Another dead MSI 7950 Twin Frozr

[Krisali]

Ordered Samsung 840Pro 256GB and a MSI 7950 Twin Frozr.

The graphics card initially seemed to be ok but on loading games noticed loads of graphical artifacts. Trying to extend my desktop onto a second monitor would result in black screens or BSOD. PC would freeze randomly or BSOD. All drivers up to date. This was all on stock settings mind.

Although I don't have any evidence it honestly looked like the card was a B-Grade or had previously been returned. The box was shabby and the packaging was not sealed. I overlooked this as I didn't want to deal with the hassle of returning the item and just wanted to play games

So I've removed the card and installed my old 6950 and everything is fine. I have submitted an RMA webnote and was wondering what I could expect. Will I have to pay return post or will they pick up? Is it better to get a replacement under MSI warranty or deal with OCUK?

Many Thanks,

Krisali

On a positive, I'm very pleased with the 840 Pro

Edit: System specs

3570k
Asus P8Z77-V
16gb Corsair Vengeance

 

[Puppetmaster]

You will need to post it back to them and pay postage, but you should be able to claim that back afterwards. Its probably best to send it to overclockers if its quite new.

 

[Krisali]

Yeah it arrived on Tuesday 16th but I only managed to get around to installing it yesterday. So it is within the 7 working days.

Thanks for your help

 

[PorkPieCat]

well you get 14 days here anyway

 

[wazza300]

were you running latest motherboard bios?

 

[Krisali]

were you running latest motherboard bios?

Yup

 

[Drangueos]

I got 4 of this cards last week...

1st was dead out of the box, 2nd the bios switch is loose, 3rd is artfacting and the 4th is working.. i think.

 

[Krisali]

I got 4 of this cards last week...

1st was dead out of the box, 2nd the bios switch is loose, 3rd is artfacting and the 4th is working.. i think.

Oh God sorry to hear that! I've heard some bad things but just figured I'd take the chance. Just hope I can get a working replacement soonish

 

[Krisali]

After some research it looks like this is a common issue. So my question is which voltage unlocked card can I get instead?

 

[pgi947]

The majority of 7950's are unlocked, its 7970's that seem to be plagued by volt locks.

For something with a good aftermarket cooler, the Gigabyte Windforce is worth a look

 

[cainer]

The majority of 7950's are unlocked, its 7970's that seem to be plagued by volt locks.

For something with a good aftermarket cooler, the Gigabyte Windforce is worth a look

afaik the wf3 is voltage locked, soon tell you as mine should arrive tuesday

 

[pgi947]

I was under the impression the 7970 WF was locked, the 7950 wasn't...

Guess we'll find out then

 

[Rusty0611]

The 7950s from GB are hard locked to 1.25V. So not the worst kind of voltage locking but irritating if you wanted to run 1100 MHz with lower volts for example...