AMD RMA experiences?

[Emlyn_Dewar]

Anyone have any experiences with RMAs to AMD?
My PC froze whilst idle yesterday, would not POST afterwards.
It was narrowed down to motherboard or CPU, I assumed it would just have been the motherboard that had bitten the dust but after trying the 955 in another board, I see the same problem.

Found the paperwork here and was surprised to see that it's a 3 year warranty... Not sure I still have the box though.
Anyone have any experiences with returning CPUs to AMD?

Aside from a couple of hours at 3.6ghz in Summer, it's ran at stock it's whole life. Case has good airflow and the Thermaltake SpinQ has kept it at decent temperature.

Just wanted to see if this would be a total hassle or if it wouldn't be too painful an experience.

 

[Emlyn_Dewar]

Digging this thread up from it's grave just to see if anyone has an idea of the timeframe...

Recently submitted an RMA request on my 955, have received a couple of noreply e-mails mid way through last week but nothing since then.
Anyone had to RMA with AMD before? Was hoping the delays would come after they had my CPU...

 

[wazza300]

have you left mb battery out for 30mins or overnight then tried? best to rma through the place you purchased cpu,roughly 2 to 3 weeks turn around unless the shop gives you replacement chip and returns yours to amd

 

[alex24]

I would also recommend going back to the retailer. They legally have to either fix it or replace it for you.

 

[Emlyn_Dewar]

The chip was bought from OcUK around 2 and half years ago, fortunately it was the retail version so had 3 years warranty.
It's been tested in a couple of other motherboards now (with different memory/PSU and graphics), gives the same symptoms.

Think due to the age is has to be returned direct to AMD, just lack patience at the initial stage. Like I said, expected the delays to come after the CPU had been sent back.

 

[alex24]

Think due to the age is has to be returned direct to AMD

This is a common misconception that retailers aren't so keen to quash for obvious reasons. Legally speaking, AMD have no obligation to replace it for you, this lies with the retailer (with whom you have a contract) and they should only suggest going to a manufacturer directly if they have an agreement to do this because it saves costs and gives a quicker turnaround. However, if you are unhappy with the service from AMD, you can ask the retailer to sort it for you and they must oblige by repairing it (unlikely!), replacing it (probably through RMA from them to AMD, sometimes from stock) or refunding it if the former two cannot be done.

There is no reason that because it is more than a year old that the retailer can't take it back. In fact, even if the warranty was expired, you would still have a case to seek a repair or replacement from the retailer purely on the basis that a CPU should last at least, say, 5 years or whatever is legally considered to be a 'reasonable time'.

 

[Emlyn_Dewar]

I see, interesting information there and will definitely look into it if needs be.
It's only been a week or so, will give AMD a chance first!

I'm really just looking to have this 955 replaced for another identical chip, I liked that CPU.

 

[Uther]

When I had problems with my AMD 4000+ CPU a few years ago, I RMA'd it back to AMD, because the retailer said there was nothing wrong with it (and charged me for the privilege )
AMD replaced it within 2-3 weeks.

 

[The Halk]

Alex24's advice is very much correct and useful. If you do decide to look into it, he's talking about the Sale of Goods Act.

 

[Diggsy]

This is a common misconception that retailers aren't so keen to quash for obvious reasons. Legally speaking, AMD have no obligation to replace it for you, this lies with the retailer (with whom you have a contract) and they should only suggest going to a manufacturer directly if they have an agreement to do this because it saves costs and gives a quicker turnaround. However, if you are unhappy with the service from AMD, you can ask the retailer to sort it for you and they must oblige by repairing it (unlikely!), replacing it (probably through RMA from them to AMD, sometimes from stock) or refunding it if the former two cannot be done.

There is no reason that because it is more than a year old that the retailer can't take it back. In fact, even if the warranty was expired, you would still have a case to seek a repair or replacement from the retailer purely on the basis that a CPU should last at least, say, 5 years or whatever is legally considered to be a 'reasonable time'.

This sounds about right, I've had a Zalman PSU replaced after 2 years and an Abit motherboard refunded in full after (IIRC) around the same time.

Both had been purchased from the online store that is something you might do with a paintbrush and on both occasions I found their CS excellent.

 

[Emlyn_Dewar]

Another week with no e-mail on what to do with this CPU. Might just log another RMA request with AMD on this to see if they'll pull the finger out...
Might also see if OcUK return will work, just want the CPU replaced!

 

[dcsarge]

Alex24 - I would be slightly wary of some of the advice you are giving out, as it isn't quite as black and white as you say. I am very much in favour of people knowing their rights but within legally described limits and expectation. The age of the goods does have a lot of bearing on the burden of proof for the fault and reasonable remedy from the retailer
/maufacturer.

This is good starting point for clarification and every consumer should read it - http://www.oft.gov.uk/business-advice/treating-customers-fairly/sogahome/sogaexplained

 

[valkynaz]

Might also see if OcUK return will work, just want the CPU replaced!

I doubt OcUK will be able to replace it as they don't stock 955s anymore. 'm guessing they would have to do an RMA as well, in which case you might get a faster turnover as I imagine retailers are a priority over consumers when it comes to RMAing.

 

[Emlyn_Dewar]

That's all I'm thinking. No looking for direct replacement from retailer, just want the process to be kicked into gear!

 

[greenballoon]

i tried amd's rma online form twice around november to try and get my reasonably new phenom 2 replaced.. i still haven't heard back from them at all for either request. i emailed ocuk about a week ago, i got an rma number back the next day and amd had the cpu 2 days after that! i would definitely go through over clockers rather than amd!

 

[Emlyn_Dewar]

OcUK wont return mine unfortunately.
I'll bombard AMD with requests until they do something.

Edit: Just to update this, without bumping thread, on off chance anyone is searching for RMA experience.
I sent a second request in which got a prompt response saying that my CPU serial number was wrong, this had a reply address fortunately.
Sent an email with correct details and mentioned the previous ticket which had went unactioned for 3 weeks.
Had an RMA number and return address a day later, CPU is shipping off to the AMD Netherlands Death Camp as I speak! (26/01)

Pass visual inspection email through today, replacement CPU to be sent in next few days. (01/02)

If I get a shiny new 955 back, I'll be forced to build up the PC again... :|

Last edit: AMD had sent replacement CPU sent, arrived 07/02, collected today. They've sent out a 125w 965BE in place of the 955, can't argue with that!