The trend (use of warranty)

[Seero]

So lately rumors stated that it is okay to OC and shall anything happened during OC or not able to get to a certain level of OC, it is okay to RMA. Of course, if we have the "go" from manufacturers, we can all start OC, but then it raises several questions even if it is covered.

Say OC is covered, why do users have to OC themself instead of preclock? Why do we need to download freewares off the web and do it? At what types of OC is covered? Overvolt until we can't with those program then start new frequency because there is a hard cap on the card anyways? Or bump frequency to a higher frequency while stay stable? For true overclockers, don't they still need volt mod as those programs ain't capable of setting to the voltage beyond what the manufacturer specifies? Does not it mean we are buying hardwares that are not running at their maximum speed at stock?

Say OC isn't covered, when why do people think it is? I haven't find a single statement from any manufacturer stating that it is safe to OC. Yes, some were able to RMA their card after frying the card with OC, but won't there be more to it like "it will fry with or without OC due to a defective part?" For example, the fan died, which has nothing to do with OC and its the root cause of the kill.

Again, whether or not it is an abuse depends on the trend, as customers are always right. However, keep in mind that if OC is mandatory, then manufacturer must not set default clock to maximum to ensure that there are head room for OC. There are no free lunches. Those ain't the worst. The worst is the rumor is false and manufacturers may not accept claims due to OC. In this case, lots of people who now believe OC is covered are going to run into problems in the near future.

My understanding is this. OC is not covered, but manufacturer sometimes go easy on customer because they are too lazy to verify the root cause. However, if the amount of RMA increases to a certain level, they will reject claims related to OC.

 

[Cerb]

Say OC is covered, why do users have to OC themself instead of preclock?

1. Cost.
2. There are very few preclocked cards near their maximum (I know of only 2 nVidia cards, FI, both GTX 560s). I bought a preclocked card, FI, and it readily goes above any pre-OCed stock card of the time.

Why do we need to download freewares off the web and do it?

Because its Windows. If MS were to create a decent app store, we might spend $1 for the privilege, instead.

At what types of OC is covered? Overvolt until we can't with those program then start new frequency because there is a hard cap on the card anyways? Or bump frequency to a higher frequency while stay stable? For true overclockers, don't they still need volt mod as those programs ain't capable of setting to the voltage beyond what the manufacturer specifies? Does not it mean we are buying hardwares that are not running at their maximum speed at stock?

Modding the BIOS typically goes over the line. I would assume manufacturers have the voltage clamped to values which are safe for the chip, they just go above TDP. And, of course we aren't buying hardware running at its maximum speed. We are buying hardware that is to operate within certain limits of current, power, and thermals, such that all chips can meet them (IE, we are buying based on the worst chips that get a pass, not each chip's potential).

However, if the amount of RMA increases to a certain level, they will reject claims related to OC.

Yes. I would personally be just fine with a card recording its maximum speed settings, even, so long as non-OC failures are still covered (factory defects, plain bad design, that sort of thing).