Newegg open box? SLi needed?

[MrPibb]

I'm heads up between two mobos and can't decide which one to pick. So I was hoping someone could give a little insight.

I found a deal on newegg for an open box Asus P5E X38:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...2E16813131219R

It's about the same price as my original consideration, an ABIT IP35
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...+Intel+P35

The 2 things I'm questioning are...

1.) What kind of policy does Newegg have about open box products and what condition can I expect the part to be in. Thus being the X38 and providing the advantage of SLi in the future.

or

2.) Does anyone think it's best going with the new part which is the P35, and not worrying about SLi since running at 1680x1050 resolution won't require much more then a single card.

 

[Zap]

Originally posted by: MrPibb
1.) What kind of policy does Newegg have about open box products and what condition can I expect the part to be in. Thus being the X38 and providing the advantage of SLi in the future.

x38 can do Crossfire but not SLI, AFAIK. If you want better performance, you can always go pseudo-SLI/Crossfire by getting the dual GPU versions of current cards, such as the Geforce 9800GX2 or Radeon 3870x2.

Newegg policy on "open box" is that they are returns from the manufacturer and are not tested at all by Newegg. There is a 15 day return period. All returns are automatically hit with a 15% restocking fee. No returns after 15 days (from invoice date). Some manufacturers do not warranty "open box" items. These are also AKA "refurbished." "Open box" is a friendlier term, such as "previously loved" instead of "used."

Regarding the condition, it can be anywhere from essentially brand new, to looking beat up and being DOA. It can come with everything that you get with a brand new one, or it can come with absolutely nothing, even missing "essential" parts.

With "open box" items you are 100% taking a risk in order to save money. Sometimes it pays off, sometimes it doesn't.

 

[Puffnstuff]

Open box is a grab bag buy and if the parts are missing thats on you. Don't do it and buy new.

 

[Cybercraig]

NewEgg Open box items are returns that come as MB only. You don't even get the I/O shield. Is it worth it? You can run only 1 Nvidia GPU with an X38 chipset board as it is set up for Crossfire.

 

[Zap]

Originally posted by: Cybercraig
NewEgg Open box items are returns that come as MB only. You don't even get the I/O shield.

You sometimes do. It is luck of the draw and is completely not guaranteed, but it does happen on occasion.

 

[o1die]

I got a maximus extreme for $39.43 shipped about 5 weeks ago. Must have been a new hire. Bargains like that are rare, but ocassionally happen.