PC motherboard warranty experience, fair?

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1
Just want to run something by you. Normally I buy from Digitec, and they have been excellent with regard to RMA etc, but due to supply issues I was forced to buy from a different retailer. Here goes-

- Got an expensive Asus motherboard 1 year ago for CHF 400+ as I needed a quality, stable motherboard for work. Guarantee- Until 2024.

- It dies exactly 1 year later, in the middle of a deadline. With an error code that many people online seem to have got after 1 year of use. I go out and instantly buy a replacement MSI motherboard, as work needed to be done.

- I RMA the ASUS motherboard, using the online form, I check the box that states "in case of not being able to repair, a refund or credit note will be provided".

- I wait 1 month, then suddenly a plain brown box appears. It has the same Asus model motherboard, but it is definitely not my one. So it was non-repairable, i.e. dead.

- There is no real info in the letter that came with the non retail, plain brown box. It does however state- "We received a mobo with serial number XYZ, and in return, we send you a mobo with serial number ABC."

- The mobo they send might be brand new, as all the films are still stuck on the motherboard. I have no way of being sure.

I have a simple question, should I not have been given the option to get a refund or credit note as my mobo was non-repairable?

If it is indeed a brand new mobo, then I guess it is fair.

Not sure if I should build a second system on it, it probably will die again in a year :-)

2
Hi, I'm not sure about current laws in CH, but when I was "on the other side" of the counter in Italy we had the choice, not the customer. For companies a replacement is preferrable to a refund; repair and replacement are equivalent from this point of view (you are guaranteed the functionality, not the serial number).

If the mobo is the exact same model and does not lack original functionalities that you need, I would say the case was positively closed.

3

Thanks for the reply. All the protective foils are still stuck on the motherboard, so it probably is brand new too. Also, guarantee is still valid until 2024.

So, yes, I should not have any complaints. Just needed a neutral opinion.

4

If you went through ASUS (the manufacturer) you have to see the voluntary guarantee conditions as this out of the scope of the Swiss code of obligations. Code of obligations only covers the contractual relationship between buyer and seller. Nearly anything goes regarding manufacture guarantee.

If you went through Digitec (the seller) than according the Swiss code of obligations the buyer has by default the option to either request refund, repair, or replacement. However, this default set by the code of obliagtions can be overriden by the sale contract or the seller’s general terms and conditions. Most comercial seller do so, such that they have the joice of replecement, repair, or refund and no longer the buyer.

5
Yes, I went through the Swiss seller, who then sent it to Asus. I just did a dummy RMA run and yes it indeed says that the sellers' "terms and conditions of service apply."

I had the option to check a box, (which I had done) with the following text- " Where possible , credit will be preferred over repair or replacement."

Anyway, I will just stick with Digitec for future purchases as they have been very good to me compared to the competition.