VGA aftermarket cooler voids warranty or not?

[praesto]

So folks, lets get this issue resolved, once and for all!

Have you ever RMA'ed a malfunctional GFX which you had installed an aftermarket cooler on? I've HEARD that you can simply put the reference cooler on before sending it back to the company, but can you really do so without leaving any traces of having removed the heatsink before?


I'm planning to get a club 3d 8800gt (CHEAP stuff in my country!) and I want to purchase a Thermalright v2 or VF900 for it, but only if I can still keep my warranty.

Is the warranty practically voided by installing an aftermarket cooler or not?

 

[MarcVenice]

As far as I know, only EVGA and BFG don't void warranty if you install an aftermarket cooler, and then replace it again with the stock cooler. That is, as long as you don't damage anything while doing so ...

 

[SparkyJJO]

Asus allows you to take off the cooler too, they specifically say in the email they send you with an RMA number that if you have removed the factory heatsink to put it back on before sending the card to them.

 

[HannibalX]

Yeah I have heard Asus is pretty good about that. Both Asus cards I have owned didn't need after market coolers though because they put a good one on to start with.

 

[JEDIYoda]

There is no one definitive answer..
It all depends on the manufacturer!