WTF....Artic Silver voids CPU/MB warranty with Monarch?? PLEASE READ UPDATE!!

[Duvie]

Originally posted by: LED

Originally posted by: Ike0069

Originally posted by: LED

2...If it doesn't void the warranty then call AMD for a new one and by pass Monarch.

That is exactly what I'm doing. It's shipping out FedEx today.
The problem I have is why Monarch is voiding the warranty in the first place. Not to mention them also voiding the warranty on the MB.

AMD is usually good @ RMA's as long as it was installed and not damaged as any piece of equipment that is not properly applied authorized or not will void the warranty...now that you understand my 1st point of why the Video is there {For Resellers} who have trained Techs...
As for Monarch...even I may not agree with them but they do have a leg to stand on as they do not know how well versed the individual is at applying AS :

Not Electrically Conductive:
Arctic Silver 5 was formulated to conduct heat, not electricity.
(While much safer than electrically conductive silver and copper greases, Arctic Silver 5 should be kept away from electrical traces, pins, and leads. While it is not electrically conductive, the compound is very slightly capacitive and could potentially cause problems if it bridges two close-proximity electrical paths.)

Again this is moot cause the A64 as an integrated heat shield that covers all the bridges and electrical traces. Figure in the socket and one would have to have dumped a pea size of AS5 to get it to squeeze out from under the IHS and hSF and then make it over the socket and then down onto the mobo. Even then I have seen some messy jobs with AS and I have never seen that.

It is clear monarch policy is either old fashioned and behind the times for the A64 and P4 (northwood and greater) cpus, or there is some sort of bias going on here....

 

[LED]

Yes maybe Monarch would be wise to update their Policy but remember there are some who would apply AS Compound Like Gurk posted and still want it to be warranted... I have also seen people who put AS on their fingers and wiped it off on the Mobo as well as applied so much that when i opened the Case I could see where it dripped on the Vid Card...

 

[Ike0069]

First, I called Monarch one more time. Again, here is what their warranty info says:
"PLEASE READ
Monarch Computer Systems, Inc. reserves the right to refuse warranty on any processor that contains a metallic based thermal transfer compound. These compounds have been found to be slightly capacitive and can damage processors with exposed electronics on the top. Improper installation and improper use of processors will also void any warranty provided by Monarch Computer Systems."

Now, based on the first sentence only, they can void the warranty on my CPU. It is clearly stated so I lose here. But it says nothing about my MB which they also voided.

The basic conversation:
ME: I understand my CPU warranty is void, but why my MB too?
CS: When you added the AS, it voids both.
ME: But you don't even know why it won't post as it never posted after I added the AS. AS is most likely not the problem.
CS: But it was working, then you modified it, now it doesn't work. Warranty void.
ME: So simply removing the HSF and replacing it voids the warranty.
CS: Well no, but you added AS.
ME: Yes, but how does that void the warranty on the MB.
CS: It is stated in the warranty info (In quotes above).
ME: NO, I'm reading it right now, and it says nothing about anything but the CPU.
CS: (Pauses as he looks it up and reads it to himself). Hang on a minute.
ME: OK. (Puts me on hold)
CS: Well I talked with my supervisor and normally it voids the MB warranty also, but we will allow you to return it for a replacement board. I will Email you an RMA# now.
ME: Thank you for working with me on this.

So, basically since it does not specifically say anything about any item except for the CPU, they really can't void my MB warranty. That was the basic prinicple. I always new I could send it back to MSI, but I think Monarch should honor it first.


Now for the next part. I called AMD again for more precise details. They told me that they do void warranties on socket A processors for using metallic based paste (This was definitley news to me as I have used AS on my Athlons many times in the past). But for the A64 series (where they have the large heat spreader on top basically covering it completely), they do not void the warranty. They have no written policy on this however and will not even send me an E-mail from AMD on this issue. If anyone would like to call and ask them, here is the number: 1-408-749-3060, option 2. If someone gets a different story, PLEASE let me know and if possible get their name. As for Monarch, I posted a reply in their forums and asked them to please call AMD and try to straighten this situation out.
As Duvie stated, Monarch's policy on this issue is basically out of date.

 

[Duvie]

I think you did a good job here...

Good info all around...on buying from monarch...on AMD's policy both socket A and A64....

Took some time though??? You wont get that back!!!

Monarch's retarded policy on the cpu and AS5 as well as how this would somehow void the warranty of the mobo, has made me put them severely down my favorite etailer for parts...I will buy from them now if it is uber cheaper then the others...

 

[Ike0069]

Duvie, I just read your post at Monarch. That gave me a chucke. Thanks.

 

[Duvie]

Wait until I tear the moarch guys post apart....could there not be more errors in his statement...tech I think not!!!

 

[Childs]

Originally posted by: Gurck

Yep. Example.

LOL

 

[apoppin]

Originally posted by: Duvie
I think you did a good job here...

Good info all around...on buying from monarch...on AMD's policy both socket A and A64....

Took some time though??? You wont get that back!!!

Monarch's retarded policy on the cpu and AS5 as well as how this would somehow void the warranty of the mobo, has made me put them severely down my favorite etailer for parts...I will buy from them now if it is uber cheaper then the others...

agreed . . . . you did well and posted useful info for us (in buying and applying ACS re AMD and Monarch).

PLEASE keep us updated re: monarch's forums . . . . i'd like to see if they are willing to update their tired policy.

 

[BentValve]

Monarch is one of those companies that mails your stuff out fast and its cheap...so much is given in these areas that if they have to do anything else all profits are lost.


Its pretty retarded to expect class A service along with this...the best thing to do is keep your mouth shut and do what you gotta do. Most importantly though, dont buy a set-up if your not able to install it correctly because that is only going to take money out of my pocket when I want to buy from Monarch again.

 

[Ike0069]

Originally posted by: apoppin

Originally posted by: Duvie
I think you did a good job here...

Good info all around...on buying from monarch...on AMD's policy both socket A and A64....

Took some time though??? You wont get that back!!!

Monarch's retarded policy on the cpu and AS5 as well as how this would somehow void the warranty of the mobo, has made me put them severely down my favorite etailer for parts...I will buy from them now if it is uber cheaper then the others...

agreed . . . . you did well and posted useful info for us (in buying and applying ACS re AMD and Monarch).

PLEASE keep us updated re: monarch's forums . . . . i'd like to see if they are willing to update their tired policy.

Well, I'm sending the MB back to Monarch today. The CPU is already on its way to AMD. I'm still trying to get Monarch to contact AMD about the A64's and AS use. I will also keep loking at their warranty policy to se if it changes. I believe they will add something about the MB warranty being voided too. I will post if I see or ear any changes in Monarch's policy.

 

[LED]

Ike0069...I'm pleased to see that all is getting resolved and hopefully Monarch will improve their methods instead of taking your mobo back testing it, and stating that it's good, then try to chrge you a restocking fee
Still yet I realize that this has cost you excessive shipping fees and waiting time..such is life simeties with online ordering

 

[Ike0069]

Originally posted by: LED
Ike0069...I'm pleased to see that all is getting resolved and hopefully Monarch will improve their methods instead of taking your mobo back testing it, and stating that it's good, then try to chrge you a restocking fee
Still yet I realize that this has cost you excessive shipping fees and waiting time..such is life simeties with online ordering

Thanks LED.
I agree that this is always a chance we take when buying online. I can live with the down time as I have another working computer, but with only a 9700 pro, and XP 2200+.
I just want to play HL2 in my new A64 setup with my new 6800GT.

 

[GlobalHPSJoe]

Wow. I need to make it on here more often.

Well, this policy is going to be changed. It was listed in the terms and conditions, as well as in an included paper with combo orders that metallic based thermal compounds voided Monarch warranties. It was made known that it would void the warranty, so its not something that was just thrown in there after the fact. All of this is not really my area, but we are changing the terms and conditions to allow the proper use of AS as well as other thermal compounds. This will be changed very shortly on our website, because well, you demanded it.

 

[MonarchChuck]

Hello all,

As Joe said after reviewing the information we have decided to alter the policy on AS. When we instated the policy the AXP was a very popular processor. It was very easy for a customer to misapply AS on a processor and as a result damage the processor. In fact we even had some of our customers apply AS all over the processor package, not just on the die. We had received notice from a popular processor manufacturer that Monarch could not receive warranty on processors using a metallic based compound. As a result we could not warranty these processors. With processors shipping with a metallic lid over the electronics this becomes less of an issue. We will now be moving to a poicy where thermal compound misuse will void the warranty, rather than just the use of metallic compound altogether. We understand that many users do know how to apply compund correctly, but there are users out there who do not. Basically so long as the compound is not on the motherboard or in the processor socket we will honor the warranty.

 

[Abix]

Word on MonarchComputer actually replying here with news of a change in the policy.

Thats 2.25 points in my book.

 

[gsellis]

Originally posted by: MonarchJoe
Wow. I need to make it on here more often.

Well, this policy is going to be changed. It was listed in the terms and conditions, as well as in an included paper with combo orders that metallic based thermal compounds voided Monarch warranties. It was made known that it would void the warranty, so its not something that was just thrown in there after the fact. All of this is not really my area, but we are changing the terms and conditions to allow the proper use of AS as well as other thermal compounds. This will be changed very shortly on our website, because well, you demanded it.

:thumbsup:

Glad to hear you guys respond here. I had been pointing you out casually lately (I am just up the street in Suwanee) and was starting to wonder if that had been a bad thing. Fixed!

 

[apoppin]

Originally posted by: Abix
Word on MonarchComputer actually replying here with news of a change in the policy.

Thats 2.25 points in my book.

Good news . . . . the "?" re: Monarch is back to a "+" in mine.

:thumbsup:

 

[Duvie]

I agree. And ofcourse I apologize for any of my harsh remarks, becuase it takes some tsand up ppl to admit the mistake and come here personally to deal with it....

Back to Defcon 5 with Monarch...

 

[Ike0069]

Wow, I'm very impressed. I know you guys were reading the replies in your Monarch forums about this particular thread. Glad you found it. I called out for ya earlier in this thread Joe, but you were no where around.

I would like to say that the paper that came with my combo says absolutely nothing about using (or not using) a metallic based TIM.
Here it is word for word:
"In the event that you have to remove the HSF, make sure to use a thermal transfer paste or T.I.M. Pad covering only the processor die (not the entire processor), and make sure the heat sink does not make contact with the CPU socket, only the processor die or heat spreader. etc..."

I make this point because I just don't want some smart ass telling me I'm an idiot because it was written on a paper that came with the MB/CPU. It was not. Just the same as several idiots here telling me AMD voids the warranty on a retail HSF if you use any TIM other that what is supplied by AMD
Now I do admit it does say this in the T&C posted on the site, but that also seems to be refering to processors with exposed electronics on top. Either way, I'm not looking for Monarch to warranty my processor, as it is already at AMD in CA being tested.

 

[flamingspinach]

Topic Title: WTF....Artic Silver voids CPU/MB warranty with Monarch?? PLESAE READ UPDATE!!

PLESAE FIX TYPO!!



-fs

 

[flexy]

i dont like this policy...BUT...

there are people around who have ZERO clue what they're doing...go around and look thru the forums...how people put a pound of AS on the CPU, splattering all around, underneath the HSF the goo comes out..then ("because it cant hurt") splatter another half pound of AS goo on the memory ("because it will cool the memory') and wherever...

ANd..yes its true...AS is conductive and when "pros" like the above do their mods then you can usually bet that some components are damaged...from that POV i can understand that they dont honor warranty.

Edit: of course i would not INSIST (eg. if i call them on the phone) that i used AS or modded or anything..."Huh ?? "overclocking ?" whats that ?" etc...

It should also be known that aftermarket HSF and AS and all that stuff voids AMD warranty and probably others too..so..better dont tell them

 

[Ike0069]

Originally posted by: flamingspinach

PLESAE FIX TYPO!!



-fs

 

[Ike0069]

Bump.
Make note of Monarch's reply on this thread. I think they're coming around.

 

[formulav8]

Well, even though the Monarch people may be trying to make it right, now, they will most likely Not get any business from me and a couple others I know. Even if they care

This whole ordeal shows their greed. Even if a possiblity that they would have lost money by accepting the cpu rma, that is just part of owning a business.


Jason

 

[Fern]

Originally posted by: MonarchChuck
Hello all,

We will now be moving to a poicy where thermal compound misuse will void the warranty, rather than just the use of metallic compound altogether. We understand that many users do know how to apply compund correctly, but there are users out there who do not. Basically so long as the compound is not on the motherboard or in the processor socket we will honor the warranty.

Sounds reasonable to me.

I'm impressed with their responsiveness.