressed with the video quality and it constantly locked up. I guess that's a common problem with the 6600 series. Maybe I can find a 9800 for sale cheep somewhere.

 

[Matthias99]

It sounded like he sent it in for "repair" not, "warranty service"; obviously they aren't going to fix it under warranty if it's been modded (nor should you be sending it in like that; see many, many threads on RMA fraud and why it's bad). I'd be surprised that they wouldn't even look at a modded card for "repair", however, if you're paying for it.

 

[Matthias99]

Originally posted by: Tweakin
Uh, yeah...I sent it in with the sinks installed...would probably damage the chips by removing them. Knowing this could be a problem, I listed it just that way in the online rma request.

Someone does go over that list, or so I was told, so they could have stopped it right there.

On the bright side, I have a really cool new desk weight.

That's very odd. Sounds like the folks in the RMA and 'repair' departments aren't talking to each other.

 

[Tweakin]

Originally posted by: Matthias99
It sounded like he sent it in for "repair" not, "warranty service"; obviously they aren't going to fix it under warranty if it's been modded (nor should you be sending it in like that; see many, many threads on RMA fraud and why it's bad). I'd be surprised that they wouldn't even look at a modded card for "repair", however, if you're paying for it.

I did request "repair" and the bill of invoice shows it would cost $86 to fix. So why didn't they contact me then? No email, nothing...just shipped it back. And that's another thing, I sent it in to the NY address, yet I received it back from the Canadian address...this thing had to pass through many peoples hands...just dropped the ball.

 

[apoppin]

Originally posted by: Tweakin

Originally posted by: Matthias99
It sounded like he sent it in for "repair" not, "warranty service"; obviously they aren't going to fix it under warranty if it's been modded (nor should you be sending it in like that; see many, many threads on RMA fraud and why it's bad). I'd be surprised that they wouldn't even look at a modded card for "repair", however, if you're paying for it.

I did request "repair" and the bill of invoice shows it would cost $86 to fix. So why didn't they contact me then? No email, nothing...just shipped it back. And that's another thing, I sent it in to the NY address, yet I received it back from the Canadian address...this thing had to pass through many peoples hands...just dropped the ball.

in a off-hand and ratheer unprofessional way, ati did you a 'favor' . . . your card ain't worth $86 to fix when you can get a brand new 9600xt for ~$100.

Since you are looking for a new card, the 6600GT ~$200 is considered best bang for buck. 😉

 

[Matthias99]

Originally posted by: apoppin

Originally posted by: Tweakin

Originally posted by: Matthias99
It sounded like he sent it in for "repair" not, "warranty service"; obviously they aren't going to fix it under warranty if it's been modded (nor should you be sending it in like that; see many, many threads on RMA fraud and why it's bad). I'd be surprised that they wouldn't even look at a modded card for "repair", however, if you're paying for it.

I did request "repair" and the bill of invoice shows it would cost $86 to fix. So why didn't they contact me then? No email, nothing...just shipped it back. And that's another thing, I sent it in to the NY address, yet I received it back from the Canadian address...this thing had to pass through many peoples hands...just dropped the ball.

in a off-hand and ratheer unprofessional way, ati did you a 'favor' . . . your card ain't worth $86 to fix when you can get a brand new 9600xt for ~$100.

Link? The lowest price on Pricewatch for a 128MB 9600XT is $131. $100 for a brand-new real 9600XT would be a VERY good price.

 

[Tweakin]

I can't find an ATI 9600xt for that price, and as for the 6600GT, been there done that...
For me I don't think the card is worth it for the following reasons:

1. At 10x7 there is no difference in fps for the games we play.
2. I think ATI has a better picture (2D) then Nvidia. The 6600 seemed washed out.
3. Running these cards on a xp2600@2.1Ghz leaves the cpu as the weak point.

I had an eVGA 6600GT, and other then making lots of noise, nothing ran better and HL2 ran worse...at least on this rig.

 

[apoppin]

Originally posted by: Matthias99

Originally posted by: apoppin

Originally posted by: Tweakin

Originally posted by: Matthias99
It sounded like he sent it in for "repair" not, "warranty service"; obviously they aren't going to fix it under warranty if it's been modded (nor should you be sending it in like that; see many, many threads on RMA fraud and why it's bad). I'd be surprised that they wouldn't even look at a modded card for "repair", however, if you're paying for it.

I did request "repair" and the bill of invoice shows it would cost $86 to fix. So why didn't they contact me then? No email, nothing...just shipped it back. And that's another thing, I sent it in to the NY address, yet I received it back from the Canadian address...this thing had to pass through many peoples hands...just dropped the ball.

in a off-hand and ratheer unprofessional way, ati did you a 'favor' . . . your card ain't worth $86 to fix when you can get a brand new 9600xt for ~$100.

Link? The lowest price on Pricewatch for a 128MB 9600XT is $131. $100 for a brand-new real 9600XT would be a VERY good price.

get yourself over to Hot Deals!

the 9600xt has been $102 after MIR for quite some time (maybe gone now) . . . . and there are several current hot deals that may interest you (i think 6600 series, also).

"Haunt" the Hot Deals forum . . . i don't need anything but still check it twice a day. 😉

 

[Matthias99]

get yourself over to Hot Deals!

the 9600xt has been $102 after MIR for quite some time (maybe gone now) . . . . and there are several current hot deals that may interest you (i think 6600 series, also).

"Haunt" the Hot Deals forum . . . i don't need anything but still check it twice a day.

I hate rebates (been burned on a few of them; not fun). Tell me when the real price gets near the levels you're quoting and I'll be interested.

 

[Killrose]

First stop eBay, you will probably get $20-$35 for your dead card. I saw a 9700pro in the FS/Trade yesterday for $110 🙂

9700pro $110 shipped

 

[VirtualLarry]

Originally posted by: Tweakin

Originally posted by: Matthias99
It sounded like he sent it in for "repair" not, "warranty service"; obviously they aren't going to fix it under warranty if it's been modded (nor should you be sending it in like that; see many, many threads on RMA fraud and why it's bad). I'd be surprised that they wouldn't even look at a modded card for "repair", however, if you're paying for it.

I did request "repair" and the bill of invoice shows it would cost $86 to fix. So why didn't they contact me then? No email, nothing...just shipped it back. And that's another thing, I sent it in to the NY address, yet I received it back from the Canadian address...this thing had to pass through many peoples hands...just dropped the ball.

I'm confused here. You sent the card in to the mfg, for paid "repair" work, NOT under warranty (?), and they returned the card, without any work being performed, but they still charged you $86? WTH?

If you paid by CC, I'd dispute that in a heartbeat, especially if they already gave you a cost estimate over the phone beforehand. That just doesn't sound right.

OTOH, if you sent it in for replacement under warranty, after modding it, not only is that rather un-ethical, but a bit on the dumb side too, to send it in with the mods. (Or was that really the more ethical choice?)

 

[apoppin]

Originally posted by: Matthias99

get yourself over to Hot Deals!

the 9600xt has been $102 after MIR for quite some time (maybe gone now) . . . . and there are several current hot deals that may interest you (i think 6600 series, also).

"Haunt" the Hot Deals forum . . . i don't need anything but still check it twice a day.

I hate rebates (been burned on a few of them; not fun). Tell me when the real price gets near the levels you're quoting and I'll be interested.

Keep lookin' 😛
:roll

THIS caught my eye:

Leadtek 6600GT AGP WinFast A6600 GT TDH $149+shipping!

Of COURSE, it's DEAD . . . . you gotta be FAST!

😀

 

[Tweakin]

Originally posted by: VirtualLarry

Originally posted by: Tweakin

Originally posted by: Matthias99
It sounded like he sent it in for "repair" not, "warranty service"; obviously they aren't going to fix it under warranty if it's been modded (nor should you be sending it in like that; see many, many threads on RMA fraud and why it's bad). I'd be surprised that they wouldn't even look at a modded card for "repair", however, if you're paying for it.

I did request "repair" and the bill of invoice shows it would cost $86 to fix. So why didn't they contact me then? No email, nothing...just shipped it back. And that's another thing, I sent it in to the NY address, yet I received it back from the Canadian address...this thing had to pass through many peoples hands...just dropped the ball.

I'm confused here. You sent the card in to the mfg, for paid "repair" work, NOT under warranty (?), and they returned the card, without any work being performed, but they still charged you $86? WTH?

If you paid by CC, I'd dispute that in a heartbeat, especially if they already gave you a cost estimate over the phone beforehand. That just doesn't sound right.

OTOH, if you sent it in for replacement under warranty, after modding it, not only is that rather un-ethical, but a bit on the dumb side too, to send it in with the mods. (Or was that really the more ethical choice?)

I sent the card in under the "RMA" process for repair...and they determined that the card would not be serviced as the warrenty was "void due to modification." I saw the $86 cost on the return invoice. I went back to the site and I don't see any other way to do the process. Am I missing something?

 

[DJQuanta]

Tweakin!

I'm sorry that you wasn't as lucky with your RMA to ATI as many other people here, definitely it was a mistake to send it with the ramsinks on.

If you want to get a good card check what RETEK has to offer at eBay. He sells 9700 PRO and 9800 PRO built by ATI in "like new" condition. He told me the cards he sells are OEM system pulls from computers that were never used, the cards are tested. 9700 PRO go for like $100 - $110 and 9800 PRO for $160. He has lots of those cards up for sale so you can hunt down one for a good price. The cards are OEM so no manuals, no cables, no tv-out dongle. Shipping is expensive ($16) so take into account that.

I bought my 9800 PRO from him and beside the heat problem due to the poor HSF the card was in great condition, almost like new.

I think you would be a lot better with a 9700 PRO than buying another 9600 XT.

Hope that helps.

 

[Tweakin]

Originally posted by: DJQuanta
Tweakin!

I'm sorry that you wasn't as lucky with your RMA to ATI as many other people here, definitely it was a mistake to send it with the ramsinks on.

If you want to get a good card check what RETEK has to offer at eBay. He sells 9700 PRO and 9800 PRO built by ATI in "like new" condition. He told me the cards he sells are OEM system pulls from computers that were never used, the cards are tested. 9700 PRO go for like $100 - $110 and 9800 PRO for $160. He has lots of those cards up for sale so you can hunt down one for a good price. The cards are OEM so no manuals, no cables, no tv-out dongle. Shipping is expensive ($16) so take into account that.

I bought my 9800 PRO from him and beside the heat problem due to the poor HSF the card was in great condition, almost like new.

I think you would be a lot better with a 9700 PRO than buying another 9600 XT.

Hope that helps.

Thanks DJQ...I'll look into that as I'm going to need something.

 

[VirtualLarry]

Originally posted by: Tweakin
I sent the card in under the "RMA" process for repair...and they determined that the card would not be serviced as the warrenty was "void due to modification." I saw the $86 cost on the return invoice. I went back to the site and I don't see any other way to do the process. Am I missing something?

That makes sense then - you sent it in for warranty RMA, you modded it, they voided the warranty (rightfully) because of that, and sent you an $86 "estimate" for repair costs. Sounds fair to me.