EVGA, the step up, and the glory......sort of.

[ebeattie]

Well, I pulled the trigger last night on the step up program with EVGA for one of the them nice new shiny 8800 GTXs that got all lined up lookin purty. Heh, I guess my idea for 7900 GTO SLI till a ground up build REALLY didnt stand the test of time.

Anyway, for those of you that have used Stp up in the past, how long did the approval process take after you sent EVGA your invoice? I print a copy of mine from newegg and faxed it to them.... should I have marke that as attention to someone? Or do you think that fax number is a dedicated line to the step up dept and they can figure it out?

Also, seeing as though 380 bucks for the second step up isnt oing to magically appear or grow on trees to qualify for the program, Ill be selling my second 7900 GTO as soon as I recieve the 8800. For a card that has been in use at most 3 months, what would a fair market value be for this card? 80% of new retail? Opinions would be greatly appreciated.

And lastly, since my DFI board has taken a dump on me, what would be a sound replacement? The ASUS premium A8N NF4 SLI board looks enticing, but Id like to get a board with dual PCIe x16 lanes. Recommendations are appreciated.

thanks in advance


-Ed

EDIT: To clarify the dual x16 lanes, I mean the boards that provide full x16 capacity even in SLI v. defaulting to x8 lanes for SLI

 

[Woofmeister]

Let me answer your step-up questions since I also bought a pair of 7900 GTOs with the specific intent to step them up for the 8800s which were due out two months later.

Here's the skinny. First, EVGA will get back to you in a couple of business days after they receive your invoice. Like you, I just faxed my invoice in with my Serial Number written on the top to the number provided. I was amazed at how fast they got back to me.

After they approve your invoice, you will have a certain number of days to pay the balance owed for your 8800GTX. You're lucky, the price has fallen since I bought my first one with step up and you're only going to pay $370 for your new card plus shipping. I paid $400 for my first 8800GTX. After your payment is approved, EVGA will give you instructions for returning your old 7900 GTO card. It's identical to an RMA to EVGA. The only thing is, you'll have to send them everything along with the card--the original packaging, the software, cables, literature, etc. Your method of shipping is up to you, but you will pay the cost and you're responsible if the card is damaged in transit so pay for the extra bubble wrap at UPS.

After EVGA received my card, I was notified within a day or two at most that my new card was being shipped out. The only wrinkle was that EVGA insists on a signature by an adult for the card to be delivered. Even if you have a signature on file with the shipper, they will not leave it at your door and you will have to make sure someone is home to sign for the package.

Beause of the expense of two 8800 GTXs (and the fact that the cards are so powerful SLI is unnecessary), I staggered my step ups over time and have just now been notified that my second replacement 8800 GTX is now available. I don't even have a computer a second 8800GTX will fit in, but my step up is about to expire so I'm going to bite the bullet and just leave the thing in the package until I'm ready to build my new Vista computer next month.

That's the EVGA step up program and it's great. Having been through the process, I have to compliment EVGA on a very fast and fair method of dealing with their customers. They've made me a real EVGA fanboy.

Enjoy your new card!

 

[ebeattie]

Glad to hear that step up was a pleasant experience! Ill have to make sure my case can fit two 8800s.