Asus Rampage IV Formula - Major issues, RMA?

MissileMoose

MissileMoose

MissileMoose

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Joined
7 Dec 2010
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Location
United Kingdom
Hello,

I'm having some issues with my new machine that I finished building yesterday (See signature for specification).

When I took the motherboard out of the box I noticed a small silver cover was bent/hanging off the bottom left side of the PCB, I continued to build as I assumed it was just a cover and nothing major. However upon booting for the first time with everything installed, I got no picture on my monitor.

Upon closer inspection I noticed that the LED display on the motherboard said 'AF'. I did a bit of research and found that I needed to update my BIOS due to some issues with the i7-3820. I updated to the latest with the ROG connect button and a USB stick. The update was successful.

I then proceeded to attempt another boot, multiple times. However I kept getting an 'A2' message (Translates to: "IDE Detect"). I couldn't get past that error, so I decided to plug the speaker in.

Just so you all understand: One long beep followed by three short (1-3) means that the VGA isn't detected. One long beep followed by four short means (1-4) "Hardware component failure". I am unsure of the specific meaning (Ie, what could be wrong).

I tested the machine in every way that I could and am still confused. With everything installed I got 1-3 and 1-4. With just the CPU and a single DIMM of RAM I get the same, 1-3 and 1-4.

I think it must be the motherboard or CPU, but the motherboard seems to be damaged in transit (See above, the silver cover) so to me is the most likely suspect.

Could anybody else shed some light on what "Hardware component failure" could mean? I can't test the CPU or Mobo as I don't have another 2011 chip or mobo. I took the CPU out everything seemed to be fine, no bent pins or damaged pads.

I posted an RMA request into the CS section, though am thinking about canceling and going directly to Asus, but am unsure of their support and how long it would take. :(

Any ideas?
 
Please fix your signature.

Unless I'm mistaken the image is 20.24kB which is too large.

You may use a signature (commonly used in email messages) in your posts. You can specify in your profile a signature to use at the bottom of your posts. When you post, there is an option to use your signature. A signature may contain one or more images but they must fit within a box with maximum dimensions of 400 x 75 pixels (width x height) and with a maximum (combined) file size of 20k. Images containing mostly very large words or animated .gifs will not be permitted. You may also add 1 consecutive lines of normal or smaller text directly above or underneath the image with no spaces inbetween image and text. If no images are used then up to 4 consecutive lines of normal or smaller text is permitted. Do not pad out your text lines with blanks lines. A line of text is defined as having a maximum length of 400 pixels. If you want to turn the signature off in the future, you can come back and edit your post. If you have specified a signature in your profile, the box will be automatically ticked for you.
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Okay, due to bad lighting and a very bad camera I am unable to get a decent picture. I found a decent shot of the onboard audio part, so can illustrate the problem easily.

OFAfR.jpg


When I first took the board out of the box and found the issue, I had a look to see how the cover was installed. It seems that it has been soldered down in two corners, marked in blue in the picture.

The grey lines show the orientation of the cover when first discovered. It was blocking the botton left screw hole. The cover itself has since been gently pushed back in as it was in the way of the case PCI covers.

-----
Edit: If whatever happened to this board was enough to break that cover off, surely it'd be strong enough to damage other components of the motherboard?
 
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If the board was damaged as you describe (i.e. damaged solerding) i would rma to the retailer before your 14 days are up - straight forward swap or refund. You certainly need to inform them..

As Surveyor has mentioned - Asus have an appalling rma service (it's why i have stopped buying them) - and your board clearly has a physical fault.

Whether this is the cause of your problems is irrelevent - to a point -as the board is damaged and should be returned an case of future problems that mey develop - or have already developed.

You don't want to get the board stable now only to find in 13 months time that the physical damage that you have now starts to cause problems. Then you will have to deal with Asus directly :/
 
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Hello Plec,

Thank you for your response. I really like this particular motherboard so I'll return to OcUK since I have already raised an RMA ticket. I'm guessing that I need to phone up DPD and pay for a pickup, do OcUK usually cover the cost of the initial pickup?

Thanks for your help! It's much appreciated. :)
 
Yss, the retailer should cover the pickup costs - but you may need to enclose a letter requesting for the amount be refunded and also include the receipt of p&p in the package.

They may ask you to take it to the PO - so be sure to get proof of postage etc...
 
mick4545 said:
Please keep us informed of the RMA process.
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I posted the motherboard to Overclockers UK on the 14th, it was signed for on the 15th. Bailey tested it today and concluded that it is indeed faulty, he has arranged for a replacement to be sent out.

I asked for some more details on the fault, this was his reply:

I tested the board and it was definately faulty, it didnt post here at all. I tested it with 3 different CPUS, 2 different sets of memory and 2 different PSUs.

The replacement should be on its way with you shortly.

Regards

Bailey
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Great service from Overclockers, yet again. :)
 
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