AX1500i dead after 4 years, warranty worthless... Can I fix it?

[rtho782]

So, my AX1500i is completely dead. No lights at all, the self test button does nothing. I've checked the fuse and even confirmed voltage in the power lead with a multimeter.

I thought it would be fine thanks to the 10 year warranty, but the RMA required me to return *all* the modular cables. I phoned their repair people (they actually have you send them back to a certain Bolton based e-tailer in the UK, even though I didn't buy it there) and they confirmed that yes, they require every cable it came with.

I have moved house 3 times in 4 years, I never foresaw a use for the I2C cable, or the molex to floppy adaptors, I only have 4 of the 8 PCIe cables, etc.

The repair people confirmed that they are strict on this point.

So, I guess I have no warranty. Is it likely I can fix anything in this? I can solder etc if I have to.

 

[rtho782]

Worrying as I have the same PSU.

Sounds ridiculous that they can't diagnose and repair it without the original cables.

Well I mean I get that the issue might be a short in a cable or something, but I tested this with no cables attached.

I would be perfectly happy with them keeping the cables from any replacement, but apparently this is a non-negotiable point.

Half my PC equipment seems to be Corsair - Keyboard, Headset, Case, PSU, about 12 ML series fans, Commander Pro fan controllers, etc. This will really make me think twice in future.

I'm not surprised the Bolton lot are so intransigent - there is a reason I don't buy much from them - but I expected more from Corsair.

 

[rtho782]

Corsair telephone support opens at 0700 Pacific time, I will try calling them and post back with any news....

 

[rtho782]

Thanks for the offer Glacius

It seems I spoke a little too soon and should put down my pitchfork. The bolton lot insisted it needed to come with every cable and that there was no leeway. When Corsair support opened today (at 1500 or 0700 PST) I called them, and they said it would be fine and they had added notes to the RMA to that effect.

In the end I can't fault Corsair, assuming that bears out, the issue is with their appointed RMA people (that other e-tailer).

I've sent it to them today via Parcelforce.

 

[rtho782]

Good to hear you were able to sort this out over the phone. For reference for anyone else, we do request all the cables to be sent in with the PSU for an RMA, however it will not void your warranty if all of them are not returned.

Thanks Nick. It should be arriving at the RMA centre tomorrow. Assuming it's completely dead and not repairable, how long would it normally be before I get a new one? Stock of these (as with all high end PSUs) seems to be tight with the current mining craze, but I'm hoping RMAs have a separate stock?

 

[rtho782]

My replacement is due to arrive via FedEx on Friday, it's been a couple of weeks turnaround, so not too bad, thankfully I have spare PSUs to use in the meantime.

Today however, a solitary IEC C13 "kettle lead" turned up at my house from Scan. I have not ordered anything from them, so I can only assume this is to use with the replacement AX1500i. Obviously I sent the original power cable in with it, being as they seemed so fussy about it.

I'm theorising that as these things are in such short stock, the one that is being sent out, that has been on a round the world trip from Hong Kong, to Memphis USA, and is currently in Stanstead, does not have a UK plug.

The issue will come in that the AX1500i takes an IEC C19 connector and not a C13, so I may well be without a PSU on Friday due to Scan's ineptitude.

I tried calling Corsair support, but they did not comprehend what the hell I was on about, so I will harass Scan tomorrow.

Here's a picture, in case I'm just that bad at explaining!

I further note that the lead they have sent is a 0.75mm2 lead. For a 1500W PSU. The UK wiring regs state that 0.75mm2 cable is safe up to 6A. Drawing 1500W through this cable at 230V would be 6.5A, as such this is a fire safety risk. Or at least, it would be if it would fit the PSU.

 

[rtho782]

Won't the correct cable be in the box for the PSU? When I had my Corsair PSU RMAd it came as a sealed new unit with all the new cables etc.?

Exactly as per said above, when I have my replacement sent it was via scan and it was a complete new PSU, including all cables.

I would have expected this to be the case too, but I can't imagine why else Scan have sent me a random power cable.

Given that high wattage power supplies are in short supply (I can't find any AX1500i's in the UK at any retailer), and this PSU is coming from HK via the USA, I wonder if they are sending me a non-UK version, which would come with say a US or EU plug.

Seems tenuous perhaps, but why else would Scan have sent me a random power cable?!

 

[rtho782]

Good news and bad news....

The PSU arrived early (today) and is an AX1600i, so yay free upgrade!

It did however, come with an EU power lead. I guess I was right about the one from Scan.

I ordered a correct one from OcUK this morning, but the free delivery option was 2nd class, so it could be a while. I'll talk to scan tomorrow and ask them to send me one as they should send it next day.

 

[rtho782]

Good to hear that you received your replacement. You got the best we have to offer with the AX1600i. Yes, I can see how it would be confusing, but this was to ensure you received the correct plug as you mentioned. The AX1600i, 1500i, and 1200i have different plugs from the rest of our line, so it can be a little challenging to find them if the correct regional cable is note included.

Perhaps you should tell Scan this, as they sent out a standard lead, not the lead for the AX1600i/1500i/1200i.

I put UK plug on the included lead myself.