Hi,
 
I received my new EVGA X299 Dark Motherboard yesterday, all sealed up as expected. When I unpacked the Motherboard from the anti-static back the CPU protective cover was already removed and floating around in the antistatic bag. I've had a look at the CPU socket pins but I'm concerned now after reading how sensitive to damage these are. I've emailed EVGA support but not had a reply. Should I try the motherboard or reject it for a replacement?
 
Regards,
 
Zera

zerajera
Hi,
 
I received my new EVGA X299 Dark Motherboard yesterday, all sealed up as expected. When I unpacked the Motherboard from the anti-static back the CPU protective cover was already removed and floating around in the antistatic bag. I've had a look at the CPU socket pins but I'm concerned now after reading how sensitive to damage these are. I've emailed EVGA support but not had a reply. Should I try the motherboard or reject it for a replacement?
 
Regards,
 
Zera

I would return it...……..…...

ty_ger07
Without any video or photographic proof while unpacking it, it would be impossible for you to prove your story is true.  If it doesn't look damaged, I would just use it and hope for the best.  If it does look damaged or proves not to work, good luck fighting that uphill battle.  I definitely would not spend the time and money shipping back the board without at least first proving that it is damaged.

+1.  I would also examine the pins with a magnifying glass.  Sometimes it's hard to see a slightly bent pin(s) with just your eyeballs.  Hopefully you find no issue's.

On the protective cover, was there also a sticker with instructions on how to remove the cover? Do you have any video or photo from the unboxing itself?
 
You can find bent pins fairly easily, for me at least, since you can see when they are not in line. Before you try to bring them back into position, contact support via phone anyway and explain your case.
 
Be also careful, when trying to remove that sticker, it is really tightly sticked to the protective cover ...

zerajera

Y3didya
On the protective cover, was there also a sticker with instructions on how to remove the cover? Do you have any video or photo from the unboxing itself?
 
You can find bent pins fairly easily, for me at least, since you can see when they are not in line. Before you try to bring them back into position, contact support via phone anyway and explain your case.
 
Be also careful, when trying to remove that sticker, it is really tightly sticked to the protective cover ...

Hi,
 
I think the instructions glued to the protective cover are the main problem. I think the extra weight of the information sheets glued to the cover with shipping shocks dislodged it. I have two twisted pins, Amazon have offered to refund the item but I need to pay for the shipping costs back to the USA from the UK where I ordered it. I'm still waiting for EVGA to respond to me RMA request who are in Europe.

Well, at least you got a plan b then and not losing everything totally. Can you make a picture of the two pins and show us?
 
But why you ordered it via Amazon USA and not directly from eu.evga.com?

Well, when I received mine, I accidentally bent 3 pins when trying to remove that instructions paper, and attempting to do so, I removed the cover as well, and dipped with my thumb slightly into the socket - ouch. Luckily they were bent and not broken off. Try call EU EVGA support now, and see what they can do in regards of RMA. I assume though that they cannot do anything, because this was during shipment from 3rd party vendor :/
 
I fixed the pins with a scalpel and moved them carefully into the right place, though the second bent pin by you I wouldn't risk that, not that it falls off :/ Wait for a tech guy here and meanwhile give them a call - best you can do.

I did not say it was you, but during the shipment. I would give them a call, because that is often the more personal approach, and since the guys from EU support sit in Germany and are mostly Germans, lemme tell you, you can often solve an issue much better during a call and clear misunderstandings directly. Misunderstandings happen quite fast by just plain writing :/

zerajera
Defective motherboard with bent pins returned to supplier for refund. Last week I received my 2nd EVGA X299 Dark without bent pins - hurrah!

Good to hear...

zerajera
Defective motherboard with bent pins returned to supplier for refund. Last week I received my 2nd EVGA X299 Dark without bent pins - hurrah!

Was following this thread, glad it worked out for you mate :) I did the same thing - bought on the global store from US and had it shipped to Netherlands. Got a great deal on it too, and in my case it worked out fine the first time around.
 
Hope you didn't lose out on shipping, but Amazon tend to cover all the costs regardless.

Mattukr

zerajera
Defective motherboard with bent pins returned to supplier for refund. Last week I received my 2nd EVGA X299 Dark without bent pins - hurrah!

Hope you didn't lose out on shipping, but Amazon tend to cover all the costs regardless.

Amazon.com were fantastic, they have funded me the full cost of the motherboard and also refunded me the full cost of shipping from the UK to US via UPS. I've no complaints with their customer services.