Motherboard manufacturers and customer service

[Ken90630]

Hey, All:

I'm lookin' to get a Socket A mobo soon for an Athlon XP 2600 build. I've been doin' my homework & research regarding features/specs/pricing/warranties, but another factor I'd like to know about is the customer service I can expect if I ever need it.

Obviously, I have a great resource to lean on with you guys here at Anandtech.com when it comes to issues with any of the more popular Socket A boards (Asus, Abit, etc.). However, I'd also like to be able to have access to telephone tech support from the mobo mfgr if I do ever need it (as a relative newbie, it's a possibility).

Many of the board mfgrs' Web sites I've looked at seem to indicate they only provide tech support/cust. service via e-mail. I'm sorry, but to be blunt, that is pathetic. If a company won't even talk to me verbally if I'm havin' a problem with their product, and do so for free, then clearly they have little interest in me other than to get my money from the initial purchase. (I'm talkin' in-warranty support here.)

Do any of you guys have any opinions on which of the big mobo mfgrs seem to have the best customer service/tech support? Which ones are the worst?

 

[o1die]

I've talked to techs from albatron, abit, and msi, so I can vouch for their support. I've also returned boards to all of them, and received new ones in about 2-3 weeks, which is the norm. I believe all 3 offer 3 year warranties on their motherboards. Asus also has a 3 year warranty, but I've never tried returning a board directly to them. For a good vender, you can't beat newegg. They will get you a new board asap if still under warranty.

 

[Ken90630]

Thanks. That helps a little.

If you don't mind my asking, did you have to jump thru hoops to get them to speak to you? Reason I ask is that I've spent several hours this afternoon checking out the various mobo mfgrs' Web sites, and every one of them seems to want us to e-mail them first, and only call after receiving some sort of authorization. I've looked at 12 sites so far -- every one has virtually the same policy.

I'm kind of a newb when it comes to mobos (as you've probably noticed), so I'm learnin' the ropes about how things are out there. Thanks for your patience.